02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Desire Lines: Summer shades, an Irish design showcase and perfume dupes
The shades
Whether you're heading to the Mediterranean, prepping for Electric Picnic, or putting the Child of Prague out ahead of a summer wedding, it's the perfect time to treat yourself to a pair of
prescription sunglasses from Specsavers.
These Strickland round frames, €130, are our favourites, but there's plenty for every taste from the ever-cool aviator and 90s retro styles, to the classic cateye and modern oversized.
The opening evening of Irish Design Works 2024
The showcase
Irish Design Works 25 has returned to Ballymaloe Grainstore for its seventh year.
This showcase of contemporary Irish craft and design runs daily until Sunday, August 17, bringing together 20 of Ireland's leading designers and makers across disciplines including furniture, ceramics, lighting, sculptural woodwork, artisan rugs, glass, and willow.
Among the featured exhibitors are award-winning and widely respected names including Ceadogán Rugmakers, Shane Holland Design, Gabriel Furniture, Glasshammer Studios, and Daniel Gill Furniture. The full line-up spans talent from Mayo to Wexford, and from Dublin to Galway.
Solaris strawberry matcha
The matcha
Matcha tea is a trend that is here to stay.
Solaris Tea has its own range to try at home, plus they have new drinks recipes for a fresh twist — think Iced Strawberry Matcha Lattes, or the Matcha Mojito Mocktail (fresh mint, lime, elderflower cordial matcha and sparkling water).
Valley of the Roses
The perfumerie
Kilkenny is home to a new perfume store, with Valley of Roses offering over 400 fragrances inspired by iconic big brands.
Alongside the scent dupes, self-taught nose and founder, Andriana Tsankova offers private perfume consultations and new mixology workshops for parties and team bonding.
She loves nothing more than blending a one-of-a-kind signature scent for guests' special occasions. 26 Rose Inn St Gardens, Kilkenny.
The Enchanted Stag cocktail from Pig's Lane
The cocktail menu
Killarney's award-winning underground speakeasy bar and whiskey parlour, Pig's Lane, has just launched their latest cocktail menu – and it's a real treat.
'Legends & Libations' features 15 picture-perfect cocktails, each inspired by the legends, landscapes, and lore of Killarney.
The Enchanted Stag is inspired by huntsman O'Sullivan of Tomes, who chased a majestic stag with a golden collar across the mountains.
The well-balanced cocktail uses Nua Irish vodka, Jack Daniels Honey, Jasmine Bee Pollen, Attyflin apple juice and more. Speciality cocktails from €12.50.
The Purty Kitchen's lobster festival
The lobster festival
Calling all lobster lovers. The Purty Kitchen in Dún Laoghaire is the place to be this weekend, with its Lobster Festival, running until Sunday, August 3.
The scrumptious shellfish are sourced from neighbouring Georges Fish Shop in Dún Laoghaire, with guests welcomed with a glass of prosecco before diving into the lobster menu.
Book a spot then work up your appetite with a stroll along Dún Laoghaire Pier.
KASH Beauty Miracle Tint with SPF 15
The skin tint
KASH Beauty has unveiled the latest addition to their smashing complexion range — Miracle Tint.
A lightweight skin tint available in 20 shades, it's the perfect make-up skincare hybrid for those who want that little something without feeling like they're wearing make-up.
Want a bit of extra coverage? Mix with the brand's Aura Skin foundation to create your perfect base. €28.
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