Desire Lines: This floaty co-ord brings both elegancy and functionality

Plus the matcha treat to satisfy your cravings 
Desire Lines: This floaty co-ord brings both elegancy and functionality

Check out this weeks highlights from the Weekend team

Helen McAlinden SS26 Berna Storm Blue Blouse €265, Imogen Storm Blue Trousers €275
Helen McAlinden SS26 Berna Storm Blue Blouse €265, Imogen Storm Blue Trousers €275

The co-ord

Helen McAlinden, the brand, is celebrating its 25th year. Since its beginning in the early 2000s, McAlinden says her philosophy has been elegant and functional pieces that transcend seasons.

“At the heart of everything we create are my enduring principles: Simplicity, sophistication, longevity. If a piece doesn’t embody these values, it simply doesn’t make the cut,” she says. Our favourite from her spring/summer 2026 collection? The floaty, bold Imogen trousers in Storm Blue, €275. In store now at her shop on Drury Street, D2 in Arnotts, Brown Thomas and Harvey Nichols.

Trisha Lewis will MC The Hope Foundation Annual Cork lunch
Trisha Lewis will MC The Hope Foundation Annual Cork lunch

The charity lunch

The Hope Foundation Annual Cork lunch takes place this Friday, April 17, at The Rochestown Park Hotel. The MC on the day will be the fabulously funny Trisha Lewis. Guests can expect a prosecco reception, a three-course meal with wine, goodie bags and a raffles with prizes from Orla Kiely, Neven McGuire, Max Benjamin, AYU, La Bougie and more. Tickets €100.

Katriona O'Sullivan. will be in conversation with the Irish Examiner’s Deirdre O’Shaughnessy about her new memoir, Hungry Picture: Bríd O'Donovan.

The event

As part of Cork Book Festival bestselling author of Poor, Dr Katriona O’Sullivan, (left) will be in conversation with the Irish Examiner’s Deirdre O’Shaughnessy about her new memoir, Hungry, on Sunday, April 26, at 2.30pm in St Lukes.

A raw exploration of survival and identity that delves into the complexities of body image, self-worth, and acceptance, it is sure to be a fascinating discussion. Tickets €15.

14Day Manicure by Irish brand Nonicure is created specifically for nails that feel thin and dry
14Day Manicure by Irish brand Nonicure is created specifically for nails that feel thin and dry

The nail hero

As gel manicures continue to surge in popularity, nails are often left dehydrated, over-filed and in need of repair. Nonicure is a new three-step treatment from Irish brand 14 Day Mani, created specifically for nails that feel thin and dry. It was developed by founder Suzanne Fowler in response to clients experiencing damage from repeat treatments without recovery time.

The Nonicure ritual gently exfoliates, protects and deeply conditions nails and cuticles, helping to restore strength and support long-term nail health. Priced at €49, the kit includes a nail and cuticle scrub, nail veil and nail serum, all neatly housed in a pale pink zip case. After a few weeks of use, we can confirm: it delivers.

Raddison RED Galway is the first of the RED brand to land on Irish soil
Raddison RED Galway is the first of the RED brand to land on Irish soil

The collaboration

A recent stay at Radisson RED Galway — the first of the RED brand to land on Irish soil — impressed with its generously sized rooms and sharp, original cocktails. Our only gripe? Breakfast coffee came courtesy of a machine rather than a barista.

A few weeks later, and that’s been remedied.
Cloudpicker, Dublin’s speciality coffee roasters, has taken up residency, meaning guests can now pair a full Irish with one of the country’s best brews. No notes!

Killarney is gearing up for Wander Wild, on April 17-19 in Killarney.
Killarney is gearing up for Wander Wild, on April 17-19 in Killarney.

The festival

Killarney is gearing up for Wander Wild, on April 17-19 in Killarney. Now in its fifth year, the outdoor and wellness festival spotlights Killarney as the ultimate adventure playground. Across 26,000 acres of Unesco Killarney National Park and the town, the festival hosts over 160 events celebrating nature, movement, and community.

From guided hikes to family events, a trail running masterclass to poetry and live music, storytelling and sunrise kayaking, there’s an eclectic and original line up.

Tickets range from €10 to €100, with many free events. Some activities are already sold out.

Forest Feast and PerfectTed have joined forces to launch Matcha Chocolate Almonds
Forest Feast and PerfectTed have joined forces to launch Matcha Chocolate Almonds

The treat

Forest Feast and PerfectTed have joined forces to launch Matcha Chocolate Almonds, a new snack harnessing our current obsession with matcha. With whole roasted almonds coated in velvety Belgian white chocolate that’s been blended with PerfectTed’s high quality matcha, we are expecting a sweet treat that’s crunchy and creamy.

Available online now, and rolling out to Tesco, Boots and Dunnes from May, €4.55 (120g) and €1.75 (40g).

  • Compiled by Vickie Maye, Nicole Glennon and Jillian Bolger, weekend@examiner.ie

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