Weirs & Sons Style Magazine 2015 by Weir & Sons

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STYLE MAGAZINE

WATCH OUT Sensational new season timepieces

TOP TABLE 12 great places to eat for every occasion

SHINE BRIGHT Elegant adornments to inspire and delight

THE GREAT ESCAPE Irish boutique boltholes

GIFT IDEA Your present shopping sorted

Breguet, the innovator. High frequency and high precision

A concentrated blend of horological innovations, the Classique ChronomĂŠtrie 7727 with its balance fitted on magnetic pivots and operating at a frequency of 10 Hz achieves an average rate of -1 to +3 seconds per day. Notably thanks to complete mastery of silicon properties and magnetism, this new milestone in the field of high-precision mechanical watchmaking embodies the spirit of innovation of Abraham-Louis Breguet. History is still being written...

H APPY SPO R T

M I K I M OTO.CO M

Elegance is an attitude Kate Winslet

Conquest Classic

WEIR & SONS MAGAZINE

Photograph: Trevor Hart

Welcome...

18k white gold diamond flower brooch set with brilliant cut diamonds, RRP€3,115, weir collection.

to our 16th issue of our annual Weir & Sons Style Magazine. We are delighted that our previous issue was shortlisted for Annual of the Year at the Irish Magazine awards 2014 and we hope you’ll agree with us that we have raised the bar even higher with this issue. In the store, our fashion room continues to grow – offering sought-after brands such as Michael Kors and Alex and Ani. We are also delighted to have introduced Irish designer Chupi, who is making waves in London Fashion week and NYFW 2015. For men, we have added Hugo Boss Orange watches offering oceans of style and colour and we look forward to welcoming more new and exciting brands in 2016. In our jewellery department we have extended our range of exclusive Weir setting engagement rings to include diamondset shoulders. This year we have also sourced many unique pieces from around the world to add to our Weir collection. The watch department introduced luxury watch brand MeisterSinger, synonymous with single-hand watches and a relaxed perception of time. While our Silver department has launched new ranges of Weir collection Irish Silver frames – the perfect gift for any occassion. Thank you for your continued support throughout the year. We look forward to seeing you in the store.

www.thebridge.it

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Editor Lizzie Gore-Grimes Art Director Tanya M Ross Sub-Editor Sharon Miney Advertising Manager Nicola Burns-Kirley Executive Editor Susan Vasquez Chief Executive Officer Clodagh Edwards

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For Weir & Sons Contributing Editor Lisa Freeman Assistant Contributing Editor Larah Burke Silver Editor David Andrews Jewellery Editor Neville McDowell Assistant Jewellery Editor Lucinda Andrews Watch Editor Paul Broughan Fashion Editor Chris Andrews Weirs & Sons would like to thank all contributors and advertisers for their continued support. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information, Weirs & Sons accept no responsibility for any inaccuracies that may arise. All information and prices are correct at time of going to print. No Liability can be accepted for illustrations, photographs, artwork or advertising material while in transmission or with the publishers or their agents. Weir & Sons Style magazine is published by Weir & Sons in association with IMAGE Publications Ltd. Custom Publishing, Unit 3, Block 3 Harbour Square, Crofton Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, Ireland; tel: +353 (0)1 271 9600. Registered number: 56663. Directors: Ann Reihill, Patrick Dillon-Malone, Robert Power, Laura George and Gina Traynor. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part (including photocopying or storing in any medium by electronic means) is prohibited without prior permission of IMAGE Publications Ltd. The reproduction of colours is as accurate as the printing process will allow. Whilst Weir & Sons Style magazine accepts third party advertising, it does not endorse or take any responsibility for products or services outside those of Weir & Sons. Please contact the advertiser directly. All items are subject to availability. Weir & Sons has made every effort to ensure that product information and prices are correct at the time of going to press. Some of these, including price, may change after publication. Weir & Sons, 96-99 Grafton Street, Dublin 2, Ireland. +353 (0)1 677 9678, www.weir.ie.

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Style News Stay up to date with our list of the latest openings, launches and new arrivals.

Trend Report From animal-inspired pieces to gleaming rose gold gems and stunning diamonds – we present our edit of the must-have pieces for the season ahead.

Diamond Life Exquisite engagement rings, colour-pop gems and ingenious gifts for the groom –find endless inspiration in our guide to all that glitters on your wedding day.

Precious Time Power, glamour, status, sparkle or just a handy way to tell the time? Whatever you’re looking for in a watch, you’ll find it here in our guide to the hottest timepieces around.

Style Stakes Aoife Carrigy catches up with five wellknown faces from the worlds of fashion, food and politics to talk about personal style and their most treasured piece of jewellery.

Presents of Mind Clever gifting has never looked so good. Find all your present shopping solutions here.

Fashion Masterclass We meet up with Ireland’s hottest fashion design talent of the moment – Helen Cody – to uncover the secrets to perfect party season wear.

Level 1, Dundrum Town Centre, Dundrum, Dublin 16, Ireland. +353 (0)1 215 7845; www.weir.ie sales@weirandsons.ie @WeirandSons www.facebook.com/WeirsJewellers weirandsonsofficial

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The Finishing Touch A quirky ring, notice-me-necklace or cool timepiece can make your look complete. Find your style tribe twin here and discover the perfect fashion pieces for you.

Time after Time For more than 146 years, Weir & Sons have been welcoming shoppers through their gleaming, solid wood doors. Step inside, take a tour of the store, and meet the people who make it all happen.

House Style Not only are Weir & Sons synonymous with beautiful jewels and sparkling gems but the store is also a treasure trove of exquisite pieces for house and home.

Ready, Steady, Winner We talk to former athlete-turnedcookbook author David Gillick, whose relationship with food has had as many highs and lows as his stellar athletic career.

Boutique Boltholes Whether you’re looking for a rural idyll or a slick city-break retreat, Ireland boasts a host of divine destinations on your doorstep. We pick six of the best to tempt you away…

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Top Tables Dublin is currently bursting at the seams with brilliant places to eat. Lizzie Gore-Grimes suggests 12 top spots to suit every occasion.

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Star Piece Stunning statement pieces don’t come more special than this spectacular white gold diamond ring handmade by Waskoll of Paris.

TAG HEUER CARRERA CALIBRE 1887

Ayrton Senna is celebrated as the most influential driver in the history of Formula One. He was never intimidated by the expectations of others, because his were even higher. He forever embodies the TAG Heuer motto – Don’t Crack Under Pressure.

STYLE

NEWS

From pampering products to hip hotels and great gifts, it’s all here.

DEAN DREAMY

If hotels were movie stars, this one would be James Dean. Non-conformist, darkly glamorous with retro good looks, Dublin’s Dean hotel is a bit of a rebel. Bedrooms are plush and peppily named and all contain cool kit: Rega turntables, vinyl, books, Marshall amps, Nespresso machines and Irish munchie trays. Don’t miss the social highlight, Sophie’s rooftop restaurant, for a superb dinner and drinks with sweeping 360° views of the city. 33 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2; 01 607 8110. deanhoteldublin.ie.

BEAUTY TREAT

GIFT IDEA

Find your favourite luxury and fashion watch and jewellery brands online on our new website, www.weir.ie. From Alex and Ani to Rolex and Chopard, Weir & Sons boast a vast selection of brands with something to suit everyone. Choose from a selection of beautiful engagement rings online, and then click to book a viewing instore. If you’re celebrating an occasion, say it with a gift from Weir & Sons.

We have loved everything this seaweed-based beauty range from Sligo has produced so far, and this new oily-skin facial range is even more impressive. The new Luminosity refining radiance exfoliator works to eliminate unwanted shine and pave the way for a natural yet luminous glow. Yes, please. €28.50, voya.ie.

MID-CENTURY MARVELS

Fans of mid-century furniture will find lots to love in the new Cross Collection. Dublin’s Cross Gallery has expanded its contemporary Irish art offering to incorporate an impressive range of furniture from the 1940s and 1950s. Come in and admire stellar pieces from renowned designers, such as this stunning rosewood sideboard from Guglielmo Ulrich, above. Cross Gallery and Café, 59 Francis Street, Dublin 8. 01 473 8978; crosscollection.ie.

THE GOOD LIFE

If you’re looking for something special, pop your head into James Fox Cigar and Whiskey Store in Dublin. Not only is the gleaming fitout of the 135-year-old shop a treat for the senses but their stock of premium smoking pipes, fine Cuban cigars and top-notch Irish whiskey is guaranteed to impress. 119 Grafton Street, Dublin 2. 01 677 0533; jamesfox.ie.

JEWELLERY

NEWS

From momentous rings to magnificent jewels and stylish places to show them off – we’ve got all your jewellery inspiration covered this season. WEDDED BLISS

An engagement ring is so much more than merely a piece of jewellery. Weir & Sons source diamonds from all over the world, taking the utmost care and paying the highest attention to detail. Our exclusive Weir setting is a timeless four-claw solitaire with an intricate and exclusive Weir Collect. Weir setting engagement rings start from RRP€1,620.

MEET CHUPI Weir & Sons are very excited to welcome this talented Irish jewellery designer to the store. What inspires you? My new collection ‘Meet me in the garden at midnight’ is inspired by the Iveagh Gardens in Dublin. I’m irresistibly drawn to nature. Are you a gold or silver person? I am a complete gold fiend. I absolutely adore working with gold. I love shiny, sparkly things. At the moment, I am combining gold with rose quartz and garnet. Your most precious piece of jewellery? It has to be my wedding ring. I designed both mine and my husband’s rings and they are the pieces that have given me the most pleasure and the most pain! I debated the design for weeks and weeks, but in the end I found a beautiful fallen hawthorn branch, and I took a piece from it and cast my wedding ring from the twig and his from the bark. I love that our rings grew together, just like us. What’s on your wish list right now? I absolutely adore Rolex. Of course my favourites are the gold ones. They are timeless pieces and just add that extra little bit of sophistication to an outfit, but then again, as I said, I am a fiend for anything gold!

