Blacksod Sea Safari, based in the heart of Erris, North Mayo, has been nominated in the Best Customer Experience – Tourism & Hospitality (Small) category at the prestigious Customer Experience Awards 2025, presented by CMG Events.
The awards will take place at a black-tie gala event in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, on Friday, 24th October 2025, with a drinks reception from 6:30pm.
These national awards recognise organisations and professionals across Ireland who redefine how businesses serve and support their customers. Nominees in this year’s Tourism & Hospitality category include Personal Tours Ireland, Carrolls Tours, Dingle Sea Safari, and Hidden Howth Experiences – alongside North Mayo’s own Blacksod Sea Safari, whose nomination shines a national spotlight on the exceptional experiences being created along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Owned and operated by Michael Keane, Blacksod Sea Safari offers unforgettable boat tours from Blacksod Pier, taking visitors on exhilarating wild life sea safaris around the spectacular Mullet Peninsula. With an expert local skipper at the helm, guests experience up-close encounters with the area’s rugged coastline, hidden coves, marine life, and fascinating history, from Blacksod Lighthouse to the waters off the Inishkea Islands.
No stranger to recognition, Blacksod Sea Safari has picked up a string of accolades recently, including: The ‘Tourism Business Award’ at Mayo County Council’s Cathaoirleach’s Awards 2024; The ‘Escape/Provider of the Year Award’ at the Outsider.ie People of the Year Awards as well as being finalists for the ‘Outdoor Activities’ category at The Family Edit Awards 2025.
Speaking about the nomination, Michael Keane of Blacksod Sea Safari said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be nominated for a national Customer Experience Award. For us, every tour is personal. We want people to feel the magic of this coastline and leave with memories that last a lifetime. It’s a real honour to see a small local business like ours recognised on this level.”
Mairéad Melody Carr, Manager of Mayo North Tourism, added: “This nomination is fantastic recognition not only for Michael and his team, but for the wider Erris region. Blacksod Sea Safari represents the best of North Mayo hospitality – authentic, local and deeply connected to place. It’s wonderful to see that dedication celebrated nationally.”
The Customer Experience Awards 2025, run by CMG Events, celebrate excellence across industries from hospitality and tourism to healthcare and digital innovation. The winners will be announced at the gala ceremony in Dún Laoghaire on 24th October 2025.