If you thought the world’s best gelato could only be found beside Rome’s Trevi Fountain or at Milan’s famous Il Massimo ice cream parlour, think again.
Two artisan ice cream makers from Co. Sligo have beaten the Italians at their own game, scooping coveted trophies in two categories at the prestigious annual Sigep Rimini Italy World ice cream awards.
Michael O’Dowd came first in the Best Ferrero Rocher category and Neil Byrne whipped the competition to take home the Best Honeycomb variety.
Both men grew up in the business, serving hungry daytrippers at family seaside ice cream shops, but after studying the craft of Italian ice cream making in Bologna, five years ago they decided to take Irish ice cream up a notch.
They independently opened Maple Moose franchises; Neil’s shop Mammy Johnston’s is in Strandhill, while Michael runs Gelati in Enniscrone.
If the winning flavours don’t float your boat, don’t fret: both shops offer a wealth of mouthwatering options including Kinder Bueno, Chilli Chocolate, Coca-Cola and Reese’s, as well as all the traditional favourites.
Florence might be the birthplace of gelato, but Ireland’s contribution to the art is the cherry on top.
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