Brought to you by Midlands Ireland 

There's a lot to love about Ireland. From its gorgeous coastlines to its luscious green fields, the beauty of the island is known by many for its picturesque landscapes. 

However, a large part of what makes Ireland so beloved as a nation is its people. We are known for our friendly dispositions and kind nature. These traits cannot be more visible than in the communities located in the Midlands. 

The Midlands are also home to a multitude of innovative and diverse businesses which are growing from strength to strength.

We caught up with some local Midland-based business owners to chat about their experience working and living in the area. 

Chatting to the co-founders of Cameler Spice Co., Halle and Myles, they told us what they enjoyed about being based in Offaly.

“I really like the community that's here," said Halle. 

"Everyone's been just super supportive, really welcoming to be honest,” she continued, citing how the pair “just fitted in so easily” to the community. 

Founded in 2021, Cameler Spice Co is a human-centric brand which carefully crafts spice blends without compromising on taste.

"Building a food business in the Midlands is amazing to be honest,” added Myles, citing the really good community and support network that they have around them. 

“You just have a community of individuals and people who just want to champion your brand."

The Offaly native spoke about how he moved away, living in various places, but recently was struck with a "yearning to come home".

Halle added how moving to Offaly has been “really easy", noting that despite only being there a short time it “feels like home already".

We also spoke to Irish filmmakers Robert Higgins and Patrick McGivney, the co-founders of Longford-based Harp Media.

Founded in 2018, Harp Media is a multidisciplinary film production company committed to shining light on local Irish stories and showcasing emerging talent. The pair's videography work brings them across the length and breadth of the Midlands. 

“We're really enjoying exploring some of the small towns that the Midlands have to offer,” said Patrick. He also noted how their work also allows them to really traverse “the lesser-explored corners of the Midlands countryside".

“We’re very grateful to have that opportunity as part of our work.”

The pair also chatted about collaborating with local creatives to help capture the essence of the Midlands. One of these included Oscar-nominated actor Paul Mescal, who starred in the pair's second short film Drifting. 

“It was really well received and found a really good audience,” said Patrick, noting how it “didn't hurt” to have Mescal as the lead.

“We collaborate with a lot of creatives throughout the county over the course of making our various films," added Robert. He also spoke about how this has allowed them to meet a wide plethora of other local creatives. 

"It's always a very warm creative community here in Longford.”

Patrick noted how the pair always aim to capture the "unique culture” in the Midlands, which the pair aim to capture and immortalise through their work. 

Robert also noted how the pair have multiple projects in the works with Screen Ireland at the moment. He added how the "incredible local support” allows them to keep creating. 

"We're always intent on making Midland stories. That's something we will continue to explore in our work coming forward.”

The uplifting community of the Midlands makes it the perfect place for businesses to thrive. These Midland Makers show you don't have to be located in a big city in order to grow. 

For both businesses, being located in the Midlands is a key component to the success of their respective businesses. 

Midlands Ireland is an initiative of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Pathway to Transition programme co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union under the EU Just Transition Fund 2021-2027

To uncover more of what the Midlands has to offer, head to www.midlandsireland.ie