Desire Lines: Fashion, festivals, and a revolution on the Belltable's stage

Irish Examiner

7 hours ago

The waistcoat
Irish fashion brand NOMI, created by influencer Naomi Clarke aka @the_style_fairy, has recently launched its Solstice capsule collection.
Clarke says she designs for women who want to make a statement without shouting, 'polished but never stiff, bold, but always effortless'.
We love this Mia waistcoat, €110. Available in UK sizes 8 - 18.
The summer treat
Strawberry & Co's Dublin pop up
One of life's simplest pleasures is in-season strawberries paired with fresh cream and/or rich, melting chocolate.
If you've been to London in recent years, chances are you've indulged in Borough Market's famous chocolate strawberry pairing.
Now, Dublin gets its own version, with Strawberry & Co's South William Street pop-up.
Classic Wexford strawberries will be available with a selection of delicious toppings – drizzled in Swiss chocolate, marinated in lime with Madagascan vanilla Chantilly, or paired with pistachio cream... sure to become a TikTok favourite!
The pop-up will operate daily from 11am until sold out, and run until the end of August. Prices from €9.50.
The festival
Mark the Science Guy is set to return to Kaleidoscope
School holidays are finally here and it can only mean one thing – the return of Kaleidoscope, the family-focused festival that this year sees Texas, Ocean Colour Scene and The Coronas take centre stage.
Family activity highlights include shows by RTÉ's Mark the Science Guy. A highlight on the summer calendar.
The new launch
VOYA's Cryo Cooling Gel
VOYA, leaders in certified organic seaweed skincare, introduce their latest line: the Cryo-Cooling Gel.
This ultra-refreshing gel combines cooling menthol and nutrient-rich seaweed extracts to ease weary limbs, replenish moisture, and reinvigorate the skin after exercise.
Or use it to ease the impact of perimenopausal symptoms. A sense of calm to our busy lives. €37.
The activity
Zipit Forest Adventures has announced a new destination, due to open its gates on Friday, July 18.
Zipit Forest Adventures has announced a new destination, due to open its gates on Friday, July 18.
Zipit Djouce Park in Co Wicklow will mark the fourth location, adding to existing locations in Tibradden Wood, Dublin, Farran Forest Park, Cork, and Lough Key Forest Park, Roscommon.
The new course promises a variety of thrilling elements including a low ropes course, perfect for little explorers, aged three to six, and the challenging high ropes course, for ages seven plus.
Advance bookings made in June can avail of a 10% discount using code FIRST10 online.
The café
Blondie: A new café has opened its doors on Ballincollig's main street, offering locals and visitors to the town good vibes and even better coffee in a welcoming, bright space.
A new café has opened its doors on Ballincollig's main street, offering locals and visitors to the town good vibes and even better coffee in a welcoming, bright space.
Owners of the new café named Blondie are Mark and Fiona O'Brien, salon directors of Mark Vincent Hair and Beauty on the main street.
After 14 years of business in Ballincollig, the pair decided to expand their offering by opening the café in the same unit as their existing business.
The original idea was to open a coffee shop, but the idea expanded, and the café now boasts a kitchen with highly qualified chefs who prepare everything on-site using the best of local produce.
A day trade café open six days a week, there are already ideas swirling to create something special to cater for the town's night-time economy.
The play
Pat Shortt: Wreckquiem tells the story of the community of characters that orbit Dessie's Discs.
Wreckquiem is the new theatre production from award-winning Irish playwright and screenwriter Mike Finn, making its world debut at the Lime Tree Theatre in Limerick until July 8.
Directed by Andrew Flynn (The Cripple of Inishmaan; The Lieutenant of Inishmore; The Ferryman; From a Low & Quiet Sea) and starring Pat Shortt, Wreckquiem tells the story of the community of characters that orbit Dessie's Discs.
When a developer threatens their beloved vinyl sanctuary, this band of misfits must save the day. Wreckquiem is a heart-warming comedy about hope and friendship.
Compiled by Vickie Maye, Nicole Glennon and Jillian Bolger
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