Despite being a challenging time, the pandemic also gave rise to ingenious business ideas that were born out of necessity but still survive today, writes Barry Walsh.
The pandemic affected Irish business like nothing before. However, when we were all in lockdown, some businesses pivoted their business to suit the new reality, others created new businesses, after seeing gaps in the market.
In the first of two articles, I’m looking at businesses that created or pivoted their business plan during the pandemic and what they are doing in a post-pandemic world. Specifically, how they have changed in a post-pandemic world, what media have they been featured in or what awards that they have won.
Arty Fox
Arty Fox was founded by Feena McBride, a primary school teacher from Kilmacrennan, Co. Donegal. Launched in November 2020 during the pandemic, Arty Fox created craft boxes designed for children aged 3-to-12.
These boxes encouraged kids to use their creativity and imagination rather than following strict step-by-step instructions, empowering them to produce original, personal art pieces. The business originated as a way to entertain children during lockdown, and it has since expanded to include workshops and seasonal product collections.
Arty Fox gained significant attention when it was featured on Ireland’s Late Late Toy Show in 2021, boosting its visibility and customer base. The brand has also been highlighted on national radio, including 2FM, and in podcasts such as Hiccup, where Feena discussed the journey of her business and her future goals. The company plans to expand its reach into the UK and European markets, while also focusing on sustainability and charitable collaborations
Post-pandemic the Arty Fox has pivoted and are no longer selling directly to children but rather they are working with hospitals so that children that may have extended stays in hospital have activities that can occupy them during their stay
Ballymakenny Farm
Ballymakenny Farm is a family-run farm located in Drogheda, Ireland, renowned for its cultivation of specialty heritage potatoes and other unique crops.
Originally founded by Dan Flynn, the farm was passed down to his son David, who took over operations in 2007. In 2015, David and his wife Maria shifted their focus from conventional farming to heritage varieties, with Maria spotting an opportunity in the niche market for high-quality, visually distinctive produce like Purple Violetta potatoes. This pivot paid off as chefs across Ireland quickly embraced these colourful potatoes for their ability to add creativity and vibrancy to dishes.
Ballymakenny Farm’s transformation gained momentum when they introduced these niche crops to restaurants and the broader hospitality industry. The farm’s reputation flourished as a go-to supplier for Irish chefs, prized for the flavour and striking appearance of its produce.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the farm further adapted by launching “The Spud Shack,” a drive-in farm shop offering direct sales of their heritage potatoes. This initiative helped the business stay afloat amid widespread restaurant closures. They also expanded their operations online, setting up a website to facilitate nationwide deliveries of fresh produce. This direct-to-consumer model proved highly successful, creating a thriving online business.
Today, Ballymakenny Farm continues to be a beloved supplier in the Irish culinary scene. The farm has earned several prestigious awards, including the Eurotoque Producer Award, the Irish Food Writers’ Guild Award, and recognition in the Women in Agriculture Innovation Awards, sponsored by FBD and Farmers Journal. Additionally, their Purple Potato Salad made it to the final of the Blas na hÉireann awards.
Care Box Collection
The Care Box Collection is an Irish company specialising in thoughtfully curated self-care and wellness gift boxes. Founded during the Covid-19 pandemic, the company was inspired by the importance of maintaining self-care routines, especially during challenging times. Their goal is to provide luxurious yet affordable care packages that can be delivered directly to your door, making meaningful gifting easy and accessible.
The company offers a variety of themed care boxes, from pamper hampers to wellness and mindfulness kits, featuring items such as candles, skincare products, journals, and other relaxation essentials. Each package includes a personalised note, adding a thoughtful touch to the experience. Popular options include the “Ultimate Care Box,” which contains a mix of skincare and wellness products, and the “Pink Pamper Box,” which is designed to promote relaxation.
The Care Box Collection has been featured in Irish media, including SPIN1038, which highlighted the brand as a perfect source for self-care and gifting during the holiday season. Their products can also be found on platforms like Shop in Ireland, where they offer a range of customizable boxes for various occasions such as birthdays, Mother’s Day, and thank-you gifts
Coaching Close To You
Coaching Close To You (CCTY), was founded in 2021 Melissa Roa. “Prior to that, CCTY was a personal project, but with the onset of the pandemic, the shift to remote work, and the increasing focus on mental health, I felt it was the right time to formally launch the business.”
CCTY’s mission is to empower and support individuals by helping them unlock their inner potential. We aim to enhance self-awareness, build confidence, and provide the tools needed to achieve personal and professional goals. Its approach is centred on awakening the skills that clients may not even realise they already possess.
