From pampered pets and classical music to internationally renowned pizza and an Irish dancing icon’s new whiskey, here’s a round up of what’s happening in Irish business news
S-Paw days at The Kingsley
Do you love to pamper your precious four-legged pal? If so, pack your bags, leash up your furry friends, and get ready for a new kind of pet-friendly getaway this year. The Kingsley, the urban retreat in Cork city, has just launched a brand new partnership with The Spaw to offer guests and their beloved pooches a tail-wagging spa experience for both.
Since becoming pet-friendly in 2022, The Kingsley has welcomed countless pets through its doors. Many human guests visit for the hotel’s award-winning spa and thermal suite and this new partnership will give them guilt-free time to enjoy it all while their pooch is dropped off at The Spaw for their own treatments. The only company to offer Ozone and Microbubble cleaning treatments in the country, your madra is sure to leave feeling and looking better than ever.
Dublin restaurant wins big at prestigious Pizza Europa Awards in Madrid
The world’s most prestigious pizza awards were held in Madrid on 13 May and Dublin’s Little Pyg won gold for ‘Best Pizzas in Ireland’ for the second year running.
Over 2,000 independent judges travelled the continent to review the restaurants unbeknownst to the owners, incredibly Little Pyg also secured the ‘Most Authentic Italian produce’ in Europe accolade, proving it to be a mammoth night for this Irish restaurant on the European food stage. The quality of Little Pyg’s pizzas is no secret, as the restaurant-bar already boasts Ireland’s only Michelin Guide pizzas and was voted #27 in Europe in 2023 and #1 in Ireland again in 2023.
Design and Crafts Council Ireland call for applicants for Irish Business Design Challenge
Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) has launched this year’s Irish Business Design Challenge (IBDC) calling on micro, small and medium sized businesses to apply and showcase their commitment to sustainability through innovative design, and circular and ethical practices.
Now in its fourth year, IBDC celebrates businesses that add value, repurpose products, develop eco-friendly processes, enhance efficiency, and tackle societal and environmental challenges through sustainable design. This year’s challenge has a prize fund of over €50,000 and businesses can apply via dcci.ie/ibdc.
Michael Flatley introduces his first signature Irish Whiskey
A long time collector of Irish whiskey, it was only a matter of time before Michael Flatley launched his own tipple and now he has – Flatley Whiskey ‘The Dreamer’, his first signature Irish whiskey from a series of special blends.
Crafted in partnership with Ireland’s esteemed Master Blender Noel Sweeney and distilled at the Great Northern Distillery, this premium 5-year-old whiskey embodies the spirit of dreams, passion, and mastery. Flatley was meticulously involved with the whole process, ensuring that every aspect from the blend to the bottle design reflects a standard of excellence synonymous with his name.
Irish National Opera unveils a powerful 2024-25 season
This season, Irish National Opera presents a powerful range of productions that mirror the full spectrum of the human experience – from the all-consuming grip of passion and the sting of revenge, to the depths of grief and the joy of love. Laughter, loss, and the relentless pursuit of redemption all find form and voice in its 2024-25 season.
The new season showcases how opera, in all its contrasting forms, has the power to move, inspire, and illuminate our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. From the raw emotions of contemporary works to the enduring themes of beloved classics, the 2024-25 season promises to be an operatic exploration of the human experience. See irishnationalopera.ie
Breast Cancer Ireland’s ‘Race for a Cure’ Race Day
Taking place at Leopardstown Pavilion on Monday 13 May, the high profile and ever popular fundraising event saw almost 600 friends and supporters of the Breast Cancer Ireland community gather together for the annual event to help raise vital funding to support critical research, education and awareness programmes.
After an exquisite 4 course meal with complimentary wine flowing, the Best Dressed winners on the day (both male and female) were announced as judged by Breast Cancer Ireland Ambassadors Bobby Kerr and Lorraine Keane (Founder of the Fashion Relief pre-loved boutique). The effortlessly stylish winners were selected as Loretta Bray and James Hurley – both deserving winners. Loretta won a bespoke €1000 tailored suit provided by none other than Louis Copeland, whilst James left with a Ribbon Rouge Boutique €1000 voucher. Overall, it is estimated that the Race for a Cure event raised a staggering €235,000 for Breast Cancer Ireland, which will now be used to fund ongoing and pioneering research and awareness programmes across Ireland, whilst also funding cutting edge research into new treatments and therapies for the disease.