Gold Twinkle in the Wild earrings with amethyst, €189 and Gold Dew Drop in the Wild Moonstone ring with crystal quartz, €269.

IRISH ICONS Two great Irish brands, Guinness and Newbridge Silverware, have come together to collaborate on a beautiful jewellery range that reflects the rich history of crafting expertise that is synonymous with both brands. Guinness rose gold-plated pendant, €70.

DRESS TO IMPRESS

Majestic and sculptural, the sovereign elegance of Chopard’s new Imperiale collection welcomes a variety of ornate and sophisticated bracelets and sautoir necklaces. Perfect for modern-day empresses with a daring and self-assured personality. Imperiale bracelet, €3,620.

ROMANTIC RETREAT

In a world of hotel chains and safe interior palettes, the Dylan hotel is a breath of fresh air. This beautiful boutique hotel, housed in a magnificent Victorian red-brick in leafy Dublin 4, offers the perfect location to pop the question or celebrate a special romantic anniversary. The combination of eye-popping colours, cool metallics, oversized furniture and ornate mirrors makes this hotel a thrill for design-conscious clientele. Tavern, the newly revamped restaurant, majors in modern Irish cooking. So drape on some jewels, put your glad rags on and make it a date at the Dylan. Dylan, Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4. 01 660 3000; dylan.ie.

Montblanc Heritage Spirit Moonphase and Hugh Jackman Crafted for New Heights The new Montblanc Heritage Spirit Moonphase features the moonphase complication in the spirit of traditional ďŹ ne watchmaking. Housed in a 39 mm 18 K red gold case, the self-winding Calibre MB 29.14 indicates the moonphase in a crescent-shaped aperture, making this reďŹ ned timepiece a true lifetime companion. Visit and shop at Montblanc.com

WATCH

NEWS

Time for a treat? Feast your eyes on the very latest must-have timepieces.

TOP CLASS CITIZEN

Citizen’s Satellite Wave World Time GPS features a worldwide reception area with a time-sync speed of only three seconds. With the addition of GPS location technology, the wearer no longer has to select a time zone as it updates automatically, €995.

GET SMART

Made by hand Frédérique Constant’s new Horological Smartwatch is the synthesis of high-tech innovation and traditional Swiss craftsmanship. This magnificent timepiece has the DNA attributes of typical Swiss luxury watch complications, as well as connected functionality,€1,285.

DAPPER DETAILS

Daniel Wellington’s distinctive Dapper collection includes new levels of detail in the design. The slender watch with the high-end look comes with Italian leather straps to match a case in silver or rose gold. The deep blue hands, Roman numerals and date display will keep you on point in an exquisite way, €249.

COLOUR POP

We're very excited that Orla Kiely’s new watch collection is winging its way to Weir & Sons. The new collection features her classic Stem Print design and vibrant, soft leather straps.

BLUE MAGIC

LONDON LOOK

Keep your eyes peeled for these smart retro watches from Henry’s Highgate collection, as they are about to land in Weir & Sons very soon. Named after the famous London neighbourhood, the effortlessly stylish watches all feature stainless steel cases and domed plexi lenses. Henry's collections are all named after London areas or Tube stations. The elegant Highgate collection features a white face, contrasting black leather strap, retro indexes and simple date display.

A blue-dial version of this popular model, the Pangaea from MeisterSinger, is an automatic watch with Day and Date function, making a smart alternative to calendars crowded with dates, €2,080.

CRYSTAL CLEAR This stunning 18-carat white gold watch from Breguet, showcasing the mechanisms of the movement on top of the baseplate, is nothing short of a work of art, POA.

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Animal Attraction

Inspir Inspired by nature, dazzling decorative e designs offer a playful and unique charm that will add drama to any look.

photography GREG DORNEY | styling SUZIE COEN

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1. Gold panther ring, €8,129, carrera y carrera · 2. Rose gold animal world collection pendant, €3,250, chopard · 3. Gold and pearl spider brooch, €555, weir collection 4. Enamel deer cufflinks, €190, thomas weir collection · 5. White gold and diamond elephant earrings, €1,595, weir collection · 6. White gold with pearl owls, €3,280, weir collection · 7. Gold dolphin earrings, €2,775, carrera y carrera · 8. White gold diamond and emerald earrings €1,607, weir collection · 9. White gold dragon drop earrings, €1,830, weir collection · 10. 18k gold horse detailed open ring, €1,525, roberto coin 11. White gold oval pearl cat and moon brooch, €3,090, weir collection · 12. Fox cufflinks, €580, thomas weir collection

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Looking Rosy

Imbued with skin-flattering soft tones, these striking rose gold designs set with classic stones define a trend with timeless appeal. 6

photography GREG DORNEY | styling SUZIE COEN

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1. Rose gold quartz and diamond pendant, €2,620, weir collection • 2. B.zero1 rose gold with diamond band ring, €11,450, bvlgari • 3. Rose gold Flora butterfly necklace, €1,450, gucci • 4. Rose gold Horse Collection bangle, €19,910, roberto coin • 5. Rose gold and amethyst Imperiale Collection pendant, €10,925, chopard • 6. Rose gold Flora butterfly bangle, €1,975, gucci • 7. B.zero1 rose gold and white ceramic ring with diamonds, €4,080, bvlgari • 8. Rose gold Solo Collection bracelet, €16,625, fope 9. Rose gold and diamond ring, €4,685, weir collection • 10. Rose gold and diamond swirl drop earrings, €2,310, weir collection.

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Bewitch and bedazzle with cool touches of opulent, glittering diamonds, crafted into heirloom-quality pieces. Precious jewels to add to your wish list. photography GREG DORNEY | styling SUZIE COEN

1. B.zero1 diamond ring, €9,850, bvlgari · 2. Diamond pendant, €4,935, weir collection · 3. Happy Diamonds white gold earrings, €6,825, chopard 4. White gold diamond pendant, €15,430, roberto coin · 5. Diamond drop earrings, €7,375, weir collection · 6. Platinum Marquee diamond ring, €208,950, weir collection · 7. Diamond hoop earrings, €5,630, weir collection · 8. Diamond ring, €26,550, weir collection 9. Onyx and diamond necklace, €10,950, bvlgari · 10. Diamond drop stud earrings, €5,680, weir collection · 11. Bvlgari Bvlgari diamond ring, €2,540, bvlgari

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Diamond Life From exquisite engagement rings to colour-pop gems and ingenious gifts for the groom, find endless inspiration in our guide to all that glitters on your wedding day… photography TREVOR HART | styling ELEANOR HARPUR assisted by SIMONE HEERY

clockwise from top

· Platinum Diamond Ring, €5,810 · Platinum Emerald Cut Diamond Ring, €43,583. Platinum Diamond Solitaire Ring, €14,640, all weir collection.

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· Square Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring, €32,555 · Classic Platinum Wedding Band, €950 · Diamond Set & Platinum Line Ring, €3,975 · Platinum Princess Cut Halo Ring, €2,820 · Platinum Diamond Line Ring, €1,375 · Platinum Round Brilliant Cut Halo Ring, €5,095 · Ormond, €14,385 · Diamond Line Ring, €785 · 18k White Gold Wedding Band, €370 · Platinum & Diamond Line Ring, €3,420 · Platinum & Diamond Halo Ring, €4,850 · Platinum Diamond Twist Wedding Band, €1,015. all weir collection.

from top to bottom

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· 18k White Gold Akoya Pearl Bracelet, €670, mikimoto · 18k White Gold Diamond & Akoya Pearl Wonderland Pendant, €2,370, mikimoto · Akoya Pearl, Enamel & Diamond Brooch, €3,435, mikimoto · South Sea Cultured Pearl & Diamond Pendant, €1,695, yoko london · White Gold Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings, €2,945, weir collection · 9k White Gold Freshwater Pearl Necklet, €350, weir collection · 18k White Gold Akoya Pearl & Diamond Cluster Ring, €1,650, mikimoto. from left to right

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· Emerald & Diamond Dress Ring, €5,965 · 18k Gold Three Stone Sapphire & Diamond Ring, €6,750 Pink Tourmaline & Diamond Dress Ring, €2,355 · 18k Gold & Platinum Halo Ring, €3,155 · Ruby & Diamond Dress Ring, €12,430, all weir collection.

clockwise from top left

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clockwise from top left · 18k Gold Emerald & Diamond Dress Ring, €13,620 · 18k Gold & Platinum Solitaire Ring, €7,495 · 18k Gold Diamond Cluster Ring, €6,788 · 18k Gold Emerald & Diamond Dress Ring, €3,725 · 18k Gold Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Ring, €8,595. all weir collection.

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Half Hunter Pocket Watch, €225, glycine · T-Classic Desire, €200, tissot · 18k Gold Woven Tie Bar, €453, weir collection.

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wedding bands from top to bottom · 9k Gold Domed Wedding Band, €615 · Platinum Wedding Band, €2,145 Palladium Wedding Band, €595 · 9k Rose Gold & Palladium Diamond Band, €1,050 · 18k Rose Gold Wedding Band, €845 Palladium Classic Flat Wedding Band, €870 · 18k Gold Wedding Band, €780, all weir collection. · 9k Gold Oval Cufflinks, €510 Silver Compass Cufflinks, €121 · Silver Spirit Flask on Key Fob, €314. all weir collection.

