Starting a food or drink business in Ireland takes careful thought and planning. You’ll need to do market research and understand the legal steps. This guide will help you start a successful food venture in Ireland. It offers insights and tips for the Irish food industry.
Key Takeaways:
- Starting a food or beverage business in Ireland requires thorough planning and consideration.
- Market research is essential for understanding consumer preferences and identifying opportunities in the Irish food industry.
- Complying with legal requirements, such as permits and licenses, is crucial for operating a food business in Ireland.
- Crafting a unique selling proposition and diverse menu can help attract customers and differentiate your business from competitors.
- Effective marketing strategies, including branding and online presence, are crucial for promoting your food or beverage venture.
Understanding the Food Truck Industry in Ireland
In Ireland, the food truck scene is booming. There are now over 350 trucks serving up tasty food. This growth is thanks to people loving street food and wanting fun, cheap meals.
People in Ireland are picking more carefully what they eat, looking for different foods and tastes. So, there’s lots of variety and competition in the food truck market.
Market Trends in the Food Truck Industry
Several trends are shaping the food truck business in Ireland:
- Rise of Street Food: Street food is very popular, giving folks a lot of tasty, easy choices.
- Desire for Unique Experiences: People want memorable meals, not just the usual restaurant scenes.
- Affordability: Food trucks are pocket-friendly, perfect for those on a budget.
- Cultural Diversity: Many food trucks offer food from around the world, showing Ireland’s diverse tastes.
- Mobile and Flexible: Food trucks can go anywhere, bringing food to events and different spots, making them very popular.
These trends have made the food truck scene in Ireland exciting and competitive. For those thinking of starting a food truck, there are many chances and obstacles.
| Benefits of the Food Truck Industry in Ireland | Challenges of the Food Truck Industry in Ireland |
|---|---|
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Planning Your Food Truck Business
Planning is key for your food truck’s success. You need a strong plan before you start selling your dishes. This plan will be the base for a thriving business. We will show you the main steps to plan your food truck. This includes making a unique selling point, creating a varied menu, and calculating start-up costs.
Developing a Unique Selling Proposition
Your unique selling point makes your food truck stand out. Think about what’s special about your truck. It could be the food you serve, a new twist on old favourites, or using local ingredients. Your USP tells customers why they should choose your food over others.
Designing a Diverse Menu
Having a menu that appeals to many is crucial for your food truck. Brainstorm and create a menu that shows off your cooking skills. Also, make sure it includes options for various diets like vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. This lets you cater to a larger group of people.
Estimating Startup and Operational Costs
Knowing how much money you need to start and run your food truck is vital. Start by listing the equipment and permits you need. Also, remember to include costs like food, fuel, and marketing. A detailed budget helps you understand your financial needs better. It guides you on setting prices and reaching your profit goals.
Planning well gets your food truck ready for the industry’s challenges. So, put on your chef’s hat and let’s begin. We’re on the road to dishing up tasty meals to customers!
Legal Requirements and Compliance for Food Trucks in Ireland
Launching a food truck in Ireland involves a series of legal steps. This includes getting permits, licenses, and meeting health and safety rules. Understanding and following these rules is key to running a food truck business that’s both legal and successful.
Permits and Licensing
For a food truck to operate in Ireland, you first need a permit. This document gives you the go-ahead to sell food in certain places. The way you get this permit might change based on your operating area and the local laws there. It’s important to look into what’s needed where you want to sell.
Depending on your activities, you might also need other permits. These could be for the business itself, or for special things like selling alcohol or playing music.
Health and Safety Regulations
Sticking to health and safety rules is not just law, but vital for your customers’ well-being. It also keeps your food truck’s good reputation safe. This means you must keep your food clean and safe to eat, and your working area welcoming and hygienic.
You should know how to handle, keep, and prepare food properly. Also, keeping your tools and equipment clean is a must. Having a strong plan for food safety is a good way to make sure these things happen as they should.
Legal Compliance
Running your food truck legally means following all the laws that apply. This covers hiring practices, taxes, and other food industry rules in Ireland. It’s about knowing what’s expected and doing your part to meet those standards.
