The best way to shop this winter is locally – a chance to meet Irish business owners and learn more about their brands is satisfying and community-spirited …
FASHION AND BEAUTY
Irish Pop-Up Collective, Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire
Organised by Kate Fine and Debbie Millington, the third Irish Pop Up Collective (@irishpopupcollective) takes place on December 10 in the Carlisle Suite at Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire. You’ll find some lovely, properly Irish beauty brands (i.e. made here, not shipped in from China and given a label), including Nunaïa (if you haven’t tried Nicola Connolly’s Nourishing Facial Serum yet, you’re in for a treat), Wild Rose Botanicals, Dalkey Handmade Soaps and the lovely Waters & Wild – we love Joan Woods’ beautiful natural perfumes, body care and her silver acorn necklace; a voucher for her natural perfume-making course in Glandore, West Cork, would go down a treat, too.
There’s also fashion and accessories, including Úna Burke Leather, Jill & Gill, Pearl Reddington, for joyful Donegal knits, and Begley & Bowie); interiors (bag beautiful wooden chopping boards from Two Wooden Horses); children’s brands, and food and drink including Mella’s Fudge and Strudel Bakery. The IPUC will also include wreath making workshops by Flower Pop, Christmas decorations by Astrl Fibres and printed wrapping cloth demos by Liz Walsh textiles. SARAH HALLIWELL
The Design Collective, Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, Dublin 2
This Christmas pop-up store of Irish female designers is open until December 24 on the top floor of Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, Dublin 2. It’s a great opportunity to see brands such as accessory designers Peelo, Nicki Hoyne, Moon & Mellow and Caroline Duffy as well as beauty and fashion brands Feri, Cobbler’s Lane, Laura Chambers and Style Ignite. Taking part each week are guests such as Styled by Sarah Rickard and Banana Berry Design. Follow @design_collective_for updates.
Rae Feather Pop-Up, The Westbury Mall, Dublin 2
Irish designer Rae Feather is celebrating ten years of her eponymous brand – and is best known for the versatility, style and personalisation of her clothes and accessories. Good news therefore that she is popping up in The Westbury Mall until December 20, where visitors can shop her new collection of gorgeous cashmere loungewear, a collaboration with Fran Bacon, and of course order some personalised slippers or pjs. The store is open daily from 10am to 5.30pm. A further Rae Feather pop-up is in her sister interior designer Helen Turkington’s store at 58 Spruce Avenue, Stillorgan, from November 27. www.raefeather.com
Ecru Studios, The Westbury Mall, Dublin 2
We could happily do most of our Christmas shopping in Dublin’s Westbury Mall given the calibre of its permanent and pop-up boutiques. Ecru Studios fashion and lifestyle pop-up store is a new addition to the line-up, open every day from 10am to 5.30pm. From chic stocking fillers – such as their edit of gold-plated and pearl jewellery or Pols Potten jewel-coloured tumblers – to party dresses and winter staples, this is definitely the place to find something for a stylish friend (and yourself of course!). Afterwards, raise a toast your purchases in The Sidecar! www.ecrustudios.com
Happy Days Christmas Market, Dublin 18
Dresses from AJE to Rixo, and Kitri to Celia B are among the edit of the new party collection at Happy Days, available to rent at its festive pop-up at Mart House, Unit 4, The 18 Leopardstown Road, Dublin 18. Founded by Rachel Hennessy, Happy Days is a conscious and affordable solution for fashion lovers to stay on trend without blowing the budget. As well as 450 dresses available to rent in store (and online) there is a strong cohort of Irish brands to browse including Croia Jewellery, Girl Gotta Change, Mysa and The Smooth Company. The pop-up remains open until January 7 2024; www.happy-days.ie.
The Clarendon Collective, Dublin 2
Six female-led Irish brands have come together to form The Clarendon Collective, a new pop-up on Dublin’s Clarendon Street where each of the brands will showcase their edit of bestselling gifts. Shoppers can discover Anna Daly’s clothing brand Little Bliss; candles and home fragrances from Alison Banton’s Brooke & Shoals range; luxurious handbags and leather accessories from My Name is Ted; nourishing skincare from Ella & Jo Cosmetics, created by Charlene Flanagan and Niamh Ryan; beautiful artworks from Sarah Wickham Designs; and elegant pyjamas and loungewear from Hollianne Phelan’s Cotone Collection. The Designed Table will also feature for the duration of the pop up, which runs until January 2024. www.theclarendoncollective.com.