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PRECIOUS TIME Power, glamour, status, sparkle, or just a handy way to tell the time? Whatever you’re looking for in a watch, you’ll find it here in our guide to the hottest timepieces around. photography TREVOR HART | styling ELEANOR HARPUR assisted by SIMONE HEERY

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LUXURY LINKS · De Ville Collection, Ladymatic, €24,700, omega · Tank Anglaise, €39,850, cartier · Complications Skeleton Movement, €90,800, patek philippe

· Oyster Sky-Dweller, €34,050, rolex

· Traditional 7057 Manual Skeleton, €28,200, breguet

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SPECIAL OPS Carrera Calibre 16 Day Date, €4,200, tag heuer. · Luminor Power Reserve Automatic Acciaio, €7,500, panerai. · I.N.O.X. €375, victorinox swiss army. · Yacht-Master II, €16,700, rolex. · BC3 Advanced Day Date, €1,250, oris. · Dive XL, €800, gucci.

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CLASSIC MOMENTS Eco-Drive, €160, citizen · Dress Collection, €115, bulova · Conquest Heritage, €1,040, longines · Classic Index, €1,035, frédérique constant · Master Control Ultra Thin, €14,800, jaeger-lecoultre · Toccata, €875, raymond weil.

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FACE TIME · Baker, €220, marc by marc jacobs · Alex Collection, €179, tommy hilfiger · Paris Three-Hand, €165, hugo boss orange · Runway, €235, michael kors · Classic Alpha, €260, armani · Slimline TW1302, €310, tw steel

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HIS & HERS · Ballon Bleu de Cartier, €6,100, cartier · Seamaster Aqua Terra, Day Date, €6,800, omega · Elite Captain Central Second, €4,800, zenith · Oyster Perpetual Collection, Day Date, €28,100, rolex · Chronomat Evolution, €7,200, breitling · Diamaster XL, €2,380, rado

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LADIES’ CHOICE · True Thinline Black Ceramic, LADIES €1,400, · Truerado Thinline Black · Toccata, €2,150, raymond Ceramic, €1,400, Rado.weil · Saint-Imier, €2,470, longines · Toccata, €2,150, Raymond · Imperiale Weil. Collection, €12,995, chopard · Saint- Imier, €2,470, · Lycea, €5,760, bvlgari Longines. · Eliros Date, maurice lacroix · Imperiale€495, Collection, €12,995, Chopard. · Lvcea two-tone steel bracelet, €5,760, Bvlgari. · Eliros Date, €495, Maurice Lacroix.

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ON THE BUTTON · Classic Men’s Luigi, €225, armani · Bryn, €265, michael kors · TE10023474, €199, ted baker · Slim Ceramic Collection, €199, bering · Contemporary Sports Driver, €455, hugo boss

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The GUINNESS™ word and HARP device are trademarks and are used under license. Please remember to drink GUINNESS™ responsibly. © Guinness & Co 2015

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STYLE STAKES We catch up with five well-known Irish faces from the worlds of fashion, food and politics to talk about personal style and their most treasured piece of jewellery. words AOIFE CARRIGY | portraits AL HIGGINS

DARREN KENNEDY, STYLIST AND TV PRESENTER Featuring regularly in the ‘best dressed’ lists of the likes of British GQ magazine, Vogue and VIP, Darren Kennedy is one of the hottest things to come out of Irish television in recent years. The critically acclaimed TV presenter, stylist and writer splits his time between Dublin and London and is certainly kept busy both sides of the water. Here in Ireland, he’s the face of RTE’s entertainment style series, #Trending, and various documentary series such as The Unemployables. He also finds time for side projects such as his collaboration with tailor Louis Copeland, with whom Darren’s fifth collection was recently launched. Meanwhile in the UK he is a regular contributor to ITV1’s flagship show This Morning and Telegraph Men. “I’ve become an incredible packer,” he laughs. “It’s all about comfort and versatility.” So those trainers that are perfect for running for a plane must also work for the meeting he will typically be running to on arrival. Happily that fits well with Darren’s personal style, which he describes as “tailored with an urban edge”.

He appreciates structure, but also likes to mix things up a bit and loves to embrace colour. So he’ll offset a sharp suit with a pair of trainers, and maybe accessorise with one of his “nice little selection” of seven or eight watches. “A watch can be a great way to inject a subtle pop of colour, or some more fabric and texture to your look.” Amongst that collection is a Kenneth Cole watch bought for Darren by his proud parents when he graduated with a first class honours degree in international business. “It was my first ‘grown-up’ watch, very simple, very classic, with a taupe-coloured analogue face.” But Darren’s most precious piece of jewellery is a very simple silver chain and cross, which he wore for many years from his mid-teens. “My mam bought myself and my brother one each. There are five years and three days between us, so I think it was for our birthdays, though I don’t even remember. But I just love it – I keep it in a safe place and I know that I’ll wear it again in years to come.”

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HELEN STEELE, ARTIST Colour is the new black, and Helen Steele has the Chicago county jail jumpsuit to prove it. Helen religiously wears her customised jumpsuit while working in her design studio on her husband’s Co Monaghan duck farm. Her highly individual work process involves a good amount of paint throwing, with rather a lot of colour ending up on her canvases, her floor and her jumpsuit. The bold prints on her loose-form fashion creations are inspired by the results, as well as by the environment they are designed to be worn in. “Style has to make sense to the environment you’re in,” Steele says. “For example, I like the way the farmers dress up here in Monaghan. They can look really smart in their wellies and overalls.” Recently described by Forbes Magazine as “one of Ireland’s most bankable artists”, it was her international success as an abstract artist that brought Helen circuitously back to the fashion design she had trained in. She had found it hard to source “culturally respectable workwear” suitable for work meetings and gallery openings in the Middle East. So she decided to design them herself. “I wanted to create something that would sit architecturally perfectly under an abaya,” she explains. “I realised that the shape could work as a blank canvas for my art.” Colour is key to the signature style of Steele’s ‘wearable art’, and she chooses it carefully, depending on where her pieces will be worn. “Prints work differently on women from different places,” she says, adding that Irish women favour the greys and navies and blues that suit our skin tones. Colour is also central to Helen’s favourite “lucky ring”, a gift from her husband designed by Stephen Webster in white gold featuring black diamonds around a central green ‘chrysoprase’ stone. “I always seem to be wearing it whenever something great happens,” she says, citing the feature in Forbes or her daughter being accepted into college. “Plus I just love wearing the colour green.”

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MONINNE GRIFFITH, CAMPAIGNER 2015 was quite the year for Moninne Griffith, whose eight-year role as Director of Marriage Equality ended when Ireland voted to legislate for same-sex marriage. Her ongoing role as Chair of the National Women’s Council of Ireland is set to keep her busy in 2016, with key NWCI work focusing on women and leadership, issues around body image for young girls, and supporting gender quotas in politics. In the run-up to the referendum, Moninne recruited stylist Noel Sutton of Lennon Courtney to help her develop a versatile professional wardrobe in which she could look smart without looking too formal, as per the obligatory suits of her former life as a solicitor. “He helped me find combinations that could suit my body shape and the occasion, allowing me to feel authentic as well as to be taken seriously.”

Moninne likes to accessorise with a few key pieces of jewellery. One very simple silver necklace gets a lot of everyday wear, while a pair of long silver earrings (a birthday gift from her five sisters) adds some instant glamour. Her most precious piece, however, takes pride of place in its own little box on her bedside locker. “I only wear it when I’m going out and want to feel very glamorous,” she says, of the black and silver Art Deco-style ring bedecked with rhinestones. “It’s a real statement piece.” It also has great sentimental value for Moninne. “It was bought by my partner, Clodagh, to mark a very special time, when we were about to become parents. I loved every minute of being pregnant – morning sickness and all!” And, now that same-sex marriage is legal in Ireland, will there be another big year coming up for herself and Clodagh, perhaps involving another significant ring? “Well, we haven’t set a date yet, but yes, we would love to marry.”

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IB JORGENSEN, FASHION DESIGNER AND ART DEALER The Danish-born couturier-turned-art dealer Ib Jorgensen recently shut up shop after two decades of running one

of Dublin’s most well-respected fine art galleries. Within the year, Ib was back negotiating for new premises. “I realised I don’t like not working,” he says – and so his track record would suggest, having previously been one of the leading names in Irish fashion from the 1950s through to the 1990s. A retrospective exhibition

of his stellar fashion career is currently enjoying a two-year run at the National Museum of Decorative Arts and History in Collins Barracks, featuring examples of what he describes as his “highly romantic evening-wear” on loan from former clients such as Lady Heseltine and Nyda Prenn. Although his couturier creations were often elaborate and embellished with hand-beading, appliqué and embroidery, the ideal woman for whom Ib designed was “extremely simple” in her everyday style. Simplicity also characterises his “very modern, very white and fresh” gallery spaces, and the signature grey polo-necks that he likes to wear. “I’m lucky that I’m still in reasonable shape so I can buy my clothes off the peg.” But the former couturier famed for fine tailoring remains a stickler for a good fit, and can’t understand today’s “smart young men” with their “brown shoes with turned-up noses” and overly tight jackets and trousers. “Just because you have a good body and you go to the gym as a young man, you don’t have to have a jacket that is too short and too tight across the shoulders and in the sleeves!” That unfussy aesthetic carries through into Ib’s relationship with jewellery. For ten years he has worn the same “inexpensive” Seiko watch, changing the strap as needed. “Before that, I had bought a very expensive watch – but it never worked for me, so after bringing it back many times I eventually decided to go to Weirs and get myself a watch that would work.” Indeed, Ib has been a regular shopper at Weirs ever since they agreed to barter a wedding gift of Waterford Crystal cut glass for “some lovely luggage”. He explains, somewhat unsurprisingly, “We preferred simple glass – it was more our style.”

