Woolly workshop in Wicklow
Looking for something a little different activity-wise for spring? Silversmith and ecologist, Sophie Nicol, and her artist mother, Lucy Nicol, who run their eco-farm Windrush Farm at the foothills of the Wicklow mountains, host a charming ‘Felting with the Flock’ needle felting workshop, costing €95. You’ll meet the farm’s own sheep before learning how to create a miniature wool version to take home. Set on a regenerative farm near
Newtownmountkennedy, the experience blends creativity, nature and a slower pace of life, all in a cosy studio overlooking a nature reserve. The workshops for beginners are also available in jewellery making, natural art, and willow weaving. See windrushfarm.ie
A completed felt black sheep. \Windrushfarm
We’re still in mini-hibernation mode here at Irish Country Living towers – cold mornings, extra cups of tea and every excuse to curl up with a good book thanks to Liz Nugent, author of Strange Sally
Diamond. With her distinctive style,
her upcoming novel, The Truth About Ruby Cooper, out on 12 March, delivers a classic page turner. She constructs
another perfectly fiendish and twisty thriller following the fallout of two sisters after a tragic incident years earlier
reverberates through their lives in Boston and Dublin. An utterly gripping story. Published by Sandycove, €15.99.
See easons.com
Liz Nugent.
A new TG4 documentary, Mná na Léinte Gorma, airing Wednesday 4 March at 9.30pm, explores the largely forgotten story of the Blue Blouses, the women’s branch of the Blueshirts, which once counted thousands of members across Ireland. Through archive material and expert insight, the programme
looks at how and why so many women, like Kathleen Browne and Bridget Mary Redmond, became involved in this controversial political movement of the
1930s, and why their stories slipped from public memory.
The documentary is directed by Patrick O’Shea. See tg4.ie
Kathleen Browne of Mná na Léinte Gorma. \TG4
Clare designer Orlaith de Búrca is creating easy, everyday pieces that celebrate Irish language and culture in a fresh, modern way. Think relaxed
hoodies, oversized T-shirts and cosy beanies featuring phrases like
‘Grá Mór’ and ‘Tabhair Aire’, all
designed and printed in Ireland.
It’s comfortable, contemporary clothing with a strong sense of identity, and a lovely way to wear your cúpla f
ocal with pride wherever you go.
See orlaithdeburca.com
Grá Mór Tote Bag, €20. \debúrcadesign
Finding a Voice Festival returns to Clonmel from
5 to 8 March for its ninth year, celebrating women composers across centuries and styles. Founded by sisters Róisín and Clíona Maher, the Tipperary festival blends an extensive range of concerts, talks and workshops. With events taking place across many venues around the town, check programme details.
See findingavoice.ie
Italian-Colombian composer Caterina Schembri. \Ne´stor Romero
Woolly workshop in Wicklow
Looking for something a little different activity-wise for spring? Silversmith and ecologist, Sophie Nicol, and her artist mother, Lucy Nicol, who run their eco-farm Windrush Farm at the foothills of the Wicklow mountains, host a charming ‘Felting with the Flock’ needle felting workshop, costing €95. You’ll meet the farm’s own sheep before learning how to create a miniature wool version to take home. Set on a regenerative farm near
Newtownmountkennedy, the experience blends creativity, nature and a slower pace of life, all in a cosy studio overlooking a nature reserve. The workshops for beginners are also available in jewellery making, natural art, and willow weaving. See windrushfarm.ie
A completed felt black sheep. \Windrushfarm
We’re still in mini-hibernation mode here at Irish Country Living towers – cold mornings, extra cups of tea and every excuse to curl up with a good book thanks to Liz Nugent, author of Strange Sally
Diamond. With her distinctive style,
her upcoming novel, The Truth About Ruby Cooper, out on 12 March, delivers a classic page turner. She constructs
another perfectly fiendish and twisty thriller following the fallout of two sisters after a tragic incident years earlier
reverberates through their lives in Boston and Dublin. An utterly gripping story. Published by Sandycove, €15.99.
See easons.com
Liz Nugent.
A new TG4 documentary, Mná na Léinte Gorma, airing Wednesday 4 March at 9.30pm, explores the largely forgotten story of the Blue Blouses, the women’s branch of the Blueshirts, which once counted thousands of members across Ireland. Through archive material and expert insight, the programme
looks at how and why so many women, like Kathleen Browne and Bridget Mary Redmond, became involved in this controversial political movement of the
1930s, and why their stories slipped from public memory.
The documentary is directed by Patrick O’Shea. See tg4.ie
Kathleen Browne of Mná na Léinte Gorma. \TG4
Clare designer Orlaith de Búrca is creating easy, everyday pieces that celebrate Irish language and culture in a fresh, modern way. Think relaxed
hoodies, oversized T-shirts and cosy beanies featuring phrases like
‘Grá Mór’ and ‘Tabhair Aire’, all
designed and printed in Ireland.
It’s comfortable, contemporary clothing with a strong sense of identity, and a lovely way to wear your cúpla f
ocal with pride wherever you go.
See orlaithdeburca.com
Grá Mór Tote Bag, €20. \debúrcadesign
Finding a Voice Festival returns to Clonmel from
5 to 8 March for its ninth year, celebrating women composers across centuries and styles. Founded by sisters Róisín and Clíona Maher, the Tipperary festival blends an extensive range of concerts, talks and workshops. With events taking place across many venues around the town, check programme details.
See findingavoice.ie
Italian-Colombian composer Caterina Schembri. \Ne´stor Romero
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