Profiles of all categories,
and sponsors inside
WHEN I last wrote this column it was just before our last West Cork Business & Tourism Awards in November 2019. At the time who could have foreseen that, due to Covid, it would be three years until our next awards.
However, I wrote then that business in West Cork was in good health and I’m delighted to report that even after three years of disruption and some huge challenges, business in West Cork is still thriving!
How do I know this? I was privileged to attend the awards ‘Pitch Night’ back in December last year (superbly hosted by AIB). Alongside everyone else in the room I was blown away by our finalists - local business people that came from all over West Cork and from all types of businesses - to present their three minute ‘elevator pitch’ to a packed room which included the judges as well as their fellow finalists.
On display at the ‘Pitch Night’ was passion, creativity, ingenuity, innovation and collegiality from businesses that were big and small, new and established. Some employ one or two people and some employ hundreds.
It really was a fantastic evening, where our finalists delivered their presentations, networked with each other and ultimately made the judge’s job of picking winners a whole lot harder.
Ultimately, success in business comes down to one thing … great people! In West Cork we have such an eclectic mix of people launching, developing, diversifying and running businesses. Some of them have a vision, some of them take risks, some of them follow their dream when others are saying it will never work. These are the people and the businesses that we should celebrate, the ones who create local employment, who contribute to our local (and national) economy and who help promote the West Cork ‘brand’ through their products and services.
West Cork is a melting pot of entrepreneurial and business talent where homegrown ideas blended with ideas from around the world come together, where people like to think and act a little differently, and as a result often create a work/life balance which is good for themselves, good for business and good for their employees.
I would like to thank Cork County Council for their continued support of the West Cork Business & Tourism Awards as our awards partner for the third year and also for their commitment to helping develop and support local businesses across West Cork through their Local Enterprise Offices, their experienced advisors and their range of other business supports that are in place.
Thank you also to all of our awards category sponsors
‘We are delighted to welcome the return of the West Cork Business and Tourism Awards. County Cork contributes significantly to our national prosperity and as part of that, Cork County Council plays a very important role in the promotion of economic development for Cork County. We are immensely proud to support the strong cohort of enterprises trading across all sectors with a particular focus on our strengths in the tourism and business sector.’
– Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey
for your valued support too, AIB, Fáilte Ireland, Carbery, Access Credit Union, Collins Brooks Solicitors, Blackwater Motors, MasterKabin, Lilly and Cork Airport.
Thank you to our judges, Rose Carroll, Head of Tourism, Cork County Council, Deirdre O’Mahony, Senior Enterprise Development Office, Cork County Council, Paul Di Rollo, Glentree Furniture and Stephen Rowe, Branch Manager, AIB Clonakilty.
A big thank you too to my wonderful team at The Southern Star who do a superb job delivering these awards across all aspects of our operation – editorial, marketing, web/social media/email, video, design, print, sponsorship, finance – there’s a huge amount of work involved and a lot of people behind the scenes. Thank you also to Sandra Maybury who came on board as our awards project manager this year and has done a superb job.
Finally, my biggest thanks must go to all the businesses that entered this year’s awards.
Thank you for taking the time to enter and I wish you all every success in the future.
– Seán Mahon Managing Director, Southern Star Media
‘Cork County is bursting with skill, with West Cork home to some of the very best of this talent. Awards such as the West Cork Business and Tourism Awards highlight and give credit to our strengths in the tourism and business sector across the region. From artisan food to arts and enterprise, West Cork excels in its offering and these awards showcase just that.’
– Mayor of the County of Cork, Danny Collins
Best New Business
sponsored by Collins Brooks & Associates Solicitors
Wanderful
West Cork Connect
Wild Atlantic Glamping
Best Small Business sponsored by AIB
Big Man Modular
Hennessy Outdoors
Kinsale Mead Co.
Best Use of Creative Marketing sponsored by MasterKabin
DNG Galvin
Sharon Huggard e Style Coach
takeNplace Weddings
Best Business in the Community Award sponsored by Carbery
Allihies Copper Mine Museum & Copper Cafe
Green Dot Irish Design Makers
Organico
Best Tourism Experience
sponsored by Cork Airport
Clonakilty Distillery
Dursey Boat Trips
Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower
Best Customer Service sponsored by Blackwater Motors
Curragh Farm Lodges
Hennessy Outdoors
West Cork Connect
Best Medium/Large Business sponsored by Lilly Ireland
Clonakilty Food Company
Global Shares
e Maritime Hotel
Young Businessperson of the Year sponsored by Access Credit Union
Aaron O’Sullivan
Aisling Vaughan
Tim Casey
Best Presentation on Pitch Night presented by e Southern Star
Best West Cork Wild Atlantic Way Business sponsored by Fáilte Ireland
County Mayor’s Award for West Cork Business Ambassador sponsored by Cork County Council
Overall West Cork Business of the Year presented by e Southern Star and Cork County Council
Gala awards luncheon takes place in e Maritime Hotel, Bantry on Friday, February 3rd, 2023
Special guest MC, COLM O’REGAN Author, Broadcaster, Comedian & MC
‘CORK County Council’s role is to promote Cork County as an attractive location for business to locate, grow and expand, for people to invest in and a place for employers and employees to work and live. The Council works to support business and the creation of employment, in co-operation with enterprise support agencies, entrepreneurs, community groups, and other stakeholders.’ says the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Danny Collins.
Chief Executive of Cork County Council Tim Lucey highlights how, ‘As a Council, we support the development of the county’s industrial and commercial infrastructure, including business parks, industrial sites and incubator units. We work with international, national, regional, and local partners to promote Cork, and facilitate exports, trade and sharing of best practice. We support our local ratepayers through a variety of capacity raising initiatives as available from our Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), retail and town centre initiatives and finally we provide financial support through the Economic Development Fund.’
In 2021, 54 businesses received LEO grant assistance totalling €1.15m with a further 273 enterprises approved under the Trading Online Voucher scheme for grants of up to €2,500 to develop and/or enhance their online presence. The Council’s LEO’s are actively working with a portfolio of over 450 financially supported businesses throughout the county employing more than 2,100 staff. Local Enterprise Offices provide a wide range of high-quality training and development supports designed to meet specific business requirements. In 2021 3,244 people were trained by the Cork County LEOs across different programmes.
For those looking for somewhere to start their business, Cork County Council offers 54 units to rent comprising a mix of industrial, food, office
and hotdesking. The Council also supports the ECentre project, both through direct provision in Bantry and Fermoy in conjunction with bonefide community organisations in other centres across the county and at wholly owned Council companies at Macroom and Youghal. With the potential for blended working patterns being the norm into the future, Cork County Council has developed a hub development strategy which concentrates on the role the Council can play as developers, driver’s and enablers of remote working hub development within the county.
Cork County Council with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and other key regional stakeholders recently finalised the new South West Regional Enterprise Plan which aims to enhance enterprise across the region through innovation, entrepreneurship and digitalisation.
A key feature of this plan is to maximise the potential of digital enterprise and innovation hubs to support digitalisation, business growth, climate action and smart working.
Commenting on the plan, Cork County Council’s Director of Economic Development and Tourism Sharon Corcoran says, ‘The plan aims to bolster the South-West as a leader in sustainable Food Production and Agri-Tech through education, technology, and innovation while embracing the opportunities of Climate Action in the Marine, Circular Bioeconomy, Tourism and Energy Sectors to ensure a strong pipeline of talent in the region, focusing on sustainable high-quality jobs.’
Cork County Council’s Divisional Manager for West Cork, Clodagh Henehan, is keen to show how in conjunction with the Council’s business support offer, Cork County Council continues to be a leader in the development of the county’s tourism product and in marketing Cork abroad as a must-see visitor destination, as well as being a significant financial contributor to many
festivals and events held throughout Cork County each year.
‘Cork County is the largest county in the island of Ireland. With over 7,500 km2 of land, 1,100 km of coastline and 1,200 km of rivers, it has much to attract visitors. Tourism is noted as a major economic activity across the county with festivals forming a key part of the tourism economy if they are marketed well to visitors and used as a means of attracting people into a destination. Investment in festivals can have a significant economic return for business, can assist in raising the profile of a town or region and can also provide local employment.’
West Cork is instrumental as an asset to attract further tourism growth and has received significant investment from Cork County Council in the areas of product development, festival supports and marketing initiatives. Clear evidence of the Council’s confidence in the county’s tourism offering, Mayor Collins said, ‘Cork County Council continues to be a leader in the development of Cork’s tourism product. Just recently, Bantry has been selected as a Tourism Destination Town, with an investment of €625,000, to facilitate public realm upgrades, improved wayfinding and signage strategy including decluttering. These works will be a welcome addition to the town and will complement recent works such as the high-end outdoor dining weatherproofed infrastructure installed on the existing decking area at the Quays, Bantry.’