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INDY POWER, FOOD BLOGGER Meet Indy Power: one of the bright young things of the food blogging world. It’s likely we’re going to see a lot more of her and what she describes as her “natural, nutritious and nourishing” approach to food. Within little more than a year of launching her blog, Little Green Spoon – The Healthy Irish Kitchen, Indy had appeared on the cover of The Sunday Times Magazine. Not long after, she was listed in the Irish Independent’s round-up of ‘rising female stars’. And now that the recent graduate has her business and economics degree out of the way, she’s focusing all her energies on developing recipes for her blog and upcoming cookbook, due to hit the shelves in late 2016. Indy’s personal look is as clean as her approach to food. “I like things simple and elegant, with tailored lines and a spare Scandivanian style.” As with her website’s aesthetic, her wardrobe features lots of neutral greens and greys, blues and turquoise, typically in soft natural textures. “I prefer to save and invest in pieces rather than buy lots of clothes all the time. I’m not really great at popping in and out of shops,” she says. “I’d rather go shopping on holidays,” especially if that holiday happens to be in New York. When it comes to jewellery, Indy has a couple of pieces that she wears both every day and when glamming up, including a delicate gold chain with a tiny bird. “It’s really elegant; you could wear it with anything. You’d hardly notice it but it gives a nice little twinkle every now and then.” Her most treasured piece was bought in Weirs by Indy’s boyfriend to mark her 21st birthday. “It was the first expensive piece of jewellery I had ever owned,” she says of the silver ring featuring small diamonds surrounding a larger central diamond. “But it’s extra special because of the occasion and because it was from someone I love. I wear it every day and I love it.”

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Sate l l i te G PS timeke eping with the worl d’s fa stest signal re c eption sp e e d Worl dwi de a cc u rac y in 4 0 time zones

E C O -DR I V E SatE llIt E WaVE – WORl D t ImE GPS

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Presents of mind Clever gifting has never looked so good. photography TREVOR HART | styling ELEANOR HARPUR assisted by SIMONE HEERY

WEIR & SONS MAGAZINE

Set of six condiment dishes and spoons c.1883, â&#x201A;Ź675, antique weir collection

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Edwardian-style silver picture frames, €98-€425, weir collection

WEIR & SONS MAGAZINE

Story Uomo iPad case, €125, the bridge

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Harley-Davidson motorbike, â&#x201A;Ź1,563, italian made

WEIR & SONS MAGAZINE

JP Morgan limited-edition fountain pen, â&#x201A;Ź1,995, montblanc

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Duck money bank, â&#x201A;Ź35, newbridge silverware

WEIR & SONS MAGAZINE

Silver linear decanter, €765, carrs

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STYLE

MASTERCLASS We meet up with Ireland’s hottest design talent of the moment, Helen Cody, to uncover the secret to perfect party-season wear. words suzie

coen

all it the Downton effect or just call it about time, but dressing up is experiencing a reinvention. Right now the fashion industry is taking eveningwear and remaking it into something that’s more than merely relevant – it’s thrilling. Leading the charge for spirited eveningwear in Ireland is award-winning fashion designer Helen Cody, whose exquisitely seductive dresses have become objects of desire for legions of stylish women including Ali Hewson, Amy Huberman and Sinéad Cusack. A graduate of NCAD, Cody first honed her fashion skills at Azzedine Alaia and her stylist’s eye at French Vogue, went on to design accessories in New York and carve out a successful styling career, before launching her first couture collection in 2000. Loved both for her incredible couture detailing and strikingly elegant silhouettes, Cody’s unashamedly feminine designs have marked her out as queen of the dreamy dress. “I understand all about dressing for the big occasion but I like to think I’m creating something that women can still look themselves in,” says the Dublin-based designer. “I see fashion as sculpture for the body and I want my dresses to be easy to wear, but to have an impact from 360 degrees, and be able to make both great entrances and exits,” she adds. Memorable and spectacular, her signature romantic dresses have floated up wedding aisles, stolen the show at black-tie balls and

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Xyx xyyx yxyxyx yxyx yxyx yxyxyxyx yxyx yxyx xy xy • Xyx xyyx yxyxyx yxyx yxyx yxyxyxyx yxyx yxyx xy xy • Xyx xyyx yxyxyx yxyx yxyx yxyxyxyx yxyx yxyx xy xy •

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DESIGN OF THE TIMES “I think what makes eveningwear relevant today is that sense of drama imbued with a sense of ease”

basked in the paparazzi glow at red-carpet events at home (the IFTAs) and abroad (the Baftas and the Oscars) while a frothy feathered concoction she designed for Stephanie Roche for the FIFA Ballon d’Or made headline news all around the world. “I think what makes eveningwear relevant today is that sense of drama imbued with a sense of ease,” explains Cody. It’s that idea of being comfortable and powerful at the same time. I’m not interested in trends as such – more in how a woman feels when she dresses up.” And she has some great advice for those on the hunt for the perfect eveningwear look. “I think it’s about trying to be the best version of yourself,” she nods. “Don’t try to achieve something that Keira Knightley might get away with if it’s not your style or right for your body shape. Keep it simple and then add something unique and bold, perhaps a shock of colour or some really wonderful shoes. A really good tip is to take a few photos of yourself before you leave for the event and then look objectively back at the images to see if it’s all working together. Do ask the opinion of someone you trust if you are not sure, and above all strive to feel really comfortable and fabulous!” This new approach is echoed on the international catwalks where couture designers are delivering quality, polish and that near-magical feeling that comes only from a dress that manages to be

Four more fantastic Irish fashion design names to note right now. JENNIFER ROTHWELL For eveningwear that will lift your mood, look to the cacophony of print, pattern and colour that defines designer Jennifer Rothwell’s world. You won’t be short of attention wearing this label, but this is how you make an entrance. Rothwell combines exquisitely imaginative prints with streamlined modern cuts to offer a very individual but utterly sophisticated look. jrothwell.net. JILL DE BÚRCA Jill De Búrca creates beautiful and very wearable designs with a sports luxe edge crafted by hand using intricate embroidery, digital printing and interesting fabric combinations. Her label may be only two years old but the designer is already a favourite of women of all ages and sizes, who love her accessible approach to cool, feminine fashion. jilldeburca.com. NATALIE B COLEMAN This designer’s contemporary, flirtatious looks have been worn by celebrities such as Mary J. Blige, Lily Cole, Suki Waterhouse, Laura Whitmore and Sharon Corr. Although she’d love to dress Dolly Parton and Beyoncé, her real style icon is Iris Apfel, not least because she identifies with the nonagenarian socialite who says “getting dressed is like playing jazz”. nataliebcoleman.com. ANGELA BEAUMONT Angela Beaumont’s sculptural take on tailoring and exceptional sense of colour marries with a sophisticated, lyrical sense of style. Full of optimism and vibrancy, her collection of polished and slick separates speaks of a cool, almost tough glamour. angela-beaumont.com.

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FOREVER FAVOURITES

both special and modern. “I love the sheer drama of Giambattista Valli,” says fashion stylist Corina Gaffey. “For me, his last autumn/ winter collection, featuring those full-on feathered skirts with silk t-shirts, just sums up that unexpected modern event dressing. For the ultimate cool-girl party dressing, I love Christopher Kane. I adore the way he uses modern fabrics and prints with simple shapes – super fun,” she adds. The new eveningwear is, for the most part, longer; at least, there’s nothing crazily short here. It’s modest without being demure. And the old rules governing the right shoe, the right make-up, the demands of the occasion? Forget them. In fact, you don’t even have to wear a frock. After all, party dressing should be about what you feel great in, whether it’s a high-waisted, dirndl-shaped skirt, razor-sharp tailoring or a shimmering sequinembellished shirt. It’s just about you.” Ultimately, personal style is more about bold or eclectic choices than following trends. “People are sometimes afraid to have fun with fashion,” sums up Gaffey, “but attending an event or dressing for a party is the ultimate time to play dressup. It could be a simple styling trick, or a whole new outfit, but it’s trying a new novel approach to party dressing that’s exciting rather than relying on the ubiquitous LBD.” All that’s required, it seems, is the attitude.

Trends may come and go but a fine piece of jewellery or a classic timepiece is forever. Here’s our pick of the past-meets-present pieces to covet

Pearl necklace, €2,635, Mikimoto

White gold watch, €1,125, Raymond Weil

White gold earrings, €3,845, Weir Collection

Cameo brooch, €330, Weir Collection

helencody.com Flower brooch, €1,499, Weir Collection

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THE FINISHING TOUCH A quirky ring, look-at-me-necklace or cool timepiece can make your look complete. Find your style tribe twin and discover the perfect fashion pieces for you. words and styling suzie coen | photography illustrations chelsea bonus

greg dorney

WEIR & SONS MAGAZINE

MODERN MINIMALIST Look sharp in clean lines, pared-down shapes and fluid fabrics. A monochrome palette and flashes of silver and molten gold accents will complement, not complicate, your look. No fuss, no frills: just easy minimalist elegance. Classic Sheffield watch, €179, daniel wellington

Logo plaque bangle, €119, michael kors

Peggy watch, €249, marc by marc jacobs

Gold vermeil horizontal pendant necklace, €130,

Runway watch, €235, michael

missoma

kors

Arrow pendant, €130, michael kors

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WEIR & SONS MAGAZINE

CLASSIC CHIC It’s not so much what you wear as how you wear it. Build your wardrobe around luxe basics that whisper rather than shout. If your look is unerringly simple, add texture and detail with smart, timeless accessories. Classic Bristol watch, €139, daniel

Three-tone ball necklace, €125,

wellington

ti sento

Gold Vermeil moon pendant, €115,

Sally watch, €175, marc by

missoma

marc jacobs

Whisper hoop earrings, €59, michael kors Set of three stacked rings, €93,

Two-tone watch with pink leather strap, €169,

bronzallure

kenneth cole

WEIR & SONS MAGAZINE

BOHO SPIRIT Embark on a bohemian adventure with intricate prints, rich textures and loose-flowing silhouettes. Load up on colourful gems and gleaming metals for a luxe hippie look. It’s a little bit 1970s but also very now.

