There are so many incredible Irish businesses and artists to discover and support – here are a few we’re loving at the moment
Music: LYRA
“This month I’m loving Lyra’s self-titled album that has reached number one in the charts. She has even overtaken Beyoncé as number one! Chess is a personal favourite on the album. We always knew she was a star but it’s amazing to see her shining even brighter.” – Megan, Editorial Assistant
Stationary: Síol Paper
“I’m a fan of Síol ecopaper and packaging based in Furbo, Co Galway. A small business located in the heart of Connemara making greeting cards, and stationary using cotton fibres discarded during the industrial process. Each sheet of paper is embedded with native seeds such as lavender, chamomile, rudbeckia, mint, wildflower and cornflower. Simply soak the paper, plant in soil and water for the seeds to sprout.” – Ciara, Art Director
Accessory: DANA Jewellery
“I’m a recent convert to bright and colourful earrings and luckily, when it come to Irish designers, I’m spoiled for choice. A few weeks ago, I spotted DANA Jewellery in a beautiful shop in Kenmare. I’d heard of the name but never seen the earrings in person and I adored the bold designs and vibrant tones. DANA a sustainable brand founded by Anne-Louise Laflamme who upcycles vinyl records, destined for landfill, to create cool and funky earrings. Everything is designed and made in her home studio in Sneem, Co Kerry. – Claire, Digital Journalist
Service – Ask the Midwife
“I am at the age where so many of my best friends are having babies. It is such a special time to see pals I love so much becoming new mums. However, I can get a little frazzled trying to find them thoughtful, and useful gifts. Usually, I buy for the baby but it is important to remember mums too. That is why I was delighted to spot this new Irish business, Ask the Midwife. It is a midwifery and expert-led maternity service for pregnancy and parenthood in Dún Laoghaire, Dublin. There is also an online service for those living outside of the capital. Their goal is to create a really supportive and engaging community for new parents and to help in making the parenting journey more confident, joyful, and connected. Wouldn’t it be a lovely gift for your pregnant friends or new mum friends to book them a consult or a class and enjoy feeling supported and cared for in their exciting next chapter?” – Elle, Acting Deputy Editor
Beauty product – Voya
“Voya is such an iconic Irish brand that is created from Irish seaweed, hand cut on the west coast of Ireland. I recently got a whole range of their products and indulged in an at home seaweed bath. Their Voya Lazy Days is a box filled with dehydrated seaweed and Epsom salt that you pop into your hot bath and the seaweed rehydrates and covers your body in a detoxifying and purifying serum. You can sit back in the warm water and know that your body is being nourished by one Ireland oldest indigenous wellness therapies. I followed the bath up by lathering my skin with their buoyancy body butter and I swear my skin has never felt softer.” – Ariana, Sales Manager
Theatre – The Pull of the Stars
“Last week, I went along to Dublin’s Gate Theatre for the theatrical adaptation of Irish author Emma Donoghue’s The Pull of The Stars. This compelling, emotion-filled play is made all the more powerful thanks to its excellent all-female cast. Set in a quarantined maternity ward in Dublin during the Spanish influenza outbreak of 1918, your heart will ache for these women and the injustices they faced. With affecting themes of sisterhood, destiny, and the care we offer to women and their bodies, it’s also a fascinating and enraging insight into our past, particularly with the real-life rebel doctor character Kathleen Lynn. The evening was to celebrate The Croke Park Hotel’s partnership with The Gate Theatre and its Spring ’15 Minute Dublin’ package — as it’s that quick to arrive to the theatre doors. It will continue in the summer with another female story, Brian Friel’s Dancing at Lughnasa; the package includes two tickets to the play plus a programme, accommodation for two in one of the hotel’s chic guest rooms, a delicious two-course pre-theatre meal in The Hawthorn, and two signature cocktails in the hotel’s bar The Sideline for a night cap. Check it out on doylecollection.com.” – Niamh, Acting Editor
