Margaret Kissane of the Lakeside Cafe at the awards last night.THERE was success for a Tralee business in the Great Irish Hospitality Awards 2026 held last night at the Clayton Hotel, Liffey Valley in Dublin.
The Lakeside Café at Tralee Bay Wetlands won an Outstanding Achievement honour in the ‘Best Family Dining’ category. The top prize in that category was actually won by another Kerry business, Jumbos of Listowel.
Earlier this year, the café and its team also received multiple nominations in the Irish Restaurant Awards, including Best Café, Best Customer Service, and an Outstanding Achievement Award for Margaret Kissane, café manger & owner.
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“We were thrilled to be recognised with ‘Outstanding Achievement’ for the second time in six months at awards at a national level,” said Margaret Kissane of The Lakeside Cafe.
“It’s a testament to our hardworking team at Lakeside Cafe who go the extra mile to look after families and customers on every visit, and to our colleagues at Tralee Bay Wetlands who provide such a wonderful array of activities for our customers to enjoy.
Tralee Bay Wetlands Ecology & Activity Park was also shortlisted as a finalist for the ‘Best Day Out’ category.
Other Kerry businesses recognised at the awards included Dingle Oceanworld and Tara Donoghue Photography.
The Great Irish Hospitality Awards celebrate the dedication and skill of professionals within Ireland’s hospitality sector, with winners selected through public nominations and industry excellence.
Well done and highly deserved! Have akways been a big fan of Lakeside cafe! The scenery is perfect but what calls my attention is the “humanity “of the owners and staff. I voted forvthis café andcam delighted it was chosen!