The Aoife McNamara Christmas Creative Pop-Up, Adare, Co Limerick
Sustainable Limerick fashion brand Aoife Mc Namara has invited some fellow Irish independent businesses to her Adare Cottage store for a Christmas marketplace. Alongside Mc Namara’s ethical womenswear, brands popping up in the space include Seabody Skincare, OCHRE Candles, Ethos Stress Care products, SIADBH Jewellery, Aoife Mullane Design and Grá Chocolates. Irish artwork from Audrey Hamilton, Aoife Scott, Elouise Flannery, Cliodhna Doherty and Ciara O’Neill will also be on display. The market is open until December 31 with a series of events also taking place with brand founders sharing the stories behind their products, their ethical practices, and the positive impacts they’re making on the world. www.aoifemcnamara.com
Colin Horgan’s Winter Pop-up, Dublin 2
Coats and outerwear, jackets and accessories as well as pieces from the Kerry-based designer’s ready to wear collection will all feature in Colin Horgan’s Winter Pop-up running from December 10-11. Make a beeline to the first floor of NHO (New Hair Order), 26 South William Street, Dublin 2 where the space will be decorated with floral installations by Seachto and guests will be served some festive cream liqueur by Coole Swan. Horgan is best known for his inventive cutting, top stitching and bold silhouettes often incorporating harness strapping and denim. Top of my wishlist? One of his statement trench coats – as cool on the street as on the red carpet, as spied at an event recently. www.colin-horgan.com
Gather, Kildare Village
Kildare Village has launched Gather – a festive pop-up bringing together 24 makers across homeware, fashion, textiles, jewellery, digital print, ceramics, and wellness. Nightwear from Moon + Mellow, woodwork by Warren Hayes, bags made from ocean plastic by Aoife Rooney, ceramic jewellery by Sarah McEvoy, and leather goods by Garvan de Bruir, are all part of the impressive line-up. Gather remains open until the end of December. Spend the day shopping, as well has having some post retail therapy sustenance at hot spots such as Saba, Dunne & Crescenzi and Sprout. www.thebicestercollection.com
Fashionable Pop-Ups at Dundrum Town Centre
There’s a whole host of exciting new pop-ups open at Dundrum Town Centre for the busy Christmas season, perfect for getting all your shopping wrapped up in one go. A Jenny McCarthy portrait session makes the perfect Christmas gift, check out Photos by Jen. For incredible earrings and cool collaborations, visit Crystals & Co by design duo Leah and Emily who deliver the sparkle. The insanely popular Head Plan pop-up returns, with an expanded range of products too. And designer Aoife Mullane returns with her unique hairpieces (pictured above), headbands and clutch bags in gorgeous fabrics. PS Santa will be coming to Pembroke Square, Dundrum Town Centre from November 27 to December 24! www.dundrum.ie.
IRISH CRAFTS AND DESIGNS
Gifted, RDS, Dublin 4
Mark your diary for this contemporary art and design fair taking place at the RDS from December 6-10. It’s estimated that some 35,000 visitors will attend the fair, which features over 400 designers, makers and artisan food producers. Organiser Patrick O’Sullivan says, “You won’t find a bigger selection of unique, handmade products under one roof anywhere in Ireland. The fair is a huge boost to the independent creative sector, and it generates enough business to keep many exhibitors busy for at least four months of the year.” While you’re there do source festive foodie treats at its Food Emporium – home to over 100 artisan food producers. There will be ten per cent off everything on the opening day, Wednesday, December 6. www.giftedfair.ie
Arnotts Christmas Market, Dublin 2
Make a beeline to the Second Level of Arnotts for its Christmas Market, where the range of gifting spans craft, design, food, beauty, and toys meaning it’s a one-stop shop for everyone on your list. For your stylish friend, a bag from Peelo, created by Irish accessory designer Julie Peelo will definitely impress, while for stocking fillers, try the jewellery of Don’t Kill My Vibe. The Christmas market also includes the Pitch ’23 brands – this year’s finalists include Blackbird Jewellery, Human Collective, Kalo, SkinKrush and Treat Yo Self. Once you’ve selected gifts, check out the new in-store personalisation service which elevates any present with embroidery, monogrammed initials on various items and customisable gift ribbons. www.arnotts.ie
Ballymaloe Craft Fair, Co Cork
Over 180 exhibitors are participating in a weekend of food, fun and entertainment on November 24-26. There is ample parking on the grounds of Ballymaloe itself, and this year attendees also have the option of a free shuttle bus service that will take people to and from the Craft Fair each day from Midleton Train Station via Cloyne to Ballymaloe, picking up passengers at the playground in Ballycotton, and travelling back again. Entry is €8.00 per day with children under 12 free. www.ballymaloegrainstore.com
Louth Craftmark Designers Network Festive Pop-Up, Powerscourt Townhouse Shopping Centre
Louth Craftmark Designers Network, comprising 68 crafters, designers and visual artists, has opened a Christmas shop on the first floor of Powerscourt Townhouse, beside Pepper Pot Café. This showcases and sells everything from glass art to textile creations, charming ceramics, jewellery, luxurious silk scarves, velvet wraps and willow baskets as well as felted shawls and accessories. Some of the crafters include glass artist Aoife Burke (above), landscape textile artist Breda McNelis, Jewellery designer Cecilia Casey and ceramicist Claire Dooley. The Christmas shop is open every day until the end of December. www.powerscourtcentre.ie
