The Restaurants Association of Ireland has been representing, assisting, and informing the restaurant and hospitality industry since 1970. With over 3,000 members, they support a wide range of establishments, including full-service restaurants, coffee shops, hotel restaurants, gastropubs, golf clubs, and cookery schools. They also have more than 150 approved trade partners who provide products and services to restaurants.

The association has played a crucial role in advocating for the industry, achieving significant successes in taxation, licensing, standards, and curriculum development at both Irish and European levels. They have lobbied for important issues, such as the 9% VAT rate for the hospitality industry, resulting in direct benefits for their members. In addition to their lobbying efforts, the Restaurants Association of Ireland offers various benefits for their members.

These include facilitating lobbying efforts on legislative matters, providing financial benefits such as discounts on utilities and insurance, offering networking opportunities with colleagues across the country, providing training through their Restaurant & Hospitality Skillnet, offering professional advice, and organizing the annual Irish Restaurant Awards that celebrate the best establishments in the country. The association also has a Benevolent Fund designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who work or have worked in the restaurant and hospitality industry in Ireland. To be eligible for support, individuals must meet specific criteria outlined on their website.

To learn more about the benefits of membership or to join the Restaurants Association of Ireland, visit their website or contact them directly