Traders from across nine of the country’s council districts will be vying for awards in five categories; Butcher, Pub, Village Shop/Post Office, Rural Enterprise and Local Food and Drink.
A spokesperson for the Countryside Alliance said: “A huge congratulations to everyone who made it through to the Countryside Alliance Awards 2023/24 finals.
"It's a huge triumph and credit to every business that is nominated for a Countryside Alliance Award and shows the impact that you make in your local community.”
Check out our gallery of the 23 local businesses from Antrim and Newtownabbey, Ards and North Down, Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Causeway Coast and Glens, Derry and Strabane, Fermanagh and Omagh, Lisburn and Castlereagh, Mid Ulster and Newry, Mourne and Down.
Good luck to everyone in contention.
For more information, check out https://www.countryside-alliance.org/campaigns/countryside-alliance-awards
5. O'Doherty's, Enniskillen
The team at O'Doherty's in Enniskillen will be hoping to win the Butcher category in this year's Countryside Alliance Awards. The business' director, Fintan O'Doherty, explained: "It is an honour to be shortlisted for Butcher shop of the year. It highlights the dedication, craftsmanship and commitment of our small team. With the number of butcher shops in the UK declining over recent years, it's our mission to continue providing the best quality food using the best quality ingredients that our local agricultural system can offer. We have been blown away by the support and it encourages us to lead the way in artisan produce." Photo: Google
6. The Pheasant, Hillsborough
The Pheasant, Hillsborough, is in the running for the Pub accolade in the Countryside Alliance Awards 2024. Photo: Google
7. The Still House, Moira
The Still House, Moira, is one of the five local businesses in the running for the Pub award in the Countryside Alliance Awards. Photo: Google
8. Lisburn Community Inns
Lisburn Community Inns was launched in 2007 following a lobby by the local community to save a community hub in an area of deprivation and with little or no community facilities. Highway Inn currently offers a public bar, Highway Kitchen Restaurant and Trumbles Off Sales. They are in contention for the Pub accolade in the Coutryside Alliance Awards. Photo: Google