SOCIAL LIFE stand unobserved, which we came to affectionally call the changing corner. Did we complain at the time? Well yes, a bit, actually, but we didnt moan. Will I try and use it as leverage to get a better room this year? Absolutely. SAFETY FIRST If, like me, your approach to child safety is on the neurotic side, all you can do when you realise you are staying in a death trap is some deep breathing exercises and a vow to become a helicopter parent for a week. Whether its an unfenced pool or unimpeded sea access, a distinct lack of stair gates or a creative approach to electrical wiring, if you have a toddler youre just going to have to stay on the ball. Not the relaxing holiday that you had in mind, perhaps, but at least theres the benefit of many pairs of eyes. TRY NOT TO JUDGE You know the saying: do not judge another parent until you have walked two moons in their Birkenstocks. Maybe theyre doing gentle parenting and you think their kid needs more discipline; maybe youre doing the naughty step, and they see that as child abuse. All I can say is keep your counsel unless you want a row. BE MINDFUL OF NOISE (AND TAKE EARPLUGS) Holiday House Rules Differing parenting styles, adult relationship dynamics ... Guardian columnist and author Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett devises a group holiday survival guide for parents of small children A s a child, I never went on group holidays. There was one memorable trip to Donegal to stay with my cousins, when I was seven, which saw my little brother split his head open on a drystone wall and me get my first kiss outside the Old Workhouse in Dunfanaghy (a romantic spot for the ages), but other than that, we stayed close to the Welsh beaches of home. All the better for eating chips while rain lashes the windscreen. So when I married into my husbands family he is one of nine children, and there are twelve grandchildren so far, including my three-year-old piling into a holiday home together was new territory. In the more than a decade since, Ive come to learn quite a lot about group holidays. Though daunting initially, I have come to love them even more so since having my son. More of us than I care to count are off to a house in Weymouth in Dorset this August, and though Im looking forward to it, I always feel a bit apprehensive, too. With that many people, especially young children, stuff is always bound to happen. Heres my survival guide for maintaining sanity (with the fervent hope that my English in-laws never read THE GLOSS). WHEN IT COMES TO ROOMS, YOU HAVE TO LIKE IT OR LUMP IT Its a golden rule of holiday cottages that while there is always one beautifully appointed master suite, the rest of the bedrooms exist on a scale of fine to not really a bedroom (the latter being always assigned to the childless male in the family, who is lucky if he gets anything better than a tent in the garden). How you are assigned a room varies from family to family. Ours tends to operate on a you snooze, you lose basis. Whatever box room/unconverted attic/fold-out bed situation you find yourself in, just dont demand that anyone swap. It will only cause tension. Last year, when my son was two and not sleeping, we were allocated a bedroom (in name only it had a bed in it) next to the downstairs kitchen. There was a hatch between the two, meaning that each morning at 6am we awoke to the clatter of my father-in-law unloading the dishwasher, and each evening we tried to put the child down to the sound of it being reloaded. Then there was the glass pane in the door that meant anyone walking through the hall was able to see inside. There was one spot where you could 30 July/August 2025 THE GLOSS MAGAZINE I vividly recall my sister-in-law and I both childless at the time liberally deploying our trademark white wine cackles in the kitchen one night on holiday, as our other sister-in-law desperately tried to get her then toddler son to sleep in the room above us (we may have also been listening to Move Bitch by Ludacris). Her demand that we keep it down felt unreasonably shirty at the time, but that was before the year of dishwasher-gate. Now we are the ones trying to settle screaming little ones, we totally get it. YOU CAN ALWAYS GO AND SIT IN THE CAR. A tip from my toddler son for when it all gets too much. SHARING IS CARING From sharing the cooking to the childcare, this is one of the great joys of group holidays. OK, so you may have whipped up a 280-ingredient Ottolenghi feast while the next night your brother simply bungs in a bunch of jacket potatoes and