Complying with the law helps keep your business safe. It builds trust with customers too, as they know you’re doing things by the book.
| Legal Requirements | Permits and Licensing | Health and Safety Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Food truck permit | Business licenses | Hygiene standards |
| Additional licenses (alcohol, music) | Public liability insurance | Food safety practices |
| Equipment inspections and cleaning |
To serve in Ireland legally, stick to these steps. Get the right permits, follow health and safety codes, and keep up with laws. Doing so helps your food truck business do well and satisfy your customers.
Opening a Restaurant in Ireland
Thinking about opening a restaurant in Ireland? It’s a bold move that needs thoughtful planning. You must choose the right spot, meet safety rules, and get the right insurance. These steps are vital to start well.
Choosing the Right Venue
Deciding on the best place for your restaurant is crucial. Think about the area, how easy it is to reach, and who you want to come. A spot with lots of people passing by is great. Also, make sure there’s enough room for guests and your kitchen needs.
Compliance with Safety Regulations
Keeping your place safe and clean is key for your success. Learn the safety rules for food spots in Ireland. These include keeping things clean, fire safety, and health checks. Follow food safety steps, teach your team about cleanliness, and keep your place nice for everyone.
Obtaining Insurance
Getting the right insurance for your restaurant is very important. It protects your money and helps if things go wrong. Talk to a good insurance company about what you need. Check what risks your place might have to get the best coverage.
Choosing the right place, following safety rules, and having good insurance sets your restaurant up well. With careful planning and details, you can make your eatery in Ireland a hit. Plan well and aim to give your guests an unforgettable time.
Legal Considerations for Opening a Restaurant in Ireland
Opening a restaurant in Ireland means dealing with lots of legal issues. You have to pick the right legal setup, register your business, and protect your restaurant’s name. Knowing the legal scene is key to a good start.
Choosing the right legal entity
Choosing the right legal structure is an early key step. You can have a sole trader, a partnership, an LLC, or a corporation. Each has its own pros and cons. Talking to a legal expert can show you the best path for your restaurant.
Registering your business
Getting your restaurant legally registered is essential. You’ll need to go through the CRO in Ireland. They will need info about your place, like its name, address, who’s running it, and how much it costs to own part of it.
Protecting your restaurant’s name
Keeping your business name safe is next. This stops anyone else from using a name that might confuse customers. You can have your name registered with the CRO, or get a trademark from the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland. This way, your restaurant’s name stays yours, helping you stand out and protect your good name.
Trademark Registration Process
Getting a trademark locks in your restaurant’s name and logo legally. Starting involves researching to avoid stepping on anyone’s toes, then filing with the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland. It’s smart to have a trademark expert help you through the process. This secures your brand’s uniqueness.
Legal Considerations Checklist
| Legal Considerations | Description |
|---|---|
| Company Registration | Register your restaurant legally with the CRO. |
| Business Name Registration | Secure your eatery’s name to protect your brand. |
| Trademark Registration | Get a trademark to keep your unique brand safe. |
| Intellectual Property Protection | Guard special assets, like recipes and inventions. |
| Employment Law Compliance | Know and follow employee laws for a smooth business. |
Thinking through these legal points and getting expert advice helps your restaurant stay on the right side of the law. This protects your business and helps it grow.
Licensing Requirements for Restaurants in Ireland
Starting a restaurant in Ireland is filled with excitement. But, you must meet certain licensing rules. To run a restaurant legally, you need permits for *food and alcohol sales* and *music licenses*.
Selling Food
To *sell food*, you must get a food business operator (FBO) license from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). This license makes sure your place follows food safety laws. These laws keep the public safe by setting high hygiene standards.
Also, you might need more permits based on the food types you offer. For instance, if you plan to serve *alcohol*, an alcohol license from the Revenue Commissioners is a must. This permit lets you sell alcohol legally.
Playing Music
If you want to have *live performances* or play music in your eatery, you need the right music licenses. The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) and Phonographic Performance Ireland (PPI) give these licenses. They make sure you don’t break any copyright laws and support music artists by paying them for their work.
