Irish Perfume Houses: Cloon Keen Atelier

A few years ago, when countries had started to relax border restrictions after the pandemic and tourism was unleashed and everyone and their grandmother was out and about, I had to go to Belfast for work. Trying to get a flight to Heathrow was impossible. Not to mention the horror stories of people getting stranded or losing their luggage. So, I opted to fly to Dublin instead and make my way to Northern Ireland by train. I even took a few days' vacation so I could explore the Emerald Isle.

It was a bittersweet experience; sweet because I was happy to travel and explore again, bitter because I could see the same signs of dilapidation and creeping poverty of shuttered store fronts in prime locations, same as in my country, the consequence of the Corona nightmare.

I enjoyed the cozy, small town atmosphere of Dublin, despite the pervasive rains that chased me into pubs for a pint. One thing I did not expect to find was an Irish perfume house. I ran into Cloon Keen Atelier by accident, while sheltering from the rain in a gorgeously restored Georgian style inner courtyard covered with a sunroof. Inside there were restaurants and cafes, and nestled in a second-floor alcove was this lovely beige and white store that smelled heavenly.

There I fell in love with Bel Étage a green fragrance that evokes the spirit of Cluain Caoin, " a splendid meadow, a place that is everywhere and yet nowhere" according to the brand website. The perfume is a permanent fixture in my spring rotation, the notes of Italian bergamot, lavender and rosemary filling me with optimism and light.

Another pleasant discovery was Suede Galore where juniper berries and rum make the perfect companions for an elegant, creamy suede.

If you're a lover of chestnuts in perfumery, I highly recommend Castaña roasted chestnuts with caramel served with red peppers and jasmine.