plonks some beans in the microwaves, but thats kind of on you. The point is that everyone contributes. Even grumpy teenagers can be cajoled into chopping some vegetables (it helps to let them choose the soundtrack). One of the lovely things about my many in-laws is how they approach meals for children. They dont just cater to their own: every child is given a plate, and no one is keeping a tally. It just works. As for childcare: last summer, my husband and I were able to sneak off to Rick Stein for lunch while my sisters-inlaw watched our son. We were so grateful for the much-needed alone time, and it more than made up for having to get changed in a corner all week. ITS OK TO GO OFF-PISTE After over a decade, my husband has just about forgiven me (I think?) for ditching his family on his 30th birthday trip to Lisbon to go spontaneously out-out with my sister-in-law. Look, big families can be overwhelming, especially to small children and those adults who are used to small units. Learning that you cant do everything together, especially as differently aged kids will have different routines and priorities, is an important lesson. Now we often break off into smaller groups for meals, walks, or trips out. Its less stressful for the children, and the adults get time to catch up one-on-one. WINE HELPS But hangovers and miniature steam trains dont mix. The Republic of Parenthood: On Bringing Up Babies by Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett is published on August 7. SWEET SUNDAE SCENTS / PACKING TIPS FOR IRISH TRIPS / WINE WITH LUNCH / CHECKS AND STRIPES / BEACH READS / THINGS TO DO MAGAZINE JULY/AUGUST 2025 with THE IRISH TIMES ww w.the gloss.ie Great Irish Holidays Relaxed, simple, sophisticated take the scenic route In celebration of 25 years of Raindance A Family Story Since 1798 CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE THE GLOSS MONTHLY REMINDER SIGN UP to receive a monthly reminder by email when THE GLOSS is out so that you never miss an issue. Simply register your details on WWW.THEGLOSS.IE. PU B LI S H E R JANE M C D ONNE LL EDITOR SARAH MC DONNEL L D EP UT Y ED IT OR S Í O MHA CO N ADVERTORIAL Q&A At Close Range Interview with Alan Meredith, Architect and Furniture Designer Y our favourite virtue Authenticity. I have no patience for insincerity or dishonesty, and I think that comes through in my work its a constant search for something real. Your favourite qualities in a ADVERTORIAL AT YOUR SERVICE Weir & Sons of Grafton Street Dublin has a Rolex Authorised Service Centre offering Irish customers assurance that their precious timepieces are being serviced by experts W hen the visionary Bavarian entrepreneur Hans Wilsdorf founded Rolex in 1905, his guiding princi ADVERTORIAL Servicing protects the sentimental value of your timepiece, keeping it in pristine condition to be treasured and passed down through generations ... Weir & Sons Rolex Watch Makers and Chris Andrews MD. uncompromising criteria. Rolex conducts regular audits and inspections of our facil GLOSSIP TWO UP Gloss~ip! ETRO Warm and Sunny Slow down and simplify ... JORTS Aka jean shorts. Longer than cutoffs (to just above the knee) these have a loose, borrowedfrom-the-boys vibe. D o you ever consider how, as you get older, you actually like the things about an Irish holiday that u Photo by Flavien Carlod, for advertising purposes only. GENEROUS DISCOUNTS ON ALL CLEARANCE AND EX-DISPLAY ITEMS DUBLIN 18 - Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford, D18 XF34 JENNIFER LAWRENCE LA GRANDE CLASSIQUE DE LONGINES WICKLOW ST OPENING SOON FASHION Spot The Trend 2 1 TOMMY HILFIGER Checks and stripes are back on top, says Aislinn Coffey 3 4 5 6 LAUNCHMETRICS/IMAXTREE 7 8 9 VIBE CHECK Checks and stripes, from large-scale checks to washed-out ginghams to old-school deckchair stripes in soft colours, are back on the fashion r Est.1887 ADAMS INVITATION TO CONSIGN An Irish Connection to An International Market FINE JEWELLERY AUCTION For a confidential and complimentary valuation: Contact Director: Claire Mestrallet (Deadline to consign, Friday 8th August) @clm_adams_auctioneers www.adams.ie 26 St. Stephens Green, Dub MOODBOARD Summer Mood A Grand Stretch by Susan Zelouf 5 7 6 1. IM LOOKING sharp in a thistle and Nile green silk scarf. www.ciarasilke.com. 4 3 2. IM UNDOING winters spell in a 2 pink Vivienne Irish linen dress by Kindred of Ireland at Brown Thomas. 