Road to Romance wrap bracelet, €49, alex and ani

Gleaming Moment beaded bangle, €49, alex and ani

Disc dangle earrings, €84, bronzallure

Maiya aqua drop chalcedony earrings, €260, missoma

Angel charm bracelet, €83, missoma

Rose gold-plated necklace, €70; small rose gold-plated coin holder, €83; small rose goldplated coin ‘Sky’s the Limit’, €18; large rose gold-plated coin holder, €90, and rose and peach open disc coin, €110, mi moneda Labradorite bracelet, €92, missoma

Square-shaped stone ring, €119, bronzallure

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WEIR & SONS MAGAZINE

PRETTY ROMANTIC Be charmed by the quiet romance of playful prints in softly pretty hues. Angular cuts and exaggerated silhouettes lend a modern edge, effortlessly offset by delicate timepieces and feminine fine jewellery. Circle of Life pendant, €189, crislu Stainless steel and white ceramic watch, €199, bering

Maiya Collection ring, €265, carat

Criss-cross ring, €125, michael kors

Darci watch, €165, michael kors

Classic Collection earrings, €119, crislu

Grace Collection bracelet, €235, carat

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URBAN COOL It takes consideration to perfect nonchalant, artfully relaxed style: a carefully crafted look of crisp tailoring, smart denim and polished brogues – all finished with the perfect statement accessory. Start with a classic design that’s destined to be a wardrobe staple and everything else will fall into place. Classic Oxford watch, €169, daniel

Tondo cufflinks, €265, gucci

wellington

Bamboo ring, €170, gucci

Luke watch, €199, tommy

Paris watch, €165,

hilfiger

hugo boss orange

Beta watch, €290, armani

Dogtag necklace with star pendant, €216, gucci

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Time After Time

For more than 146 years Weir & Sons have been welcoming shoppers through their gleaming, solid wood doors. Today, the store has adapted to reflect modern tastes and trends but they are proud to uphold the same traditional, personal customer service values since the day they opened in 1869. words and photography

Jewellery manager Neville McDowell, who has been working at Weir & Sons for 37 years.

nathalie marquez courtney

| assisted by

ben keenan

Lynda Phelan, a Weir & Sons staff member since 1990, works with the beautiful pieces in the leather goods department.

t’s the summer 1977, and Neville McDowell is starting his first day in the silver department of the busy, bustling Weir & Sons store. “My interview was with the chairman, Mr Moss,” he remembers. “I was really into hi-fi’s and stereos, and so was he, so we talked about that, and sport and then he just said ‘When can you start?’ I said Mondayweek, and I’ve been here ever since!” Today, Neville is one of the longest-serving of the Weirs team and the perfect person to tell the story of

how the store has evolved over the decades. “I’m the dinosaur,” he laughs, good-naturedly. Back in the late 1970s, the jewellery buyers took Neville under their wings, and he learned on the job, watching as diamonds were sorted and precious stones delivered. “It was so interesting. You get a grá for it, which I still get, looking at loose stones, and trying to pick the best ones.” There are over 1,000 diamond rings in the window of Weir & Sons. “They’re all different, there’s no two

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Clockwise from top left: Immaculately polished wood signage greeting visitors at the Grafton Street entrance; the statement chandelier over the jewellery floor; a gleaming mirror on the jewellery floor; Aisling Curry, a member of the jewellery sales team; the display cabinets date back to the 1920s.

the same,” he says, proudly. One of the staff working alongside Neville is Kim O’Shea, who spends her days helping people celebrate. “The people I meet are coming in and buying diamonds and jewellery, so it’s always a happy occasion,” she says. “If it’s an engagement, sometimes I’m the first person to know, so you feel part of a special secret no one else knows.” “The woman I was just serving with her son,” she continues, “he was buying a token ring; he came in because his mother’s mother had got her engagement ring here, so they were keeping the tradition.” Neville has, of course, sold many an engagement ring during his time here, and is witnessing a very unique kind of repeat business, thanks to his many

years of service: “Now I’m at the stage where I have sold several rings to sons and daughters of people whose parents I sold engagement rings to,” he laughs. “That’s when you start feeling old.” The store’s ability to adapt to changing tastes and trends, while still staying true to traditional customer service values, is one of the reasons why it’s one of the longest-standing shops on Grafton Street, and one of the few still here since its initial opening in the 1800s. On any given day, there is no average customer: girls in skinny jeans, businessmen in sharp, smart suits, giddy, loved-up couples, and wide-eyed tourists are just some of the people you might see come and go through the doors of the beautiful building.

THE TOWNSEND速 MEDALIST CRIS CAB, SINGER AND SONGWRITER SEE HOW CRIS AND OTHERS ARE MAKING THEIR MARK AT CROSS.COM/X

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Today, evolution means several things: there are Mandarin-speaking staff on the floor, to cater for the growing Chinese market. Downstairs, a bright, modern and glossy fashion floor is home to hip, coveted brands like Alex and Ani, whose bright bangle bracelets are stacked on the wrists of young shoppers. “It’s bringing a whole new customer into us,” says Neville. “And chances are, they will come back to where they have had a good experience.” It’s one of the key things about being a family business, he explains, and something that sets them firmly apart from the more frenetic, target-driven stores on the street. “Our ethos has a gentleness to

it – keep the customer happy, and they’ll come back,” he says, simply. “We do have to sell, of course, but it’s not cut-throat.” Even if you didn’t know that the company had fourth and fifth-generation family members still involved, many staff feel that customers can sense it. Kelly Zhao, who has been working at Weir & Sons since 2012, is one of three Mandarin-speaking staff at the Grafton Street store. Though she is there to help look after a whole new market of clientele, she loves meeting return customers – particularly ones who made their purchase before she was born. “I had someone come in who had bought their watch here

Clockwise from top left: Much-coveted pieces from the Longines watch collection; engagement rings at Weirs are like snowflakes – no two are alike; the Raymond Weil collection; Mandarin-speaking staff member Kelly Zhao.

Caption

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40 years ago; I couldn’t believe it!” she recalls. “You definitely feel the history working here. When I was first shown around, I felt like I was working in a beautiful museum.” Kelly works in the watch department, and though the gleaming watches may be cutting edge, signs of the brand’s history and heritage are never hard to find. On the ground floor, original wooden display cabinets stand nobly to attention, and even the new cases have been designed in an elegant, traditional style. “Customers love coming into the building,” she enthuses. The historic store is becoming more and more beloved as time goes on, as sadly there are few buildings left on Grafton Street that would be familiar to customers from decades past. “The street has gone through peaks and troughs,” says Neville. “There is no longevity in a lot of the shops here at the moment, and only a handful of stores to differentiate it from any other high street.” Thousands of people walk by the bright, curved glass windows of Weir & Sons every single day, and Neville believes that the store’s welcoming, open-door policy, mixed with the sense of trust that emanates from the building and staff, is what has helped it to thrive over the years. “Whether it’s an American tourist looking to get a watch battery replaced, or someone whose eye was caught by a €30 bracelet – they trust us, have a good experience, and come back.” The art of the slow sale, a steady patience, and the ability to take the best of tradition and seamlessly blend it with the new have been key to the store’s success, and part of the reason why customers happily boomerang back over the course of their lives. “When I started, there were 14 jewellers on Grafton Street,” Neville recalls. “Weir & Sons is the only one of them still here.” Clockwise from top right: Staff member Andrew Dwyer-Joyce; a beautiful leather jewellery case; staff members Jackie Farrell and Emma Culhane.

www.mooreogormanjoinery.ie

www.turncon.ie

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HOUSE STYLE

Not only is Weir & Sons synonymous with beautiful jewels and sparkling gems but the store is also a treasure trove of exquisite pieces for house and home. photography CLIONA O’FLAHERTY | styling CIARA O’HALLORAN

Contemporary Silver Candlestick (part of a pair), €875, weir collection • 1909 Sheffield Silver Candlestick (part of a pair), €2,165, weir collection • Flora Vase, €60, georg jensen • Regency Arch Clock, €875, comitti • Irish Silver Contemporary Frame (20x15cm), €200, weir collection.

WEIR & SONS MAGAZINE

1910 Dublin Silver Decorative Tea & Coffee Service (part of a four-piece set), €5,750, weir collection • Silver Plated Gallery Tray, €397, weir collection • Argosy Fine Bone China (part of a five-piece set), €186, aynsley • Empress Cobalt Fine Bone China (part of a five-piece set), €280, aynsley • Silver Pastry Forks (part of a six-piece set), €250, weir collection.

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Louis XV Style Halcyon Days Box, €473, • Happy Anniversary Figurine, €380, lladró.

weir collection

Wine Carafe, €155, georg jensen • Silver Pyramid Decanter, €245, weir collection • Spirit Decanter & Set of Glasses (as part of six glass set), €590, weir collection • Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker, €150, georg jensen • Bernadotte Thermos Jug, €185, georg jensen • 1913 London Silver Salver, €1,975, weir collection.

WEIR & SONS MAGAZINE

Wooden Jewellery Box, €145, weir collection • Irish Silver Contemporary Frame (18x13cm), €190, weir collection • Irish Silver Contemporary Frame (15x10cm), €155, weir collection • 1869 Birmingham Silver Windsor Cup, €995, weir collection • Cheetah Figurine, €248, bronze art • Silver Handled Letter Opener, €140, weir collection • Voyager Clock, €145, dalvey • Meisterstuck Conference Holder, €425, Montblanc • E-StarWalker Pen, €465, montblanc • Sfoderata Leather Briefcase, €605, the bridge.

