A roundup of quirky, interesting and positive news stories from the world of Irish business
Tara Gartlan Chocolate X Outhouse: a special Pride collaboration
Tara Gartlan, a skilled pastry chef and chocolatier based in Co Monaghan, has released a beautiful limited edition collection to celebrate Pride month – with 10% of every sale going to Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre. Tara’s first-ever collaboration of these brightly-coloured, luxury chocolates are encased in a joyful box, designed by Erin C. Smith, a Belfast-based graphic designer who is who is also a member of the LGBTQ+. “There is a lot of rainbow washing happening every Pride,” Tara explains, “So, when I wanted to do something for it, I reached out to friends and customers who are members of the LGBTQ+ community and asked them what charity they think is really doing great work. When it came to it, there was a unanimous vote for Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre. They are based in Dublin, have a café that is open to the public, offer many services and support groups, and are a safe space.”
John Mee, at Outhouse, says the collaboration is a meaningful one to raise funds and awareness for the work his team does. “For almost three decades, we have provided a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ people to gather, connect, and find solace in a world that doesn’t always understand or embrace them,” he says. “We are the heartbeat of the queer community, offering vital services, including social spaces, mental health support, community casework, cultural events, and much more. We are a space for support, a space to feel safe, a space to be understood. And we are a space for hope.” Find out more here.
Centre of food culture launches ‘Meet the Cheesemaker‘ event
Boyne Valley has launched its new “Meet the Cheesemaker” event series – a celebration of Ireland’s world-class farmhouse cheeses and the passionate producers behind them. Each event will include a guided tour of the farm and cheesemaking facility, conversations with the cheesemakers, and a tasting of their cheeses. Click here to see the event programme which takes place between June and September 2025 and to book tickets.
Dig into great conversations and dishes at a new food-inspired Book Club series
There’s a feast of flavour, stories, and inspiration in store for everyone as social enterprise GIY (Grow-It-Yourself) has joined forces with Blasta Books to launch the Supper Book Club series at GROW HQ in the heart of Waterford City. From Filipino-Irish fusion to Mexican traditions and beyond, the series showcases authors who are redefining the Irish food landscape, one plate at a time. The unique event series kicks off on Friday, 27 June with Orla McAndrew, who will bring her book Larder to life through a delicious dinner and engaging storytelling. Click here for more information and tickets.
Award-winning food truck finds new home weeks after announcing its closure
Misunderstood Heron, a beloved Connemara food truck, caused a furore online when the owners revealed that they were being forced to move from their Co Galway location after eight years due to planning issues. Thankfully, the public outcry has led to them finding a new home this summer at P. Dan’s bar, near Louisburgh, Co Mayo. The pop-up is set right in front of The Big Dipper, Ireland’s most scenic sauna and hot tub, making it the perfect post-swim or surf spot. Click here for updates.
Car company launches search for Ireland’s Greatest Tradesperson
Ford Ireland is shining a spotlight on the skilled tradespeople who keep Ireland’s communities thriving. From plumbers to electricians, carpenters to painters, the search is on for the unsung heroes who build, fix, and maintain our communities every day – Ireland’s Greatest Tradespeople. The company is offering five deserving winners the ultimate business boost, the opportunity to each win a 12-month loan of a branded Ford Transit, and a coveted spot in the exclusive ‘Transit Team Directory’. Click here for more details on the competition and how to nominate someone.
Galway Patisserie owner crowned Ireland’s Patisserie Champion
Asia Mahealani McDonagh, owner of Mahealani Pastries in Galway was announced as the winner of the first ever Irish Pâtisserie Championship at the inaugural DNA Pastry Unwrapped Conference at TU Dublin’s Grangegorman campus. The prestigious title was awarded to Asia on 27 May after a highly competitive six-hour live finale against five other talented pastry chefs from Ireland’s top restaurants and hotels. Originally from Hawaii, Asia settled in Ireland after meeting her now husband in Galway.
