Two Dublin restaurants have won their first Michelin stars in the 2008 edition of the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland.
Mint in Ranelagh and Bon Appetit in Malahide join three other Dublin restaurants - Chapter One, L'Ecrivain and Thornton's - with one Michelin star. The Patrick Guilbaud restaurant, also in Dublin, retains its two star status and is the only Irish restaurant to be awarded more than one star.
The Sha Roe Bistro in Clonegal, Co Carlow and The Winding Stair in Dublin city centre were new additions to the Bib Gourmand award which is given to restaurants that offer three courses for less than €40.
No restaurants in the Republic lost either their Michelin star or Bib Gourmand awards in the latest edition of the guide.
Deane's Restaurant in Belfast has retained its star for the 12th consecutive year and is the only Michelin star restaurant in the North. Restaurant 23 in Warrenpoint, Co Down was awarded a Bib Gourmand award.
Overall, there was no change in the three star awards with the Fat Duck and Waterside Inn - both in Berkshire - along with Gordon Ramsey in Chelsea retaining their top status.
This year's guide includes 15 new one star restaurants. Making up the list of 'Rising Stars' for 2008 are five establishments tipped for one star and three that are tipped for two stars. There are also 33 new Bib Gourmand establishments.