Another very exciting development for West Cork tourism is the Four Points’ Shared Island Initiative. Mayor Collins explains, ‘Funding of €100,000 has been awarded under the Shared Island Local Authority Development Fund to progress a feasibility study for The Four Points of the Island project. The “Four Points” project will deliver a Feasibility Study examining potential for connections between the four extreme
geographic points on the island of Ireland where Brow Head, the most southern point in the island, Banba’s Crown, Malin Head, Co. Donegal, most northerly, Burr Point, Ards Peninsula, Co. Down, most easterly and An Dún Mór/Dunmore Head, Co. Kerry, most westerly. This project aims to connect cultural experiences together with the shared promotion of the interconnected projects.’
Cork County Council also provides a wide range of Tourism Marketing and Festival supports, such as Bantry Tourist Office, West Cork Garden Trails, West Cork Islands, Visit Glengarriff and Gaeltacht Mhúscraí region. Over €236,000 in festival funding was awarded to 61 individual festivals, 34 of which featured in West Cork.
A fresh initiative this year is the Green Festivals Pilot Programme. Festivals chosen to participate include Timoleague Harvest Festival and Clonakilty International Guitar Festival in West Cork where festival organisers were assisted in implementing waste reduction initiatives at their festivals. Cork County Council is the first Local Authority in the Country to launch such a programme.
In keeping with the Tourism theme, Cork County Council is delighted to offer the Explore Cork’ Tourism app. This is the first of its kind to be developed by any Local Authority in Ireland. The app provides over 850 places to see and things to do across a range of 19 categories, is available in 4 languages, English, Irish, French and German, can be downloaded on Apple and Google Play stores and gives a dedicated Trails Section to discover the county on foot. There really is something for everyone on Explore Cork.
· For more information on any of the topics mentioned and for contact information please visit www.corkcoco.ie
FÁILTE Ireland is delighted to again sponsor the ‘Best West Cork Wild Atlantic Way Business’ Award in the West Cork Business and Tourism Awards 2022.
The ‘Best West Cork Wild Atlantic Way Business’ is awarded by the judges to a tourism business that brings the Wild Atlantic Way regional experience brand to life, offers an authentic experience and continually innovates their tourism offering in a sustainable way to attract more visitors to West Cork throughout the year.
Stretching 2,500km from Kinsale in West Cork to the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, the Wild Atlantic Way is the longest defined coastal touring route in the world and has become a household name in Ireland since it was launched by Fáilte Ireland in 2014. The Wild Atlantic Way was designed to celebrate our rugged coastal landscape and reposition the West Coast of Ireland as a compelling and unique holiday experience and with so much to offer. From stunning landscapes to excellent food, West Cork is the perfect place to start or end a journey along the route.
In early 2023, Fáilte Ireland will be launching the West Cork and Kenmare Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP). The development of this 5-year plan provides a shared vision and clear direction towards improved development, strengthening and promotion of the area’s unique features by growing the destination’s market share through the delivery of catalyst projects and hero experiences that seek to maximise the key strengths of the area. This will be achieved by targeting domestic and international visitors who will stay longer in the region, spend more and/or who will arrive in off-peak periods.
The West Cork coast transitions along the way from gentle and lush to being more rugged, from vibrant towns to more remote rural villages and open countryside. This area, at the start or end of your Wild Atlantic Way journey requires time to explore its back roads and by ways and to take in the alluring lifestyle of the islands and
the Gaeltacht areas. It offers an intimate encounter with the land, the coast and its people. It is about helping the visitor to slow a little – to take time to discover how the layers of history have shaped and enriched the region. The success of the Wild Atlantic Way is very much testament to the strong partnership we have with local industry and this award will recognise the outstanding achievements of a tourism business that is striving to embody the Wild Atlantic Way brand.
Fáilte Ireland provides a range of supports for businesses from tailored development programmes to useful research market insights, templates and check lists. Check out www. failteireland.ie or get in touch with the Wild Atlantic Way team to find out how we can support your business.
– Josephine O’Driscoll Wild Atlantic Way Manager for West Cork at Fáilte Ireland
COMHGHAIRDEAS to Cape Clear Ferries, winners of the 2022 Fáilte Ireland West Cork Wild Atlantic Way Tourism Business award, a company maintaining and continuing to create unique connections between land and sea.
Since 2007 Cape Clear Ferries has operated to the Gaeltacht Island, eight miles from the mainland, sailing from Baltimore throughout the year. In 2012 the company introduced a summer gateway to Cape Clear from Schull and in 2014 the award winning Fastnet Rock Tour began.
Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, was established in 2003 to guide and promote tourism as a leading indigenous component of the Irish economy. The tourismandhospitalityindustry is of critical importance to the national economy, with tourists spending €7.5 billion in Ireland and employing an estimated 260,000 people.
The latter is featured in National Geographic’s list of ‘The Best of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way’ and includes a stop on the Island, then ferry-thrum around the tallest and widest rock lighthouse in Ireland and the UK.
Baltimore-based Karen and Brendan Cottrell and islander Séamus O’Drisceoil head the community-focused business. Karen stresses the importance of the ferry service ‘it is the Island’s connection to the mainland.’ This lifeline was reinforced during lockdown with essential pharmacy and medical supplies carried onboard.
Connecting the island to mainland is an integral part of Cape Clear Ferries. Passengers might share the journey with shop provisions, beer barrels, mail deliveries and livestock. The latter often travel on Friday, mart sales day.
Cape Clear Ferries continue to enhance their tourism product with a Twilight tour where passengers watch sunsets fill the horizon beyond the Fastnet. Karen enjoys the various onboard reactions, ‘some lighthouse keepers families have taken the tour and are excited and emotional to finally make the connection.’
They have recently invested in a speedier ferry, (200 passenger – The Spirit of Doolin) reducing the journey to Cape Clear from 50 to 25 minutes. Indoor seating is available for 100 passengers with
extra comfort, weather capability and an onboard bar/café. ‘The new ferry is a palace, even with bad weather you can see everything. Tours will be even more popular this year with the onboard bar and this benefits not only ourselves but also creates bed nights for our great local service providers.’
The ferry is available for private hire including corporate groups, birthday parties, wedding functions and memorial events. The latter is a new option where family and friends take a final voyage with loved ones ashes. Tears drop by Ireland’s Teardrop.
Cape Clear Ferries works closely with all businesses and tourism on the Island including Cape Clear Co-operative, currently creating a new Fastnet and Heritage Centre at the North Harbour.
‘We are conscious of our tourism re-
sponsibility. Employment helps to sustain the permanent community on the Island, and we are very aware of the Trojan work of our crew, often in challenging circumstances.’
The Irish saying ‘Ní neart go cur le chéile’ (stronger together) fits the business. Karen says ‘The crew is more of a family than a crew.’ When she broke both elbows (both!) last year ‘everyone pulled together, they were fantastic.’
Cape Clear Ferries are delighted to win the Fáilte Ireland Award. ‘It means a great deal to us, our crew and the Island community as it vindicates everyone’s great efforts. We were delighted to be recognised in 2019 for “Outstanding West Cork Tourism Experience” and it is great to get the recognition again, especially from our national tourism body Fáilte Ireland.’ Comhghairdeas le gach duine.
COLLINS, Brooks & Associates, Solicitors, is a vibrant, medium-sized firm situated in Clonakilty offering an array of legal services to the people of West Cork and beyond. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide practical and innovative advice to our clients near and far.
With a team of nine solicitors and 24 staff in total we offer expert services in all areas of law both to our private and commercial clients.
Collins, Brooks & Associates or more commonly known as ‘Collins Brooks’ was established by Liam M Collins, nephew of General Michael Collins, in 1943. The office will be celebrating its 80th anniversary in June of this year.
It quickly established itself as one of West Cork’s best known and respected law firms. Thomas J Brooks, known locally as Jim Brooks, joined the firm in the early 1970s and the firm’s reputation grew from strength to strength. The firm continued to evolve over time and is now spearheaded by three partners, namely, Roni Collins, Lorna Brooks and Conrad Murphy.
At Collins Brooks we have an ability to adapt and embrace change utilising the latest in technology to provide efficient and timely service to clients in Ireland and internationally. We also retain the practical and personal approach which has seen us help thousands of people throughout years of practice in dealing with some of the most difficult and important moments of their lives.
With nine experienced solicitors from diverse backgrounds
we have solicitors who have the expertise in whatever area of law arises. We have dedicated people in different departments to ensure each client receives the best representation whatever the issue. Our property department provides a comprehensive service in conveyancing and mortgaging of residential, commercial and agricultural properties. Our estate and probate department provide services in relation to estate planning, drafting of wills and the administration of estates which can be an onerous time for a family when a loved one passes away. We regularly advise clients on leases for commercial premises in addition
to the intricate intricacies of licensing laws.
Our litigation department can frequently be found in the High Court, Circuit Court or District Court throughout the country fighting and defending the rights of their clients.
Our litigation services include personal injury claims arising from car, workplace and public liability accidents, negligent construction cases, breach of contract, debt collection and criminal defence work.
We have an employment law department which advises employer and employee clients and is regularly involved in unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal and other em-
ployment legislation disputes at the Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court. At Collins Brooks our litigation team has extensive experience in working for both the Plaintiff and Defence side of claims therefore we have an insightful knowledge in how to deal with all claims in a tactical and efficient fashion.
