In part 2 of our series, Barry Walsh looks at more ingenious business ideas that were born out of necessity during the pandemic and still survive today.
In 2021 The Late Late Show aired a special programme called ‘Supporting Irish Business’. It showed a range of businesses that either started or pivoted due to the pandemic.
I followed up with these businesses to see how they are getting on post-pandemic and specifically see what impact the show had on the businesses and what awards have they won or media they have been featured in since that show. Read part 1 here.
Here are the second raft of businesses I looked at:
Bees on the Roof
Bees on the Roof is an innovative sustainability initiative focused on urban rooftop beekeeping, primarily for corporate and educational settings. Emma Finn, a professional beekeeper with over a decade of experience, addresses the critical decline in Ireland’s bee population by installing and maintaining beehives on rooftops across Dublin.
Inspired by similar successful projects in global cities like New York and Paris, Emma has made Dublin’s first corporate beekeeping program a reality.
The initiative offers businesses a unique opportunity to contribute to environmental sustainability while improving biodiversity. It aligns with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals, offering educational and wellness benefits to employees through hands-on beekeeping experiences and biodiversity workshops. For companies, it’s an ideal way to meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards while playing a meaningful role in supporting Ireland’s declining pollinator population.
In addition to beekeeping, Bees on the Roof engages businesses in broader sustainability conversations, such as city greening projects, helping to improve urban air quality and create greener environments. Emma also focuses on educating the public, hosting workshops in schools and on radio programs, to spread awareness about bees’ critical role in ecosystems.
Emma’s work has attracted attention, leading to significant interest from businesses across Dublin, as well as expansion opportunities in other cities like Limerick. She also collaborates with other green initiatives, extending the reach of her message about bees and biodiversity nationwide.
Finn, who has featured on programmes like Bobby Kerr’s Down to Business, recently raised investment from angel investors.
Cheese and Chutney
Cheese & Chutney is a Meath-based grazing catering company, servicing both Meath and Dublin. Founded in 2020 by Annette Scanlon, “It was born out of a passion to create something truly my own, built around my love for great food—specifically, the finest Irish cheeses and our signature accompaniments.
“During the pandemic, when I found myself working from home and with our café operations paused, I suddenly had the time to explore this passion. What started as a side hustle, creating gifting boxes for people to share cheese and thoughtful notes while apart, steadily grew.”
The concept is simple yet elegant: we bring people together through beautifully arranged grazing products, showcasing the best of Irish artisan produce. Our grazes are designed not only to be enjoyed but also to be admired—creating an unforgettable experience for any event.
“One of the biggest moments for Cheese & Chutney was being featured on the Late Late Show, thanks to Clodagh McKenna. This prime-time spotlight was a game-changer. Suddenly, Cheese & Chutney was in front of a nationwide audience, and the response was overwhelming. Overnight, sales surged, and it felt like there was real potential for a little side hustle to become a fully fledged business. The exposure helped establish us as a go-to name in the world of luxury grazing catering, and while there have been plenty of highs & lows, we haven’t looked back since.
“As the world began to return to normal, so did the evolution of Cheese & Chutney. Our product range expanded, shifting focus from gifting boxes to sharing platters—now our top sellers. These platters can be pooled together to create stunning, abundant displays, making them perfect for corporate events, weddings, and private parties. Grazing is a growing trend worldwide, and while it’s still relatively small in Ireland, I see enormous potential for continued growth.
“2022 and 2023 were pivotal years. After welcoming my little girl and briefly returning to the corporate world, I made the decision to fully dedicate myself to Cheese & Chutney. This leap opened up exciting new possibilities & I was thrilled to be part of the 2023 Grow with Aldi project, showcasing our signature chilli infused Hot Honey. This recognition has further solidified our place in the market, and we’re constantly innovating to bring new, exciting products to our customers.”
Today, Cheese & Chutney continues to grow steadily, with a lot more focus on the corporate and wedding sectors.
“We’ve had the pleasure of creating bespoke grazing tables for office events, product launches, and unforgettable wedding receptions, as well as some of Ireland’s most well-known faces. What makes our offering unique is not just the visual appeal of our tables, but the quality of the ingredients we use. Every item, from our handmade chutneys to the artisanal cheeses we source from Irish producers, reflects our commitment to supporting local and delivering fresh, homegrown flavours. Grazing is more than just a trend—it’s a movement, and I’m excited to be at the forefront of this in Ireland.”
