What was inside this special Irish sheep themed MyIrelandBox
Guadalupe Creations, Dublin – The tweed shamrock Irish lamb
We always wish to have Irish made when curating, and I must say it is quite impossible to find an Irish sheep that is made in Ireland! Most of them are made abroad, and I had to spend quite a lot of time last year to find the right maker to bring to life the perfect sheep. I was looking for something different, for a maker that would be very talented and creative and that would have the capability of making such a grand flock. I am so lucky to have discovered Guadalupe in Dublin!
Slea Head Sheep Print
I worked with a talented local designer to turn this beautiful image, that I took during the summertime along Slea Head Drive, in to a very high quality print that you could frame. I really like how the sheep turned to look at me as I took the photograph, before he ran away with his friend. I felt that the sheep turned to say hello to our members, and I was so happy to be able to send it over the Atlantic to everyone!
West Cork Bakehouse Ginger Cookies
I was gifted a box of these soft, buttery biscuits by a friend, and as I sat reading my book whilst enjoying them, I decided there and then to send them to our members! It is no surprise that they are made in Cork, as it’s a county that serves up the sweetest most mouth-watering treats always!
Extract from Katharine’s Booklet
I loved writing the booklet in September. We met the makers, learned all about Irish traditions, nature in Ireland and so much more. Here’s an extract from our hike:
‘…We drive over to the townland of Burnham and towards the bottom of the hill that we will be climbing. Just across the road from the sheep farmer’s home, there is a little kiosk and an honesty box. We drop €2 into it to pay the farmer for allowing us to use his land. Look at all those sheep that are roaming around us. It looks like they have all been recently sheared – I am sure they were feeling the heat during the recent hot spell of weather! What a wonderful and beautiful day it is. The sun is shining, although unbelievably it is forecast to rain this afternoon…’
Secret family recipe card
My mother has served this Dingle pie to us for decades and everyone in the family loves it. I am so glad to be able to pass it on to our members!
Our new three month member’s received our sterling silver grá, Claddagh pendant, handmade in Dublin for free!
MyIrelandBox members absolutely adore the sterling silver grá, (meaning ‘love’) pendant with the ancient Irish Claddagh: two clasped hands holding a crowned heart, symbolising love (heart), friendship (hands) and loyalty (crown). It’s worth over $70 USD and our lucky 3 month members were gifted this in their September MyIrelandBoxes. The offer is still love for a short time!
What’s up next?
Inis is the Gaelic for ‘Island’. Gather together and cosy up by the fire, for a night of bothántaíocht – a Gaelic word meaning, to gather, to visit and talk and mainly for an evening of storytelling and song to pass the night, on an Irish Island.
This October, we are bringing into homes some of the Irish stories of old that have been handed down from generation to generation on the islands of Ireland, told by the turf fire by the Islanders – the seanchaí or the local storyteller, revealing old customs and beliefs filled with superstition…members will enjoy treats and stories galore whilst their senses are transported to the ‘Inis’!