Desire Lines: A traditional St Brigid inspired bag to herald the start of spring

For over 20 years Patricia O'Flaherty has made baskets using traditional bushwork skills

Sat, 31 Jan, 2026 - 01:00

Patricia makes her baskets from Bulrush. She is inspired by her surrounding wild countryside. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

The bag

Embrace St Brigid’s weekend with the ultimate gift to self — a made-to-order basket from Naomh Padraig designs. Founded by Patricia O’Flaherty over 20 years ago, she handcrafts baskets using traditional bushwork skills. From €120, with the finished product available approximately two weeks after the order is placed.

The matcha

Recent data from business payment platform Square suggests the matcha trend is going nowhere, with sales in Irish cafés surging 155% year-on-year, far outpacing traditional coffee growth. The latest to hop on? Oatly.
The oat drink brand has just launched a ready-to-drink, frothable product that offers time-strapped consumers a convenient way to get their matcha hit. In Tesco stores now, with other retailers to follow in February and March. €3.50

The Valentine’s buy

Penneys is getting Valentines ready – with friendship taking centre stage. Their Galentines offering includes these cute satin pjs, €20.

The spring refresh

As we crawl towards February, we are excited to start embracing the new season in our wardrobes. Danish fashion brand Peppercorn is leaning in to wide-leg denim, softly shaped jackets and versatile shirts for spring, with feminine details balanced with clean lines. We’re lusting over this pairing; denim shirt, €99, wide leg denim trousers €99.95, linen jacket, €129.95. Available online at Zalando and in retailers nationwide, including Meadows & Byrne, Darbys Kinsale, Liz Collins Gorey and Hannons Castleisland.

The decaf coffee

Nespresso has launched new, limited edition Lavender & Vanilla Decaffeinato coffee pods. Created to bring some cosy calm to cold, January evenings. The launch arrives as decaffeinated coffee becomes an increasingly popular part of coffee routines, with nearly half of consumers now drinking decaf at home. 10 pods per sleeve, €9.50.

The workshop

In celebration of St Brigid and her feast day, which falls tomorrow, on February 1, you can learn to make a St Brigid’s Cross at the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park in Castlebar, Co Mayo. Learn about some of the cross-making methods handed down through the generations at one of two drop-in workshops from 2-3pm and 3.30-4.30pm today, January 31, before browsing the museum’s fascinating collections.

The workshops are free and suitable for all ages. No booking required with places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

museum.ie

The batter jug

It’s hard to resist this Albury batter jug from interior design brand, Neptune. Part of a striking Portuguese stoneware collection, the traditional jug features a beautifully embossed design that’s been hand-glazed for a rustic finish. With a spout and handle for easy pouring, and approximately €56, it’s the kind of design piece you’ll want to keep on display long after Pancake Tuesday.

neptune.com for Irish stockists.