How to help prevent the decline of Irish Birds of Prey.

Jess, Barn Owl at Ailwee, Co. Clare.

Last year I took a trip to the Aillwee Caves. I had not been in the caves since I was a child and wow it is still a truly magical place, even for us grown-ups!  

Located in the heart of the Burren in County Clare, Aillwee is forty minutes from Galway. 

Situated high on the rocky mountainside with what I believe is a most fantastic view of Galway Bay, it is a must-see for all who find themselves in the area.

The Burren itself is a wonderful place full of nature, beauty and tons of limestone rocks, which form a fascinating landscape. Over 70% of Ireland's species of flowers are found here, and the region supports Arctic, Mediterranean and Alpine plants side-by-side, due to its unusual environment. 

It is home to very rare Irish species of plants, some of which are only found in this area. So be warned don't pick the flowers, enjoy them where they are, take a photo like I do it will last longer.

If you are like me, where you can lose yourself in thought for hours or days when surrounded by such beauty, then the landscape here will not disappoint. In the summer months, it will be richly laden with the smell of flowers and the salty taste of the ocean air. 

The area has amazing routes to explore, lots of hidden gems to discover, so many fabulous hiking trails to explore by foot, bike or horseback.

Back to the trip to Aillwee, I visited the caves, where a guide provided a tour that lasted about 30 minutes through the beautiful caverns, I had forgotten about the amazing world of caves and their unique features! I won't say much more, for you have to experience the sights, sounds and smells for yourself! 

I will, however, mention the Bear bones, yes bear bones, the discovery of which lead to the now icon symbol of Aillwee Caves!!! Radiocarbon testing dates them as being Early Mesolithic, approximately 10,400 years old! Research and history indicate that Ireland was heavily forested and the Mesolithic bear would have once been quite at home in the Burren, he would never survive on the harsh limestone landscape today. My point here is that he is extinct from our shores.

Brown Bear, image by Kevin Noble, Unsplash.

Extinction is always a word that brings a chill to my spine, as a teenager I used to walk through the extensive collection of taxidermy animals housed in the National University of Galway. Even though some were not extinct species, it was a question I always asked myself, how can man wipe out an entire species or let a species disappear?  

I was thrilled to hear that Ailwee run a successful Bird of Prey Centre, its purpose to aid the conservation of Birds of Prey through visitor awareness and education, whilst actively fundraising for Raptor conservation monitoring efforts within Ireland. I was not going to miss this experience and was eager to find out more about their programme.

The whole experience was wonderful and very informative, I fell in love with their Barn Owl Jess. I have a soft spot for all creatures but even more so when the guide told us that there were an estimated 300-500 breeding pairs left in Ireland!!! I couldn’t believe that their numbers were in serious decline.

Jess

It was disheartening to hear that such a useful and beautiful bird was dying at an alarming rate, you see Barn Owls are naturally a great friend to farmers, it kills and eats rats and mice, keeping the rodent population down without human interference!

Now you may think well I can kill rodents myself with poison, herein lies the great potential knock-on effect for some of the declines in numbers. 

Below is an excerpt from Birdwatch Ireland publication ‘Barn Owls in Ireland’.

 "Sadly, like many other farmland birds in Ireland, the changing agricultural landscape has resulted in the dwindling resources and suitable habitats available to the Barn Owl. The intensification of agriculture, particularly the reduction of prey rich foraging habitat, the increased use of anticoagulant rodenticides and the increase in major road networks are all likely to have been influential in the bringing about the significant decline observed in recent decades. 

The Bird Atlas(2007_20011) revealed a breeding decline of 39% over the past 40 years and as a result of these declines the Barn Owl is categorised as a Red-listed Bird of Conservation Concern in Ireland highlighting it as a conservation priority." 

John Lusby & Michael O’Clery

BirdWatch Ireland.

So maybe next time when you have garden pests like slugs, mice or even a few rats think before you put out poison as it has a knock-on effect on more than just one species.

All in all, it was a fabulous educational day at Aillwee, well worth a visit.

Should you wish to read up more on Irish Birds of Prey or support Birdwatch Ireland please pop over to their website Birdwatch Ireland

Wonderful Update to this story!

This evening January 2nd 2021 RTE News reported some excellent news in regards to the Barn Owls in Ireland. Thanks to intense conservation work by Birdwatch Ireland, they reported an increase in Barn Owl numbers. For more about the story see RTE News

Sustainable Irish Gift Ideas to inspire you this christmas

The word “sustainable” is fast becoming part of our daily lives as we start to think more carefully about the impact of the choices we make on our environment, community, society and economy. But when it comes to doing business sustainably, what does that really mean in a practical sense?

To us, being more sustainable means making serious decisions every time we think about introducing a new product.

- What raw materials will be used?
- What impact will it have on the environment?
- When it is no longer of use, what happens to it?
- How will it be packaged?

The good news is that small changes add up to make a huge difference. With that in mind, we’ve curated a selection of gift ideas from like-minded Irish artists and crafters who are doing business intentionally, ethically and sustainably. They’re making conscious decisions towards using less, reusing or reinventing something that would otherwise end up in landfill, and coming up with innovative ways to be kinder to the planet as they go about their business.

We think the following gift ideas are innovative, exciting and thoughtfully-created, and we hope you will too.

Little Green Growers

This young husband and wife team of organic farmers are on a mission to make it easy to grow sustainable food and flowers at home. Their certified organic plants are lovingly tended from seed on their family-run eco-farm by the sea in Connemara and then delivered straight to your door. All packaging is 100% compostable, recyclable, or recycled, and all plants are grown in peat-free, organic Irish soil.

For a Christmas gift with a difference, inspire your loved one with the ‘Gift of Spring’, ‘Brighter Days Ahead’ and ‘Hope Blossoms.’ These sets of certified organic flower, veg, salad and tomato plants are grown from seed on the farm and sent out to your loved one in Spring. In the meantime, you get a lovely printable download to include with your Christmas gifts. Or you could choose the ‘Granny/Granda and Me’ pack - a set of easy to grow seeds with one pack sent to grandparents and an identical set for the grandchildren so they can make special memories by growing together, even if they’re apart for now.

Learn more about Little Green Growers

Glint Glass Studio

Glass is infinitely recyclable, but the ladies of Glint Glass Studio go one better. Róisín & Sinéad harvest waste glass from local businesses that would otherwise be destined for landfill or recycling plants and cleverly reinvent it into beautiful, sustainable ‘glasses that don’t cost the earth.’ Their simple, functional glassware is sustainable, ethical and made locally in Dublin.

Working with local businesses and the community in this way draws attention to waste being created and how it can be reused.  Energy, water and packaging are also carefully used, saved and reused throughout the process.

Glint encourages local people to work with them in exchange for personal time in the studio, teaching glassmaking skills, or employment. They welcome artists, students and local people all using the studio in different ways.

By buying just one glass from Glint, you’ll have helped the environment, saved fossil fuel, provided employment and helped people learn to make glass. Sounds like a pretty good Christmas present to us.

Get in touch with them if you’d like to get involved and visit their website to see more of their gorgeous products.

WildBird Studio

Environmental respect is at the heart of WildBird Studio.

