Desire Lines: Fitness, fashion, and expert discussion with Lean with Lesley

Sat, 29 Nov, 2025 - 01:00

Lesley Giltinan

The retreat

We know Lesley Giltinan as Lean with Lesley. She started with classes in Cork but her fitness app has seen her success go international. Now she’s launching something very unique — a Radiance Weekend in Castlemartyr Hotel with a mix of fitness, fashion and expert discussion.

Castlemartyr Hotel and Resort, Co. Cork. Picture: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision

Arrive on Friday for a welcome drink, music by Stevie G and a fashion show hosted by Marks & Spencer. Focusing on women’s health, that evening the keynote speaker will be Dr Sumi Dunne.

Saturday starts with a full body workout with Lean with Lesley and that afternoon, The Wellness Forum will feature experts discussing beauty, wellness, and confidence, including Dr. Mary Sheehan, Sabrina Hill, Suzie O’Neill, and Jessica O’Mahony.

The two-night package, starting at €798, includes accommodation, a welcome drink on arrival, dinner on both evenings, lunch on Saturday, workout and entry to all talks and activities.

And now a one-night option has been added where people can book in for the Friday night only and access everything at Radiance up to 5pm on Saturday - for those that feel two nights away from family is too much, this may be the perfect compromise.

leanwithlesley.com/radiancewithlesley

The greeting cards

Send a greeting card with a difference this festive season. Pawpear founder Kim Whyte has collaborated with Trinity College Dublin for a collection that brings the vivid colours and patterns of the 1,200-year-old Book of Kells to life. Made in Ireland from sustainably sourced paper, the Winged Creatures gift box features eight A6 cards in four designs inspired by the manuscript’s most ethereal, bird-like motifs. €15.

The sports investment

Give the kids something that will really get them moving in 2026.

From basketball nets to pool tables, Irish sports and fitness specialists McSport has something for everyone, whether they are an athlete-in-waiting, or a teen enthusiast.

The I Love Gymnastics High Bar & Mat Pack, RRP €399, now €279, is a standout, along with the Hit Boxing Wall-mounted Music Reaction Trainer, RRP €129, now €99.

mcsport.ie

The candle

Pamalam’s coconut and rapeseed candles, handcrafted in Ireland, are some of the best in the market. Spiced Maple, with notes of orange, cinnamon, vanilla and maple embodies the winter season. From €20.

pamalam.com

The fragrance

Keen to gift a fragrance that feels a lot more special than a mainstream bottle bearing the name of some singer who had very little to do with its creation? Republic of Oud is an Irish fragrance company based in Cork, specialising in luxurious perfumes that prominently feature oud, a highly prized aromatic resin.

Based in the iconic Winthrop Arcade in Cork’s city centre. The Parisian-style bijou arcade will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026. The exclusive Irish retailers for fragrance house Electimuss, they are renowned for unique fragrance combinations which are typically not heavy but do have excellent sillage... that intoxicating scent trail left behind a wearer as they move.

republicofoud.com

The gift of movement

Asked what we want for Christmas this year, our answer is clear — a contribution towards our future selves.

For us, Dublin’s luxury fitness studio SAINT, with impressive Reformer and Spin studios, is the obvious choice. With a rooftop recovery suite with saunas and cold plunges, and rainfall showers with Voya toiletries in the changing rooms, this is somewhere you’ll look forward to working out in.

saintstudios.ie

The lash kit

Love the look of lash extensions but don’t want the commitment or cost of regular salon appointments? Wink with Mink is the answer.

Founded by Shona Mahon, a lash artist who became allergic to lash extensions, her Speed Lashes, designed to last a full seven days, have become a must-have item for many Irish beauty lovers. For the palest among us, the new brown lash cluster variety hits the sweetpoint of work- to-party glam. A little extra colour, lift and volume, it’s still perfect for everyday wear on a make-up free face. The Lash & Go Edit includes the mini travel kit, lash refresh oil-free cleanser and cosmetic bag. €40.