Wish List: Hot on the scent of new fragrances, smart showers, and seasonal flavours

Esther McCarthy chooses eight new buys and experiences to brighten up life this September

A new scent in Cork

Indulgence takes centre stage with Caspian Cherry by Electimuss London, available exclusively at Republic of Oud, a new luxury fragrance store in Cork. Priced at €237 (100ml), this fruity-gourmand-woody fragrance layers amaretto liqueur, black cherry, and dark chocolate over notes of honey, coconut, coffee, and sandalwood. 

Inspired by the cherries of the Caspian region and Roman feasts, it’s opulent, layered, and luxuriously long-lasting — crafted at a lavish 25–35% concentration. Founder Alan Coakley calls it “personal and evocative, celebrating hospitality and richness”. It's a standout niche scent for fragrance lovers seeking indulgence. See Republicofoud.com. 

Smarter showers

Triton Showers Ireland has launched the ENVi® electric shower, designed for a sustainable bathroom upgrade. RRP is from €581, it features a sleek digital control panel with personalised profiles, eco mode, and if you have teenagers who won't get out of the shower, you can use real-time cost and water tracking to threaten the little hot water hogs. 

With up to six user profiles, thermostatic temperature stability, and a choice of stylish finishes (black, copper, silver), it blends innovation with design. 

Four showerhead options allow a fully customised experience. The ENVi® is also carbon-compensated, making it an eco-conscious choice. It's available nationwide and online at Tritonshowers.ie/envi.

Hidden histories 

Beneath Our Feet uncovers medieval Cork through a fusion of art and archaeology at St Peter’s, North Main Street, bringing to life the 12th–14th-century wooden homes uncovered during excavations nearby, preserved by waterlogged soil. 

Highlights include installations by Sara Baume, John Sunderland and Matt Durran, plus oral histories and talks. Opening on Culture Night, September 19, it runs until October 8. Step inside and discover what once lay beneath the streets we walk today. See  Stpeterscork.ie for more.

Natural haircare revolution

French heritage brand Eugène Perma Professionnel has landed in Ireland with Collections Nature — a salon-quality, eco-conscious haircare line. Vegan, natural, and Yuka-rated "good to excellent", the nine ranges cover every need from curls to colour. 

Standouts include the Nutri-Repair range for taming frizz and the Volume Spray for lightweight lift. This is professional beauty without compromise, and kind to hair and planet. Prices start from €19, available in salons and online at www.eugeneperma.com.

Makers of tomorrow 

The shortlist is out for the 2025 Future Makers Awards, one of Europe’s most significant design prizes. Run by the Design & Crafts Council Ireland, the programme supports emerging makers with a €25,000 award fund and €52,000 in mentoring. 

Finalists span everything from ceramics and textiles to fashion and furniture, showcasing innovation and excellence from Ireland’s next generation of creatives. Hurray for us! Pictured is one of Cork's Christopher Tuohy's stunning designs. Winners will be announced at the RDS Dublin on September 9. See Ddcci.ie/future-makers. 

Autumn flavours 

Celebrate the season at Howth Castle Cookery School with immersive workshops highlighting autumn’s best produce. From sizzling BBQ steak nights (September 1, €105pp) to Modern French cuisine with a lighter twist, or Spanish tapas and paella evenings, the classes are rich in flavour and technique. 

We love that young foodies can join tween baking workshops too, anything that might get us out of making a dinner, basically. Set in the castle’s historic kitchen, each class blends skill, fun, and seasonal inspiration. The perfect way to learn, eat, and savour autumn. See Howthcastlecookeryschool.ie for more. 

Residency showcase

The Doorway Gallery launches exclusive artist residencies this autumn, giving collectors and visitors a chance to meet and engage with leading Irish painters. Padraig McCaul's exhibition from August set the bar high. 

Pictured is his piece Grounded. His focus is the landscapes of Achill to Dublin. In September, Dave West takes residency, painting live at Art Source, with a focus on still life and plein-air landscapes. We love the gallery’s commitment to nurturing talent and connecting artists with audiences. See Thedoorwaygallery.com.

Student-style steals

Kitting out student digs doesn’t have to break the bank, but I imagine some mammies out there will have some broken hearts as their babies go off to the big bad world. Aldi's back-to-college collection has bedding, cookware, and homewares from just €2.99. 

Students can fully kit their accommodation for under €50, see more at Aldi.ie.