Our location in the beautiful town of Clonakilty allows us to enjoy the quality of life which West Cork has to offer and we are proud to have a strong association with our locality. Location is no longer a barrier to success or access in today’s technological world and we act for clients countrywide and
indeed worldwide. You might meet our Solicitors in Clonakilty, Cork, Dublin or Limerick on any given day.
We are proud to sponsor the Best West Cork Festival Award and want to congratulate the finalists in each category.
The festivals of West Cork create a vibrant atmosphere throughout the year which
bring colour and joy to our villages and towns. You only need to walk outside our own door during one of the many festivals in Clonakilty throughout the year to hear the sound of music, chat and children laughing which brightens up your day and makes you proud to live and work in West Cork which can truly be defined as unique.
WEST Cork Connect was established as an alternative transport option that is more affordable and flexible than the nearest competitors. They are the first privatelyoperated public service in West Cork; with the most comfortable, fuel efficient and modern fleet on the roads. The team at West Cork Connect are passionate about running an affordable, quality service for all people in Cork. By keeping prices competitive, this encourages more people to use the service and leave their cars at home. This has a two-fold effect, cutting down greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing a
passenger’s carbon footprint; allowing for cleaner air quality and healthier communities. Less cars also reduce noise pollution in our towns, villages and cities.
Being a small company allows West Cork Connect to go above and beyond with the personal touch and ensure each of their customers is made to feel welcome by the friendly staff and skilled drivers.
Although the pandemic resulted in delays and setbacks of proposed routes. West Cork Connect now offers 2 established routes. Initially established in February 2020, Route 230 Skibbereen to
Cork City and Route 229 from Bantry to Cork City which was launched in September 2021.
In 2023 they look forward to starting the 228 Kinsale to Cork City service. This is the first bus service from Ballinhassig to Cork City and Kinsale.
As a growing satellite town it will be an essential service for residents wishing to easily commute between Ballinhassig and Cork City or Kinsale.
The buses drop passengers off at Cork University Hospital for appointments, Western Road for college students, Grand Parade and South Mall for shoppers and
WANDERFUL turns walks into adventures through augmented reality trail experiences. Founded by Lena Angland, the aim of the business is to use technology to get children to go outside, become more active and learn more about the world around them. Wanderful wants to use a child’s sense of wonder to enhance learning through interactive experiences, increase mobility through lessons that require activity, and get everyone outside and enjoying the outdoors!
Through this digital orienteering solution, they have created a tourism experience that helps family-focused venues boost revenues by turning their grounds into Adventure Playgrounds, powered by Augmented Reality.
They currently have three venues across West Cork that host the experiences; Dromkeen Woods, Innishannon, West Cork Secret, Kilbrittain and Inish Beg Estate in Skibbereen.
They also built a bespoke experience for Kerry County Council, Kerry Tourism and the National Parks that launched in the National Park this summer and in the first few weeks there were over 800 users with many repeat visits. Kerry County Council and Kerry Tourism are now working with Wanderful to roll out further experiences and they also nominated the business for
Lena Angland, Wanderful.a Leaders Digital Innovation Award. Wanderful exhibited at the 2022 National Ploughing Championships where they featured across four tents, demonstrating the portability of the platform to act as a further hook for visitors.
They also spoke at an international AI for tourism conference.
They have off the shelf expe-
commuters and St Patrick’s Quay for connections to Dublin, Limerick and Waterford via Aircoach, Go Bus, City Link and Dublin Coach.
Tickets can be purchased online or onboard with card payment or cash. Leap card and Free Travel card also accepted. Their new modern coaches all have wifi and chargers on board providing a comfortable, clean and affordable daily service between West Cork towns and Cork City ... and beyond!
021 701 1288 info@westcorkconnect.ie www.westcorkconnect.ie
WILD Atlantic Glamping is located at the east end of Bere Island, in Ardagh, just a mile from Rerrin Village. Visitors can immerse themselves in the magic of this idyllic location and explore the unique coastline of the island. A holiday at Wild Atlantic Glamping is all about making memories – exploring rock pools, jumping off the pier, eating freshly caught fish, toasting marshmallows over the campfire, discovering hidden coves on a kayak and enjoying the freedom of being on an island.
riences on offer, as well custom experiences that can be tailored to suit any venue. These experiences are easy to set up and have minimal physical impact to the location in which they run, making them a low outlay, low investment option for venues looking to attract a family audience.
info@wanderful.ie www.wanderful.ie
Wild Atlantic Glamping is a place where you can disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and immerse yourself in nature. There are 10 luxury bell tents available to hire, each named after a hidden gem on the island. Each tent has its own private terrace with chairs so that you can relax and enjoy the sea views. Electricity, cool bag, fresh linen and towels are provided to each tent to ensure your stay is peaceful and comfortable, and the welcome pack contains a selection of local produce. The site is located right on the shore and has everything you need to make the most of your island adventure. The communal building provides top of the range cooking and dining facilities and is just
at the edge of the glamping area. There is a large, warm, bright activity room available to rent for workshops, retreats, training, private parties, family get-togethers and events. The site has direct access to the sea, perfect for swimming, diving, kayaking and sailing. They have teamed up with Bantry
Bay Kayaks to offer guided kayak tours and kayak rental from the shore just below the campsite. Guests of Wild Atlantic Glamping experience a wealth of rich history, outdoor adventure, and island life on the Wild Atlantic Way. 086 6027819 info@wildatlanticglamping.ie www.wildatlanticglamping.ie
MakingCatriona Hanley of Wild Atlantic Glamping. (Photos: Andy Gibson) Damien Long of West Cork Connect.
WE are delighted to support the West Cork Tourism & Business Awards for this, it’s third year. The variety and calibre of businesses showcased at the Pitch Night event held at AIB Skibbereen in December clearly demonstrated the strong level of innovation and entrepreneurship that exists across West Cork.
One of AIB’s most important priorities is working with Small and Medium Enterprises, as they are the heart of the economy. We know that our business owners have to be multiskilled and that they carry all the risks and responsibilities of their businesses. In AIB, we
Recently, we have enhanced our local SME Business Advisory team and we are fortunate to have a very knowledgeable experienced team. In each of our West Cork branches, there are staff equipped with the skills to deal with all aspects of our business customer needs. AIB is also available to support customers via our dedicated Business & Agri Team at 0818 47 88 33 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm).
regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
understand that our SME customers want to talk to someone who understands the needs of their own particular sector. AIB staff are available to support our customers from start-up
through all the stages of their development including setting up a bank account, processing payments, assisting with loan requirements, pensions and insurance.
The staff across the West Cork branches are committed to delivering excellent customer service and are very thankful for the continued support of our customers.
‘AIB staff are available to support our customers from start-up through all the stages of their development including setting up a bank account, processing payments, assisting with loan requirements, pensions and insurance.’
Kinsale Mead Co.’s vision and passion is rediscovering the art of mead-making and creating a light, delicious range of Irish meads. Using the best techniques of modern winemaking and carefully selected pure honey and fruits, their meads are 11-12% ABV, packed full of flavour and refreshingly different.
They develop, craft and bottle them all by hand and they are all produced in the small, family run business in Kinsale, the first Irish meadery in 200 years, from bee to bottle, and are now judged as among the best meads in the world.
Since August 2017, they have launched three uniquely dif-
ferent meads, showcasing the versatility of this ancient drink. They have more in development and are stocked in well over 200 shops and some of the top restaurants and hotels in Ireland.
Their limited edition range of mead includes the first commercially made Irish Mead made from Irish honey in 200 years, working closely with the beekeeper Paul Kelly in Ring, Clonakilty. They introduced some barrel aged meads working closely with a French wine barrel supplier. They export to Northern Ireland and the UK, including with Amazon, as well as to specialist shops in Germany, Belgium, Netherlands,
Czech Republic and Estonia. They run popular tours and tastings in the meadery in Kinsale from spring to autumn, welcoming visitors from near and far. They take them on a journey through the rich history of mead and how it is woven through Ireland’s myths and legends. As part of the company’s sustainability ethos, as members of the National Biodiversity Plan and certified members of Origin Green, they are committed to educating visitors on the huge importance of biodiversity for all the wild pollinators, as well as for bees.
021 477 3538 info@kinsalemeadco.ie www.kinsalemeadco.ie
BIG MAN Modular designs, builds and installs sustainable ‘A’ rated modular homes in their factory in Bandon. Big Man Modular takes the pain out of building and offers a one-stop-shop for their clients from concept to having a fully finished home with a fraction of the stress.
Set up as Big Man Tiny Homes in 2018 by JP Simpson, the business evolved over the years with Niall Lehane coming onboard as co-owner and director in 2021 and the business was re-branded to Big Man Modular. They now have a dynamic team with five employees who have a diverse skill set and they also have several sub-contractors.
Big Man Modular has evolved in line with ever changing environmental and sociological factors. Having identified these trends the business quickly changed from a ‘Tiny Home’ manufacturer to a bona fide ‘Real Home’ manufacturer and has in excess of ten homes going through the various processes. Big Man Modular’s unique offering is in the ability to offer a one-stop-shop for their clients taking the headaches out of building. They offer full flexibility on designs, tailoring everything around your needs, and give you the
Niall Lehane and JP Simpson of Big Man Modular. option to buy your home at any stage of construction allowing you to finish as a self-build should you wish.