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Andromeda Crystal & Silver Vase, €357, weir collection • Johanne Tealight (part of a set ), €60, georg jensen • Irish Silver Edwardian Style Double Frame (13x9cm), €210, weir collection • Ingénue Figurine, €160, lladró • 1937 Birmingham Silver Dressing Table Set, €635, weir collection.

Ballerina Music Box, €115, weir collection • Carousel Style Money Box, €51, weir collection • Little Ballerina Figurine, €210, lladró • Silver Honeycomb Rattle, €205, weir collection • First Tooth & First Curl Box (part of a set), €30, newbridge silverware.

Shot on location at 10 Ormond Quay. An exclusive venue available for private hire, 10ormondquay.ie. Flowers kindly supplied by Appassionata Flowers, 29 Drury St, Dublin 2. 01 672 9425; appassionata.ie.

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READY, STEADY, WINNER! We talk to former athlete-turned-cookbook author David Gillick, whose relationship with food has had as many highs and lows as his stellar athletic career words AOIFE CARRIGY | photography ROB KERKVLIET

WEIR & SONS MAGAZINE

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Dedicating his life to professional athletics had trained David By the time the decision was made to retire in 2014, David Gillick to take disappointments in his stride. “When you get was “really frustrated and really fatigued”. He stopped to a certain level, it’s all about your mental state,” explains the training, stopped caring about what he ate, even found Olympian and two-time European Champion. “You have to be himself taking comfort in binge eating – a far cry from the mentally bullet-proof because there will be races where you’ll strict regime he had been so dedicated to. The predictable get beaten, there’ll be times you get result was that his mood, self-esteem and “Having gone from functional injured, there’ll be sessions in training confidence all plummeted. that don’t go too well. It’s about how “I wanted to get as far away from fuel to a barometer of well-being, you deal with that.” athletics as possible,” he recognises in David’s relationship with food was However, there comes a time in hindsight. “That went on for a couple to become key to discovering a new of months before I realised I felt crap every athlete’s career when they post-athletics identity” will have to face the inevitable. And about myself.” Fortunately, the healthy nothing quite prepared David for the food habits that he had worked so hard challenge of accepting that, at the cusp of his thirties, his time to develop as an athlete were to have unforeseen benefits in to retire had arrived – nor for the dark period that was to follow. dealing with the identity crisis that came with retirement. David had spent the previous decade competing on the Having gone from viewing food as functional fuel to a track against the best in the world. But after repeated injuries barometer of well-being, David’s relationship with food was to culminated in Achilles damage in 2013, he admits that “the become key to discovering a new post-athletics identity. writing was pretty much on the wall”. Sport had always dominated David’s life. The youngest of Healthy food habits had played a huge role in sustaining four and with basketball- and tennis-playing parents, David David’s stellar career: both physically, in terms of recovering grew up on the sidelines of courts and playing on soccer and from tough training sessions, and mentally, in allowing him GAA pitches. to switch off in the evenings. Now, injured and unable to train, At school, he was the fastest runner in his class and by the David became extra-regimented about the food he could time he won his first All Ireland medal while in 5th Year at St and couldn’t eat. “You can’t control the training so you start Benildus College in Dundrum, the bug had bitten. “I always controlling food instead – but when you get that strict with knew I was quick… Coming away with a gold medal cemented yourself, it’s just not fun anymore.” that talent.”

NOVAK DJOKOVIC

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The real turning point came when David travelled to Jamaica to represent Ireland in the 2002 World Junior Championships. Typifying the seesaw of disappointments and achievements that characterises life in athletics, David had failed to qualify individually but had been selected for the relay team instead. Witnessing Usain Bolt win the 200m race in a stadium packed with 40,000 Jamaicans made quite the impression on the young sprinter. “It really caught me. I came back from Jamaica thinking, ‘I want more of this. I want to be getting the standards as an individual.’” Within a year he had packed in the GAA to concentrate on athletics alongside studying business in DIT, and within three years he won gold again at the 2005 European Athletics Indoor Championships. “That was a big step forward,” David says, one that allowed him to begin to dream big. The following year he moved to England to up the ante. “I didn’t want to get to 30 and wonder what would have happened if I had given athletics a full crack.” The decision to train at a professional level meant reviewing all aspects of his lifestyle. “You have to accept that it takes over your life. At that level, everyone has talent. The question is: who is the professional? Who looks after themselves?” Food became a key tool in that lifestyle, initially as functional fuel. “I remember eating plain porridge with olive oil for some fat – it was horrendous – and looking at my dad having his toast and boiled egg, and thinking, this has to be worth it.” Back at home, the family diet had run like clockwork (“Tuesday, lamb chops, Wednesday was ham, Thursday was stew – I love stew: that was one of my favourites!”). Once he flew the nest, David set out to re-create that kind of dietary structure, albeit one geared specifically for his body’s needs. Hugely important was the advice he got from nutritionist Martin McDonald. “One of the best things he ever did was walked me around a supermarket for an hour, answering all my questions.” The benefits of eating well quickly moved beyond the physical. Firstly, “it gave me confidence to know that I was leaving no stone unturned”, David explains. But soon enough he found that “after training all day, to put on some music and chop up vegetables became therapeutic for me; it became something I looked forward to.” He filled his downtime watching food shows on daytime TV and getting inspiration for dishes he could tweak to his needs.

TIPS FOR HEALTHY LIVING 1. Absolutely do not skip meals: Aim to eat every two to three hours. 2. Aim for balance in each dish: Include a good source of protein, carbohydrates, vegetables and some good fat. 3. Hydration is key: We don’t drink enough water. Aim for a minimum of two litres a day, more if you’re active. 4. Exercise, get active, get mobile: Take the stairs in the office or get out at lunchtime for 10–15 minutes and get a stroll in. Build it into your daily routine. 5. Factor in quality recovery time: If you can engage the kids and get the family into it, it becomes a lot more enjoyable.

HOW TO GET RUNNING 1. Start with short sessions of intervals: To avoid frustrating injuries, don’t start out with long runs. Go to a park or to a nice area for 20 minutes, check your watch and run for a minute, walk for a minute, run for a minute, and keep going like that. 2. Buddy up for accountability: Find someone who will meet you at the park gates, so that if you don’t turn up they’re going to be standing there waiting for you. Or join a club or group so that there’s a few people around you. 3. Build it into your routine: Five 30-minute sessions is the recommendation over the course of a week, and it can be spread out, with 10 minutes here, 10 minutes there. Just getting out and being active will do you the world of good. David Gillick at the European Indoor Championships in Birmingham 2007 when he retained his European title, setting a new Irish record, and qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games.

real watches for real people

Oris Aquis Small Second, Date Automatic mechanical movement Stainless steel case with crown protection Unidirectional, revolving top ring Water resistant to 50 bar/500 m

www.oris.ch

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The dedication paid off. For several fantastic years, his career went from high to high. “Gold medals are fantastic,” he says. “Getting the opportunity to do the lap of honour, standing on the podium having the national anthem sung out over the PA – that’s the stuff of dreams. And I managed to get that twice with the Europeans. But deep down I always wanted to make a global final in a sprint event, in my event of 400m.” He did so in 2009, qualifying for the World Championship finals in Berlin, where he came sixth: an incredible achievement for an Irish athlete and one that required being truly at the top of his game. “I was up there with the best of them consistently. I was beating the top sprinters from America and Jamaica.” But tough times lay ahead. After a devastating Achilles injury, when the email came from the Irish TV production team to appear on Celebrity MasterChef, David jumped at the chance. It turned out to be one of the hardest things he had done (“You didn’t know what was coming the next day, so it was like studying for an exam but not knowing what the subject was”). But he went on to win the show, to his own great surprise. Equally surprising was the lift that winning the show gave him. “I thought I was just an athlete – one who wasn’t going to run again – so to win something like that gave me a lot of self-belief.” He realised how much his confidence had been knocked in recent years. He also saw that those skills he had developed as an athlete could be channelled in new

directions – and not just his practical cooking skills, but his psychological athleticism too. “My training in dealing with pressure really helped me in the kitchen,” he reflects. “And I was methodical in my process, working back from when things had to be ready. I was never pushed for time.” Since winning MasterChef in 2013, David has gathered together the recipes that helped him win success on and off the track into his first cookbook, David Gillick’s Kitchen: Good Food from the Track to the Table. Back in his home kitchen, he is enjoying being less controlling about his food than when he was training. But while he may not weigh everything out anymore, he understands that a balanced diet will help him achieve peak performance in his day-to-day life too. Besides working towards the recent publication of this cookbook, David has also teamed up to work with former All Star GAA player Enda McNulty, his one-time sports psychologist who now runs Motiv8 Performance Excellence. The company offers everything from executive coaching to peak-performance programmes and health and well-being in the sports arena. David advises what he calls “corporate athletes” about ways in which lessons from the sporting arena can transfer to the business world. “Resilience is a big thing: you’re gonna have knock-backs, you’re gonna have pitches that don’t succeed. It’s how you learn from that to move forward.” Sound familiar?