Wild Seabass Special launches in Popular Dublin Seafood Restaurant
SOLE Seafood and Grill has introduced the Wild Sea Bass special to their carefully curated menu. This Wild Sea Bass fillet is pan roasted, served alongside black squid ink risotto and topped with a light tomato & fennel foam and DaVinci Caviar from the highly coveted Italian supplier; Ars Italica. Available for a limited time only at €61 per person, this innovative combination of flavours and textures will surely delight all who try it.
Known as The King of The Sea, SOLE’s Wild Sea Bass is ethically sourced from Kish Fish, their long-term partner and supplier, who were awarded two Gold Medals at the Blas na hÉireann awards last year. Visit sole.ie to book your table.
Church Café Bar reveals stunning updated Terrace and Conservatory
A relaxing, city centre haven where history meets hospitality, The Church Café Bar is the place to be this summer as it introduces its beautifully updated outdoor Terrace and Conservatory along with a brand-new summer cocktail menu.
A tranquil oasis amidst the historic beauty of the old church in the centre of Dublin, The Terrace at The Church is the city’s most unique hotspot for lounging on a summer evening where the cocktails taste better with the warm summer breeze and a view of the sun setting over one of Dublin’s most iconic buildings.
Family-owned Irish bakery secures major deal with Marks & Spencer
The family-owned Dublin-based Milish Bakery announced in April that it has secured a multi-million deal with retailer Marks & Spencer to supply its signature muffins to 640 M&S stores throughout the UK and Ireland.
This milestone agreement not only underscores Milish Bakery’s commitment to excellence but also reflects M&S’ dedication to supporting Irish suppliers and promoting the finest quality products to their customers. The bakery was established in 1959 by siblings Kitty Coghlan and Liam Coghlan Snr, specialising in innovation and manufacture of premium ranges of muffins and scones.
Meanwhile, in mid-May, Marks & Spencer launched its latest phase of its Farm to Foodhall campaign, with a new ad featuring one of M&S Select Farmers from Co Mayo Kevin Feeney and M&S Food Ambassador, Mark Moriarty.
In this new phase of the campaign, Mark meets Kevin to explore his third-generation sheep farm and to find out how he delivers top-quality, best in season Irish lamb. The Farm to Foodhall campaign is highlighting just a few of the farmers and producers across Ireland who supply trusted quality Irish food to M&S customers.
Script-mentoring programme supporting Disabled writers to advance in Film and Television
Accessibility consultancy Tilting the Lens announced a script-mentoring partnership and bursary with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland’s National Talent Academy for Film & Television Drama initiative aiming to diversify the existing talent in the film and TV industry in Ireland.
The programme, called ‘Screen Stories: Getting Disabled Writers in the Room’ will support up to five Disabled writers to achieve their full potential in screenwriting, while aiming to address systemic barriers that have historically limited their participation, promotion and success. Closing date for applications is 17 May. Apply here. An accessible information session and Q&A will be hosted online at 12noon on Friday 26April. The session will have captions and an ISL interpreter.
Down Syndrome Ireland’s Ice Cream Fundays are back
The iconic fundraiser invites supporters to host ice cream parties in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland. Ice Cream Fundays, which raised vital funds to support people with Down syndrome for 20 years, took a break in 2021, but returns in an expanded format for 2024. TV chef and Instagram sensation Gina Daly has joined forces with Down Syndrome Ireland to celebrate, saying:
“My son Gene is two and a half, and he has Down syndrome. Over the last two and a half years it’s been a very new journey for us. Being involved with the Down syndrome community has been absolutely amazing. There is so much information available, and it provides a lovely community and safe space for parents who are navigating the journey and finding their way with their little one.” Taking place across 17 – 23 June, schools, families, neighbours and friends are invited to host a party in their school, their home, the park, or anywhere they like, to have fun, enjoy ice cream and donate to Down Syndrome Ireland. Visit downsyndrome.ie.
Anantara Spa launches at Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel
Experience the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation at Anantara Spa with a commitment to providing bespoke treatments and a holistic approach to wellness. A sanctuary of tranquillity in the heart of Dublin’s vibrant Docklands, it is open seven days a week, with flexible hours to accommodate busy schedules.
A series of wellness journeys and unique experiences including wild swimming and exclusive benefits offer guests an unparalleled and holistic journey. It features five elegantly appointed treatment rooms, a 23-metre infinity pool, and a thermal suite including jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room infused with the soothing aroma of eucalyptus. Sophisticated yet minimalist interior design incorporates rich dark charcoal Kirkstone cladding and soft deep grey tones, creating a sanctuary that feels worlds away from the commotion of daily life.
