Desire Lines: These gúnas by fashion line inspired by Irish myth and legend are a wardrobe staple

Plus a St Patrick's Day with a difference in Dingle and the Belfast author's book that's being adapted for a Channel 4 series, as compiled by Weekend guest editors Lousie Cantillon and Doireann Ní Ghlacáin.

Tue, 17 Mar, 2026 - 07:00

The designer

Irish fashion designers are some of the best in the world right now. We have long coveted a piece of Éadach by Sara O’Neill. Inspired by her grandmother’s stories, Irish myth and legend, and her native north coast, her dreamy prints are storytelling in pencil and silk, and everything is handmade in Belfast.

Made “for those with a rebellious streak and romantic soul”, you might recognise some of her gorgeous garments from episodes of The Traitors Ireland as worn by host Siobhán McSweeney, while Imelda May is also a fan of her creations.

The Róisín Dubh print, pictured, is available in a variety of items, from neckerchiefs and kimonos to bomber jackets and full-length cape dresses. Prices from £70 to £750. One of each le do thoil.

eadach.com

The store

A recent trip to Derry City put an end to our spending ban after we spotted a blue crew neck jumper in Storefront. We predict they’ll be massive — cool, great quality urban streetwear that wash well and, we are confident, will last years.

storefrontni.com

The show

We feel like we’re missing a limb without our third member at the moment but, while Síomha enjoys her maternity leave, we’ll be happy to have a little fix of her on our TV screens on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm with her new quiz show starting on March 24 on TG4.

Each episode of Slé Anois Go Cúramach sees secondary schools from around the country go head-to-head in a series of five rounds, taking on everything from Céard San Fhocal, a high-speed word guessing game in the style of Heads Up, to rapid-fire multiple-choice questions in Gaeilge Ghasta.

TG4.ie

The artist

We recently came across a young Tipperary artist named Seán Ferry, who popped up in Limerick on St Brigid’s weekend, as part of the city’s ‘All We Have Are Days’ festival. If, like us, you’re building a lovely collection of prints, paintings, and photographs by Irish artists, one of Seán’s paintings should be next on your wish list.

A student at Limerick’s School of Art and Design, he has teamed up with Irish clothing brand of the moment Pellador for his exhibition Gnáthrudaí, as well as three collaborative garments featuring his artwork coming to Pellador’s SS26 collection. Limerick abú!

instagram.com/sean_ferry_art

The Gaeltacht company

Did you know Folláin hail from the Múscraí Gaeltacht of West Cork? Their motto is: ‘Good Food. Pure and Simple.’ Their jams and preserves are second to none. You can’t beat a good pot of Irish strawberry jam on a scone with cream. We refuse to use any other marmalade on toast — they always fall flat compared to the beautiful tartness of Folláin.

No cheese board is ever complete without some of their delicious relishes, of which there is a wide variety (try caramelised onion and black garlic — thank us later), and their dessert sauces are to die for. They make beautiful gifts too.

follain.ie

The parade

St Patrick's Day parade in Dingle. People from all around Dingle turn out for the pre-dawn parade, which is almost 160 years old. Picture: Domnick Walsh/Eye Focus.

How about St Patrick’s Day with a difference? If you’re looking for an excuse to head west this March bank holiday, let this be it.

Dingle’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations kick off at the crack of dawn at 6am when Dingle’s Fife and Drum Band take to the streets in keeping with a long tradition, which is generally supported by hundreds of enthusiastic followers.

The band march from the Old Hospital around the town — a magical start to the day. The morning session finishes at around 7:30am at Ashmount Terrace with Amhrán na bhFiann.

dingle-peninsula.ie

The book

Once in a while, you read a book and it stays with you for years. Belfast author Michael Magee’s Close To Home is one of them for us. Doireann read it first and recommended it to Louise, and we both fell in love.

It’s one of those stories we both cherished and speak about often to each other, and we just found out it’s being adapted by Channel 4 for a TV series. In the meantime, read the book.