A designer, maker, and educator, contemporary glass artist Alison draws on nature, art, history and light to inspire each of her functional and beautiful designs. Alison’s work includes industrial-style geometric lamps, vintage-style pressed flower wall-hangings, wall-mounted vases, terrariums and cards.

Informed by a green ethos, she follows a reduce, reuse and recycle concept at WildBird Studio, including carbon-neutral shipping of her goods.

Alison doesn’t just draw on nature for inspiration; she depends on her for all of the elements used in her work – minerals, earth, fire, flowers.

‘That’s why our shipping is all carbon neutral. We calculate the carbon footprint of our deliveries each month and pay to plant trees to offset this’.

Learn more about Alison and her award-winning creations.

Sallyann’s Bags

When Sallyann started making bags, she wanted to make a difference with her products, one handbag or purse at a time. Rather than manufacturing using new fabrics, she set out to source readily available alternatives.

After intensively researching the clothing market, Sallyann discovered jeans were one of the most common items of clothing donated to charity shops. They’re also one of the most difficult to sell on.

‘Sacks of secondhand jeans are sold to companies that dispose of waste clothes, generating a very small amount of money for the charity, and ultimately leading to many of those jeans ending up in landfill.’

Realising she could recycle the denim, Sallyann pays the charity shops a fair price and diverts the jeans from landfill. Her creations are beautiful, practical and useful, handmade from water-repellent outer fabrics, all lined with recycled denim jeans. Each bag is vegan and vegetarian-friendly, and sustainably-made to the highest quality standards so it won’t let its owner down.

And we think you’ll agree, they look absolutely stunning, too!

Learn more about Sallyann’s Bags

KT Metal Design

Turning scrap into art!

Kenneth, the designer and creator at KTMetal, creates sustainable sculptures with the most recycled material on the planet - metal.

"My passion lies in turning steel, copper and brass into art. I love being able to envision concepts and then creating and bringing that concept to life, as can be seen in my little characters. Even as a teenager, I enjoyed sketching, drawing cartoons and painting. The inspiration for my work comes from life itself, and this is expressed in many ways through my pieces.’

Handcrafting a range of miniature sculptures from recycled mild steel, old electrical wire, bearings, old kitchen utensils and other used metal products. Kenneth’s creations depict all walks of life. Kenneth has over 30 years’ experience working with metal and is based in a purpose-built studio in his hometown of Leixlip, Co. Kildare

Learn more about KT Metal Design

Moywood Craft

Born out of a passion for working with wood, Nuala designs and handcrafts bespoke furniture and accessories for the home. Nuala set up Moywood Craft after qualifying with a degree in Furniture Design and Craftsmanship, creating genuinely unique pieces using locally sourced, sustainable Irish hardwoods.

As you can see from this handcrafted Hair Pin Leg Table from their range, Nuala tends to let the wood shape and form define what kind of bespoke piece it will materialise into.

‘Working with such a beautiful and varied material, I create both artistic and functional pieces for the home. The uniqueness of the grain pattern in the timber ensures no two pieces are ever the same, giving the client a piece to treasure’.

Combining traditional and modern techniques with the utmost care ensures each piece makes for a very special gift.

Learn more about Moywood Craft

Woolow

Galway farmer Michael Burke has developed a wool pillow that is completely organic, hypoallergenic and chemical-free. Its natural wool fibres are covered in high-quality cotton and it’s called “the Woolow.”

Michael lives on his family farm in Dunblaney, Dunmore, Co. Galway, where sheep have been raised for more than 200 years. Passionate about biodiversity, renewable resources and living chemical-free, Michael converted the farm to being completely organic, with a focus on those things that are recyclable.

The Woolow ticks all those boxes for him and for his customers. We think it could be the perfect gift for the friend or loved one in your life who’s badly in need of a good night’s sleep.

Learn more about Woolow

Thin Line

Thin Line is the combination of creator Henri’s extensive experience in the graphic industry and a lifelong passion for woodwork.

”I want to make things which bring a smile, are be fun & engaging to assemble, and versatile in their use.”

We think he’s definitely managed that with this striking Spiral Fruit Bowl design. Inspired by the record-player, the cherry wood is cut into a spiral through the same motion as the needle following the groove on a record. The spiral cut creates an organic, flexible shape where the bowl rests onto the base.

It’s designed to be flat-packed not only for ease of transport but to engage you in the process of creating it. The base parts slot into each other, followed by the spiral resting into the concave shape. The bowl’s outer rings are squeezed gently into the grooves on the top of the 4 sides of the base to ensure that the spiral will not slide up.

The product arrives in its specially designed packaging made of recycled cardboard. Henri creates his pieces from the picturesque Galway village of Kinvara and all the wood he uses is sourced in Ireland.

Learn more about Thin Line

We Make Good

We Make Good is an award-winning social enterprise design brand based in Dublin.

Behind each of their products is the story of an individual who has overcome adversity in their life through extraordinary determination.

With support, they have become craftspeople and gained employment, forging a new future for them, their families and their communities.

‘Our products are ethical to their core, Irish-designed, handcrafted with sustainable materials, and changing Ireland for the better.’

Learn more about We Make Good and check out their collections of beauty products, homewares and accessories.

Zwartbles Ireland

Suzanna Crampton is an environmental farmer, blanket-designing shepherd, and successful author.

Raising a flock of Zwartbles sheep in the Nore Valley on her County Kilkenny farm, Suzanna transforms their beautiful chocolate brown/black fleece into her signature Irish Zwartbles Yarn and Blankets.

These all-natural, no dyes, pure wool blankets are in limited supply, as only a certain number can be woven each year. Each one has four white stripes, representing the Zwartbles’ distinctive white markings, and they’re perfect for throwing over chilly toes in front of the fire or curling up with for a sneaky afternoon nap.

Learn more about Zwartbles

Andrea Mears Jewellery

Andrea makes everything by hand in her Limerick studio, in small batches and to order, so there's no mass production or waste. Her production process uses traditional techniques, with no toxic chemicals. She also recycles any waste metals.

’I subscribe to a slow fashion model of designing, so I don't follow seasonality. I design my pieces with longevity in mind; they are not throwaway fast fashion jewellery that will break or quickly tarnish. I use local and Irish suppliers for my raw materials, and I recently moved to using FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) packaging and recyclable mailers for postage.’

The necklace featured here is the Golden Karma Wheel. Inspired by the prayer wheels of Tibet, it symbolises blessings and good luck.

Learn more about Andrea

Rachel Dubber Design

And so we come to my own story. I’m an Irish artist, based in the glorious Connemara countryside, specialising in animal portraiture. I've been creating artworks and sharing the joy animals bring to people for more years than I care to remember at this stage. Our giftware range grew from a seed of an idea of wanting to share that joy with a wider audience.

'Inspiration for me comes from being immersed in nature and the environment. It feeds my heart and my soul.’

Our products are practical and functional - to be loved and used every day. Each one is designed to be kind, consciously created using sustainable materials that leave a minimal imprint on our planet.

We use non-toxic water-based inks when printing, to avoid harmful chemicals washing into the waterways. We use all-natural materials that have not undergone any dying process or been chemically-treated. We don’t use plastic for our packaging. Our products are parcelled up in tissue paper or brown paper and string or recycled cardboard and parcel tape.

Most importantly, we only produce products that we stand by and use in our own homes. While we are not ‘100% perfectly’ sustainable, we strive to do our best.

