Wish List: Eight fun and fab buys to liven up our homes inside and out
Inner pieces
Analogue activities are making a major comeback, from mindful colouring to crafting with clay. Research shows that puzzles allow you to slow down, disconnect, and strengthen the short-term memory.
Shop Vibes & Scribes' handpicked selection of art and travel-inspired jigsaws with pieces catering for jigsaw juniors to power puzzlers.
Pieces & Peace Souk Marrakech, €24.99, transports me right back to a wonderful week I spent in Morocco, captivated by the colours, textures, and flavours of the beautiful Berber country.
Pop into the store to browse the full range or shop online at Vibesandscribes.ie.
Al-fresco furniture
Interiors lovers, here's a tip: carve out some time in your schedule to visit family-run business Bracken's, situated in the Gorey Business Park. I've fallen head over heels for the Nardi Maximo outdoor five-piece modular sofa.
Made from regenerated resin and textiles infused with recycled content, it isn't afraid of a bit of bad weather. Imagine you and your doggos, cats, or humans stretching out on this bad boy with a book/treat/toy mouse.
For smaller spaces, Bracken's has plenty of quality alternatives for different spaces and budgets. Run, don't walk to this department store of dreams, visit the website,Brackeninteriors.ie at your own risk.
Blooming bargains
If you think ditching the plastic-wrapped fresh fruit and veg is but a smug move, think again. Anyone who has tasted the flavours and aromas of fresh, seasonal, local produce will admit the contrast is undeniable.
One of my favourite stalls in the English Market in Cork is The Roughty Foodie, offering the Holy Trinity of farmers' produce, fruit, veg, and the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen. From wild sweet peas grown in Howe Hill to Bushby's chemical-free strawberries and pink peonies, their bouquets are incredibly well-priced.
Houseplants range from €4 and bunches from €7. Check out @theroughtyfoodie on Instagram and the website at Theroughtyfoodie.com.
Carbonated comeback
There was so much to love about the 80s; hair metal, yellow Walkmans, mix tapes and Tom Selleck's moustache. Along with chained-up payphones (what was that about?), the most coveted item in any 80s household was the SodaStream.
Transforming your water and drinks into sparkling sodas, the technology behind it was fantastical. As a diehard San Pellegrino sparkling water fan, a carbonator would save me money and waste.
Highly reviewed is the Aarke Carbonator 3 Sparkling Water Maker, €210, a sleek stainless-steel device with a matte burgundy finish. Created by those harbingers of taste, the Swedes, the aesthetic will not just blend into your kitchen but elevate its surroundings.
The reviews are unanimously good, plus it's BPA, cordless and electricity-free. Get yours at Faerly (Faerly.ie), an Irish online shop with sustainability at its heart and plastic-free shopping to boot.
Mapping our history
Long before we relied on Google Maps, paper maps were as commonplace as the white sliced pan. From the treasure maps made by older sisters to Easter egg hunts and roadside consultations, maps formed part of the fabric of daily life.
As a post-colonial nation, it feels especially poignant to reclaim the landscape, original boundaries and Irish place names of the past. I haven't seen anything on the market that resembles these charming 3D wooden maps from Sligo business Outcrop.
From €99, this West Cork map showing Kenmare, Sheep's Head, Bantry Bay, and Mizen Head is crafted from formaldehyde-free bamboo plywood and comes with a custom-made engraving. Purchase online at Outcrop.ie.
Eternal flames
No screensaver can ever imitate the truly mesmerising look of fire burning from a wood-fired stove. Studies indicate the hypnotic flames of a real fire reduce blood pressure and calm the nervous system.
Regardless of inclement weather, the RB73 Quaruba XL mobile outdoor fireplace, €2,095 from Croghan in Wexford, will stand the test of time. Made with Corten steel, the stove rusts over time, forming a protective patina to combat erosion.
Chilly nights become cosy gatherings with this fire in your outdoor furniture arsenal. You may want to consider implementing a ban on acoustic guitars — just saying. This is available in-store or online at Croghan.ie.
Sleep on it
Sometimes we just want an item to do exactly what it says on the tin — no gimmicks, no fads. That's why I love this classic Monocle alarm clock from Unbound in Cork.
