Desire Lines: New Irish fashion and design, and a big day out for the kids

Think quality, perfect fit, and a sustainable ethos — right down to buttons made from Corozo nuts.

Founded in London in 2017, and inspired by icons from Carolyn Bessette to Jane Birkin, WNU solves the quest for the perfect shirt.

The lunch

It’s a little oasis in the bustle of Dublin city.

The Garden Room at The Merrion opens on to the Garden Terrace, offering al fresco dining with six cabanas for days when the Irish summer lets us down.

The heaters and cosy blankets mean the space works for all seasons.

Executive head chef Ed Cooney has also brought back The Garden Room Picnic.

Think Burren Smokehouse salmon blinis to Mississippi mud pie for afters. 

• The Garden Room picnic can be booked seven days a week through The Garden Room restaurant priced at €47.50 per person or €67.50 with a glass of champagne. For reservations call 01 603 0600.
• thegardenroom.ie

The tour

Step aboard the LÉ George Bernard Shaw for a free guided tour this Sunday, July 7.

Open to the public as part of the Emergency Services Open Day at Coastival at Dún Laoghaire Harbour, it’s a great opportunity to explore this impressive 90m offshore patrol vessel.

Docked at Carlisle Pier, Dún Laoghaire Harbour visitors will learn about the ship’s capabilities and gain insight into its role in defending Ireland’s interests at sea.

The naval ship will be open to the public for guided tours between 11am and 4pm.

• Tours are free of charge, last about 20 minutes, and no booking is required.
• dlrcoco.ie

The facial

Located in the Temple Bar, in Dublin’s City centre, My Skincare’s Cow Lane clinic is a breath of fresh air. 

With just one treatment room, there’s a luxury feel to proceedings — and we especially love that the intake form asks whether you want a quiet, relaxing treatment, or the chats from your therapist. 

The Diamond Signature facial is one of the clinic’s most popular offerings, with an enzyme peel, oxygenating mask, extractions, and LED light therapy all included as part of the treatment.

The treat

We’re big fans of Spooneys in Lahinch, Clare, which is owned by the same family whose landmark Vaughan’s Anchor Inn in Liscannor has been serving up award-winning seafood for 40 years.

After a day’s surfing, swimming, or sunning ourselves we love nothing more than tucking into their fish and chips overlooking the waves followed by a creamy cone.

What sets this fare apart is that it’s all made from scratch using locally landed fish, chips hand cut from local Kilrush potatoes, and exceptional ice cream made from milk of the cows the Vaughan family know personally. 

This is real Irish food, prepared with zero shortcuts. Worth a road trip? Definitely.

The designer

Om Diva on Dublin’s Drury St is always a great place to spot up-and-coming Irish designers, so it’s no surprise they’ve been stocking Marie Florence Keane’s Clouds in my Coffee label for over two years now.

The Limerick School of Art and Design graduate and former Chanel intern has just hopped on a one-way flight to New York and is surely destined for great things.

We love these upcycled blazers with Keane’s signature soft, billowy sleeves.

“I think in a world of trends and mass-produced fashion, people like to know that what they are wearing is a one-off and made locally,” the Meath native says.

We can’t wait to see what’s next.

The day out

Located near St Stephen’s Green Luas stop, The Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) is a must-do activity for every age this summer.

With immersive activities, a delightful café, its own gardens, and a new exhibition being launched especially for children, you can take the kids safe in the knowledge there’s plenty to keep them occupied. 

A new Big 10 offer has just come on stream for the summer too, so you can enjoy a 10% discount on a family ticket, as well as 10% off at the Commons Café and children’s books in the museum shop when booking online using the code FAMILY10.