For Irish eyes at home and abroad, here are Barry Walsh’s recommendations for SMEs you can support as Ireland’s national day approaches.
According to research from CheckOut Magazine when asked about what they missed the most about home Irish people said:
- Crisps consistently ranked as the most missed food item with 29% of people surveyed saying they missed Tayto Crisps
- Tea Barry’s Tea (30% missed it a lot/16% missed it most),
- Butter Kerrygold (38% missed it a lot/12% missed it most) and
- Chocolate Cadbury (37% missed it a lot/10% missed it most).
- Denny’s Rashers and Guinness Both tied at 19% for being missed “a lot” by Irish people abroad.
So to that end I thought I’d look at smaller Irish businesses that Irish people at home or abroad can enjoy from these categories. I’ll also include different hamper collections from Irish businesses that you can support this St Patrick’s Day.
Crisps
Joe’s Farm Crisps, based in Killeagh, East Cork, Ireland, is a family-run business that has innovatively transformed their farm produce into delicious crisps. Founded by Joe and Sandra Burns in 2014, the company offers a unique range of hand-cooked crisps made from vegetables such as beetroot, carrot, and parsnip, as well as mixed potato varieties including purple, pink, and white potatoes. All crisps are seasoned with Achill Island Sea Salt and are gluten-free. The business was born out of necessity during a supermarket price war, which prompted the couple to diversify their farming operations. Their crisps have gained popularity and won several awards, including the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards and Great Taste Awards.
Keogh’s Farm is a family-run business in North County Dublin, renowned for producing high-quality potatoes and artisanal crisps. The Keogh family has been farming the land for over 200 years, and since 2011, they have been hand-cooking their crisps in small batches using potatoes grown on their farm and the finest sunflower oil. Their crisps come in a variety of flavours, including Mature Irish Cheese and Onion, Irish Atlantic Sea Salt, Shamrock and Sour Cream, and Sweet Chilli. Keogh’s is committed to sustainability, operating as a carbon-neutral business and supporting projects in Ethiopia. Their products are gluten-free and MSG-free, reflecting their dedication to quality and environmental responsibility.
Manhattan is particularly renowned for its crisps, which come in three distinct flavours: Cheese and Onion, Salt and Vinegar, and Smoky Bacon. All Manhattan crisps flavours are suitable for vegetarians, with the Smoky Bacon option also being vegan-friendly. The crisps are available in various pack sizes, including 35g bags and larger share bags for Cheese and Onion and Salt and Vinegar flavours. Manhattan’s commitment to quality and simplicity has made their crisps a staple in many Irish shops and pubs
O’Donnell’s Crisps is Ireland’s leading hand-cooked crisp brand, renowned for its high-quality products made from homegrown Tipperary potatoes. Established in 2010 by Ed O’Donnell, their crisps are cooked in small batches using 100% sunflower oil and are free from artificial colours, flavours, and MSG. The core range includes flavours like Mature Cheese & Red Onion, Irish Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt, Ballymaloe Relish & Cheddar Cheese, and more. O’Donnell’s crisps are widely available across Ireland in major retailers and have won several awards, including the Great Taste Award and Blas na hEireann Gold
A brand that focuses on better-for-you snacks with a positive, vibrant approach. Known for their unique “popped” manufacturing process, which involves using heat and pressure to transform potato pellets into crispy chips without frying. This method results in a lighter and crunchier snack with fewer calories compared to traditional fried chips. Popchips are available in various flavours, including Sour Cream & Onion, Barbecue, and more. They are gluten-free, contain no artificial flavours or colours, and are suitable for vegetarians. The brand emphasises a vibrant and positive lifestyle, promoting snacks that are both enjoyable and better for you
Tea and Coffee
Tea
Clement & Pekoe is an independent, Dublin-based business specialising in high-grade loose-leaf teas and direct-trade coffees. With locations on South William Street and Blessington Street, the company has grown from a modest market stall to a respected name in Dublin’s specialty beverage scene. Their flagship café on South William Street, opened in September 2011, serves as both a retail store and a relaxed neighbourhood hangout. Clement & Pekoe commitment to quality is evident in their carefully curated menu of teas and coffees, sourced from around the world, and their partnerships with local bakeries and roasters. The company has played a significant role in growing the specialty tea and coffee market in Ireland, adapting their offerings to meet evolving consumer tastes while maintaining a focus on excellence and education in brewing methods
