Ruth O'Connor

Weir & Sons, the iconic Dublin jeweller, celebrates over 100 years of partnership with Patek Philippe by hosting Ireland’s first exhibition of the revered watchmaker’s newest innovations, including several world-firsts.

The artist, celebrated for his dynamic three-dimensional works, reflects on his decision to turn to art in his 40s and how a glass half-full attitude and some luck along the way helped him find his place in the art world.

Each March, the population of Bologna in Italy swells by over a quarter of a million visitors who make their way to the BolognaFiere exhibition centre for Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna. Ruth O’Connor visited the show and spoke to the Irish contingent there.

Crafting queen Sara Davies entered the BBC's Den as the youngest ever Dragon on the show. Having just stepped in to save the business she founded 20 years ago, she discusses her return to Crafter's Companion and the lessons from her journey in business.

Long seen as an old-fashioned embellishment, the statement glove has made a comeback for tony dressers. At the centre of the revival is Dubliner Paula Rowan, who talks to The Currency about selling leather online and getting her products on the hands of Hollywood A-listers.

A combination of Brexit, the war in Ukraine and a supply crisis means Irish craft businesses are struggling with spiralling costs that change by the day. Three owners discuss how they are dealing with the constant uncertainty and tight margins.

When Giselle Makinde left Brazil, she knew she would find work anywhere as a trained chef. However, she didn’t expect to own an Irish business turning surplus ingredients into high-end ice cream.

From a standing start in 2009, Mike Treanor’s Mullan Lighting has grown into a major exporter and the dominant employer in the Monaghan village of Mullan. He talks about scaling a business from rural Ireland, dealing with Brexit and his international expansion plan.

Her successful appearance on Dragon’s Den may have garnered publicity and funding. But peel back the layers, and you discover how loss, grief, and depression have helped shape Sharon Keegan and her business Peachylean.

As The Harlequin vintage shop closes the doors of its bricks-and-mortar store on Dublin’s Castle Market, co-owner Fiona Smyth talks about moving online, Covid challenges and why cities need independent retailers.