Fiadh & Finn
Fiadh & Finn is a multi-award winning Irish business based in Kildare founded by Tanya Ryan in 2021 to create personalised fine art keepsakes from original watercolour artwork designed and framed in Kildare with sustainable packaging.
Inspired by creatures found in Irish woodlands, hedgerows and childhood tales they are perfect as personalised framed gifts to celebrate cherished memories of love and kinship for years to come.
Tanya is an Irish watercolour artist and mother to two little girls, living in the countryside in County Kildare. Inspired by her children and their sense of wonder about the world, and nostalgia for her own childhood Tanya created Fiadh and Finn to enchant and enlighten young minds through beautiful illustration.
She has drawn on her design background to create unique personalised keepsake gifts to be treasured for generations depicting Irish animals, birds and plants that surround her in the countryside. Intended to be special pieces that reflect an innocence and joy in childhood and the sibling bonds
“After the birth of my daughter, Lillian, I found myself longing for a new creative venture. Balancing motherhood while my girls were little, I saw the importance of nurturing their imagination and creativity. This led to the spark of an idea that would eventually become Fiadh & Finn.
“Art has always been a love of mine, a constant throughout my life. It was during the pandemic that I chose to combine my love for art with my role as a mother. Fiadh & Finn became my creative outlet, a way to inspire not only myself but my daughters, encouraging them to dream big and follow their passions.
“The response to my drawings has been nothing short of overwhelming. Each order feels like a celebration, and I’m truly grateful to everyone who has welcomed my art into their homes.
“I cherish the thought that my creations now adorn baby and children’s rooms across the country. It’s a wonderful feeling to imagine that my art might inspire little artists and future nature lovers as they grow.”
Tanya said that after Fiadh & Finn products were featured on the Late Late Show, the exposure brought a surge in orders and introduced the brand to a large and diverse audience across the country. “I’m incredibly grateful for the support and recognition. Being featured on a prestigious platform like the Late Late Show added to the brand’s credibility.”
Since the pandemic, the emphasis to shop Irish and local has helped establish Fiadh & Finn’s e-commerce offering. The focus now is on expanding into retail environments with a new wholesale range of products.
FinalBend
FinalBend is a fitness apparel brand founded by Emma Coffey. Launched when she was still in secondary school, the business started as a passion project at athletic competitions. Over the years, it has grown significantly and now requires a warehouse for inventory.
Emma is currently a university student studying Commerce at University College Cork, balancing her education with running the company. FinalBend has a strong presence on social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok, where it connects with a growing customer base. The brand focuses on high-quality, stylish activewear and has gained a dedicated following online, with over 25,000 Instagram followers.
Emma has faced challenges, from juggling her business with college responsibilities to overcoming setbacks like dealing with problematic suppliers. She emphasises the importance of learning from mistakes, staying motivated, and pushing through difficult times. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to start early, embrace learning curves, and take advantage of available resources to build their businesses.
Emma’s success story highlights her determination and adaptability, making her a role model for young entrepreneurs in Ireland.
HUH Clothing
HUH Clothing is an Irish mental health and wellbeing clothing brand founded in 2020 by Mark Donnelly, who draws inspiration from his own experiences with mental health challenges like OCD and anxiety. The brand’s name HUH stands for “How’s Ur Head,” reflecting a mission to promote mental health conversations in a casual and approachable way.
The company’s ethos emphasises normalising discussions about mental health, aiming to break down the stigma surrounding it.
HUH Clothing donates 10% of each sale to mental health charities, contributing over €34,000 to date The minimalist designs not only focus on comfort but are also intended to provoke curiosity and conversation among wearers and observers alike.
Based in Ashbourne, Co. Meath, HUH Clothing has gained traction through various initiatives, including collaborations with brands like MINI, which has helped to further spread their message.
Donnelly has also embraced social media to engage with the community, sharing stories and experiences that resonate with others facing similar challenges. The brand’s unique approach includes casual events like Random Acts of Kindness where HUH products are left around towns for people to find, promoting goodwill and reminding individuals to take care of their mental health.
Keva’s Food Company
Keva’s Food Company is known for its exquisite Bahamian rum cakes, founded by Susan Elizabeth, affectionately called Keva. Her culinary journey began in the Bahamas, where she was inspired by her mother’s baking. After facing various challenges including the loss of her mother, Keva discovered her passion for cooking and opened several successful restaurants in the Bahamas.
