Our brand-new December issue is now on the shelves, packed with everything you need to get inspired this festive season.
From captivating stories and stylish outfit ideas to sustainable home decorating tips and a truly Irish Christmas Gift Guide; cosy up and dive in! Here are five reasons you won’t want to miss it…
Scaling Success: Our Cover Star Aimee Connolly
In our final cover interview of the year, Niamh Devereux meets with Aimee Connolly, the Irish beauty mogul and entrepreneur, to discuss her journey in scaling her €22 million business globally, her non-negotiables in both business and life and the empowering influence of her female-only household. What began in 2016 with a single, self-launched product – the Sculpted by Aimee Connolly Trio Palette (she later dropped the surname) – has since skyrocketed to unparalleled success. This year, Aimee received a call from Boots Ireland to announce that Sculpted is now their number-one brand in mass cosmetics, outselling industry giants like Maybelline, Rimmel, and L’Oréal. Dive into this inspiring interview to learn more about this monumental achievement; it’s sure to uplift and motivate you to chase your own dreams.
Gift Guide
We’re thrilled to unveil our Irish Country Magazine Gift Guide, a tribute to exceptional craftsmanship, talented makers, and one-of-a-kind creations that capture the essence of Irish gifting. After all, what could be more meaningful in this season of giving than supporting our local economy? From self-care essentials and stocking fillers to treasures for the magpies and thoughtful gifts for the tricky-to-buy-for, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to help you craft a well-organised and stress-free Christmas list.
Carrying Her Light
Elle Gordon sits down with Roseanna Ruane to reflect on her remarkable daughter, Saoírse, who passed away in March of this year from cancer. In this deeply moving conversation, Roseanna highlights the importance of embracing grief, cultivating gratitude for the gift of life, and her enduring commitment to honouring Saoírse’s memory by supporting others in their journeys navigating loss.
Crafting Memories
There’s something truly magical about transforming your home into a festive haven. We’ve gathered a selection of budget-friendly, eco-conscious ideas to inspire your creativity and help you create a warm, welcoming atmosphere – without breaking the bank. After all, a more sustainable Christmas is something we can all aspire to.
Oh, What a Night!
Step into the magic of the Irish Made Awards 2024, an unforgettable evening celebrating the finest in Irish craftsmanship and creativity. Highlights from the night included a spellbinding performance by Erica Cody, Soule, Aimée, Una Healy, and Eve Belle of Irish Women in Harmony, leaving the audience mesmerised. The room grew hushed as Peigin Crowley, Founder of Ground Wellbeing, delivered a deeply moving keynote speech. Meanwhile, Tarlach de Blácam from the Lifetime Achievement Award-winning Inis Meáin Knitting Company shared a powerful message on the importance of preserving Irish craft. A round of applause for Mark and Kira Walton, Founders of Overall Winner VOYA, and the incomparable Sinead Kennedy, who hosted the evening with grace, professionalism, and plenty of craic. And, of course, our Best Dressed of the night; Karena Ryan, who wowed in a stunning self-made dress featuring stitched portraits of her daughter at one year old, wearing her very first pair of shoes. A truly memorable night, with thanks to our sponsors, MINI Ireland – see our favourite photos in print.
For this and so much more, pick up your copy in shops nationwide. And, make sure to click here to subscribe and never miss an issue – and get a beautiful free Irish-made gift, too!
