Desire lines: Traditional knitwear to combat fast fashion

Plus the maritime festival with over 6,000 sailors and attendees

Check out this week's highlights from the Weekend team.

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026 - 01:00

The trend

Blarney Woollen Mills horizonital Aran crew jumper, €139. Picture: Miki Barlok

In a world of fast fashion, craftsmanship, authenticity and longevity, heritage pieces are in demand.

At Blarney Woollen Mills, traditional Aran knitwear is being reimagined for a new generation. Think oversized silhouettes, contemporary layering, rich colour palettes.The latest womenswear collection pairs Aran sweaters with relaxed denim, wide-leg tailoring and structured outerwear, proving these heritage pieces can feel every bit as relevant in a modern wardrobe as they did generations ago.

We adore this horizonital aran crew jumper, €139.

blarney.com

The event

Irish designer Doireann Healy at Begley & Bowie, Kenmare, Co Kerry. Picture: Dan Linehan

Doireann Healy, the creative force behind Kenmare’s Bowie and Begley, returns with another ‘A Colourful Life’ Festival for 2026. Set in the luxury surrounds of the park hotel in Kenmare, this in conversation series includes Miriam O’Callaghan, Helen James, Darina Allen and more. Doireann also designs and works on commissions for other brands and companies through her design studio.

Running from July 18 to August 29.

parkkenmare.com

The Wimbledon brunch

The Montenotte in Cork is serving up an afternoon brunch before you get to watch the Men’s Final on the big screen in the hotel’s Cameo Cinema

You don’t need Centre Court tickets to embrace one of the biggest events in the tennis calendar this summer.

On Sunday, July 12, The Montenotte in Cork is serving up an afternoon brunch complete with a glass of Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs, a classic Pimm’s, an indulgent buffet and your choice of an à la carte brunch dish. Afterwards, watch the Men’s Final on the big screen in the hotel’s Cameo Cinema with freshly popped popcorn. €89 per person.

themontenottehotel.com

The family day out

Emerald Park Launches ‘Summer Sizzler’ Ticket Offer with €30 Tickets

Looking for a way to keep the kids entertained now school is out? Emerald Park is offering a limited-time ‘Summer Sizzler’ deal, with tickets reduced to €30 per person (usually €54) for visits until this Wednesday, July 8.

From adrenaline-fuelled rollercoasters to its zoo and family attractions, there’s plenty to do for a range of ages. This summer also marks the opening of Lost Valley — Land of the Dinosaurs, the park’s newly re-themed prehistoric adventure. Set amongst dinosaur theming and life-size prehistoric creatures, visitors can also enjoy the park’s new Dino Meet & Greet experiences. Now available seven days a week, the little ones have the chance to come face-to-face with a T-Rex, Velociraptors, baby Triceratops and more. Tickets must be booked online in advance to avail of the offer.

emeraldpark.ie

The drink

The world’s best-loved champagne wants us to know two things. First, it’s pronounced Moh-wett (with a crisp, hard ‘t’), not Moh-way. Secondly, it has launched Moët Ice Impérial, a bright, fruity new Champagne designed specifically for you to add ice to. Horrified? Then try this.

Grab a large cabernet-style glass, and follow the 7-12-3 rule: 7°C: Chill the bottle to a crisp 7 degrees. 12cl: Pour a generous 12cl splash of Ice Impérial. 3 cubes: Drop in exactly three large ice cubes. It’s the cool new taste of summer. €78.25, from Brown Thomas, O’Briens Wine, Molloy’s Off Licence, Collins SuperValu Carrigaline and more.

moet.com

The summer make up

Our June heatwave was one for the records, so Clarins Cryo summer launch is perfectly primed.

There’s a sun kissed bronzer, €45, but alongside it there’s the new cryo plumping lip oil balm, €29, guaranteed to cool you down.

clarins.ie

The maritime festival

Cork Week 2026 will welcome 6,000 sailors and attendees to Crosshaven and beyond this July with new championship races on Cork Harbour from July 6–10. Hosted by the Royal Cork Yacht Club, the biennial regatta offers world-class competition with a unique coastal atmosphere, attracting over 120 boats and 1,200 sailors from Ireland, the UK, Europe and the USA.

Beyond the racing, you’ll find a vibrant programme of shoreside fun with live music, local cuisine, a Family Fun Day tomorrow, Sunday July 5, and Ladies Day.