Red Lentil, Chickpea and Chilli Soup There is nothing better than a bowl of warm soup on a cold day, and with a hint of chilli you get an extra punch. I’m a big of fan of protein and I try to have a good source of it in every meal. By using lentils, I’m still getting a hit of protein while giving my body a break from animal protein. It’s important to eat different sources of protein, as this will provide you with an array of nutrients and minerals. Serves 2 1 tsp cumin seeds small pinch of chilli flakes 1 tbsp olive oil ½ red onion, chopped 200g canned tomatoes, whole or chopped 70g red split lentils 400ml vegetable stock or water 100g cooked or tinned chickpeas (rinsed and drained if tinned) salt and pepper 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, to garnish small bunch of fresh coriander, roughly chopped, to garnish

Heat a large saucepan and dry-fry the cumin seeds and chilli flakes for 1 minute, until they start to jump around the pan and release their aromas. Tip into a bowl and set aside. Heat the oil in the saucepan over a medium heat, then add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, until the onion has started to soften. Stir in the tomatoes, lentils and stock, and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, until the lentils have softened. Whizz the contents of the saucepan with a stick blender or in a food processor until they form a rough purée. Add the chickpeas and heat gently over a low heat. Season well with salt and pepper. Serve in warm bowls with a dollop of yogurt and fresh coriander. David Gillick’s Kitchen: Good Food from the Track to the Table (Mercier Press, €25.50) is out now in all good bookshops.

T OMMOE M E SN T S L IL FI EF EI S I SA BAOB UOTU M N T L I F E

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Boutique Boltholes

WORDS: Michelle Hanley, Jillian Bolger, Nathalie Marquez Courtney and Lizzie Gore-Grimes

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Whether you’re looking for a rural idyll or a slick city-break retreat, Ireland boasts a host of divine destinations on your doorstep. We pick six of the best… BALLYNAHINCH CASTLE, CO GALWAY

As you approach Ballynahinch Castle, driving by the foot of the rugged Twelve Bens, the mountains that define the Connemara landscape, your first hint of the palatial grandeur that awaits is the little island castle on Killeen Lake. Dating from the 1300s, it was once home to the pirate queen Grace O’Malley. It’s an impressive scene setter, spurring you on up the wooded driveway, past the crenelated gatehouse and through the large bottle-green doorway. Once in the door, you’re into the warm and cosy lobby, where a fire is always crackling in the grate. The place is eclectically decorated throughout with references to its fishing fame and former Indian Maharaja owner. The guest rooms are luxurious and elegantly decorated with gleaming antiques, exposed beams, generous ensuites and even a private dressing area in some rooms. Once ensconced in your room, you’ll be loath to leave, but be sure to explore around a bit

before you settle down for the night. If fishing is not your forte, fear not: guided walks, hikes and cycle trails surround the grounds, while Victorian gardens, horse riding and clay shooting are more of the estate’s alluring activities. Be sure to take a tour of Inishlacken with islander John Sullivan. Contemplating rural ruins, surrounded by hardly believable views of the Twelve Bens, pulling up lobster pots and lazing the day away angling... what a blissful way to experience Connemara. After that, make sure you hand over your catch to the reception on your return and you’ll get to savour it later as an appetiser, served with a lemon velouté or whatever takes the chef’s fancy. This dedication to fresh, locally sourced produce continues throughout the menu. A stay at Ballynahinch is certainly one fit for a king – or a pirate queen! Double room, B&B, from €220. Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Recess, Connemara, Co Galway. 095 31006; ballynahinch-castle.com.

WEIR & SONS MAGAZINE

THE SHELBOURNE HOTEL, DUBLIN

There is nothing quite like Afternoon Tea in The Shelbourne Hotel. When it comes to old school glamour, sitting in the Lord Mayor’s Lounge with its Georgian high ceilings, tinkling pianist and sweeping views out over St Stephen’s Green, you can’t help having a little Lady Mary moment. But it’s not all genteel charm: the guest rooms boast all mod-cons including Nespresso machines, flat-screen TVs, Elemis beauty treats and some of the thickest robes in the land. Perfect to wrap up in for a saunter to the spa which boasts a 18m pool and six elegantly fitted-out treatment rooms and a particularly splendid relaxation room. You’ll need to refuel after all that exhausting lounging, so make sure to book a corner nook in the Saddle Room, with its magnificent oyster bar and luxe-looking booths. If you’re planning a trip to Dublin and looking for somewhere special to lay the head with a bit of five-star pampering thrown in, The Shelbourne is a great choice. And if you only live 10 minutes down the road, well, don’t cross it off the list – just find a good enough excuse. Double room, B&B, from €330. The Shelbourne, 27 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. 01 663 4500; marriott.com.

THE MARKER HOTEL, DUBLIN

Dublin’s newest five-star hotel is something of a contemporary landmark. Built in 2013, the striking angular cube with its chequerboard facade exudes more than a touch of airport-terminal-meets-starchitect vibe. Dramatic and exciting, the luxurious property is ideally located on Grand Canal Square to capture the buzz of this lively waterside neighbourhood. In the hotel, ultra-stylish waterfront rooms offer delicious views across the Grand Canal Basin to the Dublin Mountains, but the best views of all are saved for visitors to the Rooftop Bar and Terrace, where everything from weekend ‘Drunch’ (late brunch, 2-5pm) to late-night cocktails are on offer. (In winter, staff hand out blankets with your Cosmo or hot whiskey!) Downstairs, The Brasserie is a stylish choice for dinner with great local produce highlighted on the menu, while the groundfloor bar buzzes to life with after-show theatregoers. Luxe lovers will adore the hotel’s swanky spa and wellness centre – its 23-metre infinity pool is perfect for a Sunday morning dip. Double rooms from €179, B&B, per night. The Marker Hotel, Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2. 01 687 5100; themarkerhoteldublin.com.

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THE CLIFF HOUSE HOTEL, CO WATERFORD

Approaching the tiny, postcard-picturesque fishing village of Ardmore in Co Waterford, you could be forgiven for wondering if you’d really arrived at the location of a lauded five-star hotel and spa complete with Michelin-star restaurant. As a smiling porter takes your bags, a soon-to-be familiar feeling of calm restfulness sinks in. The lobby hints at the tone you can expect throughout the hotel – offering a breathtaking view over the bay, the space features contemporary twists on classic Irish designs, such as our iconic dry-stone walls, while the staff offer plenty of welcoming local charm. Dug into the cliff itself, every room in the hotel has an uninterrupted sea view, which you will be loath to tear your eyes from. If you want to inspire complete life envy among your Facebook friends, this is the place to post pictures from. When hunger strikes, The House Restaurant offers an

inventive and delicious three-course dinner. Chef Martijn Kajuiter keeps his focus firmly on locally sourced produce, which is presented in a series of ever more playful and unpredictable courses. Spring for the matching wines, which are just as exciting and surprising. Reassuringly adventurous petits fours round out the heady, rich experience. You may think you’ll never eat another bite… but then comes breakfast. Have a hearty Irish feast delivered to your room to enjoy on the balcony as you gaze out on the diving birds crashing into the sea. Work it off with a bracing, cobweb-clearing cliff walk (complimentary wellies are available at reception) followed by a long soak in the steaming outdoor jacuzzi or a dip in the magnificent infinity-edge swimming pool, whose floor-to-ceiling windows and ocean views will leave you calm, content and plotting your return. The Gourmet Package, from €330, includes B&B and dinner for two; 024 87800; thecliffhousehotel.com.

LINKED TO MOTION € 950.The beautiful Swiss watch is now smart and connected, powered by MotionX®.

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BALLYVOLANE HOUSE, CO CORK

When you find yourself sitting in one of Ballyvolane House’s beautiful, ancient freestanding tubs, you’ll never want to leave. Tucked away in Castlelyons, Co Cork, it has become known as the place to get married. Before that, though, it was the staycation hotspot of choice for in-the-know foodies and travel editors. On arrival, you’ll be greeted warmly by Justin Green, whose family have owned the house since 1953. The commanding country mansion, which was built in 1728, is at once impressive and inviting – you’ll find stunning vintage heirlooms mixed with contemporary furniture, in rooms accented with beautiful hand-painted cornices and quirky personal touches. And books, books absolutely everywhere. There are leather-bound tomes and hip coffee-table reads scattered throughout the house. The books are a hint of how well read, well travelled and well informed your hosts are – Justin, along with his wife, Jenny, have been running Ballyvolane since 2004, and though it oozes all the charm of a family-run business,

it’s also a well-oiled machine. The couple have great experience in the hospitality industry, having worked at the Mandarin Hotel, Hong Kong and Babington House, Somerset, UK, so although the vibe is laid-back, every single bit of the experience meets a high international standard. Stellar food and drink are also high on the agenda at Ballyvolane. Justin is quite famous for his Hedgerow Martini. Made from foraged ingredients, it features homemade sloe gin, elderflower and blackberries, and it’s Justin’s autumn/winter speciality. The cocktail serves as a pre-dinner ice breaker to the farm-to-fork feast that follows. All guests sit together around a large, long dining table under a sparkling chandelier. Since our visit, Justin has taken his passion for slow food one step further and launched Bertha’s Revenge, a distilled gin made using whey alcohol, creating a new “grass to glass” tradition. We can’t wait to see the cocktail it turns up in. Rates from €135 per person, B&B + D, including a complimentary bottle of Champagne. Ballyvolane House, Castlelyons, Co. Cork. 025 36349; ballyvolanehouse.ie.

POIS MOI COLLECTION

ROBERTOC OIN . C OM 路 ENDL ESS CRE AT IVI T Y

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THE PARK HOTEL KENMARE, CO KERRY

You can tell a lot about a hotel by its staff. When you drive away from a stay at the Park Hotel one of the longest, lingering memories you’ll hold on to will be the warmth of the welcome you received. Many of the staff have been with the hotel for more than 20 years, and only travel a few minutes to come to work; this taste of proper, local hospitality is what makes a stay in The Park so special. Not to underestimate, however, the impact that the sweeping views of Kenmare Bay and Reenagross National Park beyond make on you as you unpack your bags in one of their sumptuous guest rooms. If, like us, you arrive with two boisterous under-tens in tow, you’d be forgiven for feeling a little anxious about how their energy levels will clash with such opulent surrounds. You

needn’t worry. With cycling, swimming, tennis and croquet all on offer, they’ll quickly be distracted, and once again the staff couldn’t be nicer. Babysitters are on hand so you can happily don your glad rags by night and enjoy the starchedlinen loveliness of the dining room with its classically inspired cuisine and tempting wine list. But one of the real highlights of a visit here has to be your three-hour session in their truly world-class Samas spa, with its ultra-modern steel lap pool, outdoor vitality pool, unique thermal suite and stellar treatments. There can be little doubt that the Park Hotel, under the direction of the Brennan brothers, continues to be one of the finest hotels in the land. Double room, B&B, from €450. The Park Hotel, Kenmare, Co Kerry. 064 664 1200; parkkenmare.com.

