Coffee, cleaning and camogie – we speak to young businesswoman Róisín Wynne

The Clare Echo is proud to be media partner of The Clare Business Excellence Awards. In the lead-up to the Gala Awards ceremony on Thursday, November 19, 2026 at the Rine Hotel, The Clare Echo is doing a Business Spotlight series sponsored by AMQ Accountants and Auditors. This week we speak to the youngest person ever to appear in this series, Róisín Wynne of Route 85 Drive-Thru Coffee.

When you were smaller, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A Teacher 

Tell us about your career progression to date?
My career has taken a slightly different direction from what I originally imagined! I completed a masters in marketing management at 20. While completing my masters we opened route 85. What started as a family venture has now expanded beyond what I had dreamed of and I’m incredibly proud of what I have achieved.

What’s the most enjoyable aspect of what you do? 
I take great satisfaction from planning and organising events where every occasion brings a new challenge and an opportunity to bring something different. I thrive on variety. To me the excitement of growing and evolving is what makes everyday rewarding

What motivates you? 
My family and my future self are a huge motivation for me. I want to continue building something that we can all be proud of. I’m also motivated by seeing the business grow, setting ourselves new goals and constantly finding ways to improve. I love a challenge and get great satisfaction from seeing an idea come successfully to life… long may that continue

What advice do you have for your 15 year old self? 
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have everything figured out. Things won’t always go exactly as you planned, but sometimes the unexpected opportunities turn out to be the best ones. Take chances and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

If you weren’t in this job, what do you think you’d be doing now? 
I’m not sure what I would be doing but I know I could never sit at a desk all day

What’s your greatest life or career achievement to date? 
Being nominated for Best Food Truck in Ireland at the Irish Restaurant Awards on numerous occasions is something I am incredibly proud of.  Attending the Irish Open this year was another real highlight. We are currently in discussion with another exiting venture but that is a secret for now!!

Who or what is the biggest influence on your life? 
Without a doubt, my mam, Mary. She is my biggest influence, both personally and professionally. I admire her work ethic, determination and the way she approaches everything she does. Working alongside her in our family business makes it even more special. I learn from her every day, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her support and encouragement. She may be the boss but I’m in charge…

What’s the life dream now? 
My ultimate dream for route 85 is to see it continue to grow and expand into a hugely successful and recognised brand. I would love to see it become a household name while never losing the personal touch and family values that we have worked so hard to make special. And of course, if all that hard work makes us wealthy along the way I certainly won’t complain.

How do you switch off? 
This might be a strange answer, but I love cleaning! I find it really therapeutic and love having everything organised. I also love to read.

When are you at your happiest? 
On a sun holiday with my friends & my kindle

Do you have any hidden talents?
I’m not sure if it is a talent but running a business gives you the ability to juggle 100 things all at once

What might we be surprised to know about you? 
Last year I decided to return to camogie after 9 years. On the first night at training I was marking my sister and broke my foot. I went to a physio only to discover I have scoliosis which sometimes now dictates my day to day role at route 85. Unfortunately I can’t blame my sister for it all…

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