An Tairseach

Organic Farm & Ecology Centre, Wicklow 

An Tairseach was founded in the 1990s by a small group of Dominican Sisters who set out to transform 70 acres of land into an organic farm. An Tairseach means ‘Threshold’ in Irish – it was chosen as a reflection of being ‘in-between’ understandings of our place in the world. In all courses and retreats now held in An Tairseach’s organic environment, the mission is to help people participate in a sense of belonging to the Universe, to celebrate interconnectedness. After clearing the soil of chemicals, restoring its fertility, improving hedgerows, laying out pathways and planting thousands of trees, An Tairseach acquired organic status in 2006. The community now sells bountiful organic produce at their own on-site shop and at three local markets – Killruddery, Bray and Pearse Street.

The Birds & The Teas

Jams & Chutneys, Wicklow 

The Birds & The Teas is the enterprise of Pat and Olive Germaine, partners and creators of delicious tea-time favourites using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Pat’s recipes are handed down from her own mother – now enlivened with a modern twist. The Birds & The Teas’ products now include jams, relishes, chutneys and baked goods. “Our customers often describe our products as memories in a jar, bringing them back to their childhood kitchens. We believe if you put the good stuff in, you get the good stuff out.” Products include: Oh So Vine: tomato & chili relish; Last Mango In Paris: mango chutney; Red Or Dead: red onion marmalade and The Waldorf: toasted walnut and apple chutney.

Síolta Kitchen

Made From Seeds 

Delicious, nutritious, and so versatile – seeds are at the centre of everything made by sisters Alice and Emily Duggan at Síolta Kitchen. Living with a nut allergy sparked their curiosity to experiment with seed-based creations. Alice has been making their sunflower butters as an alternative to nut butters for over 8 years – just like nut butter, but made from sunflower seeds, they are a store cupboard staple in their family home, where they make all their products. Emily was inspired by her time spent travelling around the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East to learn more about tahini halva, a traditional fudge-like sweet made from sesame seeds. They continually test new flavours and combinations, but their salted caramel chocolate swirl remains a firm favourite at the Farm Market! All of Síolta Kitchen’s handmade treats are vegan, gluten-free and nut-free – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Colhoun Creations

Simple, Natural & Elegant Creations 

Colhoun Creations is a bespoke cake company based in Dublin, specialising in simple, natural and elegant buttercream celebration and wedding cakes.

All cakes are designed by owner Laura Colhoun who holds a BSC in baking and pastry arts management from TUD. Laura has worked as a pastry chef and wholesaler supplier to some of Dublin’s best cafes and restaurants.

Her design style incorporates fresh fruit, edible flowers and she is passionate about using local Irish seasonal and organic ingredients. Some of her most popular flavours are raspberry white chocolate, rose and pistachio, and salted caramel.