FESTIVE EXPERIENCES
Festive Feasting Pop-Up, Ballyvolane House, Co Cork
Ballyvolane House is the venue for a Christmas market and Santa Experience taking place over the weekend of November 25-26. There will be stalls selling crafts and stocking fillers (including its own Bertha’s Revenge Gin) as well as food trucks, making it a fun day out for all the family. Entry is €5 per adult, which includes a free raffle ticket, while children are free of charge. The Santa Experience is €30 and includes a gift and photo with Santa. www.ballyvolanehouse.ie
Festive Pop-Ups At EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum
Across four Sundays in November and December, visitors to the museum can enjoy pop-up performances from the singers of Sing Ireland and its member choirs as you take in all that EPIC has to offer. The dates include November 19 and 26 as well as December 3 and 10, from 5.30pm-9pm. Tickets include a self-guided tour of the museum and cost from €25 for adults and €16.50 for teenagers. www.epicchq.com
A Nordic Christmas, Nordic Elements, Blackrock
Helle Moyne, the Danish owner of destination design store Nordic Elements, is hosting two festive pop-ups sharing ideas on how to create a modern Scandinavian Christmas. Helle will also chat about her favourite Danish traditions and how they have evolved over the years. The first event, on Wednesday December 6 from 6.30pm-8pm, costs €45 and includes bubbles, nibbles and festive goodie bags. A second, child-focused event inspired by Danish Christmas Crafts is on Sundays December 10 and December 17, from 12pm-3pm. Children can participate in one-hour slots to make their own decorations, during which they will be served hot chocolate and Danish festive biscuits. www.nordicelements.com
Christmas Markets in Killruddery Yard, Co Wicklow
Perfect for those wishing to enjoy a slow, meaningful approach to Christmas shopping, Killruddery’s Christmas Market in the Yard is running every Saturday and Sunday. It’s best enjoyed with a hot chocolate or mulled wine in hand perusing the stall holders and their wares, which alternate weekly. Visitors can also enjoy lunch in The Grain Store, a Neapolitan-style pizza from Pizza Shed, pick up some supplies in the Farm Shop, or visit the Garden Room Coffee Shop. Admission and parking are both free. www.killruddery.com
Wonderlights, Malahide Castle
Part of the magic of Christmas is its lights and many venues around the country are hosting their own light events – from Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo to Wonderlights at Malahide Castle. This walking trail around the Castle’s gardens includes the new Magic of Winter experience – with its Talking Tree, Magical Flying Fairies and Winter Wildlife – all powered by environmentally friendly fuel alternative HVO (hydro treated vegetable oil). There’s a new Alpine Food & Drinks Village too. Wonderlights is open until January 2, entry times are every 15 minutes from 5pm-8pm. Tickets start from €22 for adults, from €20.50 for children, with infants under two years going free. www.wonderlights.ie
Santa’s House Express, Palmerstown House Estate, Co Kildare
Celebrating its tenth year, the popular Santa’s House Express arrives at Palmerstown Estate on November 24 to December 23. Hop on board as the train makes its way through the Estate’s grounds, leading guests to Santa’s Manor, where Mrs Claus guides families through the art of cookie decorating. Families have a private visit with Santa Claus in a cosy reading room where each child will receive an eco-friendly soft toy. Visitors can also enjoy the funfair at Winter Wonderland village (children have two complimentary tickets to enjoy rides) where food trucks serve some festive treats. Tickets start from €12 to €22 and include booking fee. www.santashouseexpress.ie
Tangled Bramble Floral Pop-up, Russborough House, Co Wicklow
There’s a (free) Christmas table styling workshop with floral design expert Ali Keogh, from The Tangled Bramble, on Saturday December 9 from 10am in the Russborough Shop (one of our favourite places to browse!). Find inspiration for your Christmas table at Ali’s creative demo and pick up a beautiful wreath or floral decoration from a mix of seasonal, scented festive foliage at The Tangled Bramble’s pop-up shop. www.russborough.ie
Fairmont Carton House Christmas Market, Co Kildare
Opening on December 1, this posh pop-up will be in the beautifully decorated Golf Clubhouse of Fairmont Carton House. It’s a great place to pick up some of the hotel’s elegant Christmas fare which can be shopped online too from November 25. www.cartonhousecollection.com
FOODIE POP-UPS
The Fever-Tree Frozen Woodland, Café en Seine
If in need of a post-shopping pick-me-up, this chic hideaway transports visitors to a French winter-wonderland with glistening lights, frosty décor and seasonal sparkle. It’s the perfect venue for a cosy catch-up, lunch or some cocktails (try the classic Rum and Ginger Winter Mule) after Christmas shopping. As well as serving a selection of Fever-Tree cocktails, there’s a perfectly paired food menu created by chef Stephen Gibson. Brunch is popular during which there is live music playing every Sunday afternoon. www.cafeenseine.ie
Library Street X Castlemartyr Resort, Cork
For one night only, the award-winning Dublin city-based Library Street restaurant will travel to Castlemartyr Resort in Cork, for a special dining event on December 4. Chef Kevin Burke and his team will bring their ethos of relaxed, shared dining and menus to the Manor House at Castlemartyr Resort. This is priced at €90 per person and wine pairing at €75 per person. www.castlemartyrresort.ie