Featured here is a gift for the foodie in your life - our natural beechwood chopping board/serving platter.

The boards are made with sustainable wood from trees that have come to the end of their natural life and have been replaced with younger trees. Each one is hand-finished with a gentle sanding and a generous coat of food-safe mineral oil to protect the wood.

With one side blank for cutting, the board is decorated on the other side with M’asal Beag Dubh, our signature Connemara donkey. He’s always a talking point at the table - perfect for your Christmas cheese or charcuterie platter.

See more of the Rachel Dubber Design range.

“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”

— Robert Swan

It’s so amazing to see how things are changing and awareness is rising when it comes to sustainable business and living. With this selection of gifts, we hope we’ve made your Christmas shopping a little bit easier this year, as well as helping you to support Irish businesses that are doing their best to ‘tread lightly’ in all that they do.

Thank you for your continued support; we wouldn’t be here without you! Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful, bright Christmas.

Rachel x

MADRA

Hard to believe it is that time of year again, when local dog shelter MADRA hosts an Art Auction to fundraise for the dog and pups in their care. Like every other business in Ireland they too have suffered during the pandemic having to close their doors to the general public and working with limited staff. But they still keep going tirelessly and with great support! When they put out the call kind souls always rally to help.

Which leads me to the reason behind this little blog…..MADRA is one of three animal charities I support, they rescue, rehabilitate and re-homes unwanted, neglected, abused and abandoned dogs. Last year they were spilling over with unwanted dogs and puppies which is when I adopted my wonderful boy. I cannot begin to tell you how he brought life back into a very broken heart…(that is a story for another post)remind me to share with you.

Anyway, this year I wanted the artwork I was going to create to be more meaningful and have a direct connection to the work that MADRA do. So I got chatting to Ciara the event organiser about the dogs who come through their shelter, she estimated that at least 60% of the dogs taken in were collies!

I set to work and after a couple of weeks on and off my desk, a collie face finally emerged. I posted the drawing on my facebook page and asked my followers what name they thought would suit.

There were lots of marvelous suggestions but one in particular jumped out at me ‘Hope’. That was it, Hope, it resonated with me and hit all the right feeling in my heart.

It wasn’t just her name, it was everything that MADRA stood for and delivers to all of their rescues, hope of a new home, hope of a new life, hope for someone who will adore and appreciate them. And so, Hope was the title.

She was collected during the week for framing and will reappear online for the Art Auction. This year MADRA have also had to adapt to the online platform due to the pandemic and restrictions. I will keep you posted as soon as I know the dates in early December.

’When I look into the eyes of an animal,I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I see a soul.'- A.D.Williams⠀⠀

Designed to be kind, what does that mean?

If you know me, or my work, you may have heard me say that my products are designed to be kind. But... what does that actually mean?

It means I do my best to be:

Kind to the planet: I put a lot of thought, research and care into each item that I bring to market. The products must be sustainable and ethically produced, with minimum negative impact on our planet.

Kind to animals: The animals that feature on my giftware are my inspiration, my passion and my joy. My way of showing my appreciation for that is to give back through my work – with a portion of sales profits from my giftware going directly to a selection of Irish animal charities.

Kind to people: My customers mean the world to me. I’ve been dealing with many of them for years and now consider them my friends. I pack my products in the way that I would like to receive gifts, with thought and meaning. And I try to thank each and every person that buys from me, I do my best to add value and bring joy to them through what I create. For me, kindness and compassion go hand in hand. A gesture like feeding a stray dog, saying "hello" to a stranger, remembering to recycle and cooking an extra plate of food to give to someone less fortunate may seem insignificant. But those small gestures make an immediate difference to the recipient and to us.

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” (The 14th Dalai Lama)

22 Inspiring, Irish-Made Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day 2020

Mother’s day is fast-approaching, and so we thought we’d give you a little help to find the perfect gift to show your appreciation to your Mum for all that she does. We’ve considered, debated and finally curated a collection of gorgeous Mother’s day gifts from our favourite Irish artists and designers.

From pretty pottery to unique artwork and everything in between, we’ve gathered together the cream of the crop, all handmade here in Ireland, to make it easier for you to show your Mum how much she means to you this Mother’s Day. 

Ceramic Ring Dish, €12.00, from Maple Tree Pottery

Handcrafted in Greystones, County Wicklow by Maple Tree Pottery, each of these pretty little trinket dishes is unique - impressed with lavender and personalised with “Mum”, “Nana”, “Granny”, “Grandma”....whatever you choose. They make great spoon-rests and teabag holders too!

“Dandy Times”, Limited Edition Framed Print, €95.00, by Kate Kos

Kate Kos paints and teaches from her studio in County Wexford, creating positive, beautiful art that’s nostalgic but also of the now. This gorgeous print depicts childhood memories, sunny days and that special bond between mother and daughter, as they run together through a wild meadow full of dandelions.

Vintage Floral Bouquet Earrings, €8.00, from Taryn de Vere

Possibly the most colourful person in Ireland, Taryn de Vere creates quirky, unique and sustainable fashion accessories and jewellery, all handmade in Donegal. Her vintage-style, floral stud earrings will put you in the mood for spring and are the perfect pressie for the Mum who’s fond of a pop of colour.

Luxury Chocolates Collection, €24.00, from Noo Chocolates

Chocolates are a Mother’s Day staple, but these award-winning treats, handmade on the Wild Atlantic Way take it to the next level. Created with top quality local artisan ingredients (including fresh Irish cream and butter), this luxury chocolate collection features ten mouth-watering combinations, including Connacht Whiskey and Ginger, Bean West Espresso Vanilla, and Salted Caramel, made with Achill Island Sea Salt. (Maybe add an extra box to the order for yourself?) 

Mother’s Day Gift Bag, €50.00, from Naturally At The Wren’s Nest

Danielle from Naturally at the Wren’s Nest grows lavender, calendula, chamomile and lots of herbs in her garden at The Wrens Nest and uses them in her amazing handcrafted soap and skincare products. For a special Mother’s Day treat, she’s put together this gorgeous collection of natural, aromatherapy and vegan skincare goodies. You’ll find Serenity Body Butter, Geranium and Neroli deodorant, Tutti Frutti lip balm and a bar of sweet-smelling, natural aromatherapy soap, all packed into a stylish, organic, fair trade cotton shoulder tote that’ll be used long after Mother’s Day. 

Freddie the Fox figurine, €40.00, from Pottery by Kathy

Handmade with love by Kathy Mooney in her Dundrum studio, Freddie is a colourful and quirky ceramic fox made from white, earthenware clay, and glazed with a gorgeous bright, lava-coloured glaze. He’ll stand proudly on a desk, shelf, window-ledge…. or wherever your Mum decides his new home should be.

“Bloom in a Box”, €25-€28 from Bloom in a Box

If you’re thinking of sending flowers this Mother’s Day, why not do it with a twist, courtesy of Bloom in a Box? Bloom in a Box is an innovative, Irish-designed product, created in county Galway with love by Aveline and her team. Select your bloom of choice from a striking collection ( including roses, gerberas, orchids, and sunflowers), add a personal message and it’ll be transported in a beautifully-designed box and vial, to ensure it reaches its destination in perfect condition. Just like every mother, every Bloom is unique, and they’re available for delivery nationwide.