3. IM OPENING summer wine with a 24ct g FOR THOSE WHO KNOW Set the stage for the extraordinary. Introducing the new generation of cooling. The difference is Gaggenau www.gaggenau.com/ie FASHION VOLUMINOUS DRESSES Raincoats are on the fashion forecast for summer. Scarlet Lizzy showerproof mac coat, Barbour, 310.80; www.flannels.ie. PALE NAIL POLISH An ice-cool manicure adds a touch of glamour, even on the cloudiest days. Les Mains Hermès Aqua Vert nail polish, €54; www.hermes.co Elevated Show Nights Await with Annual Membership Nestled in the heart of Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Circle Club offers members the finest pre-show dining followed by world-class performances. Email membership@bgetheatre.ie for further information. FASHION FASHION A crisp cotton shirt is an often-overlooked hardworking basic. The styling trick from the Bottega Veneta and Ralph Lauren SS25 shows: wearing shirts as jackets, layered over T-shirts, vests and even fine knits. Top: Ivory Hazel linen blazer, 189, at Sinead Keary The Label, Kildare CO.ANTRIM THE GREAT ESCAPE STAY SPA DINE GOLF galgorm.com FASHION FAB AT 50 @ERINWASSON SPF is your daily essential (even on a cloudy day): this brilliant formula protects your skin and acts as a tinted moisturiser. Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF50 Mineral Face Crème (refillable), €55, at Space NK. PICNIC BLANKETS 1 J Crews SS25 lunch in Portugal. BA JEWELS NEW CAPSULE CARD - AVAILABLE NOW A PALETTE OF EIGHT RICH SHADES INSPIRED BY NATURAL MINERALS Free colour cards & wallpaper samples Paint & wallpaper to order Nationwide Stockists +44 (0) 161 230 0882 info@paintandpaperlibrary.com paintandpaperlibrary.com ADVERTORIAL Illustrator Grainne Bath Enright. Jewellery designer Bláithín Enni s. Singer-songwriter Darren Kiely. SÓ IRISH AT KILDARE VILLAGE Theres so much to explore at Kildare Village this summer, with new boutiques, pop-up performances, an open-air sculpture gallery and an exclusive Designer ADVERTORIAL Kildare Village is celebrating Irish culture, fashion and beauty all summer long, as part of its Só Irish campaign. The outdoor sculpture gallery in partnership with The Kildare Gallery. that while prints and patterns might change season to season, silhouettes will remain the same, so BEAUTY Beauty Notes POCO BEAUTY CHANEL News & views, by Sarah Halliwell the French pharmacy favourite, an illuminating dry oil with a soft scent. Self-tan can give you a boost, but its not for every day the DHA in it makes your skin dry out, so do take breaks from it. I tend towards tanning dr Since 1934 THE LEGENDARY BLUE BOX newbridgesilverware.com Love every room Castlebellingham, Co. Louth sales@oconnorsofdrumleck.ie +353 (0) 42 937 2625 oconnorsofdrumleck.ie BEAUTY TREND Benefit Benetint in Black Cherry, 28, at counters nationwide. Chanel le Vernis in Artiste, 33; www.chanel.com. Dior Show Liquid Eyeliner in Shimmer Green, 42. Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Cheek Tint, 43, at counters nationwide. ri u m Ph yt o 3 Natu , 55; ww lipe w. Tu he Dior 5 ADVERTORIAL TOUCH & TRUST From day one, Neelu built not just a business, but also a bond with her clients, offering care, connection and community. I have been the luckiest person in business; the people in Dun Laoghaire were wonderful to me all those years. I was young when I arrived, and had neve ADVERTORIAL Cottage cool with Dulux Heritage paints This country cottage in Wicklow looked rather tired until digital creator Jodie Wood gave it a slick, modern, characterful update, both inside and out N ot many people bid on a house without first viewing inside, even fewer when theyre in a mat ADVERTORIAL Jodie Wood and her four-month-old daughter, Sadie. now, but I know its only a matter of time ... The most recent (and last) transformation in the house is Sadies bedroom. It was more of a feeling she says of her approach to decorating this space. I wanted to go into this room and feel SOCIAL LIFE stand unobserved, which we came to affectionally call the changing corner. Did we complain at the time? Well yes, a bit, actually, but we didnt moan. Will I try and use it as leverage to get a better room this year? Absolutely. SAFETY FIRST If, like me, your approach to child safety is Visit our Showroom 4 Knockmitten Lane Dublin 12 D12 DK50 sales@thesofafactory.com thesofafactory.com 01 465 9817 The he Art of Upholstery in Ireland Classic Sofas Made to Order Stockist of Vintage & Antique Chairs Reupholstery Specialists info@newcastledesign.ie 0404 65000 newcastledesign.ie BOOKS Reading Notes Edel Coffey chooses books for the beach T he novel that everyone is getting excited about this summer is NOTES ON INFINITY (Michael Joseph, €16.99), the debut from