July | August issue Editor’s Letter
Editor Klara Heron shares some highlights from the new issue of Irish Country Magazine, in shops nationwide now
The plans are made, the bags are packed, the SPF is within arm’s reach – summer 2022 is finally upon us. And while many of us are taking the opportunity to finally get abroad, lots are opting to holiday at home once again having had our eyes opened to all the benefits of an Irish break.
Me? I’m planning a week in beautiful Kerry. Sure, the weather can’t be counted on, but what I can guarantee is great hospitality, delicious food and an easy trip without any queues! Whether you’re staying close, going away or holidaying in your back garden, I hope you find some time to rest and rejuvenate in this first summer of freedom.
And I hope you’ll take the July/August issue of Irish Country Magazine with you as we have been carefully planning this special issue celebrating amazing places and people all over the country. Read about the best things to see and do on page 16, and in our Let’s Go section there’s travel ideas for all. On page 40, Ruth O’Connor has helpfully pulled together the chicest holiday pieces, no matter the destination, and in Feast get a taste of Ireland with classic ingredients in sunshine-ready recipes.
With all our celebration of Ireland, who better to front the cover than Muireann O’Connell. The Limerick native and face of morning television has her finger on the nation’s biggest topics, regularly interviewing politicians, celebrities and bringing big issues to the viewers of Ireland AM. It was a typical May day for her shoot with four seasons of weather in one, but luckily the glorious sunshine came out and there was no shortage of laughter, fun and great chats.
Muireann isn’t afraid to keep it real, openly chatting on lots of topics, from her struggles to buy a house to being “allergic” to weddings (she got engaged in November). Her story about online trolls and the way she dealt with backlash after her father’s passing last year, however, is a lesson to us all on the dark side of social media and well worth a read (page 26).
Our writers are bringing their usual mix of keen observations throughout this issue, with Aisling Keenan reviewing the best makeup buys, Ciara Leahy recommending a tasty Vermentino wine, and Santis O’Garro challenging us to budget now for future rewards.
Happy reading!
