Desire lines: The made-to-order dress that has us dreaming of spring and summer weddings

Plus the Cork handmade jewellery treasure trove worth a detour

Sat, 25 Apr, 2026 - 01:00

Charlotte & Tess Atleir, Claudie Organza Dress ,€465

The dress

This made-to-order blush organza dress from Charlotte & Tess Atleir has us dreaming of spring/summer weddings. Crafted from lightweight organza, the Claudie dress with its oversized bow neckline feels appropriately playful and romantic.

Pair with cream shoes and accessories for a classic, refined look, or add a block pop of colour to make a statement. €465.

charlotteandtess.com

Nickie Cohalan, Juniper Lane. Photo: Joleen Cronin

The store

Juniper Lane is an artistic haven. Owner Nickie Cohalan opened her Macroom treasure trove just before Christmas, where she sells her own jewellery, alongside a range of cotton nightwear, dresses, quilts and rugs. Cohalan, who studied millinery, also makes her own headpieces.

“At Juniper Lane,” she says, “we have always appreciated the work and talent that goes into having anything handmade. With a focus on going back to basics, handmade with slow production, our products have been carefully sourced to bring you a catalogue of curated pieces from highly skilled craftspeople.”

Also available online, Juniper Lane is the destination for one-off unique gifts with a difference.

juniperlane.ie

TV gardener Brian Burke’s Sustainable Gardening Masterclass takes place at the Nature Safe Tent at Bloom on Friday May 29th

The masterclass

With spring in the air, it’s perfect timing for TV gardener Brian Burke’s Sustainable Gardening Masterclass at the Nature Safe Tent at Bloom 2026.

With over 30 years’ experience in garden design and landscaping and widely recognised as a judge on RTÉ’s Super Garde, Brian is now ambassador for Nature Safe, a range of 20 garden care products created by Galway-based manufacturer, Hygeia. Made with wild Atlantic Seaweed and hand-harvested on the local Connemara shoreline, it enriches the soil and the plants that we grow and eat with seaweed’s natural micronutrients.

Registration is now also open to join Brian at his Sustainable Gardening Masterclass and Q&A session at the Nature Safe stand at Bloom on Friday, May 29, at 11.30am.

hygeia.ie

Elemis' new bodycare collection - Possibly our favourite body cream ever

The bodycare

Elemis’s Pro-Collagen cleansing balm is probably one of skincare’s most enduring icons, and now, the brand has brought its magic to bodycare. On a recent trip to Antrim’s The Rabbit retreat, we met Elemis skin expert Keeley Aydin to learn about and experience the new launch.

Inspired by the bestselling facial balm, the decadent Pro-Collagen Body Cleansing Balm, €58, melts into a soft foam when it meets water, with its signature blend of nine essential oils, including lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus, creating a head-to-toe sensory experience that leaves your skin feeling nourished and oh so soft.

After bathing, smother yourself in the Pro-Collagen Marine Body Cream, €88, which absorbs quickly to a silky finish, leaving behind a delicate rose and mimosa scent. Possibly our favourite body cream ever.

elemis.com

The class

Since opening in 2017, Praline Pastry & Chocolate Shop in Mitchelstown, Co Cork, has evolved for a small coffee shop to include a busy production unit that supplies the café, wholesalers and hotels with its delcious handmade chocolates.

Now, Praline has opened a new space devoted to pastry and chocolate classes and experiences. Norma Kelly and her team of pastry chefs and chocolatiers offer classes for different levels, from beginners to professionals, as well as private group classes and corporate team building events.

Praline are excited to offer the brand new ‘build your own chocolate box’ class, at an introductory price of €90 (usually €120). To make the experience even more special, local award-winning B&B Barnahown is offering an exclusive, limited-time stay for just €99 per night (usually €150), including bed and breakfast, to coincide with the class on April 29.

praline.ie

The Reg’s Churchyard Sessions 2026 sees the return of the popular summer music festival at the Viking Triangle

The music

Waterford City has announced 23 nights of free outdoor live music this summer, running from May 16 to September 5. The Reg’s Churchyard Sessions 2026 sees the return of the popular summer music festival at the Viking Triangle, transforming Greyfriars church on Bailey’s New Street into a lively outdoor music venue.

This year’s expanded programme includes six Friday night headline shows alongside 17 consecutive Saturday evening performances, with support acts starting at 6.30pm and headliners on stage at 8pm. Expect a diverse mix of musical styles all free of charge with no tickets needed.

@thechurchyardsessions

Kilner’s set of 2 glass oil dispensers are the tabletop accessories you need to elevate your spring dining

The salad upgrade

Sunshine equals salad time, and a great incentive to supercharge your diet with seasonal greens and more of your five a day.

Kilner’s set of 2 glass oil dispensers are the tabletop accessories you need to elevate your spring dining, with an oil and vinegar bottle, easy to clear spouts and measurement markings, €28.24.