Festivals, fashion and (little) feet!

Leprechauns - back in vogue?

To get into the festive St Patrick’s Day spirit, GTB spoke to Tom O’Rahilly, director of the new Leprechaun Museum on Jervis St. The museum opened last week and has already generated huge interest – even making it into Time magazine.

Tom told GTB that leprechauns first came to Ireland out of the sea and that Trinity College houses a manuscript from the 8th century which is believed to contain the first reference to leprechauns in Ireland.

The Leprechaun Museum, Tom assures us, has plenty to offer locals as it encourages visitors to take a look at Irish mythology (and not just leprechauns). Booking details can be found here. Bear in mind that tickets booked online are for a particular time slot. Tickets can also be bought at the museum itself, but online booking is recommended.

Sticky Imprints, Made With Love!

After becoming a Mum for the second time, Gwen Frei felt inspired and set up her successful business Sticky Imprints. Gwen realized how precious time is and how quickly it passes once you become a mother. Her aim is to capture and preserve beautiful childhood memories in the most unique way. She does by working her magic and imprinting a loved one's finger, hand or footprint in solid silver. Each piece of jewellery created is intricately handcrafted with intrinsic detail.


If you cannot arrange a casting session at Sticky Imprints, this is not a problem as they allow you to capture your loved one’s fingerprint from your own home with a Home Impression Kit and an accompanying set of easy to follow instructions (don't worry the impression is not the actual size of your foot or hand, just so you all know as GTB had to clarify that little piece of info!) The whole process takes approximately 21 days and your desired piece will be sent back to you by registered post. Gwen’s aim is to capture a moment in time that you can carry with you and wear forever
GTB really enjoyed chatting to Gwen and wish her all the luck with her new business!
For all the info that you need log onto the website, www.stickyimprints.ie/


Heidi launches new collection AND boutique

Irish design fans have somewhere new and very exciting to visit – Heidi Higgins (formerly located in the Loft, Powerscourt) has just opened her own boutique in Portlaoise. Up and coming designer Heidi has just launched her Spring Summer 2010 collection, featuring striking colours and lively patterns. There are still staple LBDs in her collection, too!

Heidi explained the planning and production process behind her designs, and is very particular about the shades and quality of materials used. Heidi says if you spot something in her shop that you like, but would prefer a different pattern, colour or fit, she’ll do what she can to sort you out and dress you up!

Check out stockists and her Portlaoise address here.

With St Patricks Day just around the corner GTB wanted to make sure you got the full download on what was happening so we invited Susan Kirby the CEO of the festival onto the show to tell all!!!



The parade theme this year is 'Extraordinary World' and features inventive street theatre troupes, giant puppetry, artists, dancers and marching bands from all across Ireland and the globe!!! You won't want to miss it!!! It was revealed that over 65,000 people made their way into the city last year to watch the parade so make sure to head in early and remember to leave the cars at home because a lot of the roads will be blocked off for the day!!!


St Patricks day is no longer just about the parade as organisers aim to turn it into a festival so if the parade isn't you cup of tea fear not as there is definitely something for everyone!! GTB would recommend checking out the '80 meter Stiletto Heel Dash' in aid of the Marie Keating foundation.....it is still not too late to take part in this great charity http://www.mariekeating.ie/  and if heels just aren't for you, we can guarantee seeing hundreds of women and men running O’Connell street like mad people will give anyone a great laugh ....so make sure to get down there!!! Also on the day there will be a screening of 'Bananas on the Breadboard' which is a 50 minute documentary celebrating the life and stories from the market areas in Dublin which will not only bring you insight into the lives of the market sellers but also bound to have amazing humour….definitely one to watch!! This will be shown at the Light House Cinema in Smithfield at 4pm.

Jenny, Susan and I will be in the middle of all the madness this Wednesday reporting live from the parade so make sure to pop over and say hi to us and take you picture…..your face could be on our blog next week!!!

To find out more information about St Patricks Day check out http://www.stpatricksfestival.ie/cms/events.html

  Happy Paddy’s Day Everyone !!!!!!!