From award-winning Irish sustainable beauty to understanding dementia, here’s what’s happening in Irish business, culture and the arts right now
Irish Style Institute introduces new Fashion Diploma Course
Founded in 2023 by Laura Jordan, a commercial stylist and fashion presenter, the Irish Style Institute provides the opportunity to redefine fashion education in Ireland, offering an unparalleled blend of fashion theory, industry insights, and practical knowledge.
With a belief that passion for fashion and style can pave the way to a fulfilling career, the institute is dedicated to converting dreams into reality. There is now three courses running at the Irish Style Institute – a Diploma in Image Consultancy and Personal Shopping, a Diploma in Fashion Styling and a new Diploma in Fashion Trend Forecasting, which kicks off in October. See irishstyleinstitute.com for more information.
Communities onboard Dementia Bus for Alzheimer’s Month
September is World Alzheimer’s Month and professional care provider, Bluebird Care, is inviting the Irish public to experience dementia, in person. A unique virtual simulator that mimics the brain fog, memory loss and disorientation of the condition is touring 20 regional centres, educating people on the reality of living with Alzheimer’s.
Understanding and empathy are key to improving quality of care, said Suzanne Ryan, Managing Director at Bluebird Care Ireland. She explains that the initiative supports the World Alzheimer’s Day call to develop a more dementia-friendly society.
“The Virtual Dementia Tour is a mobile simulator so our trainees understand the world of the person with dementia. This life-changing training is scientifically developed to give those with a healthy brain an experience of dementia, so they understand best practice and environments that improve the lives of those with dementia.” See bluebirdcare.ie for more details.
Local art exhibition celebrates female empowerment and Ireland’s stunning East Coast
Empowering Women in Art: Coastal to Countryside will launch in the Presentation Arts Centre in Enniscorthy on Saturday 14 September at 4pm for its opening reception.
This collaborative exhibition will celebrate the beauty of the Co Wexford Coastline and Hinterland landscapes, but also emphasise the importance of women supporting women within the arts community and within arts business. It features the talents of Niki Purcell, a seasoned and renowned artist, and Shanon O’Bracken, an emerging artist with a background in graphic design and a return after a 15 year gap to fine art. Click here for more.
Chupi Sweetman announces exclusive Wedding Showcase and Market
Irish independent jewellery designer, Chupi, is thrilled to announce the ultimate luxury wedding showcase at the Chupi Flagship store on Clarendon Street on Saturday, 21 September.
The exclusive luxury wedding showcase and market will be an immersive experience, giving brides to be the ultimate wedding inspiration with engagement and wedding rings and bands, bridesmaid jewellery gifts, wedding event styling, bridal party dressing, wedding stationery, wedding cakes and wedding accessories helping to seamlessly bring their vision to life for the wedding of their dreams. See chupi.com for more details.
There’s a new Irish brand reimagining the Tooth Fairy tradition
My Forever Tooth Fairy is an Irish toy business creating lasting memories for Irish parents and children with a meaningful product that encourages personal development for children. Launched by experienced marketeer Emma Duffy, it was inspired by her own family experiences which sparked the idea to create a product that instils self-esteem, nurtures confidence, and sparks joy and imagination in every child’s life.
My Forever Tooth Fairy enhances the monetary tradition with something far more meaningful, creating a ritual for parents and children to experience together and create memories that will last a lifetime. Click here for more information.
Find Babymoon Bliss at Castlemartyr Resort
The renowned five-star resort nestled in the serene countryside of Cork, is delighted to announce its exclusive ‘Babymoon Bliss Package’, specially created for expecting parents.
This luxurious offering presents couples with a tranquil escape, allowing them to cherish precious moments together before the arrival of their little one. With opulent accommodations, award-winning dining, and indulgent spa treatments, guests can expect an unforgettable experience whilst enveloped in the five-star luxury surroundings. See castlemartyrresort.ie for details.
Mount Juliet Estate welcomed into exclusive American list
Mount Juliet Estate, the Marriot Autograph luxury estate in Kilkenny, is delighted to have been included into the prestigious American Express Hotel + Resorts recommended list. The American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts are a collection of the world’s most luxurious and note-worthy hotels.