“Throughout the pandemic and beyond, I have worked with people to adapt not just their careers but also their mindsets to a rapidly changing world. This has included helping them build the resilience and skills necessary to thrive in this new era. I’ve supported clients through career transitions, navigated the uncertainties brought on by the pandemic, and addressed a wide range of personal challenges—not just career-related issues.
“My services range from individual coaching sessions, career assessments, and interview preparation to CV writing, tailored workshops, and talks on mental health and personal development. These services are designed to support multiple aspects of a person’s life.
“As we moved into the post-pandemic world, the business evolved. With an increasing demand for a better quality of life and work-life balance, I’ve noticed a significant shift in how people approach their careers. There’s more focus now on finding hybrid and remote opportunities, and individuals are evaluating job offers with greater emphasis on flexibility, working policies, and benefits packages.
“Mental health, too, has seen a positive shift. While once rarely discussed, it’s now a central part of the conversation. I’m heartened to see people taking active steps to improve their well-being and to engage in discussions that raise awareness about mental health.
“Although I haven’t received any formal awards yet, I’m thrilled to collaborate with the Open Doors Initiative, where I provide career coaching to individuals from diverse backgrounds. In addition, I’m actively involved with organisations such as BRIA (Brazil-Ireland Association) and the Brazil-Ireland Chamber of Commerce, where I support both the Brazilian and broader Latino-American communities, leveraging my language skills to help those in need,” Roa said.
DogDry
DogDry is an Irish company that produces innovative drying coats for dogs, designed to keep pets warm, dry, and comfortable after wet walks or swims. Their product is particularly helpful for pet owners dealing with the mess of wet fur and mud, offering an easy solution to keep homes and cars clean. DogDry coats are both functional and stylish, catering to various sizes of dogs and providing maximum coverage for quick drying.
DogDry has also gained wider recognition thanks to its appearance on The Late Late Show’s “Taking Care of Business” special, which spotlighted Irish businesses that demonstrated resilience during challenging times like the Covid-19 pandemic. The show’s goal was to celebrate local entrepreneurship and encourage viewers to support Irish businesses. DogDry’s inclusion in this special edition highlighted its importance as a small business contributing to Ireland’s local economy during a period when many companies had to adapt to new circumstances.
Eco-powered Cabinets
Eco Powered Cabinets is an Irish company founded by Darren Forde, specialising in solar and wind-powered outdoor multifunctional cabinets. These cabinets are designed to be energy-efficient, sustainable, and ideal for use in remote locations without electricity, such as mountain summits. The company gained recognition for installing solar-powered defibrillator units on Croagh Patrick, which have already been used during several cardiac events.
Eco Powered Cabinets was featured on The Late Late Show’s “Taking Care of Business” special, where Forde won a €15,000 bursary, boosting the company’s visibility and growth.
Field Queens
Field Queens is an Irish sportswear brand co-founded by intercounty Gaelic football players Oonagh Whyte and Orlaith Duff. The company specialises in creating high-performance sports gear specifically designed for female athletes, offering a range of products like GAA gloves, shorts, hats, and other accessories. The core philosophy behind Field Queens is empowering women in sports by providing equipment tailored to their unique needs, especially with their signature GAA gloves, which are known for their precision fit, comfort, and grip.
The brand was inspired by the founders’ personal experiences as female athletes and their desire to create a community that promotes excellence and empowerment on and off the field. Field Queens not only offers premium-quality sportswear but also strives to inspire future generations of female athletes.
In 2023, Field Queens was featured on The Late Late Show’s special “Taking Care of Business” episode. This special highlighted 16 Irish businesses, and Field Queens’ inclusion underscored its growing prominence in the sports apparel industry. The brand’s appearance on the show helped increase its visibility, showcasing its dedication to serving women in sports and expanding its customer base.
GROUND Wellbeing
GROUND is an Irish spa brand offering a range of 100% natural, vegan products designed to encourage sincere well-being through self-care rituals and hands-on spa treatments. Their collections focus on improving sleep, managing stress, and addressing life transitions such as menopause and pregnancy. Founded by award-winning wellness curator and spa consultant, Peigín Crowley, GROUND places an emphasis on inclusivity, sustainability and sincere wellbeing.
The brand gained significant exposure by being featured on The Late Late Show’s “Taking Care of Business” special, which showcased Irish businesses that thrived during challenging times, further boosting their visibility across Ireland
GROUND was founded quite literally at the kitchen table deep in the first lockdown of the covid pandemic in 2020. This came about, when suddenly Peigín’s design and consultancy services were no longer needed as the country shut down. It allowed her the space and time to reassess and reconfigure. Peigín says: “When everything quietened down, I got brave and with the support of my husband decided to develop my own wellbeing brand. It was a beautiful freedom to develop products and design packaging to the beat of my own drum. To build a sustainable product offering that is inclusive, with something for everyone, including children and those with compromised health.”
