Weekend Loves: New Irish design; comic book heroes at Mahon Point

Ruth O'Connor's guide to bright ideas and beautiful things

Some of what we're loving this Weekend

The new Nespresso N°20 - twenty years in the making

Nespresso’s exclusive N°20 variety is two decades in the making

Luxury coffee brand Nespresso has just launched an exclusive new coffee variety — the result of 20 years of research and development. 

The new coffee has been developed to appeal to even the most discerning coffee drinkers and is the result of the cross-planting of various varieties of coffee plants in order to arrive at a unique flavour profile characterised by citrus notes and orange blossom aromas. 

This particular coffee is grown in the Cauca and Caldas regions of Colombia and the Arabica farms are managed and run by just 59 farmers as part of the Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality Programme. 

Due to its limited supply, N°20 is available for a limited time only each year and, for 2023, only in original capsules with a wider rollout expected next year. €2.50 per capsule/ €12.50 per sleeve.

• nespresso.com

Dr Barbara Sturm products and treatments now available at Dromoland Castle. Pic: Chris Singer.

Sleep and beauty at Dromoland Castle this Autumn

The revamped Castle Spa at the five-star Dromoland Castle Hotel has a special spa offer to ease us into the colder months. 

“The Sturm Sleepover” is available on select dates in October and throughout the season. 

Nestled within the majestic 16th-century castle walls, experience the renowned 60-minute signature Dr Barbara Sturm Glow Facial — promising a radiant and youthful glow perfect for party season.

The 320 sq ft retreat was the first to bring the brand, a celebrity favourite, to an Irish hotel when it opened in June. 

The package includes luxury overnight accommodation, a full Irish breakfast the next morning and a 60-minute Dr Barbara Strum Glow Facial in the spa for one guest. From €549.

• dromoland.ie

Marvel-ous Cork Comic Expo comes to Mahon Point

The brilliant Cork Comic Expo returns to the city taking over two floors at Mahon Point Shopping Centre next Saturday.

Expect to encounter some of the best comic book talent in the world with artists from Spider-Man, Batman, Transformers, Ghostbusters, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Moon Knight, Deadpool and more.

The event features talented Cork creators including Chris O’Halloran who works on Thor, Spider-Man and Hellboy; Kevin Keane who works on Spawn and illustrator, lettering artist and art director Fiona Boniwell as well as Eoin Coveney who has drawn for 2000 AD. 

The show coincides with the launch of Will Sliney’s Storytellers on RTÉ 2 which debuts September 25 and features art from children nationwide. Saturday’s event is free and runs from 10am to 5pm.

• For more information: Instagram @will_sliney.

Lir Chocolates' Guinness Chocolate Rugby Balls

A delicious gift for rugby fans from Lir Chocolates

As Rugby World Cup fever sweeps the nation, why not catch a 64% cocoa Lir Guinness Chocolate Rugby Ball embossed with classic Guinness branding? 

At just €6 it is a tasty novelty gift that’s part of the Guinness Chocolate range by Lir which includes the Guinness Caramel Truffles and Mini Guinness Chocolate Pints.

• Available from select Supervalu and Caroll’s Irish Gift stores nationwide and at lirchocolates.com.

A new season design by AndTate - one of the many Irish design brands that are members of the Council of Irish Fashion Designers

New season Irish design to delight

The Council of Irish Fashion Designers (CIFD) unveiled their Autumn Winter 2023 collections last week. 

If you’re looking for a new outfit for a special occasion you’ll be spoiled for choice this season with beautiful clothing in luxurious fabrics as well as exquisite hats, jewellery and accessories.

Want to update your wardrobe with some investment pieces made to last a lifetime? Then why not pair an Irish tweed coat or jacket with a beautiful cashmere jumper or an ethically-made dress?

When you buy from an Irish designer you’re investing — not just in your wardrobe — but in a small business and the local economy too. What’s not to love? Ones to watch this season include AndTate, left, Kindred of Ireland, FéRí, Urban Aran and Caterina Coyne.

Look out for bags by Landa, Peelo and RUXX.

• irishfashiondesigners.com

Poppy and James Molloy (3) help launch Waterford Harvest Festival. Pic: Patrick Browne

Visit the Waterford Harvest Festival this weekend

The 14th annual Waterford Harvest Festival takes over the city this weekend with a huge food and craft market forming the heart of the festival in celebration of the award-winning food and drinks producers of the county. 

The festival offers an array of free events for everyone to enjoy including a live music stage and the Food Matters sustainability talks each day. 

Waterford’s rich food heritage will be celebrated as well as the city’s diverse eateries and producers with the finest chefs offering free cookery demos on the Taste Waterford Kitchen Stage. 

In the Junior GIYer’s zone, families can enjoy the Woolly Farm, see the creation of a living art installation with Slí Waterford, a Cool Food School and GIY’s workshops on seed sowing, growing and cooking food.

• To find out what else is going on go to: harvest.giy.ie.