Niks Tea is an award-winning supplier of bespoke and specialty teas from around the world. Founded in 2012, the company began testing the waters at local farmers’ markets and wellness food events. Niks Tea has since expanded to become a prominent name in the specialty tea market, offering a wide range of loose-leaf teas, compostable tea bags produced & packed at Niks Tea HQ in Dublin . They are committed to sustainability, achieving Bord Bia Origin Green status every year since in 2019, and focus on sourcing organic tea varieties and a modern twist on traditional brews. Some of their popular products include Bedtime Kiss Sleep Tea, Irish Whiskey Cream Liqueur & Irish Whiskey Hot Toddy. A twist on Traditional Irish Tea brews. While Niks Tea is primarily based in Ireland, stockists include Tesco, Health Stores, Supervalu & Speciality food stores their products are shipped throughout Europe & the US direct to customers from their Online website www.nikstea.ie and available through wholesale platforms like Faire & Musgrave Marketplace & Amazon UK.
Solaris Tea is a family-run business based in Galway, founded by husband-and-wife duo Jörg and Karin Müller, both qualified Medical Herbalists. Createdin 2003, the company specialises in blending high-quality, organic whole-leaf teas, including green, white, oolong, and flowering teas. Solaris Tea is renowned for its commitment to sustainability, using biodegradable packaging and sourcing ingredients directly from tea plantations to ensure fair trade practices. The company has received numerous awards, including 13 Great Taste Awards, and exports its products to several countries, including the UK, where it has been a supplier to prestigious retailers like Harrods since 2009. Solaris Tea’s mission is to provide delicious, health-promoting teas while maintaining a strong focus on environmental and social responsibility.
Wall & Keogh is a Dublin-based loose leaf tea company founded in December 2010. Specialising in premium, top-grade loose leaf teas, the company has established itself as a leading supplier for the island of Ireland. Their commitment to quality is evident in their constant learning approach, with the founders regularly visiting tea gardens worldwide to ensure they source the finest products.
The company operates a café and store in Portobello, Dublin, offering a full food menu including brunch, lunch, and afternoon tea, as well as their own roasted coffee. Wall & Keogh product range includes a variety of black, green, yellow, and white teas, with popular blends such as Irish Breakfast, Earl Grey, and unique creations like “Put The Cat Out” and “Life of Britain”. They also offer wholesale services to stockists passionate about quality tea and ship their products worldwide.
Coffee
Founded by Colin Harmon in 2009, is a pioneering specialty coffee roaster and café chain based in Dublin, Ireland. Known for its high-quality, expertly roasted coffee, 3fe has become a benchmark for specialty coffee in Ireland. The company operates in 8 locations, including its flagship café on Grand Canal Street, where it offers a variety of coffee blends and single-origin coffees, along with a menu of breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. 3fe also provides coffee tasting courses and brewing classes, further enhancing its reputation as a hub for coffee enthusiasts. The company’s commitment to quality is evident in its direct sourcing of beans from around the world and its focus on creating unique flavour profiles that change seasonally.
Badger & Dodo is a boutique coffee roaster based in Cork, renowned for its high-quality specialty coffees. Established in 2008, it was one of the first artisan small-batch specialty coffee roasters in Ireland. They specialise in sourcing single-origin and estate-grown coffees, which are roasted fresh to order using various roast profiles. Their offerings include popular blends like Blackwater Blend and Jam Jar Espresso, as well as a variety of single-origin coffees. Badger & Dodo also provides a range of coffee brewing equipment and supplies. With locations at Barrack Street and South Mall in Cork, they regularly participate in local markets like Midleton and Douglas. The company promotes sustainability by offering discounts for customers who use reusable cups and containers.