With a long and respected career spanning over 28 years in the spa industry, and having worked with prestigious properties such as Adare Manor, The Cliff House and The Merrion, Peigín embarked on a quest to create unique products and at-home rituals that could be easily incorporated into a daily self-care routine and launched this product line exclusivity with Brown Thomas before Christmas 2020.
“Traditionally an industry focused on pampering and indulgence, exclusive to exclude… GROUND is disruptive in approach. We are on a mission to inspire all walks of life to meet and mind our inner world. To help process stress and understand our bodies to increase longevity”
Post-pandemic, GROUND has evolved into an all-encompassing spa brand, delivering advanced massage training to 5-star properties in Ireland such as The Shelbourne, The KClub, Mount Juliet & Hayfield Manor in 2021 and partnering with iconic properties globally since 2022.
While the brand began as a retail product line providing comfort during the pandemic, GROUND now thrives in spas such as Rosewood, Four Seasons, Six Senses and Bvlgari to name just a few. With a comprehensive, wellness-focused spa menu, their offerings include 18 spa rituals and a retail line of 45 self-care products.
2021 saw Peigín develop the brand to address women’s health from PMS, fertility, pregnancy through to Menopause with the launch of her best-selling Balancing Balm and The Balancing Massage Ritual. 2022 was deeply committed to Cancer Care with development of The Barróg Collection (The Hug in Irish). This heartfelt family of products and treatments is especially designed to bring comfort from stress and skincare relief for those going through active treatment, surgery and beyond. 2023 commenced with a focus on Skin Wellness and the launch of the now award-winning Restorative Cleansing Balm. Embracing a holistic approach to skin care that focuses on natural, nurturing practices that can help prioritise self-care and reduce the impact of stress on the skin.
2024 saw the roll out of accredited training in Family Wellness, helping families connect through meaningful activities like breathwork, yoga, sensory play, and massage. Teaching spa therapists to host workshops, created for all – including neurodivergent individuals. This includes Spa Rituals for children. Partnering with another Irish company Little Kneaders to develop these workshops as well as creating sensory dough for children with additional needs.
2025 will see GROUND launch The BIOME range which has been 2 years in development with significant investment from Enterprise Ireland. The new BIOME Skincare range is designed specifically to improve the micro flora landscape of the skin with a clear focus on barrier repair and support. Crafted with purpose, carefully chosen bio-identical ingredients feed the skin and reinforce the skin barrier. Designed to comfort even the most compromised of skins whether that be as a result of stress, illness, hormones, medications or overuse of active ingredients.
Hidden Howth Experiences
Hidden Howth Experiences offers immersive, guided tours through the picturesque village of Howth, located along Dublin Bay. The company, founded by local guide Mark McHale and his dog Missy, provides unique, personalised adventures designed to showcase the natural beauty, history, and culture of the area. The tours range from hiking the coastal cliffs, learning about Viking and Norman history, to indulging in local seafood and craft beers.
One of their popular tours is the Dublin Coastal Hike & Pints, which combines a scenic hike with a visit to a local pub for a complimentary pint. They also offer the Dublin Coastal Craft Beer & Seafood Trail, an experience that pairs Howth’s fresh seafood with local craft beers, recently featured on “Neven Maguire’s Seafood Trails of Ireland.” For those interested in deeper historical insights, the Ancient Village Adventure explores the myths and legends of Howth’s Viking past.
Hidden Howth Experiences emphasises eco-tourism and strives to give visitors an authentic experience through the eyes of a local. Guests also receive a video memento to commemorate their journey
Hot Tub Boat
Hot Tub Boat, located on the scenic Lough Ree in Athlone, offers a one-of-a-kind luxury experience combining a boat cruise with the relaxation of a hot tub. Their vessel “Afterglow” accommodates up to six passengers, providing a 90-minute tour where guests can soak in the hot tub while taking in the beautiful views of the River Shannon and its historic surroundings. Guests are invited to bring their own beverages (coolers provided), and there’s even a sound system onboard to create the perfect atmosphere. Popular options include their sunset cruise, which offers a memorable evening on the water.
This unique venture has gained media attention, including features on The Late Late Show, one of Ireland’s most popular talk shows, adding to its growing reputation as a must-do experience in Ireland. In addition, Hot Tub Boat has been highlighted by local tourism platforms like Discover Ireland and Visit Westmeath, further cementing its place as a standout attraction in the region.