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TOP TABLES Dublin is currently bursting at the seams with brilliant places to eat. We've scoured the capital to suggest 12 top spots to suit every occasion. words lizzie gore-grimes

Luna

Taste at Rustic

WEIR & SONS MAGAZINE

LATE NIGHT FUN XICO If you’re looking for somewhere to have a bite to eat and then party with pals into the wee hours, this buzzing basement Mexican joint is definitely the place to come. Aside from high-octane cocktails they also serve seriously tasty food. Highlights on the menu include crispy soft-shell crab taquitos (with avocado and chipotle aioli); salmon tartare tostados (with coriander, shallots and horseradish crema); Incan salad (loaded with quinoa, fresh mint, goat's cheese and diced tomato and cucumber) and platos of zingy tuna ceviche. Xico, 143 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin2. Xico.ie East Side Tavern

SWELLEGANT LUNA Luna has landed and she’s looking swankier than ever. Located in the basement beneath Super Miss Sue, this sultry eatery is all about moody lighting, sink-in-soft leather booths and a sexy 1950s ItalianAmerican feel. The menu plays into the mood perfectly with a simple approach – amazing steak, a selection of fresh seafood, homemade pasta and some inspired sides. Most everything is cooked on the charcoal grill and the results are eye-rollingly tasty. They are now also offering up the venue for private hire to big groups – so plan ahead and nab it for your Christmas bash. Open for dinner Wednesday-Saturday. 2-3 Drury Street, Dublin 2. 01 679 9009; supermisssue.com. TASTE AT RUSTIC Blow-torched scallops with zingy yuzu, melt-onthe-tongue sashimi, skewers of sticky pork served blackening away on a mini charcoal brazier ... yum. Dylan McGrath’s new Japanese/Peruvian-inspired menu at 'Taste at Rustic' delivers hit after hit of innovative, umami-rich flavour. The master chef travelled for months to research new flavours and techniques throughout Japan, Spain and South America, and the results on the table at Taste are seriously impressive. Prepare to be wowed. Taste at Rustic, 17 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2. 01 707 9596; tasteatrustic.com.

EAST SIDE TAVERN East Side Tavern is seriously high on the hipster factor with the requisite bearded blokes behind the bar, interesting craft beers and distressed timber, but there is much more to this gastro-bar than good looks. Apart from the mesmerising slope of backlit bottles behind the bar (featuring over 250 different whiskeys and craft spirits), the trump card here is in the kitchen. Namely chef Niall O’Sullivan, well known for his deft use of fermented and cured ingredients. His dishes are light, innovative and endlessly impressive. Don’t miss his pig’s head croquette and slow-cooked beef cheek. East Side Tavern, 104-105 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2. 01 678 9529; eastsidetavern.ie.

Xico

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The Woolen Mills

HEALTHY HOTSPOTS COCU Chef Emilia Rowan and owner John Roche are the faces behind Cocu, one of the city’s best new healthy-eating cafés. The way you eat at Cocu is by filling your (biodegradable) box with one of their delicious salads, such as charred beef flank with pickled coriander, carrot, cucumber and tahini dressing or marinated tofu with miso kale, slaw, sprouted greens and sesame seeds. Ingredient sourcing at Cocu is top-notch, with meat from Higgins Butchers in Sutton; breakfast bacon and chorizo sourced straight from Fingal Ferguson at the Gubbeen Smokehouse; fish from Wrights of Marino, and bread from Arun Bakery. But it’s not all holier than thou: they also serve up a great strong cup of coffee, from Roasted Brown, and delicious sweet treats from Wildflour Bakery. Cocu Kitchen, 9 Upper Baggot Street, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4; cocu.ie. COUNTER CULTURE Well-known Dublin restaurateur Ronan Ryan has teamed up with his wife, Pamela Flood, to launch Counter Culture on the second floor of the Powerscourt Centre. The menu is broken down into sections titled ‘warm up’, ‘cardio’, ‘strength’ – so there’s no disguising the fact that this place is aimed at a figure and fitness-conscious crowd. For a light bite you might be tempted by citrus and soy marinated wasabi tuna with pickled red cabbage, or opt for something more substantial in the form of the smoked salmon and chicken bowl served with black beans, spinach, ground almonds, kale and butternut squash. Powerscourt Centre, 59 South William Street, Dublin 2; counterculturedublin.com.

BEST BRUNCH THE WOOLLEN MILLS The terrace at The Woollen Mills is a top spot to escape for some late-morning refuelling at the weekend. With its stunning views out over the Ha’penny Bridge and the hustle and bustle of the quays below, you could spend hours sitting here, polishing off plates of homemade waffles with ‘Bloody Mary’ salmon, poached egg, caperberries and lemon or classic hake smokies, green salad, pickled cucumber and toast (if you’re really

Cocu

hanging the pork belly mac and cheese will sort you out!). They also bake all their own bread and boast a killer cocktail list. Brunch is Sundays only. 42 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1. 01 828 0835; thewoollenmills.com. THE GREENERY The Greenery in Donnybrook has kitted itself out with some very stylish extra outdoor seating, complete with mini canopy shades, but whether it’s al fresco weather or not, you’ll want to make a bee line for brunch here. The menu offers loads of tasty choice with highlights including the avocado granary toast with chilli, feta, mint and lemon olive oil and Turkish eggs with whipped yoghurt, hot chilli butter, coriander and sourdough toast. They also offer fresh coconut and a selection of coldpressed juices to help you get your weekend off to a healthy start. Eirpage House, Donnybrook Road, Dublin 4. 01 219 5966; thegreenery.ie.

from Engagement to Eternity

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DATE NIGHT ANANDA Executive Chef Sunil Ghai and his team push the boundaries of Indian cuisine well beyond the norm at this stylish eatery tucked away in the heart of Dundrum Town Centre. Inside, the place twinkles with jewel-coloured embellishment and provides the perfect setting for a special dinner à deux. On the menu you can expect to have your tastebuds seriously tantalised, with the likes of pan-seared Kilkee scallops with spiced broccoli purée and aged homemade kumquat chutney, or the perfectly balanced flavours of pan-fried goat’s cheese and potato cakes, roasted pear and walnut chutney – and that’s just for starters. This is Indian cuisine at its finest. Dundrum Town Centre, Sandyford Rd, Dundrum. 01 296 0099; anandarestaurant.ie. FOREST AVENUE Chef-owner couple John and Sandy Wyer, both with Michelin-star backgrounds, are busy taking Dublin fine dining in a new direction. If reservation wait lists are anything to go by, this place is definitely one of the hottest tables in town. The couple describe their cooking style as “modern, vibrant and light” and there is certainly an ethereal touch to the five-course tasting menu they present, peppered with spectacular little mid-course morsels. Undoubtedly, the restaurant’s pared-back Nordic-meets-New York décor also plays a role in adding to its contemporary cachet, along with the perfectly presented roasted salsify, smoked ox tongue, pickles and beetroot on the plate. 8 Sussex Terrace, Dublin 4. 01 667 8337; forestavenuerestaurant.ie.

Forest Avenue

Brother Hubbard

COOL CAFÉS BROTHER HUBBARD Providing all the best that contemporary Dublin has to offer, this small, owner-run café is a must for those who value fresh, honest and delicious food. Seemingly simplistic design belies a sharp attention to detail; an ethos carried from the thoughtful sourcing of ingredients and the creative balancing of the menu right through to the furniture in the café. The daytime menu offers a selection of soups, salads and sandwiches, which may sound standard but is anything but in these hands. Imaginative seasoning, featuring sumac and za’atar, gives dishes a Middle Eastern lift. And, very excitingly, they are now offering an evening dinner menu, so add this one to your list for a Saturday night escape. 153 Capel Street, Dublin 1. 01 441 1112; brotherhubbard.ie. CONSIDERED CAFÉ Designer Helen James’s Considered homeware range for Dunnes Stores is a triumph of simple, tasteful design. And now the consummate foodie has put her stamp on a café by the same name. Walking in, it’s hard to tell whether it’s a café first and homeware store second or the other way around. But everything in it is so gorgeous, who cares? The menu is short, offering delicious sandwiches (try the grilled cheese on sourdough with fried leeks, Gruyere and pickles), healthy salads (roast beets, orange, quinoa, feta and pomegranate), daily changing hotpots and a scrumptious array of sweet treats. 35-36 Drury Street, Dublin 2. 01 6770875.

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Star Piece

Stunning statement pieces don't come more special than this spectacular white gold diamond ring handmade by Waskoll of Paris. photography TREVOR HART | styling ELEANOR HARPUR

The centre stone of this breathtaking ring is a round brilliant-cut diamond, weighing 2.26 carats, surrounded by six heart-shaped diamonds, each weighing 2.54 carats and set with 0.36 carat round-cut diamonds on the shoulders, â&#x201A;Ź57,600.

YOU ARE INVITED To experience an intimate, stylish, urban retreat this Christmas at Dylan Hotel. From the moment you check in you will be transported to Dylanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas sanctuary; the perfect home away from home for the festive season.

For more information or to make a booking, please call us on 01 660 3000 or email reservations@dylan.ie.

dylan hotel, eastmoreland place, dublin 2 www.dylan.ie