Big Man Modular has joined forces with Access Credit Union who can now offer mortgages to the people of West Cork for modular homes.
The business has also been accredited Guaranteed Irish and has contributed to the local
HENNESSY Outdoors, based in Clonakilty, employs 18 staff. They provide high quality garden timber products, playhouses, furniture, sheds, fencing and swing sets to customers nationwide to ensure years of enjoyment outdoors.
In the past year, they have extended their product range to include over 18 different children’s ride-on vehicles, having responded to interest from their customers.
Their products are provided to customers flat packed with full instructions for selfassembly.
They also offer third party assembly with their Munster and Leinster assembly partners for customers that require it.
economy in many ways via donation of both time and money. Since 2020 the business has doubled year on year. 2022 saw the business generate a respectable profit with systems in place to help the anticipated double digit growth over the coming years.
087 617 6391 info@bigmanmodular.ie www.bigmanmodular.ie
In March 2022, Kruz Official was launched as a new business operating under Hennessy Timber Group. The business specialises in providing customers nationwide, with a range of innovative foldable electric bikes and scooters along with a range of accessories including smart helmets and locks.
Kruz is a 100% Irish owned brand, new to the market that addresses the need for a modern and sustainable approach to mobility and offers its customers excellent high-quality products with the latest in innovation and technology and a unique, modern, sleek
design.
The company’s customer base extends from Malin Head to Mizen Head and they have experienced impressive growth in both online sales and phone sales.
Their very successful website was launched in February 2020 and provides customers with details, images, videos and pricing information on their full product range, allow-
ing for both nationwide delivery and local pick up at their factory in Clonakilty.
They also recently opened a product showroom in Douglas, Cork City to showcase their range of garden furniture and children’s ride-on toys which has proven very popular.
023 88 33780 info@hennessytimbergroup.com www.hennessyoutdoors.ie
Innovation fuels constantly expanding product rangeAidan Hennessy of Hennessy Outdoors. Kate and Denis Dempsey of Kinsale Mead Co. (Photos: Andy Gibson)
DNG Galvin is a long-established family run property firm serving West Cork. The company dates back to 1981 when Michael Galvin opened his first office in Bandon.
DNG Galvin has been part of Douglas Newman Good group, one of Ireland’s leading estate agency networks, since 2005. Michael passed away in 2022 and DNG Galvin is now managed by Michael’s two daughters, Majella and Caroline.
Like their father, they are well regarded and competent property professionals, chartered estate agents, and registered valuers. The company is licenced by the Property Services Regulatory Authority and is a proud member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) and the Institute
of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers (IPAV). Majella is the first and only female chartered estate agent in West Cork.
DNG Galvin offers a range of estate agency and professional services.
Their strength lies in their unique marketing strategy and personal individualised service which is the catalyst for them delivering the ultimate goal, which is to make the process of buying or selling your home one of the most enjoyable experiences in your life, not one of the most stressful. They do this by listening to their customer’s requirements, helping them prepare their property for sale, constantly communicating, guiding and advising throughout the process. They have been there before; they will
let you know what to expect and they will be there for you throughout every step of the journey. The Unique Selling Point of DNG Galvin is clarity in communication and putting the client in the centre of the conversation and they have recognised that digital marketing is a big part of that.
Majella has run several successful social media campaigns and provides valuable content, not just sales pitches, such as tips for buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants. She also promotes the benefits of living in West Cork and collaborates with local businesses and people to showcase what the area has to offer.
023 88 44958 info@mgalvin.ie www.dnggalvin.ie
SHARON Huggard The Style Coach is an award winning business, having won Network Ireland West Cork Emerging Businesswomen 2022. It was a personal and professional highlight for Sharon to win this prestigious award and represent West Cork on the national stage.
The business’s mission is to separate women’s self-worth and value from their body size and find freedom from disempowering beliefs and old stories that are holding them back from living the life they deserve, making memories and taking opportunities.
Valda and Brad Binding of takeNplace. also quite endearing. Everyone loves capturing the big day on their phones, but we rarely do anything with those very pictures. We know wedding couples would cherish those 100s of missed moments taken behind the scenes and now they can with takeNplace weddings. A great place for guests to share all their pictures from that special day, enabling the wedding couple to view, download and keep forever.
A SUSTAINABLE solution to disposable and polaroid cameras, takeNplace weddings is the new, green way to remember your big day. Having launched in March 2022, takeNplace is taking the wedding supplier business by storm.
Husband and wife duo, Valda and Brad Binding moved to West Cork in 2020 and with the support of their local enterprise office, they began their lock-down project to build a digital solution to storing photos of wedding guests.
Wedding guest photos can be outrageously funny while
Technology is also available for those very photos to be live streamed on screen at the
evening reception or day two event.
All the guests need to do is scan the wedding couple’s unique QR code to instantly upload photos to the album. Then the happy couple can enjoy their day knowing they aren’t missing a thing as it’s all being collected instantly, on their digital takeNplace weddings album.
takeNplace weddings is available for weddings in any venue, locally, nationally and internationally from just €250. valda.binding@takenplace.com www.takenplace.com
The business pivoted online in 2020 and Sharon created The Style Solution 8 week program using her unique skills, combining Personal Style and Personal Development.
Sharon is the only personal stylist in the world combining personal styling and NLP/ QTT (Quantum Thinking Transformation) to help her clients find gentle yet profound and lasting change. During the pandemic, she set up a Facebook Group, Shine with Style, to add value and build a community. There are currently 1,600 members and
it is constantly growing. Sharon’s offerings now include The Body Confidence Solution online program, Awaken with Style Membership Live Events, such as Style in The City and Corporate Events. She is also a speaker, coach and success mentor, working with other brands and people such as Derval O’Rourke and Sarah Leather.
Sharon’s #getinthepicture campaign, attracted global attention, when it launched in August 2022.
The campaign encouraged
women to stop erasing their history and to start making memories and to post a photo of themselves on social media with the #getinthepicture hashtag.
She has had extensive media coverage locally and nationally in print, radio and TV.
Her corporate clients include AIB, The Musgrave Group, The Fota Collection, Brown Thomas, Carraig Donn, Johnson & Johnson, Derval.ie and Peachy Lean. style@sharonhuggard.com, www.sharonhuggard.com
THE Allihies Copper Mine Museum celebrates the unique copper mining story which unfolded in Allihies throughout the 19th Century. The concept of a Mine Museum in Allihies took hold in the early 1990s and over a 10 year period it gradually took shape. With a lot of perseverance and determination it was realised and officially opened in 2007.
It continues to grow today and create links with many parts of this country as well as overseas, with direct links to Cornwall, South Wales, Galicia in Northern Spain, and Montana and Colorado in the United States.
The Museum is housed in the renovated Methodist
Church which was built in 1845 for the Cornish Miners who came to Allihies during the 1800s and caters for all levels of interest from the curious child to the specialist enthusiast.
In the Museum, the geology, history and geography of this unique area is demonstrated through artefacts, models, multimedia and a small library.
The Museum is at the core of the business and in July 2022, it achieved full accreditation with the Heritage Council of Ireland on the Museum Standards Programme of Ireland.
This places Allihies Copper Mine Museum on a par with any museum in the country. What has been created is a
multi-purpose Community Heritage Centre. Around the Museum, a café, art gallery, a sensory garden and the latest addition, a Coastal Education Hub, have all been developed. The café is a busy and vibrant place where people meet and chat or just admire the views. Hanging on the walls are beautiful paintings, part of the many exhibitions run throughout the year. The space can be transformed into a concert venue capable of holding 100 people. The most recent performers were Scullion who played at the Museum for the second time.
027 73218
www.acmm.ie allihiesparishcoop@gmail.com
GREEN Dot is a hub for beautiful, ethically-made, local Irish Craft and Design. The gift shop, based on Ashe Street in Clonakilty, and the website stock the work of over 70 Irish-based makers. Green dot is home to a magnificent eco-toy collection and the team at Green Dot also make their own pieces in their in-house craft studio. A main focus is on promoting well-made, unique, handcrafted work from all over the country as well as supporting the genuine people behind it, and they were chosen by The Irish Times as one of the top 100 retailers in November 2021.
Their website was one of the first in the country to offer a ‘make your own bespoke giftbox’ option in October 2020 and this, as well as their corporate gifting service, is very popular.
The shop and space is owned and curated by Lisa Tonge who started the business in 2013 as Little Green Dot, which was a small, home-based, baby gift craft business. It has developed into so much more since then. Community and sustainability are central elements to what the team do at Green Dot. They have organised several events and projects for various very worthy causes such as Cork Penny Dinners, The
ORGANICO’S mission is to enable you to live a healthier, happier and tastier life. Sisters Hannah and Rachel Dare own and run Organico and it was their parents who opened the shop originally nearly 30 years ago in Bantry. They started the business to make healthy, organic food available to the local community here in West Cork. Over the course of 30 years, it continues to be a business with community at its heart.
Lisa Tonge of Green Dot - Irish Design Makers.
