Acting Editor Niamh Devereux reflects on a special new edition, out in shops nationwide now
Irish traditions are a big part of what makes this island so magical. As we navigate this increasingly complex and fast-changing modern world, there is a real sense of comfort in reconnecting with the stories, rituals and landscapes that came before us. Of course, with each generation these traditions are constantly evolving and taking new shape – through our music, fashion, art, food. Witnessing old customs being reinterpreted with a fresh, contemporary edge excites me; it’s a reminder of our ability to honour our heritage and culture while carrying it forward.
With that in mind, I wanted this edition of Irish Country Magazine to take a look at reimagined traditions. Throughout our pages, you’ll find stories that I hope will spark a renewed connection with the people, places and products that make Ireland so unique. On page 16, meet the seanchaithe, bringing the art of storytelling to TikTok and fun nights out. On page 30, find fresh ways to style Aran knits; on page 76, we take a look at the modern resurgence of foraging; from page 82, read about the reinvention of poitín (and try delicious recipes); plus, turn to page 106 for ways to weave traditions into your travels.
You’ll also notice that this issue has an extraordinary cover; radio presenter, author and travel vlogger Roz Purcell, looking like “a modern-day, Celtic Ophelia”, as I describe in her feature from page 18. While many of our cover stars have been doused with a shower of rain before, it was definitely a first to have one pose whilst immersed in a pond.
I knew Roz was fully committed to the shoot when she casually wondered whether we should bleach her eyebrows before she started on her makeup. This was also a first for me (for yet another novel experience I had this month, page 110 tells the story of how I ended up drinking a martini inside a cave in Fermanagh.)
But I thought, ‘Why not?’ So, off I went to the nearby village of Roundwood in Co Wicklow, on a mission to find bleach, asking around the local pharmacy and barber shop. While my quest proved fruitless, and Roz’s eyebrows lived to see another day, she was game for all other ideas on the day, which is how she ended up stretched out in freezing water, half-submerged in pond sludge. I think you’ll agree that the photos captured were worth every mud-soaked minute. And, I hope you also enjoy our chat about how Roz has found her way home to herself in recent years by embracing her curious, carefree younger version. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so please drop me a line at ndevereux@irishcountrymagazine.ie. Until the next issue lands, make sure to explore our new-look website and subscribe to our newsletters to stay connected with the very best of Ireland.
Happy reading!
Niamh
Ps: Congratulations to all of our Irish Made Awards finalists, who we reveal in this issue, too. We had an incredible in-person judging day pouring over entries – the standard continues to scale each year. The team is incredibly excited to celebrate all of our talented makers at our 10th annual ceremony on 30 September; tickets are now live and you can cast your vote here.
