Show some local love

Co-owner Bríd Conroy says the bookshop’s mission is not only to provide people with a great selection of books, but also to provide a forum where they can come together to enjoy a coffee, a glass of wine, a conversation, or lose themselves in a really great book.

“Our mission is to make a positive contribution to the way the world thinks,” says Bríd. “We had just set up before the pandemic hit. Thankfully, we are getting back into our stride now that we have fully reopened. We host lots of different things from events for children to philosophical workshops. It’s wonderful to engage with people again.”

But being closed for so long didn’t impact that badly when the bookshop was awarded Best Independent Bookshop of the Year 2021 Regional winner. Tertulia Bookshop has also received a grant from EU programme Spotlit to develop literary tourism.

“Ireland has such a great literary heritage. It needs to be developed so that people can come into the store and meet their favourite author, or debate philosophical theories, or have their kids enjoy themselves at our Harry Potter corner!”

Bríd credits the strong local community in Westport as the secret to their success as they all support each other. Their location at The Quay in Westport has allowed them to be part of the thriving community.

“You really feel like an integral part of the community. They support us and we hold events for kids, we hold talks, and we invite people to chat. That’s what you see everywhere on the west coast. We are all small communities, so it’s important to stick together.”

For any tourists to the area, Bríd says if you love books, or even records, you will enjoy a visit to the independent store. They stock up on everything not only popular, but also thought-provoking.

“When you come here, it’s like a little place to just escape. We’re right beside the Atlantic, so it has a very different feel from other parts of Ireland. Buy a book and go lie on the sandy beaches to read it!

“We’re also excited to have authors Jan Carson and Eithne Shortall for a night of reading and discussion on 8th July. We have our Little Mermaid workshop for kids, and kids’ clubs throughout the summer. We introduce new authors all the time. We like to live up to the nickname, ‘a bookshop like no other’.”

Visit tertuliabookshop.com

Green Dot, Irish Design Makers, Clonakilty, West Cork

Green Dot is a hub for beautiful, ethically-made Irish craft and design, based in the vibrant town of Clonakilty. The shop is owned and curated by Lisa Tonge, and has developed from a small, homebased, baby gift craft business, Little Green Dot, during her maternity leave in 2013, to something much more!

Green Dot now stocks the work of over 70 Irish-based designers and makers. The shop’s main focus is on promoting wellmade, unique, handcrafted work from all over the country, in particular Cork, as well as supporting the genuine people behind it.

“We have an eco-friendly, socially aware ethos where everyone is treated fairly in the production of these beautiful gifts, and we act in an eco-friendly and sustainable way when we can,” says Lisa, a former community development worker to self-taught crafter/ maker.

The treasures in the shop range from ceramics, jewellery, prints, skincare products, delicious treats, cards, woollens, wooden gifts, candles, beeswax gifts, lampshades, scarves, baby gifts and more. In October 2021, Green Dot also became home to one of the best eco-toy shops in Munster, according to Lisa.

“We offer people the opportunity to connect with genuine designers and makers. You can often see us working on sewing, macramé, crochet, or other projects when we can behind the counter!”

After the pandemic, Lisa says people are happy to be out mixing and talking with real people as there is a thirst for human interaction.

“There is a genuine interest in the story behind the item. The experience of coming into us and learning about a craft, how something is made, or the maker’s story is definitely more important now when people are weighing up their options about where to go, what to do, and what to spend their money on.”

As they are based in a rural town, Lisa says being part of the local community is a crucial and a very enjoyable part of the life there as, “we wouldn’t survive without local support”.

“A main aim of the project was to support the real, genuine people who live in our towns and communities that are working away, often for not a lot of money, on their craft. The amount of time, skill, and hard graft (as well as the odd tear!) that goes into this kind of craftsmanship in our towns, cities and countryside is truly remarkable in Ireland.

“The stories and work of the designers and makers are something to be cherished and valued, both in itself and for the extra colour and sustainability it adds to our community, especially in Clonakilty.”

Lisa says she brought together all the local makers in 2020 for a Clonakilty Maker’s Trail which was a great way of highlighting the brilliant work that’s taking place in the town. Coming up this year, in August, the Cork Craft & Design run Cork Craft Month for anyone interested in craft and design. And at the start of July in Clonakilty, there is the Band Festival and Old Time Fair - a highlight of the summer.

“Solidarity is a very valued feature of the craft sector and this ties in very well with living in Clonakilty. Before I started up this business, there were very few places to get genuinely locally made things in town. I like to think that my shop has changed that.” Visit greendotdesignshop.com

Misunderstood Heron, Connemara, Co Galway

Kim Young, who was brought up in Connemara in Co Galway, and her husband Reinaldo, originally from Temuco in the south of Chile, have a background in hospitality. “However, we never focused on cooking,” says Kim. “We travelled extensively and love foods from around the world, while also growing up in households where family meals were a large part of the family dynamic and where we learned basic cooking skills.