Hope Foundation, FeedCork, The Irish Cancer Society, as well as a local Tree planting campaign, with 6000 trees donated.
As part of their role in supporting and championing talented creative people and businesses in their community, they coordinated Clonakilty
Makers Trail in 2020 and 2022. They will develop these projects further in 2023 as well as continuing to highlight the role that craft and makers play in ensuring a vibrant and sustainable community.
(023) 883 6543
hello@greendotdesignshop.com
www.greendotdesignshop.com
They make healthy food and organic breads from scratch because they believe the community should have access to the best food. They have added a deli and bakery where they invite you to take part in the connection and community that accompany a shared love of fresh, healthy food, great coffee and dedication to naturally good health. Their shop offers everything for your health and wellbeing needs, including supplements, vitamins and minerals, body care and household items. These items are also available to buy online. They also sell bulk items such as organic grains, rice, oats, flour and more both instore and online.
Education is central to their mission - the team
are constantly learning and they share this knowledge of health and healthy living with the community. They offer a space where people can be inspired to make the changes they need to get well and stay well. You can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that every choice you make with Organico is a healthy one — good for
yourself, your family and the environment.
After 30 years in business, they are facing their most challenging time, but they are determined to dig deep and work though, with the support of their community.
027 51391
info@organico.ie www.organico.ie
Inspiring changes for the benefit ofRachel & Hannah Dare of Organico. Tadhg O’Sullivan, Tara Hanley and Bill Griffin of Allihies Copper Museum and Copper Cafe. (Photos: Andy Gibson, Catherine Weld)
AT this time of year, with the rain lashing against the windows, a chill in the air and the evenings drawing to a close before teatime, it’s easy to find ourselves dreaming of warmer, brighter and longer summer days! Of course, dreaming of the summertime invariably brings the opportunity to start planning a summer holiday. But where to go?
This summer, look no further than Cork Airport! With international air travel now back in full flow, Cork Airport offers an abundance of choice with routes to some fantastic destinations across the UK and Europe.
Last December, Ryanair, the largest airline operating at Cork Airport announced their 2023 Summer Schedule which included five new summer routes and increased frequencies on no less than eleven existing routes.
With new destinations such as Seville, La Rochelle, Rome and Venice now available from Cork Airport, we’ve put together some destination inspiration to help you in planning your summer holiday.
‘All roads lead to Rome’ and it’s quite easy to see why! The Italian capital city does not need an introduction. Visit the Colosseum, the awesome ancient amphitheatre which is a must-see for anyone visiting Rome and attracts more than seven million visitors annually.
Explore the Roman Forum, formerly a marketplace, civic centre and religious complex and learn about the history of the city and the Roman Empire. Discover the 2,000-year-old Pantheon, a fine example of Ancient Roman architecture. Once a temple, the building is now a working church with masses celebrated each weekend.
Check out the Trevi Fountain where according to legend, if you throw a coin into the fountain, you will return to Rome. Throw two coins and it is said you will fall in love with an attractive Italian!
Tucked away in the centre of this historic European capital is Vatican City, a sovereign state in its own right. Visit St. Peter’s Square, the Sistine Chapel, or the Vatican Museums, which are home to some of the most important works of art in the world. Take a tour of the Galleria Borghese, a museum which is home to works of art dating from the 13th to the 18th centuries, including works by artists such as Caravaggio and Raphael or browse the food stalls at the Campo de’ Fiori market. This market is a great place to buy fresh produce, souvenirs, and other local goods.
‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’ and sample the local cuisine. Rome is known for its delicious food, and the city is dotted with many great restaurants and cafés where you can try local specialities such as pasta alla carbonara, cacio e pepe or tiramisu. Ryanair fly direct from Cork to Rome. Book now on ryanair. com.
Seville, capital of the famed Andalusia region of Spain, is a city full of vigour and adventure. It’s a city where you can explore the famous Plaza de España, the world-famous Seville Cathedral, the largest gothic cathedral in the world and burial place of Christopher Columbus. The Real Alcazár, a royal palace complex that featured in the popular TV series, Game of Thrones is a very popular attraction in this southern Spanish city.
Aside from sightseeing, there is plenty of shopping, nightlife and entertainment to be found in Seville. The popular areas of Plaza de Salvador, Calle Betis and Alameda de Hércules are home
some of the city’s finest bars and tapas restaurants – and some of the best food that can be found in the country.
The world-famous flamenco dancing can trace its origins to the Andalusia region and if you seek to experience that unique, authentic slice of Spanish culture, you won’t be disappointed.
Aside from Seville itself, it is a great location to explore some of interesting cities and towns located nearby. Jerez de la Frontera is a city located to the south of Seville, in the province of Cadiz.
It is known for its production of sherry, and it is home to several bodegas (wineries) where you can tour the facilities and taste the local produce.
Cadiz, an ancient port city located to the south of Seville, on the Atlantic coast is known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture.
Other cities and towns located in the vicinity of Seville include Huelva, Malaga, Granada, and Cordoba. All these are easily accessible from Seville by car or public transportation.
Ryanair will fly direct from Cork to Seville this summer (commencing June 2023). Book now on ryanair.com.
Venice, one of the world’s most unique and famous cities is known for its beautiful canals, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage. The city is made up of over 100 small islands criss-crossed by a network of canals which provide a unique and picturesque way of getting around.
Take a gondola ride through the canals, which offers a great way to see the city from an entirely different perspective. It is a bonus if the gondolier serenades you with a ‘barcarolle’ – a form of traditional folk song, popular in the Veneto region.
Venice is home to a number of interesting landmarks and cultural attractions, including the Basilica di San Marco, the Palazzo Ducale, and the Gallerie dell’Accademia.
These buildings are fine examples of the city’s rich architectural heritage. If art and history are your passion, they are well worth a visit.
Stroll through the Rialto Market, a bustling commercial scene which is a great place to see the fresh produce and local seafood that form the basis for many popular regional dishes such as
sarde in saor (sweet and sour marinated sardines) or baccala mantecato (whipped salted cod).
Take a tour of the Murano Glass Museum, which is located on the nearby island of Murano, and is a great place to learn about the history and techniques of glassmaking in Venice down through the centuries.
Whether you’re interested in history, art, culture, or just soaking up the atmosphere of this unique and beautiful city, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy during a visit to Venice.
Ryanair fly direct from Cork to Venice. Book now on ryanair.com.
La Rochelle, located on the south-west coast of France, in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine is another new destination served by Ryanair this summer. Known for its beautiful old port, which is lined with seafood restaurants and colourful houses, the city is fronted by an expansive marina, with moorings for over 1,000 vessels. The city has a rich history and a vibrant culture, with many cultural events and festivals taking place throughout the year.
An immensely popular tourist destination, La Rochelle is home to a number of interesting landmarks and attractions. These include the Aquarium La Rochelle, one of the largest aquariums in Europe, and the Musée Maritime and the iconic Tour de la Lanterne, a 15th century lighthouse towering above the city harbour. The city is also home to several beautiful beaches, making it a great place to relax and soak up the sun.
La Rochelle has a mild, coastal climate, with average summer temperatures in the mid-20’s.
The city is known for its seafood, which is fresh and abundant given its location on the Atlantic Coast. Some of the local specialties you may want to try while you’re in La Rochelle include moules-frites (mussels and fries), chaudrée de palourdes (clam chowder) or beignets de calamars (squid fritters) which are a popular snack in La Rochelle and can be found at many of the city’s markets and fairs.
Ryanair will fly direct from Cork to La Rochelle this summer (commencing June 2023). Book now on ryanair.com.
THE Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower is a unique tourist attraction at the beginning of the Wild Atlantic Way. The Signal Tower is a restored Napoleonic tower, originally built in 1804 in response to the threat of a French invasion. It is the only tower out of 81 built to be restored. Visitors can enjoy three distinct experiences; whether it’s a history buff, someone looking for an unrivalled view of the Old Head coastline or someone looking to pay their respects to Lusitania victims, there is something of interest there for everyone.
Visitors can explore the ground floor of the tower which focuses on the history and
Clonakilty Distillery
function of the tower, and the first floor which is dedicated to the tragic sinking of RMS Lusitania. The museum houses evocative artefacts from the wreckage including a first-class window, a deckchair and an item of clothing worn by a survivor of the sinking. Next, visitors can marvel at the breathtaking views from the top of the tower. Finally, the Lusitania Memorial Garden is a space for reflection on one of the world’s worst maritime disasters. There is a small museum gift shop and the Signal Tower Café is a popular spot for tourists and locals due to their delicious homemade treats. The Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal
Tower Heritage Committee are also the custodians of the Lusitania wreckage. Working closely with the Government (NMI/UAU), the committee handle applications for diving the wreckage. The Committee are dedicated to safeguarding the wreckage and its future. They are now working on the third and final phase of the project which will see the development of a museum building to explore the complex Lusitania story in an immersive and meaningful way, and house the large collection of artefacts acquired over the years. 021 419 1285 info@oldheadofkinsale.com www.oldheadofkinsale.com
CLONAKILTY Distillery
Visitor Experience is a visitor attraction in the heart of Clonakilty attracting visitors from all over the world to beautiful West Cork. The three copper pot stills in the glass-fronted distillery at the Waterfront are a beacon for curious travellers on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Ewan Paterson, Chloe Akkaoui and Nicole Schili of Clonakilty Distillery. a sampling of the whiskey or gin and vodka. Tours are kept to a small number of people to allow a personal feel and to ensure everyone gets the best experience possible as they learn what it takes to produce award winning Irish spirits. The Minke Gin School is a two-hour evening experience exploring the creation of gin and allowing guests to create their own gin recipe under the guidance of their Gin School hosts.
