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An Irish summer seems to happen slowly, and then all at once. It threatens to never arrive, but then the sun abruptly slants in a usually darkened window, the weekday streets are abuzz with people loitering around for the chat, holidays are being planned and quick getaways on a Friday afternoon are made in the hopes of scoring a sunny spot for a sip of a sundowner or two.
As we giddily prepare for a bank holiday (!) that promises blue skies (!!), we’re preparing to unleash the shiny, happy Summer issue of IMAGE, my first as its editor. I started with IMAGE many moons ago, in 2015 to be precise and I really can’t believe I’m here – and it’s made extra special working alongside fellow newbie at the time and now digital editor, Holly O’Neill.
And boy is it a special issue to start with.
“Experience” is the word of this issue and we’re all about embracing the adventures that summer holds, whether it’s a family vacation or a new hobby to take up – the extended days make anything seem possible. Eschew the bustling seaside this summer and instead venture inland to Jimi Blake’s magnificent Wicklow garden for our floral fashion shoot or head off to six verdant staycations spots around Ireland for some restful me-time.
For those heading further afield, we’ve rounded up the globe’s best swimming pools to dangle your feet in, from the red rock of Utah to the wilds of West Cork. To help with the packing, you’ll find Megan Burns’s edit of chic swimsuits, Holly’s summer skin necessities, and the very best holiday reads according to Jen McShane – all you need to do is pick the best poolside sun lounger. Alice Ryan (author of There’s Been An Incident) is also on hand to keep you company, regaling us with a summer spent in California as a student, as Suzie Coen recounts the trials (and triumphs) of holidaying with family.
If your hands are restless as the long evenings stretch ahead of you, Michelle Hanley speaks to a potter, a lino printer, a photographer, a painter and two growers about taking up a hobby to make the most of long summer days, and the tool kit you’ll need to get stuck in. Meanwhile, Megan catches up with two foodie flower farmers in Co Down who are endeavouring to bring a little colour and flavour to your summer plates.
Experience too can be found amongst the worthy winners of this year’s IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards. Celebrating 15 years with some incredible business and thought leaders, Kate Demolder speaks to Lifetime Achievement winner Mary Robinson on her latest climate action endeavour, while Leonie Corcoran does a deep dive on the entrepreneurial spirit of overall winner Louise Grubb.
And finally, we call on the experience of our fashion experts, from a personal stylist helping me find the joy in getting dressed again to Sarah Macken’s fascinating investigation into the world of fashion finders who spend their time hunting down much sought-after couture.
Enjoy the issue (and the sunshine!),