“An Irish Garden” - Soy Travel Tin, €10.00, from Canvas to Candle

Give your Mum a break from our grey, rainy days and let the fragrance of this 100% natural, organic, soy wax candle surround her with the sweet-smelling flowers and herbs of an Irish garden in bloom.  Each “Canvas to Candle” creation has a story behind the scent and this one’s no different.

Close your eyes, and let your mind wander through and experience the luscious aromas of roses, sweet pea and sweet William. Follow through to the kitchen garden which hosts an array of fresh herbs: basil, sage, mint, and coriander, sneak a raspberry or strawberry or just find a seat under an apple tree and listen to the bees as they delight in the collection of nectar. Bliss!

“My Mum, My Rock”, €34.00, from Susan Caplice

This unique, abstract piece of beach art is specially-designed by Susan Caplice with Mother's Day in mind. Created with seashells and pebbles collected by Susan and her daughters on Irish beaches, it’s set in a wooden box frame, popped in a gift box, and can be personalised with your own special message for your Mum.

“Mother” - Words in Porcelain, €70.00, from Orla O Visual Art

Sometimes it’s hard to find the words...but this gorgeous piece from Orla O Visual Art will help you show your Mum how much she means. These words encapsulate what it means to be a mother. A mother within the family unit is so much more than a 'mother' to the outside world. They are our worlds.

Made from porcelain clay, each letter is hand imprinted into the clay, before being fired to make it solid to withstand the elements. The finished piece is framed with white wood, with space for you to add your own personalised inscription if you choose.

Moon Manifestation Print, €65.00, from Healing Creations

If your Mother loves the moon and loves to work with its magical feminine energy, this is the perfect gift for her. A limited-edition art print from Patricia Fitzgerald of Healing Creations, it’s a reminder to stay connected to your deepest self and to the lunar energies.

The piece is beautifully-mounted,  and includes access to an hour-long video in which Patricia discusses the moon and how to work with her energies with eminent Norwegian astrologer, Karianne Stenshagen, finishing with a beautiful and powerful meditation. 

Robin Carton Jug, €28.00, from The Wild Felter

Molly from The Wild Felter makes gorgeous Irish gifts from her little cottage in the south of Ireland. Such a pretty present, this is the quintessential mammy jug for everyone’s mammy who insists on not using the carton.

Crafted from fine bone china, it’s perfect for milk or a nosegay of spring flowers.

“Rós mo Mháthar” – My Mother’s Rose coasters, €16 per set, from Angelina’s ArtVentures

Every mother loves roses, but these last forever. The Rós mo Mháthar set of four, high-gloss coasters is the perfect gift to represent everlasting love - for mothers, grandmothers, or for children to remember their mother's roses. 

Designed and printed by Angelina Foster of Angelina’s ArtVentures, with a photo from her own mother’s garden in Co. Kildare, each set is hand-printed in Ireland and beautifully wrapped in ribbon, with an inscription as Gaeilge on the back.

Daisy Trinket Dish, €20.00, from Eddie Byrne Glass

One of her own Mum’s favourites, this piece is created by glass designer Eddie Byrne in her studio in Delvin, Co. Westmeath.

With hand-cut white glass petals arranged around a yellow glass nugget, after a first firing in Eddie’s home kiln, the dish is then “slump-fired” to create the pretty daisy shape. Perfect for rings, trinkets or as a statement piece on the sideboard, it comes gift-boxed and can include a card for you to add your own personalised note.

Donegal Hand-Pleated Pashmina, €125.00, from Bernie Murphy

It’s not time to ditch the scarves just yet, so this luxurious hand-pleated pashmina by textile artist Bernie Murphy is a good shout to keep your Mum cosy, warm and looking fabulous.

Bernie’s pieces capture the beauty and spirit of the natural environment that surrounds her in her homeland of Donegal. This pashmina features Bernie’s signature pleating, is woven from soft Merino lambswool and comes in several colours - pictured is “Cloud”, which we love, but “Mint” is coming a close second.

Turquoise Howlite Pendant, €36.00, from Peppermint 

This pretty pendant is created by Joanna Cronin from Peppermint designs. With sea green and mint beads on a silver-plated chain, it’s easy to spot the influence of the Wild Atlantic way that runs through all Joanna’s work.

Each piece Joanna creates is carefully considered, and is either limited edition or one-of-a-kind, making them the perfect choice for a special Mum on Mother’s day. 

My Wool Fairy, €24.00, from Feltastik

For a Mother’s day gift with a touch of magic and some added sparkle, a handmade wool fairy from felt artist Stephanie Tenier of Feltastik fits the bill perfectly.

Lovingly created from Stephanie’s home studio in picturesque West Cork, each fairy is made to order - a unique whimsical keepsake to be treasured forever. Made from 100% Merino Wool, simply choose your dress and hair colour and Stephanie will bring your dream Fairy to life. A little treasure from mom's little Fairy to her magical mom!

“Thank You For Being My Mum” print, €20 mounted/ €49 framed, from The Word Bird

This gorgeous print from The Word Bird is a heartfelt and heart-filled expression of all there is to thank our mothers for.  From ‘going shopping for you and buying things for me’ to ‘knowing when to stop walking me to school’, this heart encapsulates the many ways in which mothers give love to their children.

Available in an 11” white frame or as a mounted print, it’s a lovely way to show your Mum how much you appreciate everything she does. 

Rejuvenating Face Balm, €24.00, from Hawthorn Handmade Skincare

Spoil your Mam with a little self-care on Mother’s Day with this luxurious face balm. From the shores of Lough Carra at the foot of the Partry Mountains, Elaine from Hawthorn Handmade Skincare operates with a simple philosophy - create skin-nourishing products using 100% natural ingredients. 

Made with rejuvenating Shea Butter and infused with the sweet warm scent of Rose Geranium, this revitalising balm is particularly suitable for dry or mature skin types, and perfect for anyone who prefers the natural approach when it comes to skincare.

“Mother” Rotation Pendant, €25.00, from Sí Jewellery

This beautifully-designed rotation pendant is handmade with love by Aislinn from Sí Jewellery, who works from her studio in County Kildare to create pieces designed not just to be aesthetically beautiful, but to offer inspiration, comfort and love to those who wear them.

The image on the front of the pendant is a variation of the oldest-known representation of the word “Mother”, found on a stone in the west of Ireland and dating back to the third century BC. The quote on the reverse compliments the image, making it the most beautiful Mother's Day gift.

Bespoke Embroidery Hoop - “Heart”, €20.00, from Karena Ryan Textiles

Choose a thoughtful and highly personal gift for Mother's Day, with this beautiful bespoke embroidery hoop from artist Karena Ryan.

Karena uses free motion embroidery and hand stitching to create a memorable gift for all the inspirational mothers and mother figures in your world. Each handmade piece can be custom-tailored and can include your mother's name, her signature or something personal of hers. 

Karena also makes commemorative artworks for those wonderful mothers who are no longer with us, using clothing and personal items in these pieces to honour them.

M'asal Beag Dubh - Cotton Apron, €38.00, from Rachel Dubber Design

We close our collection with our own signature donkey “M’asal Beag” apron, the perfect Mother’s Day gift for keen cooks or bakers. Featuring Rachel Dubber’s original artwork of a Connemara donkey, this environmentally-kind apron is made from 100% natural cotton, and hand screen printed with non-toxic water inks for a gorgeously soft finish and vintage feel.