The very knowledgeable Visitor Experience team run Distillery Tours and Tastings, the Minke Gin School, and the Distillery Gift Shop. Distillery Tours are a guided multi-sensory journey through the working distillery, culminating with
Once botanicals have been chosen it’s time to distil their own gin creation in one of the miniature copper pot stills to
produce a bottle of their gin to take home! The Distillery Gift Shop not only has the in-house whiskey, gin and vodka, but they stock some exclusive bottles and a selection of accessories and merchandise for those looking to pick up a memento of their visit. The team create bespoke gift hampers for those looking to pick up a special gift and visitors even have the chance to fill their own bottle of whiskey including a personalised label.
023 88 78020
info@clonakiltydistillery.ie www.clonakiltydistillery.ie
ESTABLISHED in 2019, Dursey Boat Trips offers visitors to Beara the opportunity to take in this spectacular peninsula on an exhilarating boat trip filled with stories, history and wildlife.
They currently offer two trips – the Bull Rock Trip and the recently launched Castletownbere Harbour Trip – which run seasonally from April to September.
Experience the wild beauty of the Beara Peninsula for an unforgettable adventure on board the Bull Rock Trip. In the easy company of passionate local guides, begin at Garnish Pier and journey onward
for the experience of a lifetime. With the Skelligs visible in the distance, pass around the dramatic cliffs of Dursey Island, home of Ireland’s only cable car and learn of its use as a Viking slave base, the misfortunes of its Gaelic Chieftains and the mass slaughter of the islanders who were thrown into the sea by English soldiers in 1602. Cruise onward to the wave battered Cow Rock, and the Bull Rock, home to Ireland’s largest gannet colony. Travel through their distinctive natural sea arches (weather permitting) which were once considered the path to the underworld.
Hear what life was like as a courageous lighthouse keeper on the Bull Rock, which was manned between 1889 to 1991. View the remains of the cast iron lighthouse on the Calf Rock, destroyed by a great storm in 1881, and relive the dramatic rescue of its crew cowering in its broken base. Along the cruise, watch out for whales, dolphins, basking sharks, seals and otters and a dazzling array of seabirds, including gannets and puffins, which forage in these rich feeding grounds.
083 898 9999 durseyboattrips@gmail.com www.durseyboattrips.com
THREE centuries ago, it took fifty-four horse and cart loads to produce one foot of the gorgeous stone that guests can now behold throughout the inside and outside of the Curragh Farm Lodges and House. Also known as ‘the house on the hill shining a guiding light over Riverstick’. As they continue to farm on the 300-yearold family farm with their four children, Maurice and Veronica Kelleher realised that like most farms in Ireland, they had an underused property asset. They had old workmen staff houses that could be converted into self-catering accommodation, thereby serving the local economy around Belgooly, Riverstick and Kinsale, which is dependent on
tourism but in short supply of accommodation. What better place than an environmentallyfriendly working farm to serve as a base for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way?
In 2018, the Kelleher family started restoring the out houses to the highest of standards comprising exposed wood beams, mezzanines, vaulted ceilings and traditional stonework.
Launching three luxurious self catering one-bedroom lodges in March 2020. True to the ‘back to where it all began’ spirit of their agri-tourism family business journey, they then restored their historic farmhouse to its former glory to add a stunning two bedroom self catering offering. Last but
not least, they restored the naturally-occurring pathways, working with the surrounding environment to make them accessible. Located in West Cork and close to Cork city, Cork Airport and Kinsale – this is the perfect base to explore the Wild Atlantic Way.
As you approach Curragh Farm, you are greeted by calves, cattle, horses, Dalmatians and even alpacas into a whole new peaceful world. This journey has been lifechanging for the Kellehers and sustainable for the farm and the community. It’s made the West Cork farm viable, familyfriendly and it supports the local economy.
087 219 5841
www.curraghfarmlodges.com
HENNESSY Outdoor’s goal is now and has always been to provide customers with the very best quality products while also maintaining an incredibly high standard of customer service.
They provide high quality flat-packed garden timber products, playhouses, furniture, sheds, fencing and swing sets to customers nationwide. Their product range has been extended to include children’s ride-on vehicles and 2022, saw the launch of Kruz Official delivering a range of electric bikes, scooters and accessories. Hennessy Outdoors prides itself on offering customers a quick delivery time and meeting agreed time frames is of the utmost importance to them.
At Hennessy Outdoors they understand that in today’s digital age they need to offer customers simple and quick methods of communicating. They introduced live chat on their sales website, allowing customers to contact them instantly should they have a question on the products or service. This is monitored in-house during working hours from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm and often outside these hours in order to answer questions in the quickest time possible.
Jean Farrelly and Aidan Hennessy of Hennessy Outdoors.
The company has recently been named as a finalist in the Cork Digital Marketing Awards in the ‘Best Use Of Instagram’ category. With a following of over 22,000 on Instagram and 17,000 on Facebook, they post a variety of content daily with great engagement from followers.
All social media engagements are also monitored daily to ensure that all interactions are responded to in a timely
WEST Cork Connect, a privately owned, family-run business, is Cork’s new, smarter and affordable bus service from West Cork to Cork City. West Cork Connect offers services to the public, at nearly 40% less than the current national bus service to Cork City - covering the majority of West Cork towns and villages. The team at WCC are committed to offering their customers the best service and best value.
manner, giving customers the satisfaction that their questions will be answered promptly.
The company’s track record speaks for itself with over 200 reviews on Trustpilot with a current rating of 4.5 ‘Excellent’. They also have a 4.6 / 5 rating on facebook reviews and a 4.5 rating on google reviews.
023 88 33780
info@hennessytimbergroup.com www.hennessyoutdoors.ie
This focus ensures that they cater to a wider West Cork community, whether they are commuting to work, tourists to West Cork, students or patients going to hospital appointments. Despite COVID-19 restrictions coming into effect one month after WCC was launched, the business was allowed under Government strict guidelines to continue to operate, at reduced capacity with strict hygiene measures in place. It was a very difficult and challenging time but being a small company, they responded to the challenge and the Governmental guidelines, all the while providing a public service that helped get essential workers to their work-
place, children to school and others who had to travel on public services. Being a small company allows the team to go above and beyond with the personal touch and ensure each customer is made to feel welcome by the friendly staff and skilled drivers. They have a 24-hour customer service; by phone and digitally. Their reviews demonstrate how this translates into positive five- star feedback. To further enhance their customers experience, they have a real-time bustracker. This data allows
WCC to find potential and on-going issues, so they can take immediate action and eliminate or at least minimise the impact on the customer’s journey via re-routing or guiding drivers on necessary actions. The tracker allows customers to monitor estimated times of arrival, potential delays, and make decisions based on this information. This reduces passenger stress thereby increasing customer satisfaction.
021 701 1288
info@westcorkconnect.ie www.westcorkconnect.ie
A top class and affordable bus service for the areaDamien Long and Jennifer Allan of West Cork Connect. Veronica and Maurice Kelleher of Curragh Farm Lodges. (Photos: Andy Gibson)
THE stylish Maritime Hotel is set on Bantry Bay amid the three rugged peninsulas of Mizen Head, Sheep’s Head and Beara.
The hotel opened 15 years ago and offers contemporary accommodation with luxurious bedrooms, featuring one- and two-bedroom suites which are ideal for families, offering many of the comforts of home in beautiful Bantry.
The hotel offers amenities such as The Ocean Restaurant and The Maritime Bar, Club Maritime and YouTime treatment rooms. 19m swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, a fully-equipped gymnasium and a fitness class room. Since opening, the hotel has always been looking at ways to improve
their customer service and with a 4.5-star rating and over 1742 reviews on TripAdvisor, the standards are certainly being met. All staff receive regular high-quality training in order to ensure customer satisfaction and excel in their field of work. 120 people are employed at the hotel and the team are committed to conserving resources and saving energy in many different ways. They are a Gold Medal accredited Green Hospitality Award Member. This programme recognizes businesses that make an effort to take care of the environment. They have also been awarded a Silver Ribbon in the ENAT World Tourism for all Quality Accommodation category, indicating that the
premises, facilities, customer services and information exceed the universal access requirements. Visitors to the Maritime Hotel don’t just get a great accommodation service, the hotel also teams up with local amenities to offer discounts to guests. They also provide an array of concerts and events for the local West Cork people to enjoy, and have been lucky to welcome national and world renowned artists to West Cork. Hundreds of inlets, tiny coves, safe harbours and blue flag beaches are just right on the doorstep of the hotel for long active days in the salty air.
