Community pride was on full display on Friday, 7th November 2025, as Ballintubber Abbey was honoured with the Best in Tourism Award at the Mayo Business Awards. Manager Suellen McKenna and Teresa Gibbons attended the gala event at the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, accepting the award on behalf of the team and the wider community.
It was an especially proud moment for Ballintubber, as two local enterprises received top honours on the night: Ballintubber Abbey for Best in Tourism and Hayes Mechanical & Engineering for Best Small-Medium Business, a remarkable achievement for a rural community.
Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, with the Tourism Award sponsored by Fáilte Ireland, the Mayo Business Awards are one of the most anticipated annual events in the county’s business calendar. The awards are a truly countywide initiative, supported by Mayo’s Chambers, local business organisations, and backed by the Local Enterprise Office Mayo.
What makes the Mayo Business Awards so significant is their mission:
- To celebrate excellence in business and entrepreneurship
- To highlight innovation, dedication, and community contribution
- To help businesses grow their networks, elevate their profile, and unlock new opportunities
With nine award categories spanning every corner of County Mayo, the awards shine a spotlight on the very best that the county has to offer. Businesses of all sizes proudly compete, and recipients go on to display their awards as a mark of recognition for their hard work, investment, and continued commitment to their community.
Ballintubber Abbey’s win is a testament to the dedication of the staff, volunteers, and entire Ballintubber community. Welcoming over 35,000 visitors annually, the Abbey continues to grow as a key heritage destination. With the development of the new Cultural and Heritage Visitor Centre, visitor numbers are projected to exceed 100,000 per year—strengthening not only local tourism, but also the wider economic and cultural fabric of rural Mayo.
The Mayo Business Awards remain open to all businesses based in County Mayo, making the recognition even more meaningful for rural communities like ours. The 2025 awards ceremony proved once again why this event has become such a valued and inspiring date on the county’s calendar.
As we proudly bring this award home to Ballintubber, we extend our gratitude to the organisers, sponsors, and supporters who make this celebration of Mayo enterprise possible. It is an honour to stand among the exceptional businesses shaping the future of our county.