In 2020, she moved to Dublin, where she aimed to share her love for Bahamian cuisine and rum cakes with a broader audience. Keva’s products include traditional Bahamian rum cakes, gluten-free options, and Caribbean-style banana bread, all crafted to reflect her heritage and the warmth of her homeland.
Keva Food Company emphasises quality and tradition, with a mission not only to delight customers with delicious desserts but also to inspire others to pursue their dreams. The brand symbolises a blend of Bahamian culture and Irish roots, making it unique in its offerings and story.
Kocoono
Kocoono, founded by Emer Flannery in Mayo, specialises in weighted blankets aimed at alleviating stress, anxiety, insomnia, and other sleep-related issues. Launched in 2019, the company quickly expanded, shipping to over ten countries within 18 months, despite early challenges, including Brexit delays. Kocoono’s blankets stand out for their unique, customizable design, made from ethically sourced materials, with 100% cotton for breathability and glass beads for temperature regulation.
A key feature is the removable weighted band that can be chilled, making the blanket suitable even in warm weather. As demand grew, Emer shifted some production to Poland and Bulgaria, where skilled artisans maintain ethical, high-quality manufacturing. Despite this expansion, quality control and prototype development remain hands-on in Kocoono’s hometown of Belmullet.
The Covid-19 pandemic spurred a surge in demand for Kocoono blankets, as people sought relief from stress and sleep issues. Emer navigated significant supply chain disruptions, with three suppliers closing down, but credits loyal, repeat customers for helping the company weather the challenges.
The blankets have gained popularity as thoughtful gifts, especially during the pandemic, and their high durability has fostered long-term customer satisfaction. Kocoono has also found a niche in healthcare settings, with their LUXE blankets, shoulder hugs, and eye pillows being used in hospitals to regulate patients’ nervous systems. Psychologists and psychotherapists have also adopted the products for therapeutic use, helping clients feel calmer during sessions discussing traumatic experiences.
Kocoono’s success has been widely recognised in the media and through various awards. The company has been featured on The Late Late Show, The Ryan Tubridy Show, and in Positive Life Magazine, among other outlets.
In 2022, Kocoono won €10,000 through the Three Business Awards, further validating its strong market presence. Despite facing early setbacks and pandemic-related obstacles, Kocoono has emerged as a growing leader in the wellness industry, with plans to continue expanding into both therapeutic and non-therapeutic settings, driven by its commitment to high-quality, ethically produced products that help alleviate stress and improve sleep.
Naked Bakes
Naked Bakes is a 100% plant-based bakery based in Dublin, known for its delicious vegan treats. Founded in 2018, Naked Bakes has quickly grown from a small kitchen operation to a thriving business, now employing a team of seven bakers. The company gained significant popularity during the pandemic with its Naked Bakes cookie dough, which requires only eight ingredients for a quick and easy baking experience at home.
The bakery specialises in a variety of sweets including gluten-free fudge brownies, cinnamon buns, cherry bakewells, and an assortment of cookie dough flavours such as Classic Chocolate Chip and Salted Double Choc-Chip Brookies. Their products are available online and in more than 50 cafes and retailers across Ireland, including SuperValu and Avoca.
In an exciting development, Naked Bakes opened its first café at Hen’s Teeth in Dublin in October. This new venue will offer a selection of sweet and savoury freshly baked goods alongside specialty coffees, further expanding their reach and customer experience.
New Moon Blooms
New Moon Blooms is a floral delivery service based in Dublin, specialising in luxury flowers that can be conveniently sent through letterboxes. Founded by Sharon Griffin, the business prioritises quality and sustainability, sourcing flowers directly from Irish growers to minimise environmental impact. Sharon aims to create a positive customer experience by ensuring that the flowers received closely match the online presentation.
The service offers various options, including fresh and dried flowers, seasonal wreaths, and gift hampers. They also provide a subscription model that delivers bouquets regularly, allowing customers to enjoy fresh flowers continuously.
A notable aspect of New Moon Blooms is its commitment to charitable work. For each subscription bouquet sold, the company donates one euro to Saoirse, an Irish domestic abuse charity, which supports women and children. Additionally, they contribute to a reforestation project in South Africa for every flower sold, emphasising their dedication to social responsibility.
