My Home: North Tipperary

Nunaïa skincare founder Nicola Connolly tells us more about where she lives and recommends places to enjoy while there.

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TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELVES.

Along with my French partner Pierre, we moved to beautiful North Tipperary on the shores of Lough Derg in 2017. We had been living in the Andes Mountains and Amazon Rainforest of Peru and Ecuador for 12 years. When the time came to move back to set up our organic skincare business Nunaïa, we knew we wanted to recreate a similar, stress-free lifestyle here in Ireland. For us that means living in nature which helps us stay grounded and balanced, an ethos we love to share with our customers. When we found this beautiful, peaceful spot between the villages of Terryglass and Ballinderry we didn't hesitate! It's a great accessible location just a two-hour drive from Dublin and Cork and an hour from Limerick and Galway.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN NORTH TIPPERARY?

I was born and grew up in Dublin by the sea until I left Ireland. Most of my family still lives there so I get to visit the city regularly to catch up with them and enjoy some of my favourite places like a swim in Sandycove, ice cream at Teddy's and of course a walk along the seafront in Sandymount.

HOW DOES NORTH TIPPERARY COMPARE TO OTHER PLACES YOU HAVE VISITED?

It's definitely different to living up in the Andes Mountains! We had to get used to the Irish weather again but the beauty of Lough Derg and the surrounding countryside makes up for this. We have grown to love the winter season when the tourists are gone and not a soul is about.

WHERE DO YOU RECOMMEND SHOPPING FOR INTERIORS?