Austin Taylor. Described as Normal People (Sally Rooney) meets Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow (Gabrielle BOOKS EXPLORING IRELAND Michael Fewer is an architect and academic who has written 26 books. It was while researching his book Irish Long Distance Walks that he came across many fascinating and quirky objects around the country that told their own local histories. He collected these stories in his BOOKS Life in the Shadows Ecuadorian-American author Karla Cornejo Villavicencios debut novel Catalina is a timely portrait of an undocumented immigrants life at Harvard University. By Caelan McMichael U nder the Trump admisistration, undercover ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers ADVERTORIAL Aisling Cleary and Danielle Andrews, Clinical Directors at Laser + Skin Clinic. A Revolutionary Acne Treatment A breakthrough in acne therapy takes an innovative approach F or many, clear skin is about more than aesthetics, its about confidence, self-esteem and feeling good. Yes, fo DINING Restaurant Notes Ciara McQuillan selects summer holiday stop-offs LANDLINE, PARK HOTEL KENMARE, CO KERRY: THE SCOOP Named after an abstract painting by artist Sean Scully, Landline was designed by Kenmareborn interior designer, Bryan OSullivan (of BOS Studio), whose portfolio includes Clar VALERIE OSULLIVAN INTERVIEW WITH A MAN Theres nothing I love more than standing in front of 1,000 people in a theatre and telling them about birds. SEÁN RONAYNE Birds of a Feather Seán Ronayne is an ornithologist, author and environmental activist, who, since 2021, has been on a mission to record INTERVIEW WITH A MAN INTERVIEW WITH A MAN talk about was birds and Id try to mimic other peoples behaviours, but that didnt work either. I felt like a loser, but when I got the diagnosis, I was able to forgive myself and it gave me a lot more confidence. It allowed me to see the positives, like my WINE La Vie En Rosé Julie Dupouy pairs rosé with summer suppers O ften associated with summer, sunny terraces, and casual apéritifs, rosé wines have for too long carried a reputation for being simple quaffing wines, hardly worthy of a moment of pause for appreciation. Yet behind their many hues FOOD SCENIC ROUTE Ballyshane House and the resident Irish terriers. Kitty Coles. Kitty Coles takes a road trip along Irelands South East coast to East Cork, where she discovers a culinary community thats innovative and inviting I have just returned from one of my favourite trips in the last f FOOD FOOD JR RYALLS ALMOND TART (OR TARTLETS) WITH RASPBERRIES lley, Cork. The dessert trolley at Ballymaloe House. The Long Va Myrtle Allen began making these tarts for the Ballymaloe dessert trolley over half a century ago. The base couldnt be easier to prepare; it literally takes one minute t JASMINE HUGHES TRAVEL GREAT IRISH HOLIDAYS The Irish summer holiday combines simplicity and sophistication we find extraordinary places to stay, eat and explore F Ophelia Keane of Carpa Dining at Inish Beg Estate. or a perfect base from which to explore West Cork, book the recently renovated F TRAVEL The new Nordic-style cabins at Ballygarry Estate. The terrace outside Hannos Workshop at Mossies B&B. latest addition to the accommodation offering is Hannos Workshop, a selfcatering barn with a New York-style loft (two guests; pets allowed). A new sauna has just opened beside a small pond TRAVEL Visit Coan Coffee on the Ards Peninsula for cappucino and carrot cake. Annalong, close to the seaside town of Newcastle, with the Mourne Mountains as a backdrop; www.kribbencottages.com. At Strangford Lough Activity Centre, Rory Martin runs Sunrise and Full Moon kayaking experiences and e-b TRAVEL Fans of the award-winning Misunderstood Heron formerly perched above Killary Fjord and hailed by Lonely Planet as one of the worlds top ten coolest food trucks will be thrilled by its new home at BigStyle Lodge at P Dans, Killadoon, near Louisburgh, which has a terrace with incredible sea TRAVEL Travel Notes Penny McCormick takes a road trip out west Glenlo Abbey Hotel. The sitting room. Deluxe bedroom with view of Lough Corrib. The Pullman Restaurant. CHECKING IN: GLENLO ABBEY HOTEL & ESTATE, GALWAY Take a trip around Inis Mór with Thomas Faherty Tours; www.aranponytrap.com. Kitchen appliances worth talking about Discuss your kitchen needs and learn all about the latest and greatest from Bosch, Siemens and Neff from our experts in the Home of Innovation, Dublin. Or if you prefer to see them in action, join one of our cooking demonstrations. Visit homeofinnovation.ie to