This award celebrates businesses actively engaged in transforming their operations for a sustainable future. It recognises companies that have embraced practices reducing environmental impact, improving resource efficiency, and promoting ethical standards. By honouring these businesses, we highlight those contributing to Cork City’s commitment to sustainability, aligning with Ireland’s national goals and global climate change initiatives. These businesses serve as role models, demonstrating that sustainable growth is achievable, inspiring others to implement meaningful, impactful changes, and reinforcing Cork’s position as a leader in climate action and environmental responsibility.
Cork has seen some rapid growth in the professional services sector over the last 12 months. Entries in this sector include architects, engineers, accountants, lawyers, financial advisors to name but a few. The nominees must explain what sets their business apart from others in their sector and what their plans for the future are.
This award celebrates the most outstanding festival or event in Cork, recognising the creativity, organisation, and impact it has had on the local community, businesses, and/or visitors. Nominees should demonstrate excellence in planning, promotion, and execution, contributing to the vibrancy of Cork’s cultural and social scene or the business itself. This category is open to festivals, corporate events or community events. Whether large or small, the award winner will have offered an engaging and memorable experience, fostering community or business spirit, they will have made it accessible, and will have positively promoted the business or Cork as a destination for unique and exciting events.
The VFI – Vintners’ Federation of Ireland – is a trade association that represents publicans in Cork, and are the Key Sponsor for this award category. This award honours Cork City VFI Members; licensed establishments that serve alcoholic beverages, and may also offer food, entertainment and events such as live music, quizzes or comedy.
This Award recognises ‘Hotels’ in the wider Cork City area. A hotel is defined as a commercial establishment that provides accommodation, dining, and additional services to guests. It offers a range of amenities, including private rooms or suites, housekeeping, and can offer facilities such as restaurants, bars, conference spaces, fitness centers, and recreational activities.
This award recognises a business, organisation, or institution that has made an outstanding contribution to culture, art, or tourism in Cork City. This could involve innovative marketing campaigns, creating unique visitor experiences, or developing initiatives that encourage tourists to explore Cork’s offerings.
Nominees should demonstrate excellence in helping to create or promote the city’s rich heritage, vibrant arts scene, or initiatives that attract and engage visitors. Whether through an innovative artistic endeavour, cultural program, or tourism initiative, the winner will have helped to enhance Cork City’s reputation as a dynamic place for creativity, exploration or tourism. Their efforts will have contributed to engaging the local community, increasing visitor numbers, and/or improving the experience for those who visit Cork.
This award is to highlight all Retail Businesses in the greater Cork City area. Entrants need to explain their business and offering, ownerships, and any future business plans. Retail businesses must operate from a building / premise in the greater Cork City Area.
This award is to highlight all Cafes in the greater Cork City area. A Cafe is defined as a casual dining place that serves light meals, snacks and beverages. Entrants need to explain their business and offering.
This award is to highlight all new businesses that have opened since 1 January 2021. Entrants need to explain their business and explain why they chose to set up in Cork, what risks were taken and how has business been since starting out.
This award is to highlight all Family owned and managed businesses in the greater Cork City area. Entrants need to explain their business and family managed structure.
This award is to highlight all Restaurants in the greater Cork City area. A Restaurant is defined as a formal dining place that serves full course meals. Entrants need to explain their business and offering.