Bean in Dingle is a family-run specialty coffee roaster and café located on Green Street in Dingle, County Kerry. Founded by brothers Justin and Luke Burgess in 2015, it aims to provide a welcoming and educational experience for customers interested in specialty coffee. Bean in Dingle sources high-quality beans and roasts them locally, offering a unique blend that includes beans from Brazil, Guatemala, and Ethiopia. The café is known for its cozy atmosphere and serves a variety of specialty drinks alongside locally produced artisan foods. It has become a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a friendly approach to coffee education and a menu that includes straightforward yet expertly crafted options like black coffee and milky drinks made with local dairy. Bean in Dingle also operates an online store, shipping their coffee worldwide.
Roasted Brown is a specialty coffee roaster based in Dublin, known for its focus on single-origin, seasonal green coffees. They emphasise the importance of sourcing high-quality beans and highlighting the unique characteristics of each coffee’s origin, varietal, and processing method. By working closely with growers and importers, Roasted Brown ensures consistency and mutual benefit throughout the supply chain. Their roasting process is designed to optimise flavour for various brewing methods, using a Loring S35 Kestrel roaster. This approach allows customers to experience the distinct flavours and stories behind each coffee, making Roasted Brown a standout in Ireland’s specialty coffee scene.
Silverskin Coffee Roasters is a Dublin-based specialty coffee company founded in 2012 by Brian Kenny. Located in Westlink Business Park in Dublin, they specialise in sourcing and roasting high-quality, single-origin coffees from around the world. Silverskin is known for its innovative approach to coffee, including a focus on cold brew production using Hardtank equipment, which allows for efficient and consistent brewing processes. Their cold brew offerings include nitro, true cold brew, and oat flat white options, all packaged in sleek aluminum cans for grab-and-go consumption. The company emphasises quality, sustainability, and innovation, sourcing beans from renowned farms and experimenting with unique varieties and fermentation methods. Silverskin has received accolades for its coffee and customer service, solidifying its position as a leader in Ireland’s specialty coffee scene
Butter
Abernethy Butter, based in County Down, is a renowned artisanal butter producer known for its traditional, handmade products.. The company sources cream from local farms with grass-fed cows and employs a meticulous process of slow-churning in small batches for 10 hours daily, followed by hand-blending using wooden butter paddles. This results in a distinctively rich and flavourful butter, available in salted and unsalted varieties, as well as unique flavours like Black Garlic and Dulse. Abernethy’s commitment to quality has earned them a prestigious clientele, including Michelin-starred restaurants and high-end retailers such as Fortnum & Mason, along with multiple Great Taste Awards.
Cuinneog Irish Farmhouse Country Butter
Cuinneog Irish Farmhouse Country Butter is a renowned artisanal dairy product crafted using traditional methods. Produced by the Butler family, this butter is made from pasteurised cream, salt, and time, resulting in a rich, full-bodied flavour and texture. The slow fermentation and churning process give it a distinctive taste reminiscent of traditional country butter. It has won numerous awards, including eight Gold Taste Awards, and is highly regarded for its spreadability straight from the fridge, making it ideal for baking and cooking. Cuinneog’s butter is often used in Michelin-starred kitchens and is a favourite among bakers and home cooks alike for its rich flavour in scones, shortbread, and other baked goods.
