Review: Cloon Keen Atelier
The best of Galway in a pot
I'm from Galway and as they say, 'you can't take the bog from the girl.' Maybe so, but either way this alluring city stays with me wherever I wander. And Cloon Keen Atelier is one of my all time favourite finds. I could easily while away the day in this tiny Aladdin's cave, the inspiration of Canadian Maggie Mangan who is a font of information on all things scent.
Candles
Maggie's candles are far and away my absolute favourites. All of them! Maybe I’m a little biased as they are all made the-old fashioned way just outside the city. They use a cotton wick which is straightened with the unwavering hands of the master chandler to ensure an even burn. Now that is class! The one burning beside me as I write has been burning for over 50 hours and is still happily scenting my space.
If I have to choose one – it's Exotic Woods, an intoxicating blend of Rosemary, Cedar, Ylang, Rose and Amber inspired by Canada’s Newfoundland (Maggie's home). That said, I also lust after Limoncello, Minted and Gooseberry Leaf. In truth, the full range!
Perfumes
Maggie's perfumes don't disappoint either and the atelier's latest creation for Dublin's iconic Shelbourne Hotel is my essence du jour. Grande Dame is an ambery oriental with really modern rose facets, inspired by the idea of walking into the hotel from St Stephen’s Green with summer geranium and rose blended with a sense of the exotic.
Maggie Mangan in her Galway Atelier
Even the packaging is a treat and it’s that attention to detail that keeps me coming back to this fab atelier EVERY time I come home to this captivating city – and of course to chat candles, scent, beauty and more with Maggie!