The exact licenses you need can change. Factors like where you are, the size of your place, and the type of activities you have, affect this. It’s always a good idea to talk with the right authorities and get legal advice to ensure you have all the licenses you need for your unique restaurant.
| Licensing Requirements | Description |
|---|---|
| Food Business Operator (FBO) License | Obtained from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. |
| Alcohol License | Issued by the Revenue Commissioners to legally sell and serve alcohol. |
| Music Licenses | Granted by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) and Phonographic Performance Ireland (PPI) for playing music in public places. |
Staff Training and Food Safety for Restaurants in Ireland
Maintaining high food safety standards and proper staff training are key in Ireland’s restaurants. It’s a quick industry where making customers happy is top. By following food safety rules and training your staff well, you can really make your restaurant stand out.
Implementing a Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plan
A Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan focuses on preventing food safety issues. It checks the whole food making process for dangers. This way, restaurant owners can keep their customers safe and lower the chance of sickness. They do this by looking at risks, finding important steps to check, and keeping an eye on things.
Obtaining Medical Certifications for Employees
Making sure all staff have the right medical certifications is also vital. Certificates like Food Handlers and Allergen Awareness show they know how to handle food safely. This reduces the chance of making food not safe. Keeping these certificates up to date is key to keeping in line with the latest rules.
Adhering to Food Hygiene Regulations
Sticking to food hygiene rules is important for everyone’s safety. This means staff must keep clean by washing hands often and wearing the right clothes. Restaurants must also clean and sanitise well, covering everything from bits where food is made to where people eat.
Focusing on food safety and training pays off for restaurant owners. It keeps customers healthy and happy. A single safety issue can lead to harsh penalties and hurt your business’s image. With good training for staff and solid safety rules, you invest in a future with happy customers, loyal staff, and thriving business.
| Benefits of Staff Training and Food Safety Practices | Consequences of Neglecting Staff Training and Food Safety Practices |
|---|---|
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Market Research and Feasibility Studies for Food Businesses in Ireland
Starting a food business in Ireland means doing thorough market research and feasibility studies. You learn what your customers need, their preferences, and check if your business idea will work well. This lets you make smart choices that set your business up for success.
Identifying Your Target Market
Knowing your target market is key in food business research. You look at age groups, how much people earn, what they like to do, and where they eat. This helps you sell what they want and how they want it.
Surveys, talks, and focus groups can tell you a lot about your market’s tastes. This helps you create something they’ll find very tempting.
Understanding Consumer Preferences
Getting what customers like is important for your food business. Use surveys or study the market to see what foods, ingredients, and experiences they like the most. Keep an eye on new food trends and local tastes. This helps you make a menu that stands out and brings new delights to your customers.
Assessing Business Viability
Feasibility studies check if your food business could really work in Ireland. You look at if it makes money, how it runs, and if it stands out from the competition. Think about the costs, where you set up, and the revenues you can expect. This helps you see if your idea has what it takes to succeed.
| Benefits of Market Research and Feasibility Studies |
|---|
| 1. Identify profitable market opportunities |
| 2. Tailor your products and services to meet customer needs |
| 3. Understand your competition and differentiate your offerings |
| 4. Make informed decisions about pricing, packaging, and promotion |
| 5. Evaluate the financial viability of your business concept |
When you do deep market research and feasibility studies, you get insights that help you make strong choices. This gives you a better shot at doing well in Ireland’s tough food market.
Financial Planning and Funding Options for Food Businesses in Ireland
Starting a food business in Ireland means having passion for food and knowing your stuff. But before you open your doors, it’s crucial to plan your finances and look into funding choices. With a detailed financial plan and the right funding, your business can steer towards being stable and growing steadily.
Importance of Financial Planning
Good financial planning is key for the lasting success of your food venture. It means making a detailed budget, working out your startup costs and the costs of running the business, and predicting your future spending and earnings. A smart financial plan helps you make good choices, manage your money well, and spot any gaps in funding early.
Understanding Funding Options
In Ireland, you have different ways to fund your food business. A common way is through small business loans. These loans can cover what you need to start, buy equipment, and get your first stock. You can get small business loans from banks or from places that offer different deals. They usually have good rates and ways to pay back the money.
But loans aren’t the only option. You might also find grants and other cash supports helpful. The government and private groups sometimes give out these grants to help food businesses. This money can be used for special projects, to do research, or to hire and train staff.
