HomeBot Ireland, West Cork-based home robotics startup founded by Clara Mulligan and Alan O’Neill, is marking its first anniversary since selling its very first product in May 2024, growing from a small family idea into one of Ireland’s most exciting homegrown brands.
Co-founded by West Cork entrepreneur and mother of two, Clara Mulligan, the idea behind HomeBot Ireland was born during the COVID lockdown, out of the need to make life easier. Launched just 12 months ago, HomeBot has rapidly emerged as Ireland’s most exciting smart home brand. Its first product, Buddy, a wireless, AI-powered robotic lawnmower, offered a cable-free, user-friendly solution to garden maintenance. One year later, HomeBot now offers a full suite of products including robotic vacuums and mops, all designed around the real needs of Irish homes.
Clara Mulligan said: “When we launched, our first customers were our neighbours. Now, our vacuums are selling out, and we’re preparing to launch Ireland’s first robotic window cleaner by the end of the year. It’s all happened faster than we imagined. What sets us apart is more than innovation. It is local service, empathy and trust. This isn’t just about gadgets, it’s about giving people their time back. Whether you’re juggling family life or simply want more time to yourself, everyone deserves smart tools that work for them, not the other way around.”
The company, headquartered in Dunmanway, West Cork, combines Clara’s background in business and customer care with Alan’s expertise in engineering and AI. Together, they have designed user-friendly, affordable robots that reflect Irish home sizes, weather patterns, and lifestyles.
In just one year, HomeBot Ireland has:
• Sold out of its robotic vacuum lines
• Won 2024 Home Improvement Innovation Company of the Year
• Been recognised by West Cork and national business awards
• Launched an industry-first trade-in circular economy scheme, with the ability to purchase pre-loved, refurbished robots
“We’re not a faceless tech brand,” Clara explains. “We built HomeBot Ireland for families like ours, for people who don’t have time for complicated tech, but want their home and garden to just work for them. We support every customer through WhatsApp, calls, or video, we’ve been in their shoes., and we want to make their experience with our products as seamless as possible. We’ve grown fast, but we’ve grown with intention. Our mission is still the same: simple, reliable tech that works for Irish homes. One robot at a time.”
Looking ahead, HomeBot Ireland has ambitious plans to expand its product line, including the launch of robotic window cleaners in 2025 and solar panel cleaners in 2026, a first for the Irish household market and has just placed a 6 figure order for their Glider robots due to the product’s continued success.
Woodie’s, Ireland’s leading DIY, Home and Garden retailer, has partnered with Virtualstock, the range extension platform, to scale its online product offering and deliver a richer customer experience. The collaboration has already seen Woodie’s expand its product range by 10% in the first quarter since going live, with a further 10,000 products set to go live in the coming months.
By integrating Virtualstock’s user-friendly dropshipping and supplier management tools, Woodie’s can now onboard suppliers faster and more efficiently, cutting time to market whilst increasing choice. The partnership is central to Woodie’s ambition to lead in omni-channel retail, offering customers an even wider selection of products both online and in-store.
Customers are already seeing the benefits with hundreds more orders processed each month, improved returns via Drop2Shop integration and easier access to new product categories. The returns process is also more convenient, with customers now able to return online purchases via QR code at any of Woodie’s 35+ stores nationwide, enhancing the post-purchase journey and brand loyalty.
“At Woodie’s, our mission is to be Ireland’s leading omni-channel DIY, Home and Garden retailer,” said Damien Dwyer, CEO, Woodie’s. “Our partnership with Virtualstock is a key part of that journey, enabling us to rapidly expand our product catalogue and offer customers more choice and flexibility than ever before. Virtualstock also allows us to bring new products and brands to market quickly, helping us stay ahead in delivering the variety and convenience our customers expect as market leaders.”
Ed Bradley, CEO, Virtualstock, added, “People are shopping online more than ever before – Ireland leads this trend, with 96% of internet users making online purchases last year. Purchasing home, furniture, and garden accessories online is on the rise. We want Woodie’s to be able to capitalise on that – giving them the tools to stay one step ahead of shifting demand.