Glenstal Foods is an award-winning Irish dairy company based in Murroe, County Limerick, specialising in premium dairy products. Their butter range is particularly renowned, using only summer milk from grass-fed cows, which results in a rich, creamy, and naturally yellow butter. Glenstal’s butter is traditionally churned and packed in parchment, offering a range of formats to suit consumer needs worldwide. The company has received significant recognition, including the Supreme Champion Award at the Blas na hEireann Awards for its Glenstal Irish Creamery Salted Butter. Glenstal Foods is committed to sustainability, sourcing dairy materials from the Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme and focusing on reducing packaging waste. Their products are available in major supermarkets across Ireland, the UK, and internationally in countries like the USA and Canada
Ór-Real Irish Butter is a premium butter brand crafted by North Cork Creameries in Kanturk, Co. Cork, using traditional slow-churning methods. Launched in October 2021, it has experienced rapid growth, with sales increasing by 93% in 2023. The butter is made from high-quality milk sourced from local grass-fed cows, ensuring a rich, creamy taste enhanced by a touch of salt. Ór-Real Irish Butter is now widely available in major Irish retailers like Tesco, Supervalu, and Centra. The brand has expanded its product line to include a smaller 227g pack and an unsalted version, catering to increased consumer demand. North Cork Creameries, a farmer-owned cooperative, supports local farming families and employs over 120 people, contributing to the community’s economic vitality while maintaining sustainable farming practices.
Irish Gourmet Butter, based in Waterford, is renowned for its premium, handmade butter products. The company offers a range of flavoured butters, including Lightly Salted, Garlic & Herb, and Taste of the Sea, each crafted to enhance various dishes with rich, comforting flavours. Notably, they are the only Irish makers of Pastry Butter, a specialty product highly sought after by patisseries and bakeries for laminated pastries like croissants. This Pastry Butter is particularly prized during the summer when richer cream from summer milk is available, though its availability is seasonal. Irish Gourmet Butter continues a family tradition dating back to 1936, emphasising high-quality ingredients and traditional craftsmanship in their products.
Sausages and Rashers
Barry John Gourmet Sausages, based in Cavan, is a family-run business renowned for its wide range of unique and quirky flavoured sausages. Founded by Barry John Crowe, who began making sausages at the age of 13 in his father’s butcher shop, the company has grown to offer over 26 different flavours, including Caramelised Red Onion, Spice Bag, and Chocolate Chip & Honeycomb. All sausages are made with 75% Irish pork meat, sourced from PQAS-certified suppliers, and where possible, locally produced ingredients are used. Barry John Sausages are available in various sizes, including jumbo packs and cocktail sausages, and are distributed across Ireland and Northern Ireland. The company is committed to sustainability, aiming to replace non-recyclable packaging with eco-friendly alternatives. Barry John Sausages has received several awards and previously held a Guinness World Record, solidifying its reputation as a leader in gourmet sausages
Clonakilty Sausages are a product of the Clonakilty Food Company, a family-run business based in West Cork, Ireland. The company’s sausage range includes traditional Irish pork sausages, such as Clonakilty Ispíní, which were first produced in the late 1980s using 100% Irish pork and traditional butchery methods. These sausages are mildly spiced with ingredients like nutmeg, coriander, thyme, and sage, making them perfect for a traditional Irish breakfast or as an ingredient in various dishes. Clonakilty also offers Cocktail Sausages and Black Pudding Sausages, which combine the traditional flavour of their Ispíní with the texture of their famous black pudding. The sausages are available in Ireland and the UK, sold through major retailers like SuperValu and Asda
Hicks Sausages, part of Hicks of Dun Laoghaire, is a renowned Irish butcher shop established in 1927 by Henry Hick. Located at 60 Lower Georges Street, Dun Laoghaire, the family-run business has been producing high-quality pork products for three generations. Their sausages are particularly celebrated, made with traditional methods and ingredients, ensuring no artificial colours or flavourings are used. Hicks offers a variety of products, including Breakfast Sausages, Pure Pork Cocktail Sausages, and Italian Sausages. Despite some concerns about closure, Hicks’ products remain available in major retailers like Dunnes Stores, maintaining their reputation as a leading artisanal butcher in Ireland.
Lisduggan Farm Foods, based in Waterford City, is a premium meat producer that combines traditional techniques with modern technology to create high-quality artisanal products. Founded by Trevor Cunningham, the company offers a diverse range of meats, including bacon, burgers, sausages, pudding, lamb, poultry, and beef. Their specialty items, such as smoked pork ribs and traditional bacon ribs, are particularly popular. Lisduggan Farm Foods focuses on using quality ingredients and traditional butchery methods while adapting to modern tastes and sustainability concerns. Their products have received recognition, including awards at the Irish Food Awards. Available through various retailers and online platforms, Lisduggan Farm Foods also ships internationally, catering to customers across Europe.
