Finalists announced for 25th annual Kilkenny Business Awards
For 25 years, the Kilkenny Business Awards have highlighted the achievements of local enterprises,
The finalists for the 2025 Kilkenny Business Awards, sponsored by Vhi, have been announced by the Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce.
Now in its 25th year, the awards will culminate in a black-tie gala at the Lyrath Estate Hotel on Saturday, November 22.
Kilkenny Chamber received a large volume of applications, which have now been reviewed. Despite the 'extremely high standard', an independent selection panel has put forward 58 local businesses across 20 award categories, including Customer Service Excellence, Innovation in Business, ESG Excellence, Retailer of the Year, Taste of Kilkenny, Small Business of the Year, and many more.
Celebrating over 25 years
For 25 years, the Kilkenny Business Awards have highlighted the achievements of local enterprises, marking out excellence, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. These prestigious awards not only celebrate the outstanding achievements of local businesses but also play a pivotal role in shaping Kilkenny’s reputation as a thriving hub of commerce and enterprise.
The awards have consistently spotlighted the best of Kilkenny’s business community. By recognising excellence across diverse sectors, the awards have encouraged healthy competition, inspired innovation, and helped businesses attract investment and talent, whilst positioning Kilkenny as a model for regional economic development.
“Twenty-five years of success is something worth celebrating," said President of Kilkenny Chamber, Anne Barber. “The continued huge interest in the Kilkenny Business Awards from local businesses is a testament to its importance in bringing out the best of business in the City and County. We are grateful to all our sponsors, in particular our main sponsor Vhi, but also all of the category and event sponsors, which help to make this event viable and are looking forward to celebrating in the Lyrath Estate hotel in November."
The shortlisted applicants will move on to the interview round on Wednesday, October 22. Hosted by the Kilkenny Pembroke Hotel and the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, the event brings together 58 businesses, seven judging panels, and 21 voluntary judges from within the business community.
Gala Evening
The Kilkenny Business Awards, hosted by Marty Whelan at the Lyrath Estate Hotel, takes place on Saturday, November 22, when the winners will be announced along with the special recognition awards, Lifetime Achievement and President’s Award. Tickets are available from kilkennychamber.ie.