Sharon’s background in a creative family and her previous experience in a flower shop fueled her passion for floristry, leading her to innovate in the market, such as offering unique themed collections aligned with zodiac signs. New Moon Blooms strives to make floral gifting more meaningful and accessible while positively impacting the community and the environment.
We Are Riley
We Are Riley is a Cork and Dublin-based company that focuses on providing sustainable, organic cotton period products. Their mission is to supply eco-friendly period care that is accessible and non-harmful to both individuals and the planet. They offer a variety of products including tampons, pads, pantyliners, and even customizable bundles for both individual consumers and businesses.
A significant aspect of Riley’s approach is their commitment to sustainability and gender equality, aligning their business practices with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They also provide a Business Box service for workplaces, aiming to foster an inclusive environment by ensuring that period products are readily available. This initiative is particularly beneficial for organisations looking to enhance their employee welfare programs. Riley emphasises the importance of making period products as accessible as toilet paper, advocating for them as basic human necessities. Their products are designed to minimise menstrual waste and support local Irish business initiatives
It was featured in Back for Business, a program that supports entrepreneurs returning to Ireland. Riley’s co-founders have also participated in various prestigious entrepreneurial initiatives, such as Going for Growth and Endeavor Ireland’s Scale-Up Programme, which are aimed at fostering business growth and mentorship and won the top prize in the The Late Late Show’s Supporting Irish Business Special.
In addition to these programs, Riley has been highlighted in Shopify’s blog for its impressive expansion across Europe and its commitment to sustainability. The company also gained attention for partnering with large multinationals like Accenture and Deloitte to provide eco-friendly sanitary products and several Irish magazine such as The Irish Times, The Business Post and RTE.
SiEST Sleep
SiEST Sleep was launched online in 2021 by Síne Dunne, inspired by struggles with her sleep. During the pandemic, as more people experienced sleep disruptions, Dunne saw a rising dependence on sleep medications, which can bring side effects and often only provide short-term relief. She created the SiEST weighted Hug Pillow as a quick, natural, comforting solution to support those facing anxiety and pain-related sleep discomfort. The pandemic’s 5km movement restrictions reinforced her decision to manufacture locally, aligning with her focus on sustainability and community support.
A brief appearance on The Late Late Show brought an incredible boost to SiEST Sleep, leading to a complete sell-out of their products. This exposure lent credibility to the brand and opened doors to further media appearances, such as on Ryan Tubridy’s radio show. The Irish public’s then-growing preference to “buy Irish” played a big role in this success, as people rallied around local businesses. Unsurprisingly, Dunne would welcome more of these shows; they are so impactful. Especially now, with international brands blasting the Irish market with ads, people forget about the smaller Irish brands, as we don’t have massive advertising budgets.
Beyond media exposure, SiEST Sleep’s most meaningful recognition has come from its repeat customers—a pleasant surprise for Síne Dunne, who didn’t anticipate high return purchases for a single-product brand like the weighted hug pillow. Customers frequently buy additional products as gifts, highlighting how universal they are for better sleep. SiEST Sleep is now expanding into corporate wellness, responding to rising awareness of sleep’s impact on productivity. The company has secured grants and collaborates with Maynooth University on AI-driven sleep innovations. SiEST is also part of Ireland’s startup ecosystem, and it is fortunate to learn from organisations such as Dogpatch Labs and TechfoundHer. SiEST Sleep remains committed to helping people get better sleep without side effects.
SiEST Sleep has received multiple accolades, including the Local Enterprise Showcase Award at Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo in January 2023. Síne Dunne was also honoured as Network Ireland’s Emerging New Businesswoman of the Year in 2022. The brand proudly carries the “Guaranteed Irish” mark, underscoring its commitment to quality, sustainability, and support for Irish jobs. Síne regularly appears in media to share her expertise on sleep, and her recent studies in Insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders at the University of Oxford further bolster the brand’s credibility. The recognition and media coverage have helped position SiEST Sleep as a growing leader in the sleep wellness market and a trusted, proud Irish brand.
Snugí Babóg
Snugí Babóg is a Dublin-based brand specialising in luxurious knitwear, primarily aimed at babies and pets. Their products are crafted from 100% merino wool, ensuring comfort and sustainability. The brand emphasises artisanal craftsmanship, with all items made exclusively in Ireland by skilled knitters.