Woodie’s has experienced an impressive 10% range uplift in the first quarter, and there’s lots more where that came from. Strategic range expansion is the fastest, smartest way to meet customer demand without overextending operations, and it’s a clear example of how smart technology can unlock scalable growth.”
Woodie’s is the latest in a growing cohort of major retailers investing in technology-first range expansion. With demand shifting fast and consumer confidence still recovering, giving customers more choice, without the stock risk, has become a strategic imperative.
As Christmas is creeping near, finding the ideal gift for garden lovers can be a bit frustrating. But we are here to help you turn your frown upside down with our blog on the best presents for your garden loving family or friend. From the known green thumbs to newcomers, these present ideas will have them eager to dig their hands in the soil.
Smart Plant Sensor
A smart plant sensor is an amazing gadget for the modern gardener who values technology and gardening together. These intelligent devices monitor key plant health metrics such as soil moisture, temperature and light exposure before providing real-time updates through a smartphone app. They will be able to tend to their plants with precision and care from home or while on the move. Not only can smart plant sensors ensure optimal growing conditions but they also offer invaluable insights that help even beginner gardeners learn and grow with gardening.
Solar-Powered Outdoor Speaker
Garden lovers who appreciate music while tending to their plants will be over the moon for this eco-friendly gift idea. These solar-powered speakers use the sun’s power to deliver high-quality sound without needing wires or constant recharges. Simply place it in a sunny spot in your garden, and it will provide hours of entertainment from soothing tunes to energizing playlists. Not only can solar-powered outdoor speakers offer an eco-friendly way of listening to music outdoors, but many models also include Bluetooth capabilities for easy connectivity with smartphones or other devices.
Hedge Trimmers
Gardeners who take great pride in keeping their space looking its best know that having an efficient hedge trimmer on hand is an important tool. Ticking the boxes of both precision and power, this tool enables gardeners to effortlessly shape hedges, shrubs and bushes as needed or when the urge to imbody Edward Scissorhands take hold of them. Modern hedge trimmers feature ergonomic designs and lightweight builds to minimize fatigue while making even complex trimming tasks a breeze. These tools feature adjustable cutting lengths and cordless options for maximum mobility, making them suited to both professional landscapers and dedicated home gardeners. Perfect for prettifying your trimming or healthy plant growth, a high-quality hedge trimmer makes an great addition to any gardener’s toolbox.
Home Composting Systems
A home composting system makes an excellent gift for eco-conscious gardeners looking to reduce waste while enriching the soil. Composting is a natural process that transforms kitchen waste and garden debris into nutrient-rich soil fertilizer that promotes plant growth. Modern composting systems are tailored to fit seamlessly into any home or garden, offering options such as compact bins for urban dwellers or larger tumbling systems for those with more space. These systems are easy to use, promoting sustainability by reducing landfill waste and fertilizing gardens without using synthetic fertilizers. An investment in sustainability, home composting systems make great gifts that promote living a greener lifestyle, not to mention helping create healthier planets.
Personalized Gardening Gloves
Personalized gardening gloves make a wonderful present that combines practicality and a touch of personality. Gardeners rely on protective gardening gloves to shield their hands from thorns, dirt and the elements while remaining comfortable for optimal dexterity. Personalized gloves gives the opportunity for you to add your own personal stamp. By adding personalization like a name, monogram, or design of your choice to the gardening gloves, they become chic accessories that reflect personal style or hold sentimental value for any gardener. Available in materials ranging from durable leather to breathable cotton to have you covered for all gardening tasks and jobs imaginable.
