Winners of Clare Business Excellence Awards toast success at county’s premier business accolades

*Mike Carroll of Tierney’s presents the New Business Award to members of Beo at The Well. Photograph: Mike Mulcaire

CLARE’s premier business awards have been handed out for 2025 with twenty accolades on offer.

There wasn’t a seat to be had at Clare Business Excellence Awards 2025 Gala Ceremony at the Inn at Dromoland last Thursday hosted by Ennis Chamber in partnership with Clare County Council.

This year’s event marked the 15th running of these prestigious local awards. Big winners on the night included O’Connor’s Bakery, for ‘Best Family Business’ and the overall award for ‘Clare Business of the Year’.

Mick Guinee was the very worthy recipient of the inaugural Ennis Chamber President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement. He received a standing ovation for his contribution to the region as an engineer, employer, entrepreneur, innovator and philanthropist.

Relative newcomers BEO -The Well scooped two category awards for ‘Best Café’ and ‘Best New Business’. Zimmer Biomet took the honours for ‘Best Manufacturer’ while Lahinch Coast Hotel won what is traditionally considered the hardest fought category – ‘Customer Service Excellence’.

MC for the Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony was comedian and author Colm O’Regan, who brought professionalism and a lot of laughter to the room.

Ennis Chamber President Diarmuid McMahon said, “Clare Business Excellence Awards 2025 culminated in what was a fantastic night of celebration and entertainment. I’d like to congratulate the winners and all the finalists. The quality of the businesses represented in the room, from micro to multi-nationals was a proud testament to the calibre of businesses operating across County Clare.

“This event has deservedly gained a reputation as the premier annual event in the business calendar of County Clare and it lived up to that billing this year. I would like to congratulate the hard-working team at Ennis Chamber, led by CEO Margaret O’Brien on producing such a well-organised and fun event. It was a special night of celebration.”

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr. Paul Murphy (FG) said, “Clare County Council was once again delighted to partner Ennis Chamber in presenting the Clare Business Excellence Awards. It was a pleasure to welcome so many Clare based businesses to the awards ceremony. The diversity and innovation of the businesses present was a positive reflection of a vibrant and sustainable local economy, and their success a testament to the resilience and determination they have demonstrated in recent years by overcoming many challenges”.

Clare Business Excellence Award winners 2025:

‘CLARE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2025’

Sponsored by Clare County Council
Winner: O’Connor’s Bakery

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES EXCELLENCE

Sponsored by Bank of Ireland

Winner: Ciara Petty Design Studio

BEST CAFE/BISTRO

Sponsored by AIB

Winner: BEO – The Well

BEST RESTAURANT

Sponsored by AIB

Winner: The Harbour Restaurant (Kilrush)

RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Clean Ireland Recycling

Winner: Holly’s Haven Pharmacy

BEST MICRO BUSINESS (employing 10 people or less)

Sponsored by Clare Local Enterprise Office
Winner: People & Place

BEST FAMILY BUSINESS

Sponsored by MHP Sellors

Winner: O’Connor’s Bakery

BEST USE OF DIGITAL MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Sponsored by the Clare Echo

Winner: Doolin Ferry Company

BEST GREEN & SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

Sponsored by Rengen Power

Winner: Dromoland Castle Resort

BEST TOURISM EXPERIENCE

Sponsored by TUS

Winner: Caherconnell Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations

BEST HOSPITALITY IN CLARE

Sponsored by The Shannon Airport Group

Winner: Shannon Springs Hotel

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Sponsored by Ennis Chamber

Awarded to: Mick Guinee, founder and long-serving CEO of Ei Electronics who was honoured for his immense legacy to County Clare and the Mid-West region, as an employer, entrepreneur, innovator and philanthropist.