We all love to shop local, and our Local Retailer category in the Irish Made Awards 2025 is celebrating the shops supporting the makers
Shopping local isn’t a new movement, but between one global pandemic and one big Brexit, it has gained momentum in recent years. Supporting local retailers is not only important to our communities, but small independent shops tend to be huge supporters of Irish-made products. That’s why we introduced a new category to the Irish Made Awards in 2023 – the Local Retailer category is about championing the incredible talent we have in Ireland.
Irish Country Magazine is delighted to have Design and Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) join forces with us once again for the Irish Made Awards 2025, in proud partnership with Circle Club, as the sponsor of the Local Retailer Award – a great match to DCCI’s Made Local campaign that promotes Irish craft and design products, makers and retailers.
Suzy O’Keefe is the Head of Digital and Communications at DCCI. She said: “We at Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) are thrilled to once again sponsor the Local Retailer category in the Irish Made Awards, honouring the independent shops and store owners who are the backbone of communities across Ireland.
“Their passion and dedication provides a platform for homegrown talent that enriches so many and is the beating heart of Ireland. We are delighted to continue our involvement with the Irish Made Awards, such an important acknowledgement of Irish craft and design, and a perfect fit for DCCI’s Made Local campaign that promotes Irish craft and design products, makers and retailers.”
Find out more about DCCI’s Made Local campaign here.
Which type of businesses can qualify for the Local Retailer category?
This is open to retailers that have a bricks-and-mortar store on the island of Ireland, and can demonstrate their growing support of Irish-made, by stocking products made in Ireland such as crafts, clothing, food, drinks, homewares, etc. It may have an e-commerce website, but to enter it must have a bricks-and-mortar shop whereby customers can visit and shop for Irish-made goods. They may stock international brands, but are able to demonstrate a strong support of suppliers making products on the island of Ireland. They can enter if they have one shop and/or more than one shop.
Entering the Irish Made Awards 2025? Here are the guidelines to follow
We want to help you to ensure that your entry for the Irish Made Awards 2025 is the best it can be. These FAQ will answer any questions you may have and steer you in the right direction.
Entry requirement: By entering the Irish Made Awards, please note that your entry will be shared with judges in order to be shortlisted. All shortlisted finalists will be revealed inside the magazine and online in August – please keep a close eye on our social media pages for updates.
2024 Winner:
Founded a decade ago by Lisa Tonge, our 2024 winner, The Green Dot, is more than just a shop – it’s a treasure trove of handmade wonders. Stocking the work of over 70 Irish designers and makers, it’s dedicated to promoting well-crafted, unique creations from across the island of Ireland.
2024 Runner Up:
Founded by Aoibhín Garrihy and Sharon Connellan in 2017, Beo is a nationally renowned lifestyle brand which blends live events promoting self-care with their product line. This year, they have opened a brand new flagship wellness hub in Ennis incorporating retail, coffee, healthy snacks and a community studio space to accommodate its growing portfolio.
2023 Winner:
The inaugural winner of this category was Ardmore Pottery and Gallery. Based in Ardmore, Co Waterford, it is home to two generations of the Lincoln family potters and stocks over 150 Irish makers and artists. It has been running for more than 40 years, first opened in 1983 by Mary Lincoln. Today, her two daughters, Sarah and Katie, have taken over the business with Mary consulting and making in the background.
2023 Runner Up:
The Leitrim Design House is a wonderful not-for-profit organisation proudly championing and showcasing 100% Irish craft and design, in the heart of County Leitrim.