With an adjustable neck strap to make life that little bit easier, this bib apron provides enough space for wiping floury hands and keeping clothes well-protected during all your Mam’s kitchen endeavours. We can guarantee your Mam will look amazing, however, the outcome of the cooking or baking lies in her hands! We’ll also include a matching M’asal Beag blank greeting card with every apron, for you to add your own personalised Mother’s Day message.

Whew, that’s it! We hope we’ve managed to help you find the perfect present among our handpicked selection of Mother’s Day Gifts. (Be honest - did you decide to treat yourself to something nice along the way as well?) We wish you a wonderful Mother’s Day, however you choose to spend it. :) 

What is the Evolution of the Chopping Board?

Do you ever stop to think how an item you use on a daily basis evolved?  Take the humble chopping board for example. 

​Having most likely evolved from a functional slab of wood used by our ancestors, (yes right back to the cave men and women) to the ever more decorative and multi purposeful ones we have in our homes today.
 
The chopping boards in modern day use come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials and colours. What started off as a functional piece of wood quickly progressed to become a kitchen essential, designed specifically to cut meats, vegetables, and fruits.
 
The most noticeable difference between the chopping boards of the past (mostly wood) is the variety of materials from which they are manufactured, they include plastic, glass and bamboo.

But which one is best for you?

The invention of plastic lead to homes having access to more readily available and durable items. Plastic being non porous was thought to be easier to clean, being dishwasher proof meant that it required no special maintenance. Plastic was (and still is) mass manufactured, a cheaper option that could be thrown away and replaced at minimum cost.

​So, why buy anything other than plastic? Well, contrary to popular belief, plastic boards are not as sanitary as was once thought.

In the late 1980’s a researcher named Dean O. Cliver at the University of California, Davis, United States decided to investigate and research the comparison between plastic and wooden cutting boards, after the U.S. Department of Agriculture informed them they had no scientific evidence to support their recommendation that plastic rather than wooden cutting boards be used in home kitchens. 

​Cliver’s research was first intended to develop a means of disinfecting wooden cutting surfaces at home, so that they would be almost as safe as plastics.  

His research on the subject found that wooden cutting boards contained less bacteria than plastic, on the wooden boards the bacteria sank below the surface where it didn't multiply and eventually died off.

Cliver discovered that on plastic boards bacteria got caught in knife grooves that were near impossible to clean out, whether the boards were washed by hand or in the dishwasher. While new plastic cutting boards were easy to disinfect, a used and scored plastic board harboured bacteria.  One can only imagine that parts of the scored plastic end up in our food chain or oceans once damaged. 

Food Preparations on Plastic Board-Silvia McCabe

 More recently, Dr. Ulrike Kleiner, from the Laboratory of Hygiene Research at the Anhalt University in Bernburg, Germany, performed a new study on the hygienic qualities of wood and plastic cutting boards. Dr. Kleiner’s results reinforced Dr. Dean Cliver’s study: that hard wood cutting boards are more sanitary than plastic cutting boards. It has been scientifically proven that wood cutting boards inhibit bacterial growth, while plastic cutting boards have been proven to harbor bacteria. 

So which board is really best for you?

Ultimately it is your decision, wood and plastic are both prone to bacteria if not properly cared for, so really it comes down to personal preference.  

For me, without a doubt it is about the overall environmental effects of non-biodegradable plastic versus sustainable wood.
 
Being eco conscious I prefer choosing the more environmentally friendly products, that way I contribute in reducing pollution and contamination of natural resources like air, soil and water.
​
I use and produce my own Irish made, high quality, sustainably sourced hardwood chopping boards. They are easier on your knives; they are long lasting and biodegradable unlike the plastic alternative. I also prefer the look and feel of the wooden chopping boards. Our boards are decorated on one side with my signature donkey M'asal Beag Dubh, he has proven to be a great focal point and conversational piece at the table.

Yes they do take a little more TLC to maintain, but they will last longer if you put the effort in.

How do I care for my wooden boards?

• I use separate boards for raw meats and vegetables

• ​I always wash and dry my boards well, (not in the dishwasher)

• A light rub with FDA approved mineral oil when required 

Our beechwood platters are hand crafted from high quality natural wood.  They are designed with one side for use as kitchen decor and presentation, and the other blank side for cutting.  The rectangular design and size( 30.5 x 23.5cm x 2.3cm approx.) is the perfect gift for friends and family or a fun addition to your own kitchen.

Our boards are ethically produced.  We only use sustainable wood from trees that have come to the end of their natural life and have been replaced with younger trees.  Each board is hand finished with a gentle sanding and a generous coat of food safe mineral oil to protect the wood.  

Available for purchase here or at our stockists.

Should you have any further question please do no hesitate to contact us.

Designed To Be Kind

Reference Sources​
https://www.nytimes.com/1993/02/10/health/wooden-cutting-boards-found-safer-than-plastic.html
http://www.roundbarnwoodcrafts.com/pdf/PLASTIC%20AND%20WOODEN%20CUTTING%20BOARDS.pdf
https://www.johnboos.com/mailchimppdf/New%20German%20Study_.pdf
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/2458/5ce7610d5e3daf3b21e91989c0b634dafbcd.pdf
​

Adapting to Rise above the turmoil of a Global Pandemic.

Little did I know at the beginning of the year what was in store for my little business. Everything was in place for a busy 2020 when the lockdown came in March. I was not prepared for the mental anguish I was going to endure over the following months.

I had spent months preparing my giftware range ahead of the season only to find myself staring at piles of stock unable to breath. All my planning and focus flew out the window! I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t think, my brain was full of noise. As my revenue streams dried up one by one I felt the walls close in.

In the end the news, the noise and social chatter grew too much, so I withdrew for a while to gather my thoughts. It was necessary in order to find the quiet I needed to move ahead and adjust to what I could do rather than what I couldn’t.

It was clear that the pandemic was altering all our lives.

Fortunately I had an ecommerce website set up, it had been largely ignored as I was focused on selling to retailers. Here was the first turning point. The fact that my stock was not perishable and wouldn’t go out of season was a big positive.

I could now see a way forward, but I could not do it alone.

Online social media was buzzing with movements and shifts in people buying local, but doing it online due to restrictions. When the Trading Online voucher was offered by the Local Enterprise Office I took advantage to update my website.

The talented Ana Dorado brought the products to life and the expertise of web designer Lucy O’Reilly elevated my website to a new level.

A few things happened and came together at the right time and I could finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. Some wonderful friends and connections emerged in a time of need and we helped each other along.

Connemara National Park celebrated their 40th Anniversary this year, even though it was in the middle of a global pandemic they were still going to celebrate with an exhibition of local artists to mark the occasion. Neither they nor I were too sure how this would all work out, but they didn’t need to ask me twice, I was delighted to take part.

The work was curated and hung in their onsite gallery, even though it was closed to the public. Siobhan had organised a photographer to come shoot the artworks and turn it into a video, the result was a beautiful collection of work related to Connemara being available to a much larger audience than would have seen it in the real life. Locals were able to share with families overseas who could no longer travel freely home.

