Kilrush is celebrating a triple success as three local businesses have been named finalists in the prestigious 2026 Clare Business Excellence Awards, recognising the quality, innovation and dedication of businesses operating in West Clare.
The Harbour Restaurant, Beag Café and Borrow A Geek have each secured a place among the county’s top businesses, with nominations spanning hospitality, food and professional services.
Organised by Ennis Chamber in partnership with Clare County Council, the Clare Business Excellence Awards are now in their 16th year and celebrate outstanding achievements across a wide range of industries throughout County Clare.
The three Kilrush finalists are:
The Harbour Restaurant – Best Place to Eat (Restaurant)
The Harbour Restaurant has been shortlisted in the Best Place to Eat (Restaurant) category, sponsored by AIB.
A familiar name in Kilrush’s dining scene, The Harbour Restaurant is representing West Clare alongside fellow finalists Gate 96 and Town Hall, both based in Ennis.
The nomination highlights the important role that independent restaurants play in the local economy, providing welcoming dining experiences for residents and visitors while contributing to Kilrush’s growing reputation as a destination for food and hospitality.
Beag Café – Best Place to Eat (Café)
Beag Café has earned a place among the finalists for Best Place to Eat (Café), also sponsored by AIB.
Competing alongside Dodi in Lahinch and Le Chéile in Barefield, Beag’s nomination is another welcome recognition for Kilrush’s hospitality sector.
Local cafés are an important part of town-centre life, offering places for people to meet, socialise and enjoy the community around them. Beag’s place on the shortlist is a fantastic achievement and another reason for Kilrush to celebrate its independent businesses.
Borrow A Geek – Best Micro Business
Kilrush-based technology company Borrow A Geek has been named a finalist in the Best Micro Business category, sponsored by the Local Enterprise Office Clare.
Founded in 2022, Borrow A Geek has grown into a technology services business providing managed IT support, cybersecurity, cloud services, telecommunications, website development and digital solutions to businesses across Clare and beyond.
Operating from its offices on Henry Street in Kilrush, the company helps organisations make better use of technology while providing the personal service and local expertise that smaller businesses value.
Borrow A Geek joins Berka Solutions, Lyons Garages and Wix & Wax Ireland as finalists in the category.
The nomination recognises the contribution that micro businesses make to the local economy and demonstrates that businesses based in towns such as Kilrush can compete and succeed at county level.
A Proud Moment for Kilrush
Having three businesses recognised across three different award categories is a significant achievement for Kilrush and reflects the diversity and strength of the town’s business community.
From independent restaurants and cafés to innovative technology companies, these finalists demonstrate that Kilrush is home to businesses delivering high standards of service, creating economic opportunities and contributing to the wider West Clare community.
The Clare Business Excellence Awards are independently adjudicated, making a place on the shortlist a meaningful achievement in its own right.
The 2026 Clare Business Excellence Awards Gala will take place on Thursday, 19 November 2026, at The Rine Hotel, with comedian and author Colm O’Regan hosting the evening.
Celebrating Local Business Success
The Kilrush Chamber of Commerce congratulates The Harbour Restaurant, Beag Café and Borrow A Geek on their well-deserved nominations and wishes all three businesses every success at the awards ceremony.
Their achievements are a reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses, shopping locally and recognising the people who invest their time, energy and ambition into making Kilrush a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
Three businesses. Three award categories. One proud town.
For more information about the Clare Business Excellence Awards, visit www.ennischamber.ie.