Insiders

Indagare Insider: STABLE of Ireland's Francie Duff

Francie Duff, co-founder of Dublin-based fashion and homeware company STABLE of Ireland, is a Dublin devotee. Along with her business partner Sonia Reynolds, she’s also passionate about preserving traditional Irish weaving and knitting techniques through their product lines of linen scarves, bedding, handwoven blankets and throws, accessories and tableware.

Read on for the back story behind one of Dublin's most fascinating boutiques, as well as Duff's insider recommendations.

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Tell us about your store. What products do you sell? What's your process?

We work with over 25 weavers, knitters, spinners and makers from across Ireland, both North and South, and specialize in Irish Linen and wool.

How are STABLE’s looks unique?

Everything is produced just for our one store in Dublin, so it can’t be found anywhere else. We design and produce our collections by working with our weavers to produce the best cloth for our needs.

You’re almost at your three-year anniversary. Congratulations! What’s next for STABLE?

Our dream is to continue to champion our Irish linen and wool weavers, and the skills that are so precious and time-honored in this era of mass production.

How did you meet Sonia?

Sonia and I met many years ago when we modeled together for Irish photographer Mike Bunn. We became firm friends from the outset. She followed a career in fashion, and I worked in graphic and interior design agencies in London and Ireland. We began working together in brand management and event production, and after 10 years of that decided to look at starting our own business. We wanted to create a brand that would represent our view on what it means to be Irish, and to present what we do so well in this country in a different way.

What are your favorite local shops in Dublin besides STABLE? For home goods, clothes, jewelry, etc.

I love Designist and Industry for home goods, Costume and Havana for clothes and Optica for eyeglasses. Susan Hunter has the best underwear.

What are your favorite restaurants in Dublin?

Etto, for the freshest ingredients, laid-back and low-key vibes. It serves everything—all modern Irish food plates—with style and confidence. We also recommend L’ Geulelton for sharing platters and Hugo’s for its great, curated menu and fun! Having a cocktail at Delahunt is a must.

What should a first time visitor to Dublin do with just one day in the city?

Get up early and head to Coffee Angel on South Anne’s Street for a great coffee, and then walk to Trinity college to see the Library and Book of Kells. Walk on up Dames Street to Christ Church and soak up the scale and space and stained glass windows. Wander over to nearby Francis Street to check out the great and diverse antique stores to find quirky and beautiful rare things. Continue on to Phoenix Park to hire bicycles and tour. It’s the largest city park in all of Europe, and it has herds of wild deer. Make dinner arrangements for Etto, Merrion Row or Delahunt on Camden Street. Live music at one of the many great pubs in the city center for the end of the night!

Contact Indagare for assistance planning your trip to Dublin.

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