The next little beacon of light came from much further away. The Contemporary Irish Arts Centre in LA put out a call to artist across the globe to feature in an online program designed to bring community together and create connections with new audiences.

I was selected as one of 124 contemporary artists to feature in the program and my original drawing of a humble Connemara donkey, M’asal Beag Dubh was recently shared globally across social media as part of that online exhibition.

Artists and galleries are harnessing the power of the online world to bring their work to broader, larger audiences and enrich the lives of those who would never have had the chance to see them otherwise.

With some resilience, creativity, a dash of stubbornness and some welcome support from the Local Enterprise channels, my small business continues not just to exist, but to thrive and grow.

The last months have brought huge challenges, hardships and change, touching all of us in some way or another. My journey into the digital world may have been accelerated somewhat by the events of 2020, but this uncertain way of living has opened doors for both my art and my business that I couldn’t have imagined a year ago. And for that I’ll always be grateful.

I really must thank all of you who have supported me along the way, family, friends, customers. To those very special people who have supported me through thick and thin, I love you all to pieces.

Why Donkeys? Because I love them!

Why Donkeys? ‘Because I love them’ was the reply I gave to a question a couple of months ago, when I launched my new eco-friendly giftware range. To me the answer made total sense, but not to those who don't know me or my background.

They asked to know more.......Why Donkeys???

Introducing the M’asal Beag Dubh Cotton Apron

This is how it all began, well, some of the story anyway, it's hard to write a short story about the launch of a product with a lifetime of experiences behind it's coming to fruition. 

When it comes to animals I have what some may describe as ‘a serious addiction to any kind,' no matter what the species, I love them all!  I cannot say I truly know where that passion comes from, only that I was born with it and it is imbedded deep in my heart and soul. This love was intensified by my upbringing in the heart of Connemara in the West of Ireland, which serves as a constant source of inspiration for my pieces. ​

My artworks are reflections of love, of passion, of respect, it is about the animals I portray, how their short lives here affect us so profoundly and without whom we would not have accomplished so much in history. I see my work as a tribute to them and a reminder for us, where would we be without them?

I cannot explain the how's and why's, when I see something I just know it's going to be an artwork. That is another of life's mysteries not everything has an explanation, it just happens, and when it happens it just flows.

So, now onto the Why Donkeys?

M’asal Beag Dubh

The West of Ireland is my home; I grew up and worked in the countryside and Hills of Connemara. The boreen’s, landscape and especially the animals are the source of my artistic inspiration; the West is a place that lives in my heart and soul. 

I know how harsh and how gentle the West can be, with her boglands, uneven terrain and quick changing weather; embraced warmly on a fine day and whipped to shreds when the weather turns. Ever changing and rewardingly beautiful, our landscape is always dotted by animals, mostly sheep, cows and of course, donkeys. That’s not to say there aren’t horses, there are, and that is story for another day….the Connemara Ponies of Western Ireland.

As a child I grew up on a farm where the only horse, a beautiful Connemara pony was strictly used for working, she pulled the cart, ploughed the fields and carried loads, but was never ridden, much to my disappointment, as all I craved for was a horse to ride. 

One of my friend's from a well to do family had two fat ponies grazing in her field, a show pony she had outgrown and the "new" pony to replace him. No one else was really allowed to ride them only her, that didn't stop me gazing longingly at them from over the garden wall, dreaming!  Our parents and grandparents were pretty strict when we growing up and you were punished if you disobeyed rules, so we never did sneak off to ride the ponies, besides the fact you would have to tell the priest in confession! Which terrified us more than a good hiding!

Anyway, another friend in the village had a donkey called Dottie, occasionally we would get to sit on her if she wasn’t working on the bog or let loose down the field with the cows. A beautiful brown shaggy haired donkey, Dottie was small in stature in comparison to a Connemara Pony or the Irish Draughts that lived in the next field, but she was still considered huge in the eyes of a child, and to me she was the next best thing to a horse. 

 ​​I remember fondly how she would bray loudly with delight when she heard us chattering walking up the laneway, our arms laden with freshly pulled carrots (plucked from my grandfathers veggie patch). She eagerly awaited our arrival at the gate, her long hairy ears twitching back and forth and her soft grey muzzle rested over the top of the gate, keenly nuzzling for treats.

My inspiration.

​Her huge brown eyes peeking out under a heavy fringe of tousled hair. I was besotted with her eyes and eyelashes and how she lit up at the sight of carrots coming towards her eagerly awaiting muzzle. Standing patiently as we climbed the gate and clambered up onto her back, the she would amble slowly around the field while being enticed by the reward of a juicy carrot.

​Dottie never went faster than a walk, only once did we manage to get her to break into a brief jog throwing carrots ahead of her down the field. She jogged off with me on her back and came to a sudden unexpected halt, at that point somersaulted over her head and crashed into a rock, it was a good lesson for us all. We never did try that again!

As long as the supply of tasty treats lasted Dottie was happy to entertain us, once she finished them all she would lower her head as if to say, that’s it I’m done, off you go now. It was here the seed of love for donkeys was planted and grew, my fascination with these humble, gentle eyed creatures could only grow, she was no noble steed, but she looked after us and made us smile.
When she wasn’t in the mood to entertain us she would head off up the field head down ignoring our calls. She taught us patience and respect. Even while she ignored us her long ears flopped back and forth listening to everything we said. 

So in a nutshell there is a little bit of insight into the influence of animals in my work. Dottie was the first donkey I fell in love with, who also taught me some valuable life lessons. She like all the other animals that have been in my life have taught me valuable life lessons.

​Donkeys are reminders of our heritage and our past, their place has evolved throughout history from lowly agricultural animal to a symbol of peace, currently our beloved donkeys can often be forgotten and end up neglected.  Which is why I have created a range of sustainable giftware that gives back a portion of my sale profits to support the Donkey Sanctuary of Ireland.

8 Comments

FINOLA HOWARDLINK

12/27/2018 01:24:54 am

Beautiful story that made me smile Rachel You made me remember a dog of mine “Charlie” - she was such a lovely spirited little character - a football enthusiast and cuddler extraordinaire. They are a gift aren’t they and teach us some profound lessons in the kindest of ways x

REPLY

RACHEL DUBBER

12/31/2018 12:41:21 am

Thank you Finola, they really are such treasures and what beautiful souls. I do believe each one brings something different to our lives, I just wish they would live longer. Wishing you a Happy and Peaceful 2019. X

REPLY

JOSHLINK

4/30/2019 02:50:42 am

You just changed my thoughts about donkeys, Rachel your writing show us that you are a lovely person and you have such pure thoughts.

REPLY

RACHEL DUBBER

4/30/2019 06:12:00 am

Josh, I am delighted you changed your thoughts on donkeys too. Thank you for the lovely comment.

REPLY

DEEPLINK

4/30/2019 05:34:00 am

I always wonder how people can love donkey, now i got the answer. You really inspired me to love them too!

REPLY

RACHEL DUBBER

4/30/2019 06:13:26 am

Delighted to hear that Deep, hope you have some nearby you can support or rescue. Thank you for the comment.