027 54700 info@themaritime.ie www.themaritime.ie
CLONAKILTY Food Company
are passionate about bringing great tasting quality products into the homes of customers. Their story dates back to the 1880s where Clonakilty Blackpudding was first made using a secret recipe, passed down through the generations in Edward Twomey’s family butcher shop. Since then, they have grown their collection of products to include white pudding, sausages, rashers, and veggie pudding.
They are proud Guaranteed Irish members and Origin Green Gold members. Their commitment is to expand their range of products, and to do so using Irish sourced ingredients and sustainable methods where possible.
At Clonakilty Food Company they operate a food manufacturing plant, they own and operate Edward Twomey’s Butcher Shop in Clonakilty and in 2020 added Clonakilty Blackpudding Visitor Centre.
Clonakilty Blackpudding
Visitor Centre offers visitors an immersive tour of this famous Irish Food Company. Visitors experience the story of Clonakilty Blackpudding through a guided or self-guided tour with multi-sensory interactive displays and visual displays. During the visitor experience,
visitors can discover what life was like in rural Ireland back in the late 1880s while learning the history of Clonakilty Blackpudding and how it has evolved through the ages. The tour takes visitors right into the heart of an Irish food story that is filled with a strong sense of family, tradition and Clonakilty pride.
Homegrown in West Cork, Global Shares manages employee stock plans for some of the world’s biggest companies. Headquartered in Clonakilty, it is a leading global fintech provider of employee ownership solutions, with 19 offices worldwide, 650 staff and exports to 100+ countries.
Global Shares’ mission is to simplify employee ownership, and create a world where employees can grow, develop and share in the wealth created by the success of the companies for which they work. Global Shares’ team has spent more than a decade developing the industry’s first truly global technology platform.
Visitors can learn how Clonakilty’s Blackpudding original recipe dates back to the 1880’s, when Johanna O’Brien, a farmer’s wife, from Sam’s Cross, Co. Cork, wanted to subsidise the household income by making black pudding for Harrington’s butcher shop in Clonakilty. That same butcher shop remains in Clonakilty town today, now owned by the Twomey Family who bought the shop and its secret recipe in 1976.
is now the sole guardian of the secret recipe. Visitors finish their trip with some samples of Clonakilty products. Clonakilty Blackpudding Visitor Centre is a family friendly experience, where everyone is welcome. Through each touchpoint they show Irish consumers what goes into creating one of Irelands most loved brands, a story and a secret recipe that dates back to the 1800s, a shop that is a cornerstone of the local community and a product range that is loved locally, nationally and internationally.
Clonakilty Food Company seeks to employ a workforce which reflects the diverse community at large because it values the individual contribution of people.
023 88 34835
Colette Twomey
info@clonakiltyblackpudding.ie www.clonakiltyblackpudding.ie
The one-stop solution integrates complex employee share plan components into a seamless, easy-to-use administration solution. Products and services include share plan administration, brokerage, tax and financial reporting, global compliance and MiFID/FINRA regulatory services. Fundamental to the company’s success is having the best global IT platform and the ability to stay ahead of demand for new software. Today, Global Shares is one of only three truly global provid-
Aisling Riordan of Global Shares. ers for the employee share plans industry. Its solutions cover the entire company lifecycle and caters to corporates worldwide. It has an expansive client base of over 600 corporate clients that range from early-stage start-ups to mature multinational public corporations. The firm has nearly $200 billion in assets under administration across 650,000 corporate employee participants. It operates with an experienced team of 650 employees, with its main base
in Clonakilty but with 18 further locations globally. In August 2022 Global Shares became part of J.P. Morgan. The combination of Global Shares and J.P. Morgan provides new, innovative capabilities to private and public companies globally and helps their employees build and manage their wealth. Global Shares’ solutions deliver unmatched simplicity, agility and value. The company is regulated under MiFID and FINRA. www.globalshares.com
Helping employees share the success of their employersColette Twomey and Conor Dempsey of Clonakilty Food Co. Elaine Dempsey, Noel O’Donovan and Danielle O’Rourke of the Maritime Hotel. (Photos: Andy Gibson)
ACCESS Credit Union is proud to sponsor this year’s West Cork Young Businessperson of the Year award, which recognises and supports young, dynamic and creative business people, under the age of 35, in West Cork.
West Cork has a great tradition of entrepreneurship, with many successful businesses having started and grown in the region. The area is renowned for its artisan food production, with a range of local producers creating high-quality, locally-sourced products that are sought after both at home and abroad. This is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of the people of West Cork.
With the introduction of the Ludgate Hub, West Cork has become attractive for tech companies also. This initiative has attracted many young entrepreneurs to the region, who are taking advantage of the resources available to them in West Cork to start and grow their own businesses.
These awards are a great
benefit to showcasing the fantastic range of businesses we have here in West Cork.
Access Credit Union is a community-based financial institution dedicated to supporting local businesses and helping them thrive. It has three offices, with its head office in Skibbereen and branches in Bandon and Schull.
Their business loans are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of their members and provide them with the funds they need to grow and succeed.
‘We are delighted to sponsor the West Cork Young Businessperson of the Year award,’ said Tony Hughes, CEO of Access Credit Union. “We believe it is important to support and recognise the contributions of young entrepreneurs to our local economy, and we are proud to be a part of this initiative.”
One of the key benefits of taking a business loan from Access Credit Union is that the funds are invested back into the local economy. For every €10 spent locally on Irish products, more than
‘ e loan I took from Access Credit Union allowed me to expand my business and invest in new equipment. e competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms made it easy for me to manage my finances and focus on growing my business.’
€40 of benefit is generated in the local community (ISME). This means that by choosing to borrow from Access Credit Union, businesses are not only investing in their own success, but also supporting the local economy and contributing to its growth and sustainability.
Access Credit Union also offers Cultivate Farm loans to its farming members in West Cork, these loans are specially tailored to the farming community in order to help them improve their farms, purchase new equipment and expand their business.
In addition to supporting the local economy, Access Credit Union’s business loans also offer a range of other benefits for businesses. Their competitive interest rates and flexible
repayment terms make it easy for businesses to manage their finances and ensure they have the funds they need to grow and thrive.
‘We understand that every business is unique and has its own specific needs, that’s why we work closely with our members to tailor a loan that suits their individual situation,’ said Karen Farr, Lending Manager at Access Credit Union. ‘Our goal is to help our members achieve their business goals while also supporting the local economy.’
Many businesses in West Cork have already benefited from taking a business loan from Access Credit Union.
Faye Bolger, Owner and Head Chef of Bally Bia in Bal-
lydehob, West Cork, said, ‘The loan I took from Access Credit Union allowed me to expand my business and invest in new equipment. The competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms made it easy for me to manage my finances and focus on growing my business.’
By choosing to take a business loan from Access Credit Union, businesses in West Cork can not only invest in
their own success but also support the local economy and contribute to its growth and sustainability.
For more information on their business and farm loans, please visit www.accesscu.ie or call them on (028) 21883 today.
And for all the young entrepreneurs, who entered the West Cork Young Businessperson of the Year award, the very best of luck from all at Access Credit Union.
BANTRY Bay Boat Hire Ltd. offers guided boat tours, sea safaris, food tours, guided kayaking tours, kayak and standup paddle board hire, and boat rental in Bantry Bay. They also offer kayaking camps for children, school tours and a variety of bespoke tours in Bantry Bay.
Aaron O’Sullivan, 31, established the successful business five years ago. Taking that first step to start his business was a moment he’ll never forget at such a young age. He knew what his business could mean for Bantry and West Cork and his strong belief in the busi-
ness kept him moving forward with it. As he grew up sailing and boating in the Bay from a young age, he saw a unique opportunity to create something positive on the water. There was a demand by locals and tourists to learn about Bantry Bay, get an understanding of the famous mussel farming industry, taste the seafood produced in the very waters and so he’s continued to innovate and craft unique guided tours which share all of this with everyone. His business continues to go from strength to strength every year, presenting an increasing range of products
to customers. He also continues to work closely with local businesses to collaborate on events and extend the tour offerings which brings extended benefits to local suppliers and also increases visitors to Whiddy Island. The business has over 7,000 followers on social media, has featured on several blogger and celebrity social media posts, featured on Fáilte Ireland collaborations and achieved a Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Award for two consecutive years. 083 888 1102
info@bantrybayboathire.ie www.bantrybayboathire.ie
AYRIE comes from the Irish word ‘éirí’ meaning ‘to rise’. Ayrie is one of the first of its kind, helping women from West Cork and further afield to live a better quality of life through holistic lifestyle and mindset coaching. Set up by Aisling Vaughan, 29, Aisling and her team believe in an education-based approach to food, exercise and weight loss and have helped 100s of women achieve and maintain life changing results.
The mindset and personal development part of Ayrie helps women build better selfesteem and self-confidence while giving them clarity on their values and goals for the future.
Aisling has shown great determination and courage in continuing to pursue a business that was directly effected by the pandemic. During Covid, she was forced to close her in person coaching business in Sydney, Australia and like many, she created an online offering to help people stay healthy during lockdowns. She decided to move home in July 2020 and establish her new business in West Cork.