Olhausen’s Sausages, a traditional Irish brand since 1896, offers high-quality pork sausages made with real Irish pork. Their products are available in packs of 8 or 16 sausages and are widely distributed across Irish supermarkets, including Tesco and Dunnes Stores. They are esteemed across Ireland for their meaty sausages, which are not too spicy and feature quality ingredients.. Olhausen’s sausages are a staple in many Irish households, appreciated for their classic flavour and texture. According to their website “Now with their son Freddie O’ keeps the love alive: his passion for quality ingredients and the pursuit of sausage excellence establishes Olhausen’s as Dublin’s best sausage, and brings them to the hearth and heart of many an Irish home. No wonder there’s a twinkle in his eye to this very day.”
Beer and Stout
Dead Centre Brewing is a craft brewery located in Athlone, County Westmeath, situated on the banks of the River Shannon. It is Westmeath’s only brewery and offers a unique experience with its copper-clad brewing tanks and interactive tours. Visitors can enjoy a range of craft beers, including the popular Marooned IPA and Seeking Sunshine Pale Ale, alongside other local brews and taproom exclusives. The brewery features a bar and kitchen, known as dcKitchen, which serves pizzas and beer-friendly food like chilli beef nachos and chicken wings. Dead Centre Brewing provides a casual, laid-back atmosphere with outdoor seating overlooking the river, making it ideal for families, couples, and groups. Tours are available on weekends, and private bookings can be arranged for groups of four to twelve people
Brú Brewery, founded in Trim, Co. Meath, and now based in Oranmore, Co Galway, is a craft brewery renowned for its diverse and innovative beers. Their core range includes the BRÚ IPA, a bold and zesty beer featuring Strata, Centennial, and Cascade hops, and the BRÚ Irish Lager, a crisp Czech-style pilsner brewed with Irish-grown malts and Sazz and Cascade hops. Additionally, Brú offers a BRÚ Red Ale and a Gluten-Free Lager, catering to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs. The brewery is also known for its seasonal releases and special bundles, such as the Hazy IPA and West Coast IPA packs, which showcase their commitment to quality and creativity in the craft beer scene.
Mescan Brewery, owned and operated by the Ó Móráin family in the foothills of Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo, is appropriately named for Mescan the monk who was St. Patrick’s friend and personal brewer. Only natural ingredients and traditional brewing methods are used, along with a signature long maturation time to produce high quality Belgian-style craft beers. These are increasingly available in off licences, pubs and restaurants countrywide as well as through the Mescan website. Visitors can explore the brewery, learn about its history and brewing techniques, and enjoy local food pairings with the beers during guided tours, which run regularly throughout the summer months (booking is essential). They also run occasional courses on How to Brew a Belgian Beer. Core beers include Westport Blond, Mescan Saison, Red Tripel and Special Reserve.
O’Hara’s beer is produced by the Carlow Brewing Company, also known as O’Hara’s Brewery, located in Bagenalstown, County Carlow. Established in 1996 by brothers Seamus and Eamon O’Hara, the brewery is a pioneer in Ireland’s craft beer scene. O’Hara’s offers a range of traditional Irish beers and international styles, including stouts, ales, and IPAs. Their notable beers include O’Hara’s Irish Red, O’Hara’s Irish Stout, and Leann Folláin (Extra Irish Stout). The brewery uses classic brewing methods with just four main ingredients: water, malts, hops, and yeast. O’Hara’s beers are available nationwide in Ireland and in over 35 countries worldwide, with a strong presence in pubs, restaurants, and off-licenses
The White Hag Brewing Company, located in Ballymote, County Sligo, is a highly acclaimed craft brewery known for its innovative and diverse beers. Founded in 2013, it has gained recognition for its wide range of beers, including the Bran & Sceolan Irish IPA, Little Fawn Session IPA, and the Púca sour beer series. The brewery draws inspiration from both ancient and modern brewing techniques, resulting in unique and award-winning brews. While they do not have a permanent taproom, The White Hag occasionally hosts events and tours, and their beers are widely available across Ireland and internationally. The brewery also organises the annual HAGSTRAVAGANZA festival, which has become a significant event in the craft beer community.
