Our latest business round up has everything from celebrity brands and award-winning menus to a new indoor health club
Muff Liquor opens new premises with a star-studded guest list
From the Hollywood hills to the Hills of Donegal, it must have been an interesting departure for Russell Crowe when he touched down in the town of Muff, Donegal to celebrate the opening of the Muff Liquor Company’s new headquarters.
The Gladiator actor is actually an investor in the company, alongside presenter and podcaster Ryan Tubridy and singer Ronan Keating. Not in attendance were fellow backers, comedian Jimmy Carr (who sent a video of support via Instagram) and popstar Ed Sheeran. That’s quite a lineup! Founder and CEO Laura Bonner first launched the product in 2018 and said it was her ‘dream’ to have a home for the liquor brand in Muff. Speaking at the launch, she told Donegal Daily that the ‘Muff Men’ have been a huge support to her. “
“Having them believing in what we believe in really helps,” she said. “They are great people and I am over the moon, very overwhelmed and extremely proud.” See themuffliquorcompany.com for more information.
Newpark Hotel’s Eco Trails are more than a walk in a park
Ranked as Ireland’s Best Family Hotel, The Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny has unveiled an exciting new adventure – a series of eco trails designed to immerse guests in the natural beauty and biodiversity of their Jurassic Newpark grounds.
The Eco Trails offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore, learn, and connect with the environment in an interactive and educational manner. This latest new addition to the hotel’s dinosaur-themed activity park aligns with their ongoing commitment to achieving the highest sustainability goals and also reflects their emphasis on eco-friendliness and education.
An ideal destination for school tours, the trails provide an outdoor classroom where students can engage with the environment first-hand, making education both fun and impactful. Teachers will find a wealth of resources to support various curriculum topics, from biology and ecology to environmental science and conservation. Click here for more information.
50-Mile Menu wins big for Croke Park
Croke Park has picked up a prestigious international award for Best Product Innovation for their ground-breaking 50-Mile Menu at The Stadium Business Awards 2024 at Emirates Old Trafford.
Launched in 2023, Croke Park is changing the game by championing seasonally inspired and locally acquired food for meetings and events held at the venue, with carbon ‘foodprint’ scores and a new 50 Mile concept, making it easier for businesses to plan sustainable and environmentally conscious events.
Croke Park Meetings & Events source 85% of all produce from within the island of Ireland, with 70% grown or produced from within a 50-mile radius of the stadium, including Croke Park’s very own farm.
Mount Congreve Gardens is now a Royal Horticultural Society Partner
The Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland (RHSI) selects partner gardens on the basis of offering inspiration to keen gardeners through high standards of design or planting. Many are well known, some less so, resulting in a stimulating mix of styles that visitors should find interesting throughout the gardening year.
Commenting on the addition of Mount Congreve to the fold, a representative said, “The RHSI is both delighted and privileged to now be part of this new drive launched in 2023 following major redevelopment, helping to bring Mount Congreve very deservedly back to the wider attention of plant enthusiasts and garden lovers throughout the country.”
Mount Congreve Gardens offer year-round access for those wishing to enjoy and explore the gardens, a number of pre-arranged tours and experiences can also be booked including the Herman Dool Guided Tour, as well as the Garden Buggy Loop, which is suitable for those with reduced mobility. Click here for more information.
Applications open for this year’s Irish Business Design Challenge (IBDC)
Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) is calling on micro, small and medium sized businesses to apply and showcase how their commitment to sustainability through innovative design, and circular and ethical practices works in real life businesses.
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 until Sunday, 14 July via dcci.ie/ibdc.
Dublin opens first ever premium in-door Padel Club
In line with the massive hype surrounding the fastest growing sport globally Ireland is following suit with the opening of Dublin’s first indoor padel club. The large, premium complex will also feature Ireland’s first ever pickleball court (the sport said to be following closely behind padel in booming popularity). In case you haven’t heard of it, padel is a hybrid of tennis and squash, and has captured the imagination of millions worldwide.
‘House of Padel’ set to open in Dublin on 12 July complete with four premium indoor courts and numerous extra member benefits and facilities. Alongside the indoor padel courts, ‘House of Padel’ will also boast a state-of-the-art sauna, ice bath plunge pools, a health food bar and will offer yoga & pilates classes to all levels. Visit houseofpadel.co.
12th annual Kennedy Summer School announced by New Chair Eileen Dunne
The 12th annual Kennedy Summer School is set to be hosted in the ancestral hometown and homestead of President John F. Kennedy, New Ross in Co Wexford from 29-31 August. The former RTE Newsreader Eileen Dunne will take up the role as the new Chair of the Kennedy Summer School, picking up the mantel from dedicated director and former Chair of 10 years Willie Keilthy.
The Edward M. Kennedy interview will be with former Taoiseach Enda Kenny in conversation with Marie-Louise O’Donnell; there will be a forum on crime and anti-social behaviour and a discussion titled, ‘The NATO Divide: perspectives on Ireland’s neutrality and national security’. As always, there will be the Irish and the US political panel discussions.
Tickets are now on sale via the Kennedy Summer School website.