“The Hot Tub Boat was founded during the pandemic because I got time to really sit down and plan out the logistics of how I could get a hot tub operational on a boat,” said skipper Shane McCormack. “I’ve been working on Lough Ree since my early teens. My first job was washing hire boats for Waveline cruisers. I then set up a partnership hire boat company and also worked for Baysports and Portaneena Marina. My sole ambition was always to operate my own business. I knew I wanted to do something on the water and with boats. I knew I could only afford to be a small operation starting off so I needed something quirky which would stand out.
“Starting off was tough! The business was so different I found it difficult to convince people it was a real thing. Covid was at its peak so we experienced a lot of cancellations understandably. Thankfully we made it through it. The last two years has been extraordinary. We have had so many repeat customers that just keep coming back to us. Probably the most satisfying compliment for any business owner. 2025 is going to be even bigger for our business. We have recently expanded the business and invested in another passenger boat and hope to have her operational in April of next year.”
McCormack says the exposure from the Late Late Show appearance was immense. “It was huge for our business. People still chat to me about it nearly two years on. We have been very lucky to work alongside Tereasa Lenane (Marketing Consultant). She got us featured in all the national newspapers and social media accounts as well as getting influencers onboard our vessel.”
MentorHer
MentorHer is a global mentorship program founded by Irish entrepreneur Katie Doyle. Launched during the pandemic in 2020, the platform connects female mentors and mentees, focusing on entrepreneurship, corporate careers, and self-development. The program operates primarily in Ireland and the UK but has reached global participants in places like the US, South Africa, and China.
MentorHer runs a six-week program where mentees are hand-matched with mentors for weekly one-on-one sessions, alongside workshops, networking opportunities, and support. The platform has achieved a 98% success rate in matching, which Doyle attributes to the demand for mentorship and word-of-mouth referrals. Doyle’s motivation for starting MentorHer stemmed from her own experience of needing mentorship when she founded her travel agency, Capture Travel, at the age of 22. After facing challenges in getting advice from established business figures, she saw the potential for a more structured platform.
The program grew organically, with mentors coming on board through referrals, and mentees finding the platform through recommendations and social media outreach. Since its inception, MentorHer has gained recognition, with Doyle winning several awards, including being featured in Forbes. The organisation plans to continue expanding internationally, leveraging partnerships with corporations and supporting a diverse array of professional women globally
Phone Away Box
Phone Away Box was developed by Karl Hegarty, a school principal with more than 20 years’ experience of dealing with students and understanding the challenges in schools.
Education Minister Norma Foley recently informed schools of the need to introduce a storage system for student mobile phones.
“We believe that Phone Away Box is a perfect fit for schools,” Hegarty said. “Phone Away Box is about separating students from their phones. This means a physical separation and not allowing students to still retain their phones in a pouch. The mere fact that the pouch is in a student’s pocket or within reach in their school bag or on the desk is a cause of distraction.”
Phone Away Box is supported by LEO, Naas, and was recently invited by Enterprise Ireland to attend a one day conference for companies identified as having potential for the export market.
The Phone Away Box is a clear acrylic box that has a range of locking mechanisms including; lock and key, combination lock and butterfly lock.
“Each Phone Away Box is riveted onto the front of students lockers and can also be secured onto walls. Each student / staff member would place their phone into their personal Phone Away Box on arrival in school / work. Their phones remain locked away for the day. Their phones are visible and can be checked for compliance by management during the day. A recent addition is the Phone Away Box app.”
Phone Away Box has a footprint in the UK and Luxembourg and the business is confident of increasing this in the months ahead.
Shareclub
Shareclub was created by Sarah Fliessbach when she noticed the increased reliance on disposable packaging as restaurants closed, and delivery orders surged. Reusable cups were no longer allowed for takeaway coffee, which highlighted a growing problem.
“After further research, I discovered that Ireland was the biggest producer of plastic packaging waste in the EU, with over 22,000 takeaway cups being disposed of every hour. Recognising this as a significant environmental issue, I decided to found Shareclub. The business officially launched at the Circular Economy Hotspot in Dublin in May 2023.
“Since our launch last year, Shareclub has steadily grown, building a solid client base across both the public and private sectors. We provide reusable cups for events, workplaces, and corporate spaces, offering a full-service solution that includes delivery, collection, and cleaning. Through our app, we help organisations to track their environmental impact, reduce waste, and achieve their sustainability targets.
“Shareclub was recently mentioned by Jo Linehan on the Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk. We were also honoured with the Startup Visionary Award at the Diversity in Tech Awards, and earlier this year, we won the Sustainability/Cleantech category in the 100 Most Ambitious Companies in Ireland by Spark Crowdfunding.”
