Desire Lines: New Lennon Courtney dresses and more

Granard Booktown festival; the new bar at Cork's Imperial, and Lily O'Brien's chocolate
Desire Lines: New Lennon Courtney dresses and more

Some of what we're loving this weekend.

The dress

 Lennon Courtney Dorothy dress
Lennon Courtney Dorothy dress

As a brand, Lennon Courtney has always had empowering women at its heart, so what better label to support this International Women’s Day? The sixth release, in collaboration with Kilkenny Design, offers a 13-piece capsule collection of vibrant prints and bold colourways teamed with muted tones and elegant neutrals. Prices range from €10 to €160, with sizing in XS-XXL. We’re drawn to the limited edition Dorothy, €160.

The wellness space

Marian Shanley, Dahā Wellness at the opening of Dāha Wellness, a new holistic wellness centre, in Sutton Cross, North County Dublin.
Marian Shanley, Dahā Wellness at the opening of Dāha Wellness, a new holistic wellness centre, in Sutton Cross, North County Dublin.

For many years, the concept of wellness equated to stress management for Aisling Hassell. With high-powered jobs in the tech sector, the Dublin woman says her approach to wellness was reactive rather than proactive. ā€œIt was just about survival,ā€ she told those gathered at the opening of her holistic wellness centre Dāha Wellness in Sutton, Co Dublin.

A purpose-built facility which houses rooms for treatments (think massage, acupuncture and reflexology), classes (yoga, barre, pilates), consultations (fitness tests to sleep guidance), and its own cafe, the philosophy here is all about taking a proactive approach to your overall wellness — mind, body and spirit. There’s a huge focus on championing Irish brands with female founders too, with Sisterly, Seabody and Skin Formulas among those stocked.

The festival

Claire Keegan is set for Granard Booktown festival
Claire Keegan is set for Granard Booktown festival

Granard Booktown has announced that author Claire Keegan will open this year’s festival. Keegan’s most recent novel, Small Things Like These was recently adapted for the big screen, produced by and starring Cillian Murphy. She will be interviewed by acclaimed writer SinĆ©ad Gleeson on the night. Given the novel’s subject, and Granard’s own history (home to the grotto where Ann Lovett died having her baby more than four decades ago), it’s sure to be a fascinating conversation between two of Ireland’s leading female writers. Tickets €18.50 plus booking fee.

The chocolates

Lily O’Brien’s Milk Chocolate Truffles
Lily O’Brien’s Milk Chocolate Truffles

Move over big-and-ubiquitous-Swiss-brand-of-chocolate; we’ve found a home-grown replacement that’s more than a match.

Made in Co Kildare, our group of tasters preferred tucking into Lily O’Brien’s Milk Chocolate Truffles, which come in three silky and indulgent flavours, including Vanilla, Milk Chocolate, and Salted Caramel, all encased in thick and delicious milk chocolate shells. €9 for 200g, there’s also a larger mixed box (pictured) with four flavours including Dark Chocolate ones, €15 for 337g.

The bar

Pictured left to right: The Lord Mayor of Cork, the local business community, local sporting and TV stars, and the Louis Fitzgerald family came together to officially unveil Fitzgerald’s Bar at The Imperial Hotel.
Pictured left to right: The Lord Mayor of Cork, the local business community, local sporting and TV stars, and the Louis Fitzgerald family came together to officially unveil Fitzgerald’s Bar at The Imperial Hotel.

The Imperial Hotel has unveiled its new bar, Fitzgerald’s. Paying tribute to its 200-year history, the high ceilings and crystal chandeliers reflect the period property.

The space is complemented by marble and glass-stained columns, with portraits of historical figures connected to the hotel. 

A grand piano will take centre stage in the bar so guests and visitors can enjoy a mixture of jazz and contemporary players. Rich velvet furnishings and bespoke mosaic tiling are just some of the new additions.

The experience

Gary Harte (4) from Ballyfermot comes face-to-face with a family of dinosaurs at Dublin Zoo’s Zoorassic Trail, an immersive exhibition of 40+ of the world’s biggest animatronic dinosaurs.
Gary Harte (4) from Ballyfermot comes face-to-face with a family of dinosaurs at Dublin Zoo’s Zoorassic Trail, an immersive exhibition of 40+ of the world’s biggest animatronic dinosaurs.

Dublin Zoo launches its Zoorassic Trail, an immersive animatronic dinosaur experience, on March 12. Showcasing over 40 of the world’s most realistic animatronic dinosaurs in collaboration with Dino Don Inc, there will also be giant dinosaur eggs and nesting sites for children to explore.

Built under the supervision of palaeontologists to ensure the highest level of scientific accuracy, they’ll move, roar and breathe like the real thing.

The store

Schuh, Dundrum Town Centre
Schuh, Dundrum Town Centre

Schuh has opened a brand new store at Dundrum Town Centre, its fourteenth to operate in Ireland. Expect the latest footwear trends – but also a bigger and better kids department.

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