Vertical Planters
Wrapping up a few vertical planters as a Christmas gift, will give your garden lover an innovative solution to maximize space, especially in urban settings or smaller yards. Vertical planters allow for increased plant density within limited spaces, making them perfect for balconies, patios or indoor gardens. Vertical planters come in various designs, from wall-mounted pockets and tiered stands to freestanding towers, offering versatility to suit whatever aesthetic preferences and space limitations they might have. Their efficient drainage allows for efficient watering access for healthy plant growth while their versatile storage capabilities allow them to house herbs, flowers, vegetables and succulents. Vertical planters make an effective and stylish addition that can turn any small area into lush garden space.
DIY Bonsai Kits
DIY bonsai kits provide enthusiasts of all skill levels the chance to grow and shape miniature trees themselves, bringing the ancient art of bonsai into their own homes. These kits typically include everything necessary to get started, such as seeds or saplings, specialty soil and bonsai pot. Important tools such as pruning shears and wire for styling the tree are also often included. DIY bonsai kits provide gardeners with comprehensive instructions to guide them through the intricate process of nurturing and shaping a bonsai tree, providing both an educational experience as well as creative satisfaction. Bonsai trees can make an elegant and tranquil addition to areas with limited space, be they indoors or on small balconies. Not only are bonsai cultivation activities rewarding hobbies, engaging in this practice cultivates patience, mindfulness, and an appreciation of nature’s many forms.
Plant-Themed Mugs
Plant-themed mugs is a fantastic Christmas gift idea if you are looking for a stocking stuffer or buying on a tight budget. These mugs make an elegant addition to any plant lover’s collection, squishing their joys of gardening with everyday routines like sipping coffee or tea. Often featuring beautiful botanical illustrations, vibrant plant motifs or whimsical garden-related puns. Made out of from materials like ceramic or glass, plant themed mugs serve both functionality and decoration. They can use it for beverages like coffee and tea or as unique planters for succulents and small houseplants, making thoughtful gifts for those who appreciate nature’s beauties.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal Christmas present for gardeners can be as rewarding as planting seeds that blossom into vibrant fowers. Our small but mighty selection of thoughtful, practical, and whimsy present ideas is sure to bring some green joy this holiday season. Remember that true gifts come from the heart, so when selecting something related to their passion, you won’t just be giving something but actually growing their love of gardening. So get out there this holiday season and spread a bit of green joy through thoughtful gift-giving.
Toast, the digital technology platform built for restaurants, today announced the Toast.org Community Garden in partnership with Airfield Estate in Dundrum, South Dublin. Toast recently launched in Ireland, and its philanthropic branch, Toast.org, will donate €50,000 to fund the creation of the garden.
Known as Dublin’s only working farm, Airfield Estate is creating the community garden to produce sustainable fruit and vegetables while also offering opportunities for people to learn about environmentally-friendly food production, empowering them to make more informed food choices.
The Toast.org Community Garden at Airfield Estate will be a resource centre for education on nutrition, food sovereignty, seed saving, biodiversity, conservation, and resource management, supporting Toast.org’s mission to enrich the food experience for all.
The community garden will also support Airfield Estate’s ambition to be Dublin’s sustainable food hub and help bring Dublin on its journey to be known as a world-leading sustainable food city.
As a part of Toast.org’s support, the garden will employ a Community Garden Coordinator and Craft Gardener. The grounds will be accessible to everyone, from the local community and vulnerable groups to corporate employees, and the space will host horticulture talks and workshops on various topics.
Toast established its European presence in 2017 with the opening of its first Dublin office, an R&D Centre of Excellence. Toast has since added functions in Ireland including sales, marketing, and customer support and earlier this year, made its technology available for restaurants across the country.
“The Toast.org Community Garden at Airfield Estate will be a fantastic addition to the estate and will support our ambition to become Dublin’s leading sustainable food hub,” said Claire Mac Evilly, CEO of Airfield Estate. “The team at Toast.org mirrors our commitment to improve access to sustainable food for people in Dublin, while having a positive impact on our environment. We know that there are not enough community gardens in Ireland when compared to our European neighbours. This is a really positive example of social impact where businesses and charities like ourselves can come together and give people the opportunity to grow food.”