REPLY

GABRIEL ADRIAN FERRARILINK

10/30/2019 09:09:00 am

First treat donkey with respect they will be needed in the coming time/ I have 6 of them a little one just came last week I was in a group telling stories about donkeys:One neighbor has donkeys which sometimes cross the fence to other donkeys of the neighbor but how ? He install camera here is what he discovered: The alpha male found a place under the fence between the lower barb wire and ground and did like soldiers crawl with a special technique under the fence keeping the ears flat the rest did exactly like the boss round trip- they excel in mischief GBR TN USA//

REPLY

RACHEL

10/30/2019 11:33:45 am

Thank you Gabriel, I treat all animals with respect we own them a great deal of gratitude. Your story is very funny, I can only imagine them escaping under the fence! They are indeed mischievous and very quick learners. Enjoy your donkey escapades.

Apache of Sand Wash Basin

Apache" 11 by 17 inch Equine Oil on canvas.

Interview with Linda L. Martin an American artist and advocate for the Sand Wash Basin Mustangs. At the time of this interview I was living in Cape Town, funny what you find when you are tidying up and had completely forgotten about.  Please enjoy.

A Forgotten Interview

From MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2011

Guest Artist: Rachel Dubber

​What mediums do you use?

My portfolio consists of mostly equine and animal oil paintings, drawings, photography and occasionally sculptures. 

Where have you exhibited?

To date my work has been exhibited in Europe, China and South Africa and is included in collections in Ireland, Scotland, England, Italy, Spain, China and South Africa.

Why do you paint animals?

I specialise in animal portraits because of the emotional benefits, for me and my clients.

The images I select to paint affect me emotionally, which I believe they must do, in order for it to take life on a canvas.  Years spent with horses also help in getting the feel of the horse on canvas or molded in clay.  The image must convey the freedom, beauty, strength and majestic qualities of the subject.  I love my oil painted horses to be free, unhindered by tack or riders, free from any constraints and always, if possible, in motion.  

For this guest artist exhibition and interview the requirement was to paint a Mustang. Not having access to Wild Mustangs or the availability of images, the issue was solved by the generosity of John Wagner a passionate American Photographer whose work I truly admire.  After contacting John, I was given permission to paint one of his photographs.

Why did you choose to paint this image?

This painting is of a Mustang called Apache; approximately between 3-4 years old, he is a "satellite stallion" in a Mustang herd called Brave's Band.  John kindly informed me that Apache is a satellite stallion, which is a full adult stallion that is allowed to hangout with a Band that already has a lead stallion. Usually the satellite stallion hangs out away from the main Band. The satellite serves a purpose, sometimes he is a challenger, an extra pair of eyes, and so the lead stallion can stay closer to his Band.

Apache is very aggressive, he picks fights with Brave all the time and any other stallion close by. He may be small but he is very assertive and determined. Something about this image grabbed my focus and attention, maybe it was the wide open space, the rugged and free horse or just the whole spirit of freedom.  I just knew it had to become a painting. 

Brave's Band lives in Sand Wash Basin Horse Management Association in Northwestern Colorado, on 160,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management Land, 250 square miles of Freedom to roam where they want. The land is so huge that the Wild Horses don't even scratch the surface.

May The Wild Horses Run Free forever....and keep touching our hearts and minds.

Kind Courtesy of Linda L. Martin and John Wagner.

A Walk in the Woods...Galway's Narnia

I don’t know about you, but mental therapy, wellbeing and relaxation for me is not about shopping or sitting in a crowded coffee shop, it’s about getting away from it all. When I feel my mind is too busy or I am feeling drained, the last thing I need are crowds, ambient noise and the frantic hustle of shoppers....

For me the best place in the world to retreat into is Nature, somehow she knows how to recharge my heart, soul, eyes, ears and lungs. There is nothing quite like being totally embraced by mother natures calming environmental arms. ​

​Fortunately, I live on the West Coast of Ireland; a stone’s throw from the Wild Atlantic Ocean and very near the historic Merlin Woods. The latter is a heavenly sanctuary to retreat to when city life becomes overwhelming, or if you just need to withdraw to a quiet space. With its welcoming sweet meadows and a beautiful mature forest, Merlin Woods visually draw you in and embraces you like an old friend. 

Her sweet soothing sounds of birdsong and rustling trees soon titillate your ears; your eyes drink in the shades and hues Mother Nature provides in an untouched and unspoilt landscape. Teeming with life everything here moves at a less frenetic speed, so relaxingly tranquil, I promise if you are like me you won’t ever want to leave. 

Take a walk in the woods with me…

Merlin Woods is one of the largest mature woodland areas left in Galway City, a place to gather one's thoughts, recharge the mind, body and soul for a few hours and leave behind the fast paced demanding lifestyle we live in today.

The start of my walk takes me past the proud stone sentinel, towering over the North Wood on the South West Corner of the woods are the remains of Merlin Park Castle (formerly Doughiska Castle) it is a wonderful reminder of how ancient this area is. Merlin This Irish Castle was built around the 15th and 16th century, and is a fine example of a late medieval Tower House. Part of the Bawn Wall and ancillary buildings still survive today. On the South wall of the castle is a Sheela na Gig, sitting upside down on the left-hand side of a second-floor opening and if I am not mistaken is one of only two to be found in Galway. This Irish Castle is an archaeological landmark and has been lived in and owned by some of Galway’s most prominent and powerful families.

I don’t follow any direct pathway when here, preferring to amble without purpose through the woods, discovering something different every time I visit. The place is a haven for wildlife and rare species of flora and fauna, and is of extremely high conservational importance. A group called Friends of Merlin Woods are instrumental in highlighting Merlin Woods utmost significance, organising signage, educational trips, clean ups and events here so that everyone and anyone can come enjoy the space. You will understand why as I tell you about this magical place.

 Estimated at being approximately 200+ years old, Merlin Woods has a number of graveled pathways to explore and plenty of trails throughout the woods. You can immerse yourself in a variety of shrubs and tree species, everything from Hazels, Beech, Conifers, Oak, Ash and Larch just to name a few. One day I will take a stroll with someone who can identify all the trees and fauna that catches my eye so often, I do love nature, but am not confidently able to identify all our trees or plants, especially if they are naked like right now as we emerge from Winter!

 Anyone who just needs a quiet place to reflect will be at home walking here. However, if you are like me and love nature you will be enthralled with the variety of trees, fungi, and wildflowers, not to mention the wildlife. Some of the flora found here can only typically only be found in the Burren in County Clare approximately 40 kms away. It is paradise for me as I go about photographing everything and doing small sketches, I pick nothing to take home, I prefer to let nature stay where it belongs and thrives.

'There he goes again, scrambling off through the treetops', Ireland’s beloved native Red Squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris), a breed that has existed in Ireland since before the last ice age. From what I have been told there is a family of Red Squirrels living in Merlin woods, sadly they are not 100% safe here either as deaths occur when the young leave the safety of the trees and get killed by a cars or buses on the road that access the hospital within their habitat and the main road that passes close by. ​

Our Red Squirrels are totally dependent on woodland habitats and have suffered so much through deforestation it was almost completely extinct in the 17th century. The current populations are descendants of reintroductions of the Red Squirrels in the 19th century, but still they are sadly in decline. Along with loss of natural habitat our native Red Squirrel now has to compete for food with the imported American Grey Squirrel. Thankfully the invasion of Grey Squirrels to the West has been halted for now by the Shannon River. So there is still hope that our little Reds numbers will pick up if the habitat is preserved.

