Evan Hanley of TFI Local Link, Seán Torpey of Torpey, Ennis Chamber President Frank Holly, Rosie McMahon from Shannon Estuary Way, TFI Local Link’s Cillian Griffey and Lisa Glynn of Shannon Springs Hotel.
THE finalists of the 2026 Clare Business Excellence Awards have been announced.
The Clare Business Excellence Awards hosted by Ennis Chamber in partnership with Clare County Council, once again attracted high calibre entries from every corner of the county. The shortlist of finalists was announced at a soapbox breakfast hosted by Ennis Chamber at the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis.
Amongst the businesses shortlisted included former category winners, Wix & Wax Ireland, BEO – The Well, Doolin Ferry Company, amongst many others.
Ennis Chamber President Frank Holly, owner of Holly’s Vital Pharmacy on Abbey Street in Ennis, said, “It’s no mean feat to make it through as a finalist this year because the competition was red hot.
“We were delighted to receive our adjudicators’ results, to see that this year’s line-up features a range of businesses from small and medium to large, representing a host of sectors”.
The Awards Gala promises to be a lively event. It will take place on Thursday, November 19th at The Rine Hotel. The MC is stand-up comedian and author Colm O’Regan.
The Categories and Finalists for 2026 are:
Best Green & Sustainable Practices (Sponsored by Rengen Power):
Burren Beef & Farm Experience
Cahir Environmental Services (CES)
Dromoland Castle Holdings
Shannon Estuary Way Retreat and Academy
Best Micro Business (Sponsored by Clare Local Enterprise Office):
Berka Solutions
Borrow a Geek
Lyons Garages
Wix & Wax Ireland
Professional Services (Sponsored by Bank of Ireland):
AMQ Accountants & Auditors
Honan Financial Services
Little Rock Digital Marketing
TFI Local Link
Best Family Business (Sponsored by MHP Sellors):
Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
Cassidy’s Pub & Restaurant
Route 85
Western Herd Brewery
Best New Business (Sponsored by Tierney’s):
Afterschool Adventures
BEO – The Well
Green Impact Sustainability Consulting
IPERA
Best SME (Sponsored by CupPrint):
Advanced Technical Concepts (ATC)
Cahir Environmental Services (CES)
Fitzgerald Energy Solutions
Best use of Digital Marketing/Social Media (Sponsored by The Clare Echo):
Cruises Bar
Doolin Ferry Company
My First Steps
Peaceful Paws
Business for Social Impact (Sponsored by Essilor Luxottica):
Employability Clare
St Francis Credit Union
Zimmer Biomet
Innovation in Business (Sponsored by PTSB):
Aviation Digital Partners
Torpey
Zuhause Gesund
Best Hospitality (Sponsored by The Shannon Airport Group):
The Rine
TIGL Hotel (Doonbeg)
Shannon Springs
Best Tourism Experience (Sponsored by TUS):
Doolin Ferry Company
Aillwee Burren Experience
Shannon Aviation Museum
Doolin Cave
Best Place to Eat (restaurant) (Sponsored by AIB):
Gate 96 (Ennis)
The Harbour Restaurant (Kilrush)
Town Hall (Ennis)
Best Place to Eat (Café) (Sponsored by AIB):
Beag (Kilrush)
Dodi (Lahinch)
Le Chéile (Barefield
Best Retailer (Sponsored by Clean Ireland Recycling):
Aillwee – The Farm Shop
County Boutique
My First Steps
Torpey
Customer Service Excellence (Sponsored by Xeinadin):
O’Connor’s (O’Connell Street)
Peaceful Paws
St. Francis Credit Union
TFI Local Link
