Three Waterford businesses make Irish Made Awards final

Three homegrown Waterford businesses have been announced as finalists for the tenth annual Irish Made Awards, celebrating the very best in Irish craftsmanship, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.

This milestone 10th year attracted more than 250 entries from across the island of Ireland, and Waterford's own Urban Aran Knitwear, Cocoa by Judit and Pawpear have each been shortlisted for fashion, food and gift awards, respectively.

Presented by Irish Country Magazine, the Irish Made Awards have spent the past decade championing the makers, designers, producers, retailers and innovators who contribute to Ireland's thriving creative economy.

The awards celebrate not only outstanding products, but also the passion, innovation and dedication behind Ireland's vibrant community of makers, with finalists now competing for category honours and the coveted overall title.

As part of the 10th anniversary Irish Made Awards, Irish Country Magazine has introduced a brand-new Rising Star Award.

New for this milestone year, all Irish Made Awards entrants will be invited to nominate a young Irish-made business and vote for the eventual winner, designed to shine a spotlight on emerging talent, the award encourages established and growing makers to actively support the next generation of Irish producers.

Niamh Devereux, Editor of Irish Country Magazine, said: "It’s hard to believe we’re celebrating ten years of the Irish Made Awards. Every year, I’m struck by the incredible talent, creativity and passion that exists right across the island, but this year’s entries felt particularly special.

"Our theme this year is ‘A Decade of Storytelling’, which feels like the perfect way to mark this milestone. Over the past ten years, we’ve had the privilege of hearing the stories behind so many remarkable Irish businesses – stories of ambition, resilience, creativity, family, tradition and innovation.

It’s those stories that bring Irish-made businesses to life and make them so special, and it has been a real privilege to share them with our readers and celebrate the people behind them. Narrowing more than 250 entries down to 121 finalists was no easy task, but each of these businesses has a story worth telling and truly deserves its place on this year’s shortlist."

The Irish Made Awards 2026, proudly supported by Circle Club, will take place at The Johnstown Estate, Co Meath, on Wednesday, September 30.

Hosted by Muireann O'Connell, the event will welcome more than 250 finalists, judges, sponsors and industry leaders for an evening celebrating the very best of Irish-made excellence, with winners announced on the night.