Sully and Juno
Sully and Juno is an Irish brand known for its vibrant and playful apparel, with a focus on quirky, fun designs that celebrate Irish culture.
Their range includes colourful T-shirts, sweatshirts, and accessories that feature unique illustrations and Irish phrases. The brand’s mission is to create light-hearted clothing that brings joy to everyday life. Sully and Juno’s “Gaeilge Collection” is particularly popular, offering apparel that promotes the Irish language through stylish designs.
They emphasise sustainability by producing their clothing in small batches, which reduces waste and ensures high-quality materials. Additionally, Sully and Juno cater to international markets, shipping their products across the globe from their online store
StrikePay
StrikePay is an Irish fintech company that offers a solution for cashless tipping, donations, and person-to-person payments. Founded in 2020, by Charles Dowd and Oli Cavanagh, it emerged in response to the decline in cash usage during the Covid-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted industries reliant on cash tips, such as hospitality and personal services.
StrikePay’s key innovation is its instant payment terminal, which uses QR codes and NFC technology to enable quick, contactless payments without the need for additional hardware or app downloads. This technology has been widely adopted in Ireland, especially for tipping, donations, and small businesses, and has helped boost tipping rates by up to 100% in certain cases.
As of 2021, StrikePay had expanded to over 6,000 users and continues to grow rapidly. The company has received recognition within the fintech industry, winning several awards and planning further expansion into the UK and US markets
The Black Stuff
The Black Stuff is an Irish brand founded by John Larkin, specialising in handcrafted, all-natural grooming products, particularly men’s soap and deodorant. The brand focuses on using pure essential oils and nourishing ingredients like olive oil, shea butter, and seaweed, offering a chemical-free alternative to mass-produced products that often strip skin of natural oils. The company was inspired by the values of wholesomeness, honesty, and hard work—symbolised by the reference to “The Black Stuff,” a nod to Guinness stout, which represents a rich part of Irish heritage.
Founded in 2021, The Black Stuff has grown from a one-man operation to a business with a team of 10 full-time and 2 part-time employees. Despite this growth, each product continues to be crafted with the same care as when it started in Larkin’s kitchen. The business serves customers in Ireland, the UK, and the USA, with fulfilment centres in Birmingham and Chattanooga to ensure quick delivery.
The product range includes popular scents like Atlantic Pine Tar, Citrus Cedarwood Scrub, and Galway Bay Rum, all made from natural ingredients. The brand’s commitment to sustainability and quality has earned it a strong following among customers looking for organic and eco-friendly grooming products.
Vico Natural Deodorant
Vico Natural Deodorant is a pioneering Irish brand focused on producing eco-friendly and effective deodorants. Made entirely in Ireland, Vico prioritises natural ingredients, ensuring their products are free from harmful chemicals like aluminium, parabens, and sulphates. They offer a range of scents, including Lemongrass, Lavender, and seasonal options like Wexford Strawberry and Sweet Peach & Nectar. Each tube is designed to last up to 12 weeks, providing users with a sustainable and lasting solution to body odour.
What sets Vico apart is their commitment to sustainability. The deodorants come in plastic-free packaging, and a portion of each sale is donated to plant native Irish trees, aligning their business model with environmental conservation efforts. They emphasise cruelty-free practices, never testing on animals, and proudly showcase locally sourced ingredients. Vico has gained significant recognition and has been featured in various media outlets, including a mention on The Late Late Show, where it received praise for its quality and eco-conscious approach. The deodorant has received positive reviews from numerous satisfied customers and influencers, highlighting its effectiveness and pleasant scents
Wool in School
Wool in School is a national educational initiative designed by founder Lorna McCormack to promote the use of wool as a natural, sustainable resource. The programme Wool2Ewe provides schools with classroom materials, and learning opportunities, teaching students about the environmental and cultural significance of wool, from sheep farming to sustainable fashion.
Wool in School is committed to inspiring future generations to embrace sustainability and creativity through a deeper understanding of natural fibres.
Through the work of Wool in School, children gain a unique opportunity to engage with these goals through hands-on practice of wool processing and knitting. In doing so, we are not only passing down the rich tradition, culture and traditions of wool craft, but we are also fostering a deeper connection between our young people and their role in shaping a more sustainable future, as we aim to ensure that the Sustainable Development Gaols become not just aspirations but lived reality.”
Wool in School works with primary and secondary schools across Ireland, offering workshops, hands-on learning experiences, and resources to help teachers and students explore wool’s journey from farm to fashion. It aims to foster greater understanding of sustainable agriculture, animal welfare, and the fashion industry’s role in the environment.
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