Their product range includes baby rompers, sleeping bags, blankets, jumpers, and gift sets, all designed with a focus on quality and durability. A standout item is their Luxury Aran Knitted Baby Sleeping Bag, made from superfine Italian merino wool, available in shades like blush pink and light grey. This sleeping bag is not only visually appealing but also practical, featuring a side zip opening for easy access and a travel vent for convenience.
In addition to baby products, Snugí Babóg offers a collection for pets under the brand name Snugí Madra, which includes cosy dog sweaters. The company promotes sustainability, aligning with modern consumer preferences for eco-friendly and ethically made products.
TheCribs.ie
Ciara Winkelmann, a former advertising designer turned housewife, launched her social enterprise during the pandemic after realising the strain mobile device usage was placing on her posture. Frustrated by the discomfort of propping up her phone or tablet on makeshift stands, she created a small pyramid-shaped bean bag stand to hold devices at a comfortable angle. This invention, which she named the CRIB, was born out of her personal need and a desire to improve the way people use mobile devices, especially during the pandemic’s surge in remote work and schooling.
Initially, Ciara crafted the CRIB at home using various fabrics, including Irish tweed and sustainable cotton. She gifted early versions to her book club friends, who loved the product and encouraged her to produce more. During lockdown, she sold CRIBs locally, which grew her confidence to showcase them at larger events like Bloom-in-the-Park and the Dublin Horse Show. Her commitment to sustainability led her to use eco-friendly materials, including recycled fabrics from plastic bottles, resulting in a special “Sea Change” range.
The success of the CRIB caught the attention of national retailers, including Three Mobile and Select, which stocked her product and significantly raised its profile. This exposure helped Ciara secure her first round of funding in 2021. Recognizing the need to scale production, she partnered with We Make Good, a Dublin-based social enterprise, to ethically produce CRIBs while supporting marginalised individuals.
Through persistence and passion, Ciara has grown her business into a thriving enterprise, all while staying true to her values of sustainability and local production. Despite the challenges of learning the ins and outs of entrepreneurship, she has built a brand that continues to flourish. Her journey demonstrates that it’s never too late to follow your dreams, no matter where life has taken you.
Wool in School
Wool in School is an educational initiative based in Ratoath, Co. Meath, founded by fibre artist Lorna McCormack. It aims to teach children about sustainability, natural resources, and traditional crafts through engaging workshops centred on wool. Since its inception, the program has been instrumental in integrating wool education into the national curriculum, emphasising its relevance to modern sustainability practices. A notable programme offered by Wool in School is the Knit-Stitch project, designed to promote intergenerational learning by connecting children with older adults through knitting. This initiative encourages collaboration between schools and local nursing homes, fostering community ties and enhancing social interaction. Participants receive kits containing organic Irish wool, knitting needles, and instructional materials, enabling them to create projects while learning about the ecological benefits of wool.
Additionally, Wool in School provides the Wool2Ewe box, an interactive educational tool that allows children to explore the properties of Irish wool and its traditional uses. This box contains various resources to facilitate hands-on learning experiences, from examining wool under a microscope to completing knitting projects.
Zero Fog Ltd 
Zero Fog Ltd, based in Dublin, specialises in innovative anti-fog solutions for glasses, launched in response to the widespread issue of fogging caused by face masks during the pandemic. Founded by Conor Kelly in 2021, the company quickly gained traction, achieving significant sales through a well-executed marketing strategy that included engaging social media influencers and leveraging viral content.
The main product, a reusable cloth infused with a hydrophilic solution, provides a sustainable alternative to traditional anti-fog products. This innovative approach attracted attention and acclaim, leading to features on major Irish media platforms and partnerships with influencers. In its first year, Zero Fog attracted over 12,000 customers and generated substantial revenue, with a remarkable conversion rate of 18%, significantly higher than industry norms.
Conor’s strategic marketing, dubbed “0-100 Marketing,” focused on rapid brand establishment and customer engagement, which became a model for other startups. Zero Fog has since expanded its product line and now includes various accessories for glasses, showcasing its adaptability in the market. The company’s success led to recognition in the form of multiple awards, including accolades at the Globe Awards for its marketing achievements.
In addition to running Zero Fog, Conor Kelly contributes to the entrepreneurial community by mentoring startups and sharing his expertise through workshops, further solidifying his role as an influential figure in marketing and business strategy.
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