Community is one of the most powerful elements of Ayrie and there is an opportunity for likeminded women to connect and belong to a group of genuinely caring and inspiring individuals who support one another in
Aisling Vaughan. their endeavours. A large contingent of the group are based in West Cork but also overseas including UK, Canada, USA, UAE and Australia. While the coaching is 1-1 and personalised to every individual, they meet online twice a week for zoom workshops as a group.
Ayrie also hosts meetups, such as coffees and walks around Cork, cycling trips, hiking, weekends away and ‘AYRIE LIVE’ which is their annual conference for personal development, planning
27-YEAR-OLD Tim Casey launched Cork Grassland Services in January 2018. The business now employs six full-time staff and five part-time staff with plans for expansion. Tim is an Agricultural consultant that specialises in grass measuring for dairy farmers. He walks a farmer’s farm weekly and uses a device called a plate meter to measure the quantity of grass in each field. He currently measures approximately 225 farms a week across Cork, from Goleen to Mitchelstown, with a high percentage of clients being in West Cork.
and workshops. Most recently, Ayrie organised a bunch of enthusiastic ladies to complete ‘The 3n3’ which saw the group climb three of Ireland’s largest mountains in three days to raise money for a women’s initiative with the Irish Cancer Society. It was a huge success with the group raising €5000 for charity as well as having a weekend of craic and connection while being active in the outdoors.
instagram.com/coach_ashyv www.ayrie.ie
Due to new nitrate derogation regulations, all farmers in derogation will have to complete a minimum of 20 grass measurements a year in 2023. This is great news for Tim’s business, as it’s causing a surge in new clients. He is hoping to measure close to 400 farms a week in 2023. After measuring, Tim provides farmers with an overview of the grass supply on their farm. Based on these results, he advises farmers what supplementary feed is needed each week and when to cut out surplus grass as silage. This allows the farmer to be as efficient as possible and maximise milk production. He also teaches farmers
to measure grass themselves. He does one-to-one consultations and PastureBase Ireland tutorials on Zoom. This year, in collaboration with independent Agri consultants in Cork, he has trained approximately 800 farmers to measure grass. He also provides a farm mapping and soil sampling service. All farm mapping is done with drones. He has several collaborative agreements with other
businesses, ranging from body condition scoring services and livestock sales. Tim has also set up a new business with his business partner, using radar to measure grass. They are hoping to bring it to market in the next 12-18 months. This service will remove the need to walk your farm to measure grass.
086 126 4542 info@corkgrass.com, www.corkgrasslandservices.ie
e West Cork Business and Tourism Awards pitch night was held in AIB, Skibbereen on Tuesday evening, December 6th, 2022. Finalists in each category were invited to give a presentation about their businesses before the judges and the audience on the night. is page, clockwise from top: Elaine Dempsey of e Maritime Hotel in Bantry (finalist in the Best Medium/Large Business category) making her presentation. Finalists Lena Angland, Wanderful; Sharon Huggard, e Style Coach and Anthony O’Donovan of Masterkabin (category sponsor). Some of the large attendance on the night. John Ryan, Team Lead Manager, AIB, who acted as MC on the night.
Who will win the special award for best pitch? Find out at the gala luncheon on February 3rd!
en Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan presenting Keohane Seafoods with the award for Overall West Cork Business of the Year 2019 in the company of Tim Lucey, CEO of Cork County Council and Sean Mahon, MD, Southern Star Media. 2019 was the last time the West Cork Business & Tourism awards were held prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
BRIGITTE Wagner-Halswick of Rowa Pharmaceuticals, Bantry, winner of the 2022 Business Ambassador Award at the West Cork Business and Tourism Awards, said the award means a great deal for Rowa but is primarily a huge achievement for her staff.
‘To receive such a prestigious award means a huge amount for me and for Rowa as one of the main employers in Bantry, but the achievement is all down to my team here.’
Rowa was founded by Mrs Wagner’s late husband Roland, a German industrialist, and takes its name from his initials. Roland Wagner travelled to West Cork in 1959 planning to set up an Irish branch of his firm Rowa Wagner Germany, eventually settling on Bantry. The transport infrastructure in West Cork at that time was lacking which led Roland Wagner to build an airstrip in Bantry to enable him to travel easily between Cork and Germany, flying his own-twin engine Cessna, his wife Brigitte also held a pilot licence.
When Roland Wagner died in 1979, his wife took over the company. At that time, Rowa had a small number of staff, the Irish economy was on a downward turn and the town of Bantry was still reeling from the aftermath of the tanker explosion at Whiddy at that start of that year. It was a challenging time, but Mrs Wagner was determined the company would pull through, and Rowa now ranks among the top Irish companies, exporting to 80 countries worldwide.
Taking the reins of the company following her husband’s death was testing says Mrs Wagner, but she was confident she would succeed which she attributes to the support she received from the local community who immediately accepted her.
‘It was hard at first when I took over. I needed to make the right contacts for the company, and for a woman at that time, if I was invited out to dinner,
after the meal there would be two separate rooms, the gentlemen would go into one to drink whiskey, and the women would stay in the other room. I don’t drink whiskey but I insisted I joined the men.’ Mrs Wagner also travelled extensively to build up contacts. ‘As a woman I travelled alone to Saudi Arabia to build up our business in the middle east, and after the unification of Germany in 1989 I went directly to meet contacts in Russia, Poland, and Bulgaria.’
Rowa now employs eighty staff, the majority of whom are based locally, and Mrs Wagner stresses that the company is committed to remaining in the area. ‘Eighty families are dependent on us, they’ve built their houses here, they have children, I feel very responsible for my staff and management team.’ She outlines that the company is a major contributor to the local economy. ‘The wage bill
going into Bantry from Rowa every week is huge, that’s all local people who live within in a twenty to thirty mile catchment area of Bantry so all that money is being spent locally which is hugely important to the economy of Bantry.’
The wage bill, is not the company’s only contribution to the area says Mrs Wagner, when asked for donations from local groups and events, she insists on giving gift vouchers for the Bantry Business Association to ensure that the money is spent locally.
Rowa’s location in rural West Cork doesn’t cause any issues for the company. ‘We are probably the furthest pharmaceutical company from Dublin, it is an unusual location for such a company, but I like Bantry. We have been here since 1959 and I believe you get very good people working here because they like the location and the lifestyle that goes with it. They want to raise
their families in a better environment, they’re here for the long-term and they’re settled in the area which is good for us as a company.’
Rowa is hugely committed to supporting the local community with various events, making donations, and Mrs Wagner makes her private property available for use for organisations such at the Bantry Agricultural Show, and this year will make her land available to host the National Rowing Championships.
Rowa’s biggest philanthropic achievement is their commitment to the Bantry Hospice Project. In 2008, Mrs Wagner became a founding member of the Bantry Hospice Project Committee which raises funds for building palliative care units within Bantry General Hospital. To date, the fund has raised over €1.5 million. Mrs Wagner says that when she was asked to be involved in the project, she was adamant she
arship programme we have people working in the laboratory. I am a great believer, entrepreneurs should do more for their communities.’
The past few years of the pandemic have been challenging for many companies, but Rowa were in a strong position at the start.
‘It was difficult, I was unable to travel to Ireland due to the travel restrictions, but I have wonderful loyal people working for me. We were only able to meet online, but I can trust my people and I think trust is the most important thing in business. We already had high stock levels to see us through Brexit, but then came the pandemic, so we were able to fulfil our orders.’
wanted to be an active member. ‘A lot of businesses will throw money at an issue, but you need to be involved. I sit on the board for Bantry Hospice, I’m involved in decision making, I push hard with the HSE, I’m not shy, I speak out. It’s not just about the money, you need to get involved.’
Supporting education also plays a major role in the company’s ethos. Since 1999, Rowa have awarded a third level scholarship to a student at Coláiste Pobail Bheanntrai.
The company works closely with University College Cork, and University College Limerick taking students on placements in the laboratory and also on marketing placements.
‘Whenever I can, I support education, that is the most important thing. We as entrepreneurs have to give young people opportunities.
‘Rowa has students coming in practically every day to look at the factory. With our schol-
Mrs Wagner splits her time between Bantry, and Cologne, but said she enjoys the West Cork lifestyle. ‘I love the area, I like the people, I work very hard but in the evenings, I walk my dogs over the fields to my airstrip. It’s a very different life to my life in Cologne. In Cologne, I’m running our company there, I go to the opera, the theatre. I’m also Honorary Consul of Ireland in Germany and I am heavily involved with that. So when I come to Bantry, I’m not saying it’s more relaxing, but it is refreshing be able to be outside more often.’
Mrs Wagner believes their success in their export market is down to maintaining personal contacts with all the companies they deal with.
In 2019 the company celebrated a major milestone when it marked it’s sixtieth anniversary in Bantry, with an event at the Maritime Hotel chaired by broadcaster and local resident Graham Norton.
Company owners from over 55 countries worldwide made the commitment to travel to Bantry to help Rowa celebrate their remarkable achievement.
Going forward Rowa are looking forward to developing their domestic market, while continuing to expand their export market.
