Hope everyone is enjoying the summer time. I took a few days off work and went to County Galway with my husband, we stayed in the Five Star Glenlo Abbey Hotel just outside Galway. We had dinner in the Pullman Restaurant which consists of two original carriages from the orient express train. It was delicious- really unique and a step back in time. It is amazing to see the luxurious interior of the carriages and imagine those that traveled on it years ago. These carriages served on the Paris-Instanbul-St. Peterburg route of the Orient Express. I'm sorry I didn't get more photos of the interior of the carriages but it was quiet busy and I was relaxing and taking it all on. Here are a few images from the Hotel and the final image is the entrance to the Pullman Restaurant.

Image of interior of hotel

Abbey building attached to hotel

Flower garland around door of Abbey

Entrance to Pullman Restaurant- original carriage from the Orient Express

At work last week I had to go to the National Ploughing Championships which is a showcase of Irish agricultural and rural industry. You can see all types of ploughing at it but some people go to it and never see any ploughing as they just visit all the stalls and exhibits. Last year around 180,000 people visited this three day event and it is now in its 80th year. It is one of Europe's largest outdoor exhibitions and agricultural trade shows with around 1,000 exhibitors. If your looking for anything agricultural related you'll see it there! I bought a few handmade items including one of these lovely handcrafted contemporary jugs by Thomas Diem in the food and craft village. It will look lovely on my new dresser!

Are you all set for the Royal Wedding? I spotted this beautiful book over at Country Living by author Fiona Goble- Knit Your Own Royal Wedding- How cute is this!!! Kate, William, the Queen and the Corgis :)

{All images from Fiona Goble, Knit Your Own Royal Family Book} 

Today I came across yet another interesting and creative website featuring unique watercolour greeting cards and stationary from Trumpers World! You really have to visit their website to see their amazing collection for sale.

{All items from Trumpers World}

I recently received a wonderful giveaway from Dots and Spots but didn't get around to posting about it until today. I love my new cards and stickers too. I have some of them used up already :) Thank you so much Becky :) You should all pop over and visit Dots and Spots, their items are really unique, cheerful and just perfect for every occasion.

I adore all things lace, crochet and doilies too, although my friends and family always say doilies are old fashioned and dated! They obviously have no taste, just feast your eyes on these images below-

All images above are from Marcel Wanders

A new application for traditional crochet. The open structure and lightness of the works provides a beautiful contrast against solid blocks of colour.

I'm really excited, today I was the lucky winner of a giveaway over at Dots and Spots. I have won 12 wonderful card designs. Becky over at Dots and Spots has a beautiful range of bright, contemporary, stylish collage prints. Each design is created from a collage of different papers, the paper is carefully cut or torn and then layers of different paper built up to create a unique, original and vibrant image.  Dots and Spots showcased their beautiful designs at Top Drawer London a few weeks ago, the exhibiton stand was so pretty. You must all take a look at her website and visit her over at her blog Dots and Spots Design.

Check out some crafty christmas gifts for friends at notonthehighstreet.com

Cute sock craft gift ideas from Sock Creatures at notonthehighstreet.com

While in Kilkenny we had to visit the Kilkenny Design Craft Centre which is full of jewellery, knitwear, celtic gifts, china & crystal, pottery & glass, home & fashion, accessories and stunning one off contemporary design pieces. Here are a few photographs to share with you...

Window with a selection of hand crafted goods

Another window with some textiles and knitwear

Nicholas Mosse Pottery, if you have never heard of it, you really have to check it out!

A view of one of the galleries, through to the courtyard area with lots of studios

Some studios and workshops in the courtyard

A factory shop with some fine Irish pottery

More display areas

A view from the inside..

AVOCA

Have any of you heard of the Avoca Range??? Avoca is an Irish family-run business and is one of the world's oldest surviving manufacturing companies and Ireland's most exciting stores. They export clothing ranges to boutiques around the world and have their own food label with dozens of delicious products. There are Avoca perfumes, glassware, ceramics, clothing, garden range, to name but a few. The handweaving mill was established in a rural Irish village over 280 years ago. Avoca remains a family business with a mission to create joy and have fun!

To find out more and check out the AVOCA range, visit their website, it really is worth a visit!

Are any of you looking for the perfect coffee table, kitchen table or other solid wood items???

Well I came across something unique and hand crafted using the best of local solid timber-
Hannah Avery Furniture

As you are aware of my passion of all things local, rural and handmade, I thought I'd share this with you. Hannah Avery is a bespoke furniture maker and designer based in Bristol, England.  Her designs are a combination of contemporary style and classic elegance. Each piece is custom made using beautiful hand sourced hardwoods and traditional wood working techniques.  Hannah was  awarded the 'people's choice award' at the New Forest show for her walnut Sideboard, which can be found on the website. I love her work and each piece is unique, stylish and will last the test of time!

{Avery Furniture}

At work today I was out driving and spotted some wonderful old thatched cottages- I love them, they are full of charm and old world- so pretty and quaint. So I decided to share with you some images of traditional Irish thatched cottages, I didn't take this images myself. Hope you enjoy!!

County Galway

County Tipperary

County Clare

County Mayo

County Limerick

County Meath

County Leitrim

County Roscommon

There you go, hope you like them all, they are all so unique, full of character and charm! To find out more about them or if you are really keen the good news is ... they are all for SALE!!!

So if you would like to browse or buy visit Daft for all types of property in Ireland. And no I am not getting commission for mentioning this website but I just love looking through it :) I'm a nerd!