From one-of-a-kind venues, unique locations to exciting experiences, Mount Juliet Estate is the latest Irish destination to be featured amongst the 2,200 hotels across 110 countries that are featured, which also include The Merrion Hotel, Adare Manor and The Shelbourne Hotel. See mountjuliet.ie.
Award-winning Actress Fiona Shaw joins Irish National Opera’s Beatrice & Benedict as Narrator
Irish National Opera is thrilled to announce that the internationally acclaimed actress Fiona Shaw will join the star-studded cast of Beatrice & Benedict as narrator for its one-night-only concert performance on Tuesday, 1 October at the National Concert Hall.
The addition of Fiona Shaw elevates the already stellar lineup of this concert performance. Under the baton of Ryan McAdams and featuring leading artists such as Irish mezzo-soprano Paula Murrihy and tenor David Portillo, Beatrice & Benedict promises to be an unforgettable evening of music and drama. See nch.ie for tickets.
More than 100 new ‘Kickstart’ products to hit Lidl Ireland shelves
More than 100 artisan products from over 45 Irish producers participating in Lidl Ireland’s Kickstart Supplier Development Programme will land on shelves across Lidl’s 222 stores nationwide from Thursday, 19 September for a limited time, while stocks last.
From high-quality convenience foods, fish and meat produce, to beauty, baking, ice cream, condiments and beers as well as the programme’s first ever pet product, this year’s Kickstart assortment will have something for everyone, offering consumers a greater choice of sustainable products, a variety of health-conscious food options and restaurant-quality food products to try at home. See lidl.ie for more information.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland announces Future Makers 2024 winners
Established in 2009, Future Makers is a DCCI initiative which recognises talent, potential and creativity. It is a platform to showcase the talent of the next generation of makers, designers, and craftspeople to take the step from training into enterprise and it provides them with much-needed financial support. With a total awards value of €25,000, it is one of the largest prize-funded design and craft award programmes in Europe.
The 2024 Overall Emerging Maker Winner was announced as mixed media constructor Paola di Legge from Co Dublin, while woodturner Martin Ryan from Co Tipperary took home the Sustainable Design Award for 2024. Meanwhile, in the student and recent graduates’ category, furniture maker Meiriona Best from Co Mayo was announced as the Overall Student Winner. The full list of winners from this year’s awards can be found here.
ALDI toasts impressive prize haul at Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards
ALDI is celebrating another outstanding year at the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards, having scooped an impressive 58 medals across all major food and drink categories.
Once again, a number of ALDI’s gold medal-winning products were produced by Irish suppliers including ABP Cahir, Blackwater Distillery and Dawn Meats, illustrating their commitment to working alongside local producers and delivering quality homegrown produce to customers. Other gold medal-winning products include Boyle’s Gin, Specially Selected Irish Black Angus Striploin Steak and Specially Selected Strawberries.
Wexford Festival Opera Shortlisted at the International Opera Awards
Wexford Festival Opera’s 2023 production of Ella Marchment’s L’Aube rouge (‘The Red Dawn’) by Camille Erlanger, with libretto by Arthur Bernède and Paul de Choudens, has been shortlisted in the Rediscovered Work category. First performed in Rouen, France in 1911, L’Aube rouge was one of the mainstage operas at last year’s Festival.
Commenting on the nomination Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi said: “Wexford Festival Opera is honoured by this nomination, which confirms the international recognition of the company’s spirit.”
Irish beauty brand Nunaïa wins at the prestigious Marie Claire Sustainability Awards 2024
Marie Claire UK announced the winners of the Sustainability Awards 2024 in a recent online ceremony. Tipperary-based Nunaïa won in the Organic Brand category, with one judge saying: “Nunaia has shown itself to be a real pioneer when it comes to being a sustainable brand.”
Following the win, founder Nicola Connolly said: “I’m so proud of the brand we’ve created and excited that our genuine passion for and dedication to sustainability has been so greatly acknowledged by Marie Claire. We have a new product being released this month too so this is just the icing on the cake and a recognition that our regenerative business model really does lead the way on the international stage.”