Seeking Expert Advice
Getting advice from experts on finances and funding is a wise move. Talking to a financial advisor or accountant who knows the food industry can be very helpful. They can work with you to make a budget that actually works, find ways to get the money you need, and help with loan or grant paperwork. Their advice can keep your financial plans on the right track and boost your chances of getting funding.
| Funding Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Small Business Loans | Financial institutions provide capital for startup costs, equipment purchases, and operational expenses. Repayment terms vary. |
| Grants | Government agencies and private organizations offer financial assistance specifically aimed at supporting small businesses in the food industry. |
| Investors | Individuals or organizations provide capital in exchange for equity or a return on their investment. Suitable for businesses with high growth potential. |
| Crowdfunding | Using online platforms, entrepreneurs can raise funds from a large number of people who contribute small amounts of money. |
It’s vital to thoroughly research and weigh up the good and bad of each funding possibility. They all have their own criteria and rules. So, pick the one that fits your business goals and money needs best.
Keep in mind, sorting out your finances and finding funding is something you’ll do all along. As your business changes and grows, so will your financial plan. Keeping a strong financial base helps you tackle problems, jump on chances, and make your mark in the competitive world of Irish food.
Marketing Strategies for Food Businesses in Ireland
In Ireland’s food industry, good marketing is key to success. It helps draw in customers and makes your brand stand out. This part focuses on the importance of branding, going online, and using social media to promote your food business.
Branding is vital for making your food business unique. It sets you apart from rivals and builds strong memories. Think about these tips to make your brand better:
- Design a visually appealing logo and brand visuals.
- Make a brand story that touches your customers.
- Create a special selling point that makes you different.
- Always offer top-notch products and services as you promised.
Online Presence: Reaching a Wider Audience
Having a strong online presence is more important than ever. It lets you connect with people looking for your services. Here’s how you can do that:
- Build a website that shows off your food and tells your story.
- Make your website visible on search engines to attract more visitors.
- Use social media like Facebook and Instagram to talk to your fans and share new dishes.
- Work with bloggers or influencers to get more online attention.
Leveraging Social Media: Engaging with Your Audience
Social media is a great way for food businesses to build their fanbase. Use it to connect with customers and keep them coming back. Here are ways to do that:
- Post great pictures and videos to make people hungry for your food.
- Organize contests or campaigns to get people talking.
- Always reply to comments or messages to show you care.
- Team up with influencers or throw events to get more noticed.
These marketing ideas will help your business get seen, draw in new customers, and grow in Ireland’s active food market.
| Benefits of Effective Marketing Strategies | Marketing Strategies |
|---|---|
| Increased brand awareness | Branding, social media marketing |
| Customer engagement and loyalty | Social media marketing, interactive campaigns |
| Expanded customer base | Online presence, search engine optimization |
| Competitive advantage | Differentiated branding, unique selling proposition |
| Market positioning | Targeted marketing strategies aligned with customer preferences |
Supplier Selection and Inventory Management for Food Businesses in Ireland
In Ireland, successful food businesses focus on two main areas: choosing the right suppliers and managing their stock well. These steps help keep operations smooth and customers happy. We’ll look at why it’s important to build strong supplier relationships and use efficient stock control methods.
The Importance of Supplier Selection
Picking the best suppliers leads to a reliable supply chain and great ingredients for your meals. Here’s what you should think about when choosing a supplier:
- Local Sourcing: Make sure to support local farmers and producers. It grows your economy, and your customers get to enjoy fresh, local flavours.
- Quality and Reliability: It’s crucial your suppliers match your quality standards and deliver on time. Do your homework, ask around, and check their reputation.
- Price and Negotiation: You need to find a balance between quality and price. Talk to your suppliers to get the best deals without compromising on what your business needs.
- Relationship Building: Good relationships with your suppliers mean trust and teamwork. Regular talks, feedback, and working together can lead to lasting success.
Efficient Inventory Management
Running your stocks well cuts down waste, keeps the right amount of items in store, and makes things run smoothly. Here’s what to focus on:
- Accurate Forecasting: Use data and trends to predict just the right amount of stock to keep. This step avoids having too much or too little stock.
