Don’t miss our monthly roundup of the positive business news in Ireland that you need to know about
Brown Thomas Arnotts launches Pitch ’25: A call for Ireland’s brightest entrepreneurs
If you’re a small business or start-up, make sure you enter Pitch ’25, the celebrated start-up initiative, which is now open for applications. Returning bigger and better than ever for its fifth year, Pitch ’25 offers ambitious entrepreneurs and emerging brands across Ireland the opportunity to win a prize package valued at €70,000 — and the opportunity to trade at the 2025 Arnotts Christmas Market, in the heart of Dublin. To find out more and apply, visit pitch.arnotts.ie.
Airbnb commits €100,000 in grants to support innovative tourism projects in Rural Ireland
New data from Airbnb has revealed that while Irish people are more likely to book holidays abroad, many have yet to explore the beautiful landscapes just a few hours from home. Apparently, a quarter of the population have explored Asia, but 82% have never visited Leitrim and 76% have never visited Westmeath! Airbnb has launched the Rural Tourism Fund to give a vital injection to rural areas across Ireland that rely on the benefits of tourism to support local families, businesses and culture. See airbnb for more.
KASH Beauty’s nationwide competition offers beauty fans a once-in-a-lifetime creative role
Irish beauty brand, KASH Beauty, has launched a competition to give one lucky fan the chance to co-create a bespoke, limited edition of their bestselling Lip Oil. The finished product will launch nationwide later this year as a limited-edition release – a new addition to KASH Beauty’s bestselling range, created by you. Entries close on Friday, 23 May. Visit kashbeauty.com for more details.
DSPCA launches ‘Furrever Friends’ toy collection to highlight animals in need of adoption
The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA), Ireland’s leading animal welfare charity, is currently at full capacity with almost 250 animals in its care waiting for adoption. And it’s not just dogs – there are 43 rabbits; 63 cats; 13 guinea pigs; two snakes; two donkeys and more looking for their ‘furever’ homes. To raise vital funds and reinforce the message that adopting an animal should be a well-considered decision that fits each person’s lifestyle, the DSPCA has launched its ‘Furrever Friends’ plush toy collection and each ‘Furrever Friend’ comes with an educational leaflet offering guidance on responsible pet adoption and care for each animal. See dspca.ie/shop for more.
Carrolls Irish Gifts launches third annual ‘Fáilte’ initiative supporting small Irish businesses
In great news for small business owners, the successful Fáilte initiative returns for its third year, following an investment of €50,000 in Irish Businesses. With applications from over 120 businesses since launching, Carrolls Irish Gifts is delighted to launch ‘Fáilte’ 2025, an exciting initiative offering small Irish businesses the opportunity to have their products stocked on Carrolls Irish Gifts shelves nationwide, and online. For more information and to apply for Fáilte please visit carrollsirishgifts.com.
Dream Point Experience opens in the heart of Dublin’s docklands
Ireland’s first purpose-built, multi-room immersive ‘world of dreams’, officially opened at the end of April, inviting families, friends and fun-seekers of all ages to step inside a spectacular world where imagination leads the way. Spanning 21,000 square feet and brought to life with a €3 million investment, the high-spec Dream Point was the brainchild of Irish brothers John and Dan Gleeson and is a one-of-a-kind experience designed to spark creativity, joy and wonder in every guest. Visit dreampointexperience.ie for more.
Irish composer wins world’s largest award for new opera
The FEDORA Opera Prize 2025 has been awarded to Irish composer Michael Gallen’s new opera “The Curing Line”. Presented at a ceremony at the Vienna State Opera on Saturday 26 April, the prize of €100,000 is the world’s largest award for opera. “The Curing Line” explores themes of healing, loss of culture and environmental collapse through the story of a woman who inherits a life-saving ancestral healing power but loses her capacity to use it. Click here for more information.
Gourmet Food Parlour announces two new food offerings at Brown Thomas Grafton Street
The independent Irish owned restaurant and catering group is now operating Edition Café and Brown’s Brasserie in the iconic Dublin store. This new addition will see 33 staff come under the Gourmet Food Parlour umbrella, bringing total staff numbers for the Irish business to over 320. For more information, see gourmetfoodparlour.com.
Dublin Bay Cruises launches Ireland’s first eco-friendly passenger vessel
Dublin Bay Cruises celebrated a major milestone on 30 April with the official launch of Ireland’s first domestic passenger vessel to transition from fossil fuels to Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) – a sustainable, renewable biofuel that reduces emissions by up to 90%. Rather than constructing a new ship, Dublin Bay Cruises chose to upgrade their flagship vessel, St. Bridget, taking a bold step to reduce environmental impact and enhance the visitor experience aboard Dublin Bay’s waters. For more, see dublinbaycruises.com.
Chopped soars to new heights with drone delivery in Blanchardstown
Chopped is taking to the skies with delivery by drone in Blanchardstown, Dublin, powered by Manna. With the new drone service, Chopped lovers can now have their fresh salads, bowls and wraps dropped right at their doorstep within minutes. By rising above the traffic, delivery times are slashed and with this eco-friendly, zero emissions technology, customers can contribute to planet-friendly transportation whilst benefiting from very fast delivery. See chopped.ie for more.
Offbeat Donuts open 3 new “Scratch Donut Bakeries” across Ireland
Offbeat Donuts, the Irish-owned family-run artisan donut brand, has partnered with Circle K to open three brand new scratch bakeries in key forecourt locations across the country – M9 Kilcullen, M6 Athlone, and M11 Gorey. At each location, customers can enjoy watching donuts being baked, topped, and decorated fresh on-site throughout the day. The partnership is also responsible for creating 30 more jobs in the local areas. See offbeatdonuts.com for more.
Irish Baroque Orchestra to make historic BBC Proms debut with rare Handel performance
This summer, the Irish Baroque Orchestra will make history as it becomes the first Irish orchestra in over 45 years to perform at the BBC Proms – an esteemed 8-week music festival showcasing the best in classical music to the widest possible audience. Their Proms debut will see them performing Handel’s Alexander’s Feast in its rarely-heard 1742 Dublin version, a nod to Handel’s deep ties to the city where Messiah had its world premiere. See irishbaroqueorchestra.com for more.
Irish Ferries launches Wine Tasting Mini Cruise to France
One for the wine buffs out there, Irish Ferries has unveiled a new Wine Tasting Mini Cruise setting sail from Dublin to Cherbourg on 15 May 2025, combining scenic sea travel with a complimentary onboard wine tasting experience. From €389 return, the mini cruise offers passengers the opportunity to sample fine wines and exceptional vintages onboard and will be guided by the retailer’s wine experts with tasting notes offered on each wine. For more details and to book, visit irishferries.com.