At just €16.99, you can set your alarm for the morning and actually leave your phone outside the bedroom.
I'll try anything for a good night's sleep: misting lavender, counting sheep, writing to worry dolls and shoving the poor craythurs under the pillow. But what if it was as simple as ditching the phone? Time to test the theory.
Available at unbound.com or at the Bridge Street store in Cork.
Negative space
Storage containers are my absolute weakness. Some people like hiking, others (ahem) like transporting items from one storage box to another one. Fruitless, maybe? Fun, oh, yes!
So, when I spotted this mini-stool with extra storage, I was already thinking of ways to fit it into my tiny house. The geometric striped stool in yellow ochre just screams summer.
It's available for €200 at Next or Next.com.
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Irish Examiner
14-06-2025
- Irish Examiner
Wish List: Eight fun and fab buys to liven up our homes inside and out
Inner pieces Analogue activities are making a major comeback, from mindful colouring to crafting with clay. Research shows that puzzles allow you to slow down, disconnect, and strengthen the short-term memory. Shop Vibes & Scribes' handpicked selection of art and travel-inspired jigsaws with pieces catering for jigsaw juniors to power puzzlers. Pieces & Peace Souk Marrakech, €24.99, transports me right back to a wonderful week I spent in Morocco, captivated by the colours, textures, and flavours of the beautiful Berber country. Pop into the store to browse the full range or shop online at Al-fresco furniture Interiors lovers, here's a tip: carve out some time in your schedule to visit family-run business Bracken's, situated in the Gorey Business Park. I've fallen head over heels for the Nardi Maximo outdoor five-piece modular sofa. Made from regenerated resin and textiles infused with recycled content, it isn't afraid of a bit of bad weather. Imagine you and your doggos, cats, or humans stretching out on this bad boy with a book/treat/toy mouse. For smaller spaces, Bracken's has plenty of quality alternatives for different spaces and budgets. Run, don't walk to this department store of dreams, visit the website, at your own risk. Blooming bargains If you think ditching the plastic-wrapped fresh fruit and veg is but a smug move, think again. Anyone who has tasted the flavours and aromas of fresh, seasonal, local produce will admit the contrast is undeniable. One of my favourite stalls in the English Market in Cork is The Roughty Foodie, offering the Holy Trinity of farmers' produce, fruit, veg, and the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen. From wild sweet peas grown in Howe Hill to Bushby's chemical-free strawberries and pink peonies, their bouquets are incredibly well-priced. Houseplants range from €4 and bunches from €7. Check out @theroughtyfoodie on Instagram and the website at Carbonated comeback There was so much to love about the 80s; hair metal, yellow Walkmans, mix tapes and Tom Selleck's moustache. Along with chained-up payphones (what was that about?), the most coveted item in any 80s household was the SodaStream. Transforming your water and drinks into sparkling sodas, the technology behind it was fantastical. As a diehard San Pellegrino sparkling water fan, a carbonator would save me money and waste. Highly reviewed is the Aarke Carbonator 3 Sparkling Water Maker, €210, a sleek stainless-steel device with a matte burgundy finish. Created by those harbingers of taste, the Swedes, the aesthetic will not just blend into your kitchen but elevate its surroundings. The reviews are unanimously good, plus it's BPA, cordless and electricity-free. Get yours at Faerly ( an Irish online shop with sustainability at its heart and plastic-free shopping to boot. Mapping our history Long before we relied on Google Maps, paper maps were as commonplace as the white sliced pan. From the treasure maps made by older sisters to Easter egg hunts and roadside consultations, maps formed part of the fabric of daily life. As a post-colonial nation, it feels especially poignant to reclaim the landscape, original boundaries and Irish place names of the past. I haven't seen anything on the market that resembles these charming 3D wooden maps from Sligo business Outcrop. From €99, this West Cork map showing Kenmare, Sheep's Head, Bantry Bay, and Mizen Head is crafted from formaldehyde-free bamboo plywood and comes with a custom-made engraving. Purchase online at Eternal flames No screensaver can ever imitate the truly mesmerising look of fire burning from a wood-fired stove. Studies indicate the hypnotic flames of a real fire reduce blood pressure and calm the nervous system. Regardless of inclement weather, the RB73 Quaruba XL mobile outdoor fireplace, €2,095 from Croghan in Wexford, will stand the test of