The Taoiseach took time out from his summer break in Kerry yesterday, to open officially the newly extended workshop of Dingle jeweller Brian de Staic.
Mr Ahern, accompanied by his younger daughter Cecilia, took the opportunity to stress the importance of "a wider Europe" for small businesses such as that set up by Mr de Staic and his wife Máiréad 21 years ago.
The company, which employs 32 people in creating and selling handmade silver and gold jewellery and which has six retail outlets, including one in California, had many links with Europe, Mr Ahern said.
It exhibited regularly at Europe's premier jewellery and watch fairs and represented Ireland at the 25th anniversary of the Inhorgenta fair, Europe's premier jewellery fair, in Munich in 1998.
Much of Brian de Staic's business is done in Europe, and it was important for small businesses to be at the centre of European affairs, rather than at the periphery, he said.
Some 200 guests, including Páidí Ó Sé, the Kerry team manager, and Breeda Moynihan-Cronin, Labour TD, were at the official opening at An Choill in Dingle.
This was one of the few public engagements undertaken by Mr Ahern during his Kerry holidays.
The Taoiseach spends over three weeks on family holiday in Kerry each year, moving between Parknasilla, Kenmare and Dingle.
He buys many of his Christmas and birthday presents at Brian de Staic, his spokesman confirmed.
He attended the football match between An Ghaeltacht and Austin Stacks in Gallarus, near Dingle, on Sunday evening.
Brian de Staic has received numerous commissions over the years, including the Torc pendant for the Rose of Tralee.
He has presented jewellery to the President, Mrs McAleese, among others.