Belfast Tradfest offers young musicians a ‘Bursary for Every Country Across Ireland’
For the first time in the history of Belfast Tradfest, young musicians aged 18–23 residing in the Republic of Ireland are invited to apply for a fully funded residential bursary, offering an unforgettable week of music, learning, and cultural exchange. Delivered in partnership with Ulster University, Belfast, the Summer School of Traditional Music offers participants an intensive week of masterclasses, workshops, performances, and sessions. To apply for the All Ireland Residential Bursary Scheme visit belfasttraditionalmusic.com.
Foxford opens first Dublin standalone store in Dundrum Town Centre
If you’re a fan of Mayo-based premium brand, Foxford, you’ll be thrilled to know that you can now show an extensive range in person at the lifestyle pop-up shop located on Level 1, Dundrum Town Centre. A considered collection of handmade throws, bedlinen, quilts and cushions in complementary patterns and shades, which are perfect for layering, are displayed on beds in store. You’ll also find sleepwear, bathrobes, towels, cashmere socks, candles and diffusers and more. The pop-up opened in April and a closing date has not been specified.
Awards ceremony pays tribute to the warmth and welcome of ‘Ireland’s Kitchen Table’
There’s nowhere quite like Ireland when it comes to a warm welcome and the 2025 Euro-Toques Ireland Food Awards recognised that. Held in Ashford Castle on 26 May, the theme was “Honouring Ireland’s Kitchen Table” – place where for generations food meets tradition, memory and storytelling. The event brought together chefs, producers, and advocates of Irish food culture to honour the people behind the country’s most exceptional ingredients. Seven awards were presented across the categories of Water, Land, Farm, Dairy, Artisan Produce, and Traditional Craft. Click here for more information.
Former Young Scientist of the Year winner’s company becomes new sponsor of the event
The Board of the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (YSTE) recently announced that Stripe, the programmable financial services company, has become the new title sponsor of Ireland’s most prestigious and well-loved STEM exhibition. Stripe assumes the role of title sponsor for YSTE from BT Ireland who, up until this year, was custodian, sponsor and organiser of the exhibition for the past twenty five years. It’s a full circle moment for Stripe co-founder Patrick Collison who was won the top prize at the event in 2005. Click here for more details.
Rathmines eatery unveils new private dining space for events and special occasions
Siam Thai, one of Ireland’s most beloved Thai restaurants, has revealed its spectacular new interiors in the heart of Rathmines. Following a major €900,000 refurbishment, the venue now boasts a sleek Art Deco-inspired design, blending elegance, comfort, and contemporary charm over two levels. The transformation includes a brand-new private dining space for up to 60 seated guests and 90 standing, ideal for summer parties, corporate gatherings, and special occasions. See siamthai.ie for more.
Galway pub named Best Gastropub in Ireland
If you’re living in Galway, you’re in luck because McSwiggans Steak and Seafood Restaurant has been crowned the Best Gastropub in Ireland at the Restaurant Association of Ireland Awards, Recent additions like the Atlantic Room, Sunday Sessions, and Tasting Thursdays have turned the venue into a hub of community life, offering everything from live music and match-day gatherings to book clubs and even bespoke weddings. Check out mcswiggans.ie for more.
Family-run Irish pizza business launches summer campaign with €500 prize giveaway
If you’re in the market for a new pizza oven, be sure to enter this competition for a DeliVita Diavolo Gas-Fired Pizza Oven along with a Pizza da Piero hamper packed with everything you need for an amazing pizza party! Pizza da Piero is a family-run Irish business, founded by Italian-born Piero De Vallier, and his Dublin wife Cliona Swan, who brought his family’s sourdough secrets to Ireland. Each base is made fresh daily in Rathcoole, Co Dublin, using just six ingredients and no preservatives or artificial additives. Click here for details on how to enter.
Family business celebrates 30 years in Irish interiors
It’s a milestone year for the family-run company Rugs.ie who are celebrating 30 years of helping Irish homeowners bring warmth and style to their spaces. The Cork-owned business, which has grown from a local wood floors and rugs shop to one of Ireland’s leading destinations for high-quality, and the Cork showroom remains the heart of the business, with in-person advice and guidance still playing a key role.
