Styled By Niamh: Andrea Kissane on leaving Dublin for good and her booming new business

Extra.ie​

01-05-2025

Once a fixture on the Dublin social scene, Andrea Kissane — former editor of Beaut.ie and a familiar face from her TV3 Xpose appearances — has swapped catwalks for countryside.
And what better way to toast to her stylish new chapter than with a chic photoshoot set against the romantic, ivy-draped backdrop of Cahernane Castle Killarney — a Victorian manor straight out of a period drama.
But don't let the pastoral vibes of her country glamour outfits fool you — Andrea's still got that editor's edge. Muckross Gin, her artisanal passion project-turned-successful brand, is making waves across Ireland. Infused with botanicals foraged from Killarney National Park (yes, really), the gin's branding is as elegant and polished as Andrea herself.
She admits she sometimes misses the buzz of city life, but running a booming business while raising her two sons in her childhood hometown? 'It's the kind of chaos I wouldn't trade', she laughs.
And after a day of fashion, flowers, and a few cheeky G&Ts on the castle lawn, one thing's clear: Andrea Kissane isn't just back — she's reinvented. With a blonde blow-dry as sharp as her business acumen and a gin that's fast becoming a bar cart essential, she's proving that life after Dublin can be just as fabulous — if not a little more distilled.
'When you live somewhere like Killarney that isn't a huge urban hub but that is a tourist destination, I think that can lead people towards entrepreneurial, creative roles,' she told Styled.
Following in her parents' footsteps, Andrea was determined to pursue a career that was rewarding and enjoyable.
'I saw that in my own parents and their work ethic. It's about finding something that you enjoy, something that you're good at, finding a gap in the market and then researching to see if there is a market in that gap. That and truly believing that your product is something special.'
'And for me to get there, I had to leave and come back,' she said.
Fresh from secondary school Andrea departed her hometown of Muckross, Killarney, for the brighter lights of Dublin and beyond.
'I left Killarney when I was 18 to go to university. I pursued a career in marketing and journalism, living in Sydney, London and Dublin.'
But home was always where she wanted to hang her high heels.
'There was always that call from within my own heart to go home. Sometimes travel shows you how incredible the place that you started was.
'I grew up a stone's throw from Muckross, spending every weekend with my parents out in the nature of some sort.
'I learned about the botanicals, the flora and the fauna. Growing up here you almost learn that by osmosis,' she fondly recalled.
Along with her partner – and now business partner – Andrea launched Muckross Gin.
'My partner, best friend and cofounder is Martin Wray, a Derryman who has made the Kingdom his home. He had a background in mixology.
'We enjoyed experimenting with simple gins, mixing them with different essences and garnishes to see how that altered the taste profile. And then it really was a eureka moment – we were in Muckross one day and thought why shouldn't there be a premium, exquisite gin inspired by this melody of nature's finest botanicals, native to our home.'
From inception to launch Muckross Gin very quickly garnered a stellar reputation at home and on the international stage with accolades pouring in. 'We were double winners at the recent, prestigious Berlin International Spirits Competition, with our gin being a gold winner and also taking home Ireland's Gin of the Year.'
So with a burgeoning business and small family Andrea's roots are firmly planted back in Killarney.
'I will always feel at home in Dublin. I miss the old friends, the pulse of the city, the variety of things to do in the evening but I am also at a different stage of life now. Martin and I have a three-year-old son, so nights out are few and far between,' she laughed.
'But actually, Killarney has an incredibly vibrant social scene. There is a thriving bar and restaurant culture, and you'll hear live music spilling out of venues most nights of the week.
'It's a town where there is always something happening with different festivals and celebrations throughout the year. There is honestly something special about Killarney on a warm summer's evening when the town is full of locals and tourists alike, all enjoying the different attractions that the town has to offer whether you're five or 95'.
Of her own personal country style Andrea says it's mixology of business attire and running around after a rambunctious toddler.
'My personal style is quite casual but for business meetings, I'll opt for blazers, suits or statement jackets to pull an outfit together. I love simple gold jewellery to accessorise and I'm never without my Chupi Hawthorn Twig necklace. And the sales of heels have surely halved since Covid, women are as likely to wear runners as heels with workwear.'
While she has proved adept at her gin business Andrea has some sage words of beauty advice from her decade spent whirling her way wonderfully around the beauty orbit.
'I worked in the beauty media industry for almost a decade and I've seen trends, eyebrows and heavily contoured cheekbones come and go. I'm all for experimenting with trends if it makes you happy.
'But the truth is that your grandmother was right, the real beauty actually comes from inside you, it's that piece of the jigsaw that makes you different and that makes you individual.'
'Embrace fashion and cosmetics trends as much as they bring you joy, but the key is to choose clothes and cosmetics that amplifies your own natural beauty. Don't dim your beauty under the glare of what's popular, light it up.'
Darling Bud of May
Florals don't necessarily mean an all-or-nothing approach. Nor does wearing a carnation-embellished dress have to be limited to a wedding. In fact, wearing a pretty pattern can enhance both mood and look. In short, florals don't have to be loud to make an impact.
Neither does flower fashion have to mean rosey reds or sugar-coated pansy pinks. If you prefer something with more depth, lean into richer hues. Think shades of burnt orange, espresso brown, ochre, deep merlot red and mossy olive. These shades give florals a more luxe feel.
With the return to the high-street of bohemian style, floral dresses provide a more romantic and free-flowing style. Like Andrea's stunning beautiful Tudor style draped dress from MacBees boutique. This is a standout dress that will give you flower power.
Certainly suits you
Finding 'that' perfect business suit can be a daunting experience, especially as the weather heats up. Black and navy can be out of step with the seasons and can dampen your mood when the sun is shining.
Linen suits while all-the-cooler to wear can be a nightmare in the crease department. So Andrea's pinstripe white suit from Mango is an absolute stylish steal.
The wide leg trousers with the double breasted blazer with a yellow tank top underneath can take you from business meeting to brunch in a fashion flair. But even worn on their own with an array of interchange tops and shirts, the trousers are just the business.
Step outside your couture comfort zone
If I have one piece of style advice it's to step out of your comfort zone when shopping. Don't say 'oh that would never suit me'.
Whether it's price or style, be daring when shopping. Following my own advice I have discovered some total gems in recent months in everything from thrift shops to department stores.
Last week I was in Shaws in Portlaoise and to my great surprise and delight, the brightly lit shop floor was a wonderland of wonderful brands. Everything from Mango to Little Mistress to Steve Madden, Shaws is a one-stop fashion shop that runs the gauntlet of styles, prices and a vast range for all tastes and ages.
Similarly if stepping into a fancy boutique seems daunting, remember – it's just a shop. Go in, browse about, try on some styles. MacBees Boutique in Main Street Killarney has to my eye a knockout collection with price ranges as affordable as the clothes are adorable.
Si señorita
Cortefiel, the hugely popular Spanish label, has just dropped on our shores with a strong emphasis on timeless elegance incorporating key trends, including marine inspired elements with crisp blue and white tones for a fresh balanced look.
Bold colour blocking also makes a statement, featuring vibrant yellow, navy blue, and army green.
Additionally, the collection embraces classic preppy and varsity styles, offering a fresh edge to traditional designs. Cortefiel summer 2025 collection is now available in 10 Shaws locations across Ireland, as well as online.