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HIGHLIGHTS
Why not pick up a little memento from your trip at Charlotte & Co, the castle’s gift shop, which boasts a deftly curated selection of modern Irish-made pieces, including Niamh Gillespie’s Tidings scarf collection, Colin Burke’s knitwear and Paula Rowan leather gloves. If you fancy venturing further afield, Ennis, just 15 minutes’ drive, is awash with independent boutiques. Peruse Willow’s modern silhouettes, or pick up something shiny at Blackbird, a veritable trove of contemporary Irish and European jewellery designs.
THIS WINTER
Enjoy Christmas at the Castle with a three-night escape kicking off on Christmas Eve, including dinner every evening, a ballad singer on Christmas night and a trip to the Limerick Races on St Stephen’s Day.
From €2,532 per adult. Rooms, including breakfast, from €405 per room per night. dromoland.ie
HIGHLIGHTS
With a cocktail menu that changes with the seasons, using foraged ingredients and local produce, Cask is a cocktail bar on another level. Few are as passionate about collaborating with local growers and are always coming up with something that will make you say “wow”.
THIS WINTER
The River Lee’s Curated Weekends in Cork: Caroline O’Donoghue Literary Cork two-night package includes breakfast, one dinner, a guided tour of the UCC campus and tickets to Shandon Bells & Tower at St Anne’s. Starts from €686 for two people sharing. doylecollection.com
HIGHLIGHTS
Whether looking for a special treat for yourself or checking people off your festive gift list, Dublin has lots of options for finding something out of the ordinary. Wendy Crawford’s Scout on Essex Street is a favourite for everything from forever fashion pieces to unique homeware, or head to Irish Design Shop on Drury Street for gorgeous locally made gifts and festive decorations to adorn your home for years to come.
For something that sparkles, don’t miss Chupi’s stunning new flagship in the Powerscourt Townhouse, Clarendon Street, where you could spend an entire afternoon trying on treasures. Fashion lovers won’t want to visit the capital without a trip to Havana in Donnybrook. Just a quick trip on the 39A from The Merrion, Nikki Creedon’s edit is always worth browsing, and includes designers such as Simone Rocha, Dries Van Noten, Colin Burke and The Landskein.
THIS WINTER
The Merrion’s one-night Winter Family Getaway includes breakfast for a family of two adults and two children for €1,100. merrionhotel.com
The Winter issue of IMAGE is here, and festive sparkles are on our mind, from our fashion shoot full of party-ready pieces to the home of jeweller Chupi Sweetman-Durney which is full of glinting gold. Plus, we learn how to make the most of festive leftovers, and are planning a winter break to remember. Plus: * Big knits * Cool corduroy * In studio with Pearl Reddington * Audrey Hepburn’s Irish connections * Confidence at work * A Kilimanjaro adventure * Beauty gifts to give yourself * Practical magic * A ski retreat with a difference * Weekend escapes * and so much more…
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