- Inventory Tracking: Have a good system to watch over what’s in your supply. This lets you spot slow sellers, stop running out, and make smart buying choices.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Keeping close to your suppliers means you get what you need on time. Clear communication is key.
- First-In, First-Out (FIFO) Method: Stick to using your oldest stock first to stop food going off. This way, nothing is wasted and everything is fresh.
Inventory Management Table
| Inventory Management Practices | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Accurate Forecasting | Minimizes wastage, avoids stockouts or overstocking, optimizes inventory levels |
| Inventory Tracking | Real-time visibility of stock levels, prevents inventory shortages, informed purchasing decisions |
| Supplier Relationship Management | Promotes timely delivery, fosters collaboration, strengthens supply chain |
| First-In, First-Out (FIFO) Method | Prevents ingredient spoilage, ensures use of fresh ingredients |
By putting effort into supplier selection and stock management, Irish food businesses can keep customers happy and improve their bottom line. The next part will look at how hiring and training staff well is key to your food business’s success.
Staff Recruitment and Training for Food Businesses in Ireland
A skilled and motivated team is key to a food business’s success in Ireland. Recruiting the right people and offering good training and retention strategies are vital steps. They help create a great work atmosphere and ensure happy customers. Investing in your team builds a strong foundation for your business’s success.
Staff Recruitment
To recruit staff successfully, ensuring they share your business’s values is crucial. Consider these methods:
- Develop a clear job description that outlines the required qualifications and skills.
- Advertise job vacancies on relevant job boards and social media platforms.
- Utilize your network and ask for referrals from industry professionals.
- Conduct thorough interviews and reference checks to ensure a good fit.
Hiring people who love the food industry and are driven will help you form a team that gives top-notch service to your customers.
Staff Training
Training your team continuously maintains high standards and supports their growth. Here’s how:
- Provide comprehensive training programs that cover food safety, customer service, and operational procedures.
- Implement regular training sessions to update your staff on new menu items, promotions, and industry trends.
- Encourage cross-training opportunities to develop versatile and skilled employees.
- Invest in professional development courses and certifications to enhance the expertise of your team.
By making staff training a priority, you equip your team with skills to give great service, meet food safety rules, and help your business succeed.
Employee Retention
Keeping your staff happy and with you is vital for building a great team. Here’s how to do it:
- Create a positive work environment that promotes collaboration, recognition, and work-life balance.
- Offer competitive compensation and benefits packages.
- Provide opportunities for career advancement and growth within the company.
- Regularly communicate with your team to address any concerns or challenges they may be facing.
If you focus on your team’s growth, offer a supportive workplace, and acknowledge their efforts, they’ll be loyal and motivated.
Benefits of Effective Staff Recruitment and Training
| Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
| Improved Customer Service | Well-trained staff will deliver exceptional customer service, resulting in satisfied customers and positive reviews. |
| Increased Efficiency | Properly trained employees can perform their tasks efficiently, leading to smoother operations and reduced errors. |
| Higher Employee Morale | Investing in staff training and development demonstrates your commitment to their growth, boosting morale and job satisfaction. |
| Reduced Turnover | Creating a positive work environment and offering opportunities for advancement can help retain valuable employees, reducing turnover costs. |
Focusing on recruitment, training, and retention can help you form a talented, committed team. Such a team is crucial to the success of any food business in Ireland.
Operational Efficiency and Customer Satisfaction for Food Businesses in Ireland
It’s key to keep your food business efficient and customers happy in Ireland. You make your business stand out by making processes slick, ensuring top-notch quality, and putting customers first. This builds a strong group of loyal customers.
The Importance of Operational Efficiency
Running a smooth operation is vital for any food business’s success. It’s about using resources well, cutting down on waste, and being as productive as possible. Find where you can do better, streamline how you work, and cut costs.
Modern tech, like sales systems and inventory tools, can help. They speed up tasks and make fewer mistakes, boosting how well you work.
Implementing Quality Control Measures
Keeping a close eye on quality is a must in the food industry. Making sure your food is always top quality keeps customers happy, builds trust, and makes their experience great.
Have clear rules for preparing, handling, and storing food. Regularly train and check that your team sticks to these rules to keep quality high.