“These basic skills are definitely different for me than Reinaldo. His were a lot more fire and meat-based, and mine were more vegetable and butter-based!”

Kim and Reinaldo both had the dream of starting their own business. Once Kim’s university studies came to an end, they thought it was the right time to try something.

“We stumbled upon the idea of a food truck, with Reinaldo being the driver of the idea, no pun intended!” says Kim. “We thought that there was a gap in the market in Connemara, specifically our locality. Our start-up costs were reasonable, making it relatively low-risk for us both and we got grant support from An Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). We started with a 12x7ft trailer, and with the support from BIM, we managed to convert a second-hand 20ft shipping container into the Misunderstood Heron it is today and get our own prep kitchen.

“We are now in our sixth season and still going strong!”

Misunderstood Heron is located on the shores of the majestic Killary Fjord, offering incredible views of Galway’s wild mountains and sea vistas. All while visitors can enjoy creative Irish food and top-quality Irish roasted coffee.

The Misunderstood Heron menu changes biweekly currently, but Kim says they always have local shellfish and fish, slow-cooked meat sandwiches, a vegetarian dish and pasties. “The food is a mix of southern American, Indian, Persian, and Irish cuisine.”

The food truck is open Wednesday to Sunday, 12-5pm. Kim hopes to open seven days a week from mid-June.

Many visitors to Misunderstood Heron stop by after hiking around the Killary Fjord. Kim says, “The trail is a 2km looped pathway, which is part of the Killary Adventure Company grounds. It is suitable for all capabilities; however, the ground is uneven underfoot, as it is gravel. Killary Adventure Co also offers a boat taxi during the summer, where you can get a lift out to the end of the fjord and walk back along the famous famine trail.

“This is a more arduous undertaking at 8km, over uneven track with inclines and declines. However, the route is spectacular and even better if you can finish up with us!”

During the Covid pandemic, Misunderstood Heron were able to stay open when indoor dining was not allowed, due to the fact it is an outdoor eatery. “Connemara became a holiday destination for the nation during the pandemic. So there was an influx of domestic tourism, with numbers that we had not seen previously. We count ourselves as part of the lucky businesses where Covid wasn’t a bad time for us business-wise.”

However, Kim feels tourism isn’t exactly back to pre-pandemic numbers yet, as international tourists are yet to return to Ireland and Irish people are now going abroad on holidays. She says it is important to support local businesses, as Ireland’s economy rebuilds, and recommends some in her area.

“For families or friends looking for fun in the great outdoors, check out Killary Adventure. Food-wise, Goodstuff Food Truck in Roundstone has delicious toasties and their Pecan Maple Bars are too good! In Clifden, there’s the Sea Hare Kitchen and The Lighthouse Wine Bar. Paddy Coynes in Tullycross has lovely food and drinks in a great, atmospheric pub.

“Hikers should take on Diamond Hill in Letterfrack, and stop by Kabo for a coffee afterwards. Benbaun is great for anyone looking for a nice medium/difficult hike. Take a trip to Inishbofin for a hike or just to chill at the beautiful beaches, or Inishturk for a more underdeveloped island experience. I could go on and on!”

And why should people stop by Misunderstood Heron on a visit to the west this summer? Kim says, “If you want to enjoy spectacular west of Ireland produce, packed full of flavour, while taking in the best view in Ireland in a unique setting – Misunderstood Heron ticks all the boxes!” Visit misunderstoodheron.com

Five other must-visit local businesses

1. Moher Cottage, Co Clare Moher Cottage is based near the famous Cliffs of Moher and provides unique Irish-made gifts, barista coffee and delicious fudge. mohercottage.com

2. The Blue Door Restaurant, Co Limerick

This beautiful restaurant is situated among the thatched cottages in the fab village of Adare. Enjoy dishes such as cottage pie, burgers, pizza, seafood and more, all washed down with wine and local craft beer. bluedooradare.com

3. The Crane Lane Theatre, Co Cork

One of the most iconic bars in Cork City, this was originally a gentleman’s club back in the 1920s and still retains a vintage feel throughout. cranelanetheatre.ie

4. Sweet Beat Café, Co Sligo

Based in Sligo Town, Sweet Beat Café is an award-winning, family-run plant-based café and eco retail shop. Enjoy super salads, fresh smoothies, and vegan treats, while there is also a range of eco-friendly gifts. sweetbeat.ie

5. Rusty Oven, Co Donegal

Pizza lovers will adore the Rusty Oven in Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal. Their handmade sourdough pizza and bread are divine. therustyoven.ie