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Lavender plays an important role in the lives of the beauty and holistic obsessed. From soaps and bath salts to perfumes and sleep-aid sprays, we use its scent as a natural stress reliever every day. But have you ever wondered where it comes from? You’ll be pleased to know it’s farmed right here in Ireland; in a beautiful purple field in Wicklow.
Family-run business Fragrances of Ireland has been growing lavender in Kilmacanogue for over 20 years. Their annual harvest sale kicked off this week and is open to the public every weekend in July. Some of the most popular products on offer include freshly-cut lavender bunches; sachets for drawers and wardrobes; wedding favour bags filled with flowers; oil; cologne and handmade soap. Many gifts are available too; including embroidered linen table clothes and napkins, china tea-sets, and shortbread made with lavender-infused sugar.
The open-air event gives people a chance to learn about the many different kinds of lavender; from the tall, elegant French varieties to the highly perfumed English varieties that grow so well in Irish gardens. The farm is a particular favourite among Instagram users. Orna Mulcahy says photographers, “spend what seems like hours wandering around, taking pictures of their girlfriend or boyfriend sitting among the flowers.” To be fair, the combination of beautiful flowers and sunshine is practically picture perfect.
Fragrances of Ireland is becoming so popular that Orna has added a new seating area for people to enjoy the floral backdrop. “We have a comfy granny armchair that people are reluctant to move from,” she says. Visitors will also get a chance to see the distillation process in action, as well as to relax in the lavender living room, surrounded by flowers.
If you’re on the lookout for something to do this weekend, the lavender harvest sale continues every weekend in July from 11 am to 4 pm. It’s located at Jameson’s Corner, Kilmacanogue, just beyond the entrance to Avoca. For more information, phone (01) 286 7125 or visit Lavender.ie.
Photo: Richard Ecsedi, Unsplash