Check on your operation often and fix any quality issues fast. Continuous improvement keeps your product and service quality up.
Customer Satisfaction as a Differentiator
Happy customers are the foundation of any food business’s success. They not only come back but also recommend your business to others.
Great customer service means listening well, acting on feedback, and always keeping promises. Surprising your customers in a good way makes them remember and choose you again.
Listening to what customers say is key. Use their feedback to improve your menu, service, and processes. This way, you meet their needs better.
| Benefits of Operational Efficiency and Customer Satisfaction for Food Businesses in Ireland |
|---|
| 1. Increased profitability through cost savings and reduced wastage |
| 2. Repeat business and customer loyalty |
| 3. Enhanced reputation and positive word-of-mouth recommendations |
| 4. Competitive advantage in a saturated market |
Focusing on running a tight ship and keeping customers happy sets your business up for success. Strive to be the best in every area – from food prep to how you treat customers. This makes your brand special and loved by your community.
Expanding and Scaling Food Businesses in Ireland
Ready to grow your food business? Exploring new horizons lets you tap into new customers. Scaling up means you’re ready to meet more demands. Let’s look at some smart strategies for growth in Ireland.
Diversifying Product Offerings
How about adding new items to your menu? It’s a great way to catch more people’s eyes. You might even find different tastes and preferences to cater to. This move can set you apart from the competition. If you run an Italian place, try adding vegan or gluten-free options.
Opening New Locations
Opening more places is another sound idea. If your first site is doing well, why not spread your wings? Be sure to pick spots that match your business goals. Thorough research is a must to ensure each spot has a chance to shine.
Exploring Franchising Options
Thinking of franchising? It could help your brand grow fast with less upfront cost. But, it needs a solid plan to keep your brand consistent. Always get advice to make sure you’re following the rules and looking after your reputation.
Building Strategic Partnerships
Teaming up with others can be a boost. Think about working closely with local suppliers to keep your stock flowing. Partnering with businesses that offer something extra, like drinks or desserts, can also help. It allows you to share customers and get your name out there more.
Investing in Technology and Automation
Using the latest tech can make things smoother. A great point-of-sale system or an easy online order platform can make a big difference. Also, don’t forget about tools that help with stock and business decisions. This way, you save time to focus on your business’s growth.
Pros and Cons of Different Growth Strategies
| Growth Strategy | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Diversifying Product Offerings | – Attract a larger customer base – Stand out from competitors – Capitalize on emerging food trends |
– Requires product development and testing – Potential increased costs for ingredients and training |
| Opening New Locations | – Reach more customers – Increase brand visibility – Potential for higher profits |
– Requires careful market research – Significant upfront investment – Operational challenges in managing multiple locations |
| Exploring Franchising Options | – Rapid expansion without major upfront costs – Shared operational responsibilities – Brand exposure in new markets |
– Requires legal and professional guidance – Loss of direct control over franchise outlets – Risks to brand reputation if franchisees do not maintain standards |
| Building Strategic Partnerships | – Cost-sharing opportunities – Access to new customer bases – Cross-promotion benefits |
– Requires careful selection of partners – Potential conflicts of interest – Need for strong contractual agreements |
| Investing in Technology and Automation | – Improved operational efficiency – Enhanced customer experience – Data-driven decision-making |
– Upfront investment in technology – Training and implementation challenges – Potential for dependency on technology |
Planning for growth in Ireland needs both care and clever choices. With strategies like new food offerings, more locations, franchising, partnerships, and tech upgrades, you can set your business up for success. This way, you can reach your full potential in the fast-moving Irish food scene.
Conclusion
Starting a food or drink business in Ireland is full of chances for eager people. The food scene is lively, and Irish people enjoy unique dining. Learning about what people like, following the rules, and using good plans can make your business thrive.
It’s key to begin with a solid plan and commit yourself. Doing detailed research and studies will show you who your customers are. You should also get all the needed permits to operate legally.
Being part of this growing field means you really should love food. And you must aim to offer the best to your customers. This way, your business can stand out and win over people in the busy Irish food market. So, if you’re passionate about food, this is your chance to start something great in Ireland.