“At Toast.org, we’re passionate about supporting organisations that positively impact the communities we serve, and Airfield Estate is leading the way in sustainability and the environment,” added Robert McGarry, SVP of Engineering & Head of Toast’s Dublin Office. “We are impressed by Airfield Estate’s many programmes and initiatives that promote the environment while providing more informed food choices for people in Dublin and the surrounding area. We’re excited to mark the next step in our partnership with Airfield Estate with this donation and look forward to working with the charity to develop the community garden.”
Toast.org brings the strength of Toast’s people, products, and philanthropy to further the company’s purpose to enrich the food experience for all and create a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable world.
The partnership between Toast.org and Airfield Estate began in 2021 when some of Toast’s Dublin-based employees volunteered with the charity. The launch of the community garden is one of several ways Toast.org will support Airfield Estate throughout 2023.
More information on Toast.org is available on its website.
The mini heatwave this week is giving everyone a taste of summer and what gadgets could you use in the back or front garden whilst enjoying the sun that are super affordable, Groov-e have a range of products below for you to check out and stay tuned for reviews soon.
Proving big sound comes in small packages the Wave II Bluetooth speaker means that compromising on power for portability is a thing of the past thanks to the 6W built-in speaker. There’s no need to panic if a spontaneous water fight or downpour breaks out as the Wave II is IPX4 water resistant or in simple terms: Splash Proof. The rechargeable 1200mAh battery offers 6-8 hours playback and a charging cable is included. The carabiner clip means it can easily be attached to bags, belts and keys for portability.
Groov-e MusicBuds true wireless earphones Price: £24.99 Available from Groov-e Tesco, Curry’s
Enjoy crystal clear audio and a wire-free experience in the garden with Groov-e’s affordable MusicBuds. Bluetooth 5.0 technology delivers powerful bass and true stereo sound. Music can be controlled by pushing gently on the earbuds, enabling them to play and pause, skip forward and back through tracks, alter the volume and even activate Siri or Google voice assistant.
Being able to just speak a command such as play favourite music, dial and answer calls or even ask for the weather forecast makes life even easier. The MusicBuds also feature a built-in mic for clear hands-free calls.
Stylish and ultralight, the MusicBuds are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
They provide up to four hours of music playback from a single charge – and an additional seven hours using the portable intelligent charging case.
Groov-e Venice Portable DAB Radio with Bluetooth Speaker
Enjoy your favourite radio station, sport, podcasts and music with this DAB radio and speaker. With a compact, curved black design Groov-e Venice is a budget portable DAB Radio with Bluetooth, so it can also connect to your phone or tablet and be used as a portable speaker. Weighing just 399g and the option to power by mains or two AA batteries, it’s ideal for moving around the house or on-the-go as it easily fits into a backpack. The 3.5mm headphone jack offers crystal clear DAB audio for a private listening experience.
With up to 20 presets, you can save and easily access your favourite stations. The backlit LCD display details station information and the radio is easily controlled using the straightforward buttons.
It also has an alarm clock function and users are able to choose between being awakened by a traditional alarm noise or their favourite radio station.
Enjoy the sunshine while working out, ideal for listening to music, podcasts or following guided runs and garden workouts, the Groov-e SportsBuds are an affordable pair of Bluetooth headphones designed especially to withstand sweat and exertion. At just £39.99 they offer excellent sound quality, comfortable ear hook design and have IPX4 sweat resistant rating. The included charging case has an 1800mAh offering 28 hours wireless playback while on the move, ensuring you’re covered for long cycles, hikes and runs. The built-in microphone means users can easily make wireless calls or use voice commands too.
Groov-e Ultra Wireless Charging Bluetooth headphones
If dad loves his music, podcasts, audiobooks or sports commentary then these wireless charging headphones are sure to hit the spot. Available in black or gold, the Ultra headphones are affordable at just £34.99 yet feature the latest technology. Bluetooth 5.0 and 40mm drivers deliver high quality sound with dynamic bass making them perfect for listening to music or watching videos. Completely free from cables, they also support wireless charging.
