Consider this your sign to pick up a copy of the July|August edition, out in shops nationwide now. Acting Editor Niamh shares some of her highlights from this joyful summer issue
Our cover star, Claire Byrne
After leaving behind a 15-year legacy at RTÉ for a new challenge at Newstalk, the broadcaster is relishing this new, freer chapter of her life. Aoife Barry sits down with the broadcaster to discuss how a milestone birthday inspired her to change things up. Plus, don’t miss our beautiful shoot, photographed by Eilish McCormick at Avoca Kilmacanoge; it is Claire Byrne as you have never seen her before.
Dopamine dressing
This issue is centred on the theme of joy, and what better way to lift your mood than with a serotonin-boosting outfit?! “Colour can be a powerful player when it comes to emotions,” writes Megan Fox on page 36, and she’s not wrong. Dopamine dressing won’t right all the world’s wrongs, but it is an easy way to inject some sunshine into your life – especially when the good old Irish weather can’t (or won’t). We have an abundance of style inspiration in this issue; I also loved reading about how brooches are back, plus, the summer staple that is linen and how to wear it.
Beyond Hamnet
Our Acting Deputy Editor Sarah shared a beautiful conversation with Maggie O’Farrell, around her new book Land, her Irish roots and, of course, the global phenomenon that is Hamnet. Director Chloé Zhao had to persuade her to co-write the screenplay, but she’s grateful to have accepted the task – and wouldn’t rule out doing it again, particularly for this novel. In other words, watch this space!
Reignite your relationships
Kerry-based award-winning sex and intimacy educator, author and podcaster Grace Alice O’Shea dives into the many factors why sex may lose its appeal and how to reshape your relationship with it in a way that serves you. Meanwhile, Cathy O’Connor takes a look at “the friendship recession”, asking how we can overcome loneliness and reconnect.
The Invisible Struggle
In this edition of our award-winning series, author Niamh Garvey, shares a powerful essay on her experience living with autism. It’s an incredibly important read, especially in today’s world as misinformation continues to cloud truth and hinder diagnoses, as well as shining a light on the hidden collision between autism and perimenopause.
Seaside staycations
This issue is bursting with travel inspiration, and though we may not get the same sweltering temperatures our foreign counterparts do, Éabha Mac Donagh makes a strong case for staying local this summer. She rounds up some of the best coastal excursions, from a lighthouse off the west coast to a treetop cabin within walking distance of the beach. Meanwhile, the team shares even more incredible homegrown getaways, from sleepcations and teen travels to a forest escape at Mount Congreve Gardens.
Find all that and much more in the July |August issue of Irish Country Magazine. Find your nearest stockist here, or to subscribe and never miss an issue, click here.
