Don’t miss our monthly roundup of the positive business news in Ireland that you need to know about
New all-island awards will celebrate the best of Irish food, drink and hospitality
The Good Food Ireland® Awards 2025 launched in June and promise to shine a spotlight on the passionate people and businesses behind Ireland’s food culture, celebrating a shared commitment to local ingredients, authentic flavours and trusted quality. They are the only all-island, cross-sector awards that exclusively celebrate those who uphold Ireland’s culinary excellence, champion local provenance and honour sustainable practices. Go to goodfoodireland.ie to find out more.
Hollywood star backs €20million drive for ‘game changer’ Hospice unit
Brendan Gleeson is supporting a major fundraising effort for the building of a 24 single-bed in-patient unit at St Francis Hospice in Dublin’s Raheny, where both his parents received care. The Irish actor took on his latest role – dressing in a builder’s hard hat – to support a €20million Buy a Brick campaign. The new unit will enable staff to care for an extra 3,000 patients over the next 25 years – and the fundraiser invites people to contribute to the build by buying a brick for €25, €100, or €250 and leaving their name or message on a Virtual Community Support Wall.
Lotts & Co celebrate 10 years in business this month
Thursday 10 July will mark ten years in business for modern local grocery, Lotts & Co, in their original Beggars Bush, Dublin 4 store. To celebrate the major milestone, they’ve announced a 10-day countdown to their birthday, aptly named ‘Lotts To Love’, that is filled with mouth-watering promotions, in-store surprises, and giveaways galore to thank customers for their loyal support. Keep an eye on their Instagram page for updates.
Isadora Petinari from 9 Below Bar named Best Bartender in Ireland
Literally making and shaking, Isadora Petinari from 9 Below Bar in Dublin has been named the World Class Ireland Bartender of the Year 2025! The expert drink-maker will go on to represent Ireland in the Global World Class Finals taking place in Canada in September. Following a spectacular final held on Spike Island, Cork, Isadora triumphed over tough competition from fellow finalists Harry Broadhurst (Cask, Cork) and Akram Bendjeddou (Paladar, Cork) in the ultimate test of cocktail artistry and hospitality.
Aer Lingus partners with Dr Norah Patten ahead of her historic space mission
Irish airline Aer Lingus is the perfect partner for Dr Norah Patten as she prepares for her first ever research spaceflight. A trained aeronautical engineer and passionate champion of STEM education, Norah is inspiring future generations of scientists, engineers and trailblazers as she moves closer to making history. Aer Lingus has pledged its support through a two-year partnership, ensuring she can travel between her home in Ireland and North America—the hub of her ground-breaking research preparation.
‘Kind’ gift shop lets you donate 10% of your order to a charity of your choice
Wrapped in Kindness is an online design shop where you can find beautiful and affordable contemporary Irish gifts with a unique charity concept – 10% of the value of each order will be donated to an Irish charity of your choice. Founded in 2021 by Julie Gaffney at her kitchen counter in Co Waterford, her mission now is to combine her love of shopping local with her desire to bring beauty, joy and above all kindness into people’s lives. The website now has 35 suppliers of gorgeous Irish made gifts and eleven charity partners on board.
Irish Rail introduces free water refill stations
In positive sustainable news, Irish Rail, in partnership with Ecofil (a Finglas-based water solutions company), is rolling out water-bottle refill stations at DART and other stations nationwide. This eco-friendly initiative reduces single-use plastic, promotes sustainability, and makes commuting a little kinder to both people and planet.
Lidl launches Oasis-inspired limited edition jacket for charity
Lidl Ireland has launched a limited-edition Oasis-inspired festival jacket (complete with insulated drink pockets, a tambourine, and bottle opener), timed with Oasis’s Croke Park shows. The €35 jacket will be available to buy on 9 July from 10am – and all proceeds are being donated to Family Carers Ireland. Oasis will play two reunion gigs in the iconic Dublin venue on 16 and 17 August.
Organic food delivery service now has over 800 grocery items
Best known for its fruit and vegetables, Green Earth Organics, which comprises a 100% certified organic family-run vegetable farm in Corrandulla, Co Galway and a nationwide delivery service, has expanded its online offering to over 800 grocery items. And, as the sustainably-focused business prepares for a bumper summer harvest, it is offering complimentary organic and chemical-free produce to reward shoppers for their loyalty and help reduce any potential summer surplus.
Cancer support sanctuary LARCC gifted new Outdoor Therapy Room
There’s a new addition at Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC, in Multyfarnham, Westmeath. Designed by landscape architect, Peter Donegan, and fabricated and installed by Limerick-based OMC Technologies, the new Outdoor Therapy Room is a space for therapy sessions for both adults and children. Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC has been offering psychological and emotional support to people living with cancer for over 22 years and is the only cancer centre in Ireland offering residential retreats. See cancersupport.ie for more information.