Red Squirrel, Merlin Woods. Kind Courtesy of Colin Stanley.

Leaving the Squirrel in peace, I weave my way from forest trails to the gravel paths, I cannot help but feel I have been transported back in time, surrounded by nature and alone, it becomes a surreal landscape of beauty and wonder, my mind, body and soul feel relaxed and euphoric. The fluttering of birds from tree to tree, the air carrying delightful songs, my nostrils filled with the earthy scent only a damp forest reveals, all my senses are on overdrive, it’s wonderful, tactile, peaceful and ethereal. 

 I stroll back through the woods, off the beaten pathways stopping to admire goliath sized trees, old grandfathers of the forest dotted here and there, if only they could speak, what stories would they tell me? My mind tends to run away with me at times and I get immersed in the moment, it is so much fun, especially in places like this! 

Stopping by what remains of the old stream that once flowed through the woods I catch sight of our Nation’s smallest bird, a beautiful wren hopping from stone to stone, he wasn’t in the least disturbed by my presence. I wait until he disappears and then turn to head up the hill into the forest. Along the way I pass a series of enormous and small moss covered stonewalls, I am sure they are tell-tale signs of pathways and garden areas now being swallowed by the woodlands. Some walls have fallen or been knocked down and are covered in lush blanket of moss, I cannot help myself, I remove my gloves to feel its luxuriousness, damp and soft under the weight of my hand, snap a few photos and move on. 

I meander a lot and crisscross the path and forest trails, heading past an old cottage ruins and wonder what they were like in their hay-day, who lived there and what did they do? All that remain are the walls and openings of fireplaces, a few stone steps, trees and shrubs now inhabiting the spaces once occupied by people, reminders of a bygone era.  

​After a while, I connect with the gravel path again, I stop by the map and signage that display the flora and fauna you can see in the area and your location (should you be new to the area or lost) along with landmarks of interest, the place is teaming with birds as the feeders are still up due to the bad weather. I knew the feeders were there, so I came to visit and see what birds were around.

Heading back into the forest I keep walking until I come to the hospital’s tarmac pathway, I cross the main road and head over to the South Meadows. What a stunning place it is when in full bloom, I have seen several foxes here on my walks and when driving past on the main road to town, the meadow is normally full of rabbits, but not today, it is quiet and I am alone and loving the solitude.  I’ve seen most of the wildlife here, not on my walk today, but on various other walks and to be honest I spend more time looking up and around I don’t notice the time or where I end up in the woods. It’s not hard to find your way out if you do get a little lost and that is all part of the adventure. 

The woods and meadows are home to rabbits, foxes, bats, badgers, lizards, sparrowhawks, kestrels, buzzards and possibly a few Pine Marten (sighting have yet to be acknowledged). Always something to see when walking here, but today it was too cold and damp, so not many sightings of animals on the trail, but I thoroughly enjoyed the peacefulness the place offered.

 I finish my walk, refreshed, full of new ideas and ready for the day. I reflect on how lucky I am to live so close to such a special place and I am reminded of the amazing lady who I was introduced to three years ago, Caroline Stanley. Caroline organises everything from photography, educational and nature groups and takes them on informative walks into the woods. She also organises community events and major clean ups as part of The Friends of Merlin Woods, they are the driving force behind the preservation of the woods and its ancient Meadows for all to enjoy.  The group are constantly raising awareness and educating people of the rare and valuable amenity we have on our doorstep.

In the Spring and Summer months the South Meadow is one of Ireland’s top sites for butterfly species and numbers, that is most likely a direct result of the area not being sprayed with harmful weed-killers, it is totally wild and natural, in fact seed collectors come to harvest seeds here to spread and reintroduce wildflowers and plants to other areas of Galway City and it’s manmade parklands. It is also home to numerous insects and bees that zig-zag happily from plant to plant. The meadows are an orchid and wild plant lovers dream, in Spring and Summer some very rare species pop up here and in when if full bloom it is a pallet of colours that would delight many a painter. ​

Caroline Stanley of Friends of Merlin Woods shares a little bit of the history of the Woods,
 “Merlin Park Hospital and Merlin Woods occupy the former site of the Waithman estate. Merlin Park House was built by Charles Blake in the first decade of the 19th century and was bought by the Waithman family in 1876.  Thereafter it was compulsorily acquired for the building of a TB sanitorium in 1945. The house no longer exists and Merlin Park Hospital now occupies the site. The Waithmans planted many trees during the period when they owned the 340 acre estate. The woods appear on the Ordnance Survey maps from the 1830s and you can see that some of the trees are well over 200 years old. You can tell it is old by woodland flowers like wood anemone, and bluebells, which show old woodland. We’re learning about it ourselves as we go along, about the different insects and species of wildlife”. 

​I love Merlin Woods, it is such a valuable amenity to have on the doorstep, spending time in here for me is like stepping into Narnia, it is a treasured heritage to be looked after and passed on for generations to come. And I will leave you with one last thought to reflect upon, a quote from Wangari Maathai thank you for taking the journey with me.

Plastic Recycling in Ireland

I sat down early this morning to write a new blog on plastic and what we can do as consumers to use less, when I stumbled across this wonderful video produced by West Meath County Council, that really encapsulates plastic product production, uses and recycling limitations.

It also highlights the fact that as a small island it is not economically viable to recycle our own plastic waste.

There are some frightening statistics which with a little care could be reduced in order to make sure we can save more plastic from landfill. 

www.facebook.com/westmeathcoco/videos/598716573846708/

Hope you find it as interesting as I did.

Sustainability, Who Cares? We do!

A sustainable business, or a green business, is an enterprise that has minimal negative impact, or potentially a positive effect, on the global or local environment, community, society, or economy.⠀

Sustainability is a choice towards using less. While I am not here to tell you what that should mean to you, I would like the opportunity to tell you what it means to us at Rachel Dubber Design.

To us, the act of being more sustainable means making serious decisions every time we think about introducing a new product. Our decision criteria is a long one, but gives you an insight into the level of the concerns we have when creating something new;

• What raw materials will need to be used?

• What impact will it have on the environment ?

• When it is no longer of any use what happens to it?

• How will it be packaged?

• What packing is require for shipping? ⠀​

If it DOESN'T fit with the business ethos at rachel dubber design, it doesn't make it to production!

We are well aware of the impact of plastic pollution and the continental shift to reduce its production one of our missions is not to add to this waste issue.  We as a business make a stand for the environment by using natural, sustainable, biodegradable and recyclable materials.

Our packaging materials are either reused , recycled or biodegradable.

Non-toxic water based inks are used for printing, which means no harmful chemicals washing into the waterways. We use all natural materials that have not undergone any dying process or been treated using harmful chemicals.

We only produce products that we stand by and use in our own homes.

By introducing jute and cotton reusable shopping bags to the range, Rachel Dubber Design made a stand against plastic pollution! We provide plastic free biodegradable products that deliver peace of mind to our eco conscious customers. 

Rachel Dubber Design will always produce products that are Designed To Be Kind;

• To you 

• To the environment 

• To the animals depicted on them

Our mission is to continue with our commitment to the environment, to animals in need and to making the planet a better place for us all.

While we may not be 100% perfect , we strive to do our best.