time. Made with Corten steel, the stove rusts over time, forming a protective patina to combat erosion. Chilly nights become cosy gatherings with this fire in your outdoor furniture arsenal. You may want to consider implementing a ban on acoustic guitars — just saying. This is available in-store or online at Sleep on it Sometimes we just want an item to do exactly what it says on the tin — no gimmicks, no fads. That's why I love this classic Monocle alarm clock from Unbound in Cork. At just €16.99, you can set your alarm for the morning and actually leave your phone outside the bedroom. I'll try anything for a good night's sleep: misting lavender, counting sheep, writing to worry dolls and shoving the poor craythurs under the pillow. But what if it was as simple as ditching the phone? Time to test the theory. Available at or at the Bridge Street store in Cork. Negative space Storage containers are my absolute weakness. Some people like hiking, others (ahem) like transporting items from one storage box to another one. Fruitless, maybe? Fun, oh, yes! So, when I spotted this mini-stool with extra storage, I was already thinking of ways to fit it into my tiny house. The geometric striped stool in yellow ochre just screams summer. It's available for €200 at Next or
Irish Examiner
12-06-2025
- Irish Examiner
Wish List: Eight fun and fab ideas for summer living
Puzzling pieces Analogue activities are making a major comeback, from mindful colouring to crafting with clay. Research shows that puzzles allow you to slow down, disconnect, and strengthen the short-term memory. Shop Vibes & Scribes' handpicked selection of art and travel-inspired jigsaws with pieces catering for jigsaw juniors to power puzzlers. Pieces & Peace Souk Marrakech, €24.99, transports me right back to a wonderful week I spent in Morocco, captivated by the colours, textures, and flavours of the beautiful Berber country. Pop into the store to browse the full range or shop online at Regenerated resin Interiors lovers, here's a tip: carve out time in your schedule to visit family-run business Bracken's, situated in Gorey Business Park. I've fallen head over heels for the Nardi Maximo outdoor five-piece modular sofa. Made from regenerated resin and textiles infused with recycled content, it isn't afraid of a bit of bad weather. Imagine you and your doggos or cats stretching out on this bad boy with a book and treat/toy mouse. Bracken's has plenty of quality alternatives for different spaces and budgets. Run, don't walk, to this department store of dreams. Visit the website, at your own risk. Local produce If you think ditching the plastic-wrapped fresh fruit and veg is but a smug move, think again. Anyone who has tasted the flavours and aromas of fresh, seasonal, local produce will admit the contrast is undeniable. One of my favourite stalls in the English Market in Cork is The Roughty Foodie, offering the Holy Trinity of farmers' produce, fruit & veg, and the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen. From wild sweet peas grown in Howe Hill to Bushby's chemical-free strawberries and pink peonies, their bouquets are incredibly well priced. Houseplants range from €4 and bunches from €7. Check out @theroughtyfoodie on Instagram and the website at Carbonated comeback There was so much to love about the 1980s — hair metal, yellow Walkmans, mix tapes, and Tom Selleck's moustache. Along with chained-up payphones (what was that about?), the most coveted item in any household was the SodaStream. Transforming your water and drinks into sparkling sodas, the technology behind it was fantastical. As a diehard San Pellegrino sparkling water fan, a carbonator would save me money and waste. Highly reviewed is the Aarke Carbonator 3 Sparkling Water Maker, €210, a sleek stainless-steel device with a matte burgundy finish. Created by those harbingers of taste, the Swedes, the aesthetic will not just blend into your kitchen but elevate its surroundings. The reviews are unanimously good, plus it's BPA, cordless, and electricity-free. Get yours at Faerly ( an Irish online shop with sustainability at its heart and plastic-free shopping. Bamboo maps Long before we relied on Google Maps, paper maps were as commonplace as the white sliced pan. From the treasure maps made by older sisters to Easter egg hunts and roadside consultations, maps formed part of the fabric of daily life. As a post-colonial nation, it feels especially poignant to reclaim the landscape, original boundaries, and Irish place names of the past. I haven't seen anything on the market that resembles these charming 3D wooden maps from Sligo business Outcrop. From €99, this west Cork map showing Kenmare, Sheep's Head, Bantry Bay, and Mizen Head is crafted from formaldehyde-free bamboo plywood and comes with a custom-made engraving. Purchase online at Wake