Local Enterprise Office Galway serves as a first stop for anyone seeking information and support on starting or growing a business in Galway city and county.
One recent success story is tír fragrances, a Ballinasloe-based company founded by John Slattery and Sean Deane. The innovative Irish fragrance brand specialises in portable, refillable solid fragrances that combine sustainability, convenience, and authentic Irish design. The solid fragrance balm brand offers alcohol-free scents and is inspired by Irish landscapes and heritage.
Since its inception, tír fragrances has received several supports from Local Enterprise Office Galway. Alongside financial support for product development and formulation, the company also availed of mentoring support in areas such as branding and intellectual property. These supports have played an important role in helping the business build a strong market presence and compete effectively on a global stage.
According to co-founder Sean Deane, the company's focus on distinctive branding and innovative product design has been central to its growth: "Glass doesn't travel well, and a lot of what's out there is loaded with alcohol that isn't great for your skin, especially if you're active.
"We wanted something natural and skin-friendly that could actually go where we went. We wanted to create something that was genuinely ours, genuinely Irish, rather than borrowing Irish imagery for a product that had no authentic connection behind it."
Showcase 2027
Sean and John are currently preparing for Showcase 2027 at the RDS in Dublin, where they will have the opportunity to present their products to buyers from around the world and further strengthen the brand's international profile.
Like many export-focused businesses, tír fragrances has faced its share of challenges. Reflecting on the company's journey, Sean notes: "A low point was losing the US almost overnight when tariffs changed. It had become our number one market, and we had to move quickly to refocus on Europe and the UK.
"The high point has been the response from the Irish market itself. People genuinely connect with what we're doing, and we've built a loyal customer base that supports the brand because of what it represents. That's what makes all the hard work worthwhile."
Looking ahead, tír fragrances has ambitious plans for growth. Alongside its participation at Showcase, the company is preparing to launch a new fragrance collection and has hinted at a growing following among several well-known Irish figures.
As Sean explains, "We can't name names but keep an eye out. You might spot it on the pitch and on the big screens."
The company is also focused on expanding its presence across Europe, developing wholesale and hospitality partnerships with Irish hotels, and growing its corporate gifting offering.
In addition, tír fragrances has been shortlisted for the Business of Craft Awards in both the Best Newcomer and Sustainability Champion categories.
Your First Stop for Business Support
Whether you are starting a business or planning for growth, Local Enterprise Office Galway provides a comprehensive range of supports to help businesses succeed. These include one-to-one advisory meetings, specialist mentoring in areas such as marketing, exporting, recruitment, and management development, as well as practical guidance tailored to each stage of the business journey.
To learn more about the supports available, visit localenterprise.ie/Galway
