Launching Wind Shore Goods

Hi there,

Since moving back to Ireland in 2020, I’ve had this lingering, niggling little idea about starting something new. The pull to return home to Howth, after years away in Los Angeles, was always there. And now, after buying a house in Ireland and slowly settling into routines and the flow of the seasons, I’ve finally found the headspace to create something that I’m truly excited about.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a collector. From vintage plates in Sweden to old pieces of furniture snapped up at auction, I’ve always been drawn to things that have meaning, history, and purpose. My granny’s hand written recipes, vintage cookbooks, my Olivetti Lettera 22 typewriter. Even our kitchen table is still the one I bought at 24, a piece that has traveled with me through so many different chapters of life. In the last year, as Sofie, the boys and I have settled into our home, I’ve been drawn to finding objects that not only tell a story but also have real longevity.

This love of beautifully crafted, meaningful things is what sparked the creation of Wind Shore Goods. Inspired by the natural beauty of Howth and the Irish coast, Wind Shore is a celebration of what it means to feel rooted in a place and connected to what surrounds us.

Art has run through my family for many years, so it felt incredibly special to work with my aunt, Maree Hensey, a renowned Irish artist, for the launch. Maree’s work is captivating, and she has kindly created the beautiful artwork that you'll see across our launch items and the website. Maree has a unique way of creating her prints, layering materials and textures to form art that feels deeply organic and connected to nature. These prints are available exclusively with our Wind Shore gift box, adding something truly special to your collection.

Our first launch collection is deeply personal. I’ve collaborated with incredible Irish artists and artisan producers who’ve helped bring my vision to life. There are handmade espresso cups from the talented Rosemarie Durr, sea salt from West of Dingle (produced in small batches, which makes it even more special), and selected coffee beans from my friends Peter & Frank at Cloud Picker, Dublin’s first micro roastery. The result is a rich brew with notes of chocolate ganache & macadamia—perfect for slow weekend mornings.

Some of you might remember when I started an Irish food magazine, FEAST: A Dinner Journal, where I met and photographed so many Irish artisan producers. One of those connections, which has become a staple in our kitchen, is Highbank Orchards’ Apple Cider Vinegar—a fabulous organic vinegar created by the Calder Potts family, and a must-have for any pantry.

One of the hero products in our launch is something truly special: Extra Virgin Olive Oil. For the last few years, this oil has been a go-to in our kitchen, elevating everything from pasta to grilled meats with its vibrant flavor. We are so obsessed with it in my house that our boys regularly request Olive Oil toast (I’ve created monsters!). The oil is produced by the García family, who run a small olive mill in Spain. Paula, one of the owners, introduced me to NOVO last year, a stunning oil made from Picual olives pressed on the very first day of the harvest. The vibrant green colour and intense flavor make it one of the most exceptional oils I’ve ever used, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.

If you’ve been following along on Instagram, you’ll know I recently took a sourcing trip to Istanbul in search of even more quality products, which I hope to share with you in the new year. But for now, I’d love to introduce you to Wind Shore Goods and invite you to have a look around the shop. There are so many beautiful items that would make a perfect gift for a loved one, or even a little treat for yourself.

Let me know what you think! I’m so excited to share this new chapter with you.

Donal x