up Sometimes we just want an item to do exactly what it says on the tin — no gimmicks, no fads. That's why I love this classic Monocle alarm clock from Unbound in Cork. At just €16.99, you can set your alarm for the morning and actually leave your phone outside the bedroom. I'll try anything for a good night's sleep: misting lavender, counting sheep, or writing to worry dolls. But what if it was as simple as ditching the phone? Time to test the theory. Available at or at the Bridge St store in Cork. Cosy gatherings No screensaver can ever imitate the truly mesmerising look of fire burning from a wood-fired stove. Studies indicate the hypnotic flames of a real fire reduce blood pressure and calm the nervous system. Regardless of inclement weather, the RB73 Quaruba XL mobile outdoor fireplace, €2,095 from Croghan in Wexford, will stand the test of time. Made with Corten steel, the stove rusts over time, forming a protective patina to combat erosion. Chilly nights become cosy gatherings with this fire in your outdoor furniture arsenal. You may want to consider implementing a ban on acoustic guitars — just saying. This is available in store or online at Super storage Storage containers are my absolute weakness. Some people like hiking, others (ahem) like transporting items from one storage box to another. Fruitless, maybe? Fun, oh yes! So when I spotted this mini-stool with extra storage, I was already thinking of ways to fit it into my tiny house. The geometric striped stool in yellow ochre just screams summer. It's available for €200 at Next or
The Irish Sun
30-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
The sunshine spot 3.5 hours from Ireland with 30C heat, stunning beaches, vibrant markets and €40 Ryanair flights
TAKE a look at the sunshine spot 3.5 hours from Ireland with 30C heat, stunning beaches, vibrant markets and €40 Ryanair flights. Agadir is a fabulous coastal city in southern Advertisement 5 Agadir is a stunning city in Morocco Credit: Getty Images - Getty 5 It's known for its warm weather all year round Credit: Alamy 5 The city is home to some of Africa's most stunning beaches Credit: Getty Images 5 It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in a new culture Credit: Alamy The hottest month in Agadir is August, but with temperatures already reaching 30C this April, now is the perfect time to visit. The city is one of the most popular travel destinations in Morocco, and it is famous for its calm atmosphere, stunning beaches and vibrant markets. And Set along Morocco's southern Atlantic coast, this beach city attracts thousands of tourists each year due to its year-round sunshine and natural beauty. Advertisement READ MORE IN TRAVEL It is also one of the most affordable spots in the country, as the city is a The city is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, offering long stretches of golden sand and lots of opportunities for visitors to swim or relax by the sea. Water sports are hugely popular in Visitors can take a stroll along the city's famous beachfront promenade – a palm-lined stretch filled with cafes, markets and restaurants. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Nearby, you'll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Morocco. That includes Plage d'Agadir and Taghazout Beach, both known for their soft sands and warm waters. Ryanair launches new flights to cheap holiday hotspot These beaches make it the perfect destination for a sun holiday that's different from the usual tourist hot spots in Europe – and it's far better value for money. From the coast, you can hop on boat tours to spot dolphins and other Advertisement Agadir also has a fascinating history – it was rebuilt after an earthquake in 1960 and the ruins of the old Kasbah still offer panoramic views over the city. For a deeper dive into Moroccan culture, head to the If you're up for some adventure, the nearby Anti-Atlas mountains offer winding hiking trails, red rock landscapes and Berber villages. Here you can also go for a camel ride, try quad bikes, and go on a hot air balloon ride at sunset. Advertisement The city also serves up incredible CHEAP PINTS And if you're into beer or cocktails, expect to pay only €3 for a drink, with beachfront bars and lounges open well into the evening. The town also hosts summer festivals like Timitar – celebrating Amazigh and world music along with beach parties throughout the warmer months. This sunshine spot's beaches and relaxed charm are what make it a real hidden gem – and visitors have taken to Advertisement One person wrote: 'Lots of activities to watch - sun beds, seating areas, clean sand plenty of space to walk on the beach and even camel rides.' Another said: 'Beautiful and clean beach, miles of sand, clear water and good for people watching.' 5 The city is a must-visit this summer
