Housewarming gifts
Whether it’s for your own abode or for your friend’s new home, here are some great Irish-made interior gift ideas
COSY CANDLES
The latest fragrance from The Irish Chandler, an independent candle brand based in Co Clare, makes the perfect housewarming gift. Created by owner Lisa Barnett, Teolaí (Irish noun for cosy) captures the warmth and cosiness at the heart of any Irish home, using sophisticated notes of sandalwood, musk and vanilla. The Irish Chandler has a variety of soy wax candles, inspired by Irish landscapes and culture, which are a green way of adding a scent to your home – Lisa makes candles with plant-based materials, so there are no animal derivatives. Teolaí Candle, available at www.theirishchandler.com, €10 (small), €14 (medium), €22 (large) and €15 for diffuser
LIGHT UP YOUR HOME
Artwork can instantly change how a room looks and this unique piece by Dublin designers Alljoy will certainly add a cool, urban vibe to any living space. Inspired by Dublin’s Fair City, the piece is a layered paper lightbox, which is made from layers of cut paper placed inside a shadow box and is lit from behind with led light strips. Laser Cut Paper Lightbox of Dublin by Alljoy. Made in Dublin, available at JamArtFactory.com, €59
WOOLLEN WONDERS
On colder nights, snuggle up on this 100% wool throw by McNutt of Donegal, available at The Donegal Shop in St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre Dublin. This design that fades from dark grey to light, with a pop of pink in between, will add a snug atmosphere to any room. Located in the seaside village of Downings on Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way, McNutt has been producing some of the finest weaves for over 60 years. McNutt Pure
New Wool Starry Night Pink
Throw (200m x 145m), available at www.thedonegalshop.com, €79.99
MADE OF IRISH
You’re sure to find some great accessories online at Made of Irish, a one-stop shop for exclusively Irish-made gifts and homeware, which was set up in 2018 by Louis Jnr of Louis Copeland &
Sons. This large Diem Pottery Jug (€65) – available in blue, grey and yellow – will suit practically every kitchen. And this classic Rathborne Candle (€36) is also a good choice. Rathbornes, founded in Dublin in 1488, is the world’s oldest candle company, and still makes all of their candles in Dublin. With two wicks, the classic-sized candle burns for up to 40 hours and is made from a unique blend of beeswax and premium essential oils. Choose from a variety of scents. Items available at www.madeofirish.com
LAMP LOVE
Add an industrial feel to your abode with this standout brass-and-steel lamp by Kopper Kreation, which uses reclaimed and recycled materials to create eye-catching homewares. Creator and founder Emmet Bosonnet from Dublin, says the Flange Lamp is “one of their most popular products as it’s compact and affordable, and super functional too. It’s perfect as a tidy desk lamp that can be easily mounted to the wall above a socket and plugged in, making a feature of the Italiantwisted fabric cable.” Flange Lamp, available at www.kopperkreation.com, €75
HONEY, I’M HOME!
This limitededition hamper by Millbee is perfect for the eco-conscious homeowner. Created by Offaly native and beginner beekeeper Jennifer Doyle, Millbee aims to provide an environmentally conscious solution to plastic, with washable-andreusable Millbee Beeswax Food Wraps. The company recognises the importance of supporting bees, some of the most important crop pollinators. The gift set includes beeswax food wraps, a jar of raw Irish honey, a pair of hand-rolled beeswax candles and a handmade candle holder. The hamper also comes in a branded eco box and red ribbon. Millbee Hamper, available at www.millbee.com, €58