Ballina café wins national award

Primrose Café in Ballina has won an Outstanding Achievement Award in the Café of the Year category at the Food Awards Ireland 2026, earning national recognition for the social enterprise café and bringing a “great buzz” to staff.

Located at Primrose Hill, Moy Valley Business Park, the café was set up four years ago as part of Moy Innovations CLG to create more employment opportunities for people facing barriers to entering the workforce.

John Lynn, manager of Moy Innovations, said the organisation was established in 2002 by a board of directors who recognised the need for employment opportunities for people who were disadvantaged in society.

What began as a small wreath-making business has grown into an enterprise employing 30 people, with work spanning packaging, delivery services and light assembly for businesses including Mayo-based Hollister and Fort Wayne Metals.

“We take people on work experience as well, from Transition Year students to anyone who wants to start working or is looking to get back on their feet,” John said.

Then in 2022 the organisation expanded its work by opening Primrose Café with funding from Rethink Ireland.

“We decided to open a little café on our premises, and we took on new people to run that there,” John said. “We have great support up here at Primrose Hill.” 

Managed by Francis Bonner, the café serves a range of food and drinks, from full Irish breakfasts and omelettes to sandwiches, toasties, teas, coffees and milkshakes. The team can now officially call its food award-winning too.

John said the team travelled to the Maldron Hotel Tallaght in Dublin on Monday with no expectations of taking home an award.

“We were delighted to be nominated and to be a finalist even, but to win the award, we were very excited.” 

He said the recognition really lifted staff morale, particularly as other well-known Ballina businesses were also nominated.

“When you see the calibre of people who won awards, The Poacher [Restaurant] was nominated for an award and the Cot & Cobble too. Two big businesses in Ballina. It was great, it gave a great lift to all our staff,” he said.

“There is a great buzz around the cafe now, everyone is delighted. People who maybe didn’t know we were here before will hopefully come and visit us. It's been great, lovely feedback, a real feel-good factor.” 

Following its win at the Food Awards Ireland 2026, Primrose Café has also been nominated in the Social Enterprise category of the Mayo Business Awards, which take place on Friday, November 6.