Jysk to open in Killarney and moving statues head for Kerry

It's all happening this autumn in the Kingdom, as Eve Kelliher checks out the latest in the world of interior design and art

Jysk's summer sale continues, below, left; BoConcept's new colour, top, left; and the Gormley's exhibition will be at Sheen Falls, right.

Anyone who loves lending a touch of Scandi-chic to their spaces will have been doing drive-bys in Killarney, Co Kerry, in recent weeks as soon as an “opening soon” sign popped up in the Deerpark area.

As the current seasonal sale continues at Jysk, excitement is also growing here on the Home-front following confirmation that the Danish company will launch its second store in the Kingdom this autumn.

A spokesperson tells us: “We are delighted that Jysk can confirm that the brand is due to open a store in Deerpark Retail Park in Killarney and it is currently scheduled to open in September (exact date TBC).”

While Jysk has not finalised the team, it plans to recruit between eight and ten new staff for the Killarney store. The international chain, which first opened its doors in 1979, has more than 3,300 stores and 26,500 employees in 51 countries.

Jysk's summer sale continues this month.

Back to the sale — buyers can save up to 60% on selected pieces. For bedroom updates, the Vellerup wardrobe (RRP €439, now €340) offers generous storage space paired with a sleek and modern look. Complement it with the Nordby bedside table (RRP €99, now €40), ideal for keeping reading matter or late-night cuppas to hand.

The natural tones of Vedde dining table (RRP €269, now €135) bring warmth to dining spaces, perfect for shared meals with family and friends. Pair it with the chic Purhus chair (now €59).

• See Jysk.ie

Outdoor elegance

It’s all about the great Danes right now. Another Nordic design hero, BoConcept, has added a slick new matt green shade to its Cancún outdoor range for summer 2025. Cancún embodies casual elegance with its round form and clean lines. And the good news is, because it’s created in lightweight, galvanised steel, Cancún furniture is perfect for use outdoors all year round. 

The collection is also available in ash grey.

BoConcept has added a new matt green shade to its Cancún outdoor range for summer 2025.

The side table is €289, while the café table retails at €479, and the dining table at €1439. The dining chair is priced €289, the lounge chair is yours for €339, and the lounge sofa is €569.

• See Boconcept.com

Throwing shapes

From Nordic cool to moving statues, it seems like all good things are headed for Kerry this September.

An exhibition featuring works by iconic names from the Irish and international art world is bound for Kenmare with the intention of transforming the grounds of a five-star hotel, as Irish gallery Gormleys brings a world-class art experience to the luxurious Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare.

Colgo la Luna grande by Giacinto Bosco, one of the outdoor sculptures that can be viewed at the Sheen Falls exhibition this September 14 to October 12.

From September 14 to October 12, the lodge’s 300-acre estate of stunning natural surroundings will be the backdrop for a curated selection of sculptures and artworks.

Works by Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali and Patrick Rubinstein will rub shoulders with a striking collection of life-size outdoor sculptures positioned around the lodge’s immaculate grounds between the Sheen River and the dramatic mountains of Kenmare Bay. 

“This is the first time Gormleys will host an exhibition in Kerry, following the success of Art + Soul, Ireland’s biggest art and sculpture events, held at Castlemartyr Resort in Cork, The K Club in Kildare and Culloden Estate in Belfast,” said Oliver Gormley of Gormleys.

One of Ireland’s most acclaimed artists, Kerry man Liam O’Neill, will debut a brand-new collection of sculptures, adding a special local dimension to the exhibition.

Within the hotel, guests can admire iconic pieces by global icons, including Warhol, Dali and Rubinstein, alongside an array of celebrated Irish artists.

An art appreciation dinner with live entertainment will be held on Tuesday, September 16.

The free exhibition will officially open on Sunday, September 14, at 4pm, and will open daily to the public from 11am to 7pm, but will be closed on certain days to accommodate private events.

Reservations for the art appreciation dinner call Sheen Falls Lodge directly on 064-664 1600.

• See Gormleys.ietarget="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> or Sheenfallslodge.ie

Cocoon time

With one in three adults now actively trying to break up with their phones, it’s no surprise that quiet hobbies like reading, gardening and journalling are making a major comeback — and the interiors world is taking note. A new study by DFS reveals that one in four people have already created a dedicated space in their homes for screen-free activities — from cosy reading nooks to peaceful meditation corners.

The Joules Patterdale pattern accent chair in Forest Green Ditsy, DFS.

Comfort-first furniture and calming design are at the heart of this movement. The research shows over half of us (54%) are prioritising plush sofas and chairs, while 35% are embracing soft, neutral tones to create a cocoon from the chaos.

The DFS Serenis swivel accent chair in Burgundy Rest Cord.

If you’re thinking of creating your own “quiet zone”, DFS points you towards its Joules Patterdale Ditzy chair — a floral classic perfect for curling up with a book — or the Serenis Swivel chair, designed to gently cocoon and ground you in the moment. For those who like to meditate, the Zanetta Velvet chair brings soft texture and serenity to this corner, elevating the everyday. 

“We’re seeing more people turning their homes into sanctuaries — spaces where they can relax, reconnect and recharge,” according to DFS. “Quiet hobbies are a beautiful reminder to slow down, and our homes should support that.”

• See Dfs.ie