These successful Irish male entrepreneurs have found great success in their own right, and you may be familiar with the businesses they founded.
Ireland is well known for producing some fantastic and inspiring businesses, and the men in this list of most successful Irish male entrepreneurs are behind these creative ideas.
In fact, chances are you will recognise some, if not all, of these famous Irish entrepreneurs and the businesses that drove them toward success.
So, let’s take a look.
- These successful Irish male entrepreneurs have found great success in their own right, and you may be familiar with the businesses they founded.
- 10. Sean Quinn – a former Irish success story
- 9. Steve & David Flynn – The Happy Pear
- 8. Willie Walsh – well-known in the airline industry
- 7. Tony Ryan – co-founder of Ryanair
- 6. Bobby Healy – the man behind Manna Drone Delivery
- 5. Pat McDonagh – founder of Supermacs
- 4. Michael O Leary – CEO of Ryanair
- 3. Eddie Jordan – well regarded in the motorsports industry
- 2. Tony O Reilly – a man with several business ventures
- 1. Dermot Desmond – one of Ireland’s richest men
10. Sean Quinn – a former Irish success story
One of the most successful Irish male entrepreneurs was Sean Quinn, who was listed as the wealthiest man in Ireland in 2008 until his bankruptcy in 2012.
Before this, he succeeded by establishing the Quinn Group, which oversaw hotels, real estate, healthcare, and general insurance across the island.
9. Steve & David Flynn – The Happy Pear
These two most successful Irish male entrepreneurs, Steve and David Flynn, are the founders of the ever-successful The Happy Pear, which started as a vegetable shop in Greystones, County Wicklow.
But today, these inspiring brothers have released cookbooks, are bestselling authors, and continue to expand their plant-based franchise.
8. Willie Walsh – well-known in the airline industry
Willie Walsh is a renowned figure in the airline industry, having previously been the CEO of Aer Lingus and British Airways.
Today, he is the Director General of IATA and is said to be one of Ireland’s most successful entrepreneurs and wealthiest men.
7. Tony Ryan – co-founder of Ryanair
The late Tony Ryan was one of the co-founders of Ryanair and was part owner of Tiger Airways, making him a successful businessman in his own right.
He also established Guinness Peat Aviation, which paved the way for the international aircraft leasing industry and led to his billionaire status.
6. Bobby Healy – the man behind Manna Drone Delivery
Regarded as a serial entrepreneur, Bobby Healy is well known for his talent in finding gaps in the market and spotting opportunities for success.
Moreover, Healy is the man behind Manna Drone Delivery, which changed the face of deliveries in rural areas in a sustainable and eco-friendly way.
READ MORE: Top ten most successful Irish female entrepreneurs
5. Pat McDonagh – founder of Supermacs
If you love fast food, you might be familiar with the Irish fast food chain Supermac’s, founded by Pat McDonagh in 1978.
The former school teacher landed on his feet after being denied planning permission to build a school hall, and now, he has a chain of over 118 stores nationwide.
4. Michael O Leary – CEO of Ryanair
Michael O Leary is the CEO of Ryanair, Europe’s leading budget airline, and today is said to be worth almost €850 million.
Also, as one of the country’s wealthiest businessmen, O Leary was behind in developing the ‘low-cost carrier’ that enabled people across Europe to travel at unbeatable prices.
READ MORE: Ten richest Irish women under 40
3. Eddie Jordan – well regarded in the motorsports industry
This former motorsport owner, hailing from Dublin, is well-known for achieving widely acclaimed success.
Inspired by his junior drivers, Eddie Jordan decided to set up the Jordan Grand Prix in 1990. And, over the years, has added to his business portfolio. Today, he is the Formula 1 presenter for BBC.
2. Tony O Reilly – a man with several business ventures
Tony O’Reilly has garnered success as CEO of Heinz, a shareholder in Waterford Wedgwood, and a participant in the Independent News and Media Group.
Also, in 2014, it was reported that the former rugby union player was worth a whopping €1 billion. But today, his wealth has steadily declined.
1. Dermot Desmond – one of Ireland’s richest men
Corkman Dermot Desmond has to be one of the most successful Irish male entrepreneurs to date. He is estimated to be worth over €2 billion and is considered Ireland’s ninth richest person, according to the Irish Independent.
Furthermore, he achieved success by establishing NCB Stockbrokers in 1981 and selling it for $39 million thirteen years later.