Hampers
Ardkeen Quality Food Store, located in Waterford City, provides a wide range of services and products. As an independent food retailer, they specialise in Irish artisan and locally produced foods, offering over 1,000 items through their online store with worldwide delivery available. The store features a variety of departments, including a butcher shop, cheese shop, deli, and wine store, offering organic products, prepared foods, and a salad bar. Ardkeen also creates beautifully crafted hampers and gifts, including vegan, gluten-free, and alcohol-free options, showcasing the best of Irish artisan food. They are committed to supporting local producers and reducing food miles, stocking products from over 200 small-batch makers across Ireland. Additionally, they offer in-store shopping, delivery services, and accept various payment methods, including One4all Gift Cards.
Basketcase Hampers was set up in 2016 by Stefanie Caffrey. Initially it started out as a corporate hamper company designing and curating bespoke hampers for businesses, then during the pandemic expanded to selling hampers online. They have a wide range of more traditional wine and cheese hampers, picnic hampers, afternoon tea hampers full of delicious foods from Irish suppliers. The most popular category is Wellbeing hampers and care packages full of practical and pampering items for someone who might be going through a hard time and is in need of a pick me up – these hampers are a very popular thoughtful alternative to flowers! They also have a more contemporary range of hampers, like the Movie Night In hamper, the Irish survival kit, the 90s hamper or Christmas Family Game Night. Committed to conducting business with sustainability at the forefront, they design and manufacture the majority of their packaging which is 100% recyclable.
Gifts Direct is Ireland’s largest gifts and hampers store, operating since 1987. They offer a wide selection of gourmet Irish hampers and luxury gifts, which are shipped worldwide. Their range includes food hampers, fine wines, whiskey gifts, and experience vouchers such as flying lessons and spa days. Gifts Direct also provides a variety of gifts for women, including pamper hampers and champagne gifts, as well as baby gifts and christening presents. They offer next-day delivery in Ireland for non-alcoholic gifts and worldwide delivery for other items. Additionally, they provide personalised gifts like customised champagne and watches, making them a one-stop shop for all gifting need
Irish Gourmet Hampers offers a wide range of gift hampers that showcase the best of Ireland’s food and drink. With over 20 years of experience, they cater to food enthusiasts by providing a diverse selection of hampers, including Cheese & Wine Hampers, Non-Alcoholic Hampers, and Chilled Food Hampers featuring fresh salmon and charcuterie produce. Their hampers are filled with authentic Irish foods sourced from local, speciality, micro-producers and are available for delivery across Ireland and Europe. Irish Gourmet Hampers is a family run business that prides itself on competitive pricing and offering excellent value for money gift solutions for all occasions throughout the year, as well as during the very busy peak Christmas Hamper trading period.
The Paddy Box offers a special St. Patrick’s Day Box and St. Patrick’s Day Mega Box to celebrate the occasion. These gift boxes are filled with quintessential Irish products, making them perfect for sending to friends and family abroad. The St. Patrick’s Day Box is priced at €66.95, while the St. Patrick’s Day Mega Box is available for €90.95. Both options allow you to share a taste of Ireland with loved ones worldwide, featuring items like Tayto crisps, Barry’s Tea, and Cadbury chocolates. The Paddy Box also offers a Build Your Own Custom Box option, where you can choose 10 items to create a personalised gift box, ideal for any occasion. The company was featured in The New York Times in December 2024.
Main image at top: People celebrating at St Patrick’s Festival in Dublin. Picture: Clare Keogh
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