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Growing up in a rural village, I often thought of city living as a pinnacle I might one day be lucky enough to experience – caught up in the allure of the bustling atmosphere and endless possibilities at your fingertips.
As an adult, having made various cities my home before bouncing back to a less urban location, however, it’s much more obvious to me now that the countryside has a special draw all its own.
Cliodhna Prendergast visits Foxford, where weaving has set the rhythm of life for over 130 years, meeting those who have ensured this iconic rural Irish business has thrived and evolved. And we’re taking inspiration from the native birds that flit around our hedgerows for fresh colour palettes.
Of course, you don’t need to abandon the city to enjoy the best that nature has to offer, as Angharad Maxwell proves, growing breathtaking blooms just outside of Belfast. While interior architect Pia Casal’s Dublin home uses a pared-back aesthetic to draw attention to its leafy surrounds. Or turn your attention to a suburban Galway home that has been transformed into a treehouse-like space.
If you’re planning a jaunt this season, can we recommend Donegal? The northern county is always a favourite for its coastline, but Michelle Hanley explores the makers, businesses and creatives making it a must-visit. Or if nothing but summer sun will do, discover the unspoilt Greek island of Serifos, where you can laze on quiet beaches and watch the sun set over rugged mountains.
No matter whether you spend it in the city or the country, I hope you make the most of this glorious season of warm days and stretched-out evenings.
Enjoy the issue,
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