The Suitcase Diaries with Sinead Corcoran
The Suitcase Diaries
Walking up the aisle this month is Sinead Corcoran, owner of The One bridal shop in Rathmines, Dublin – the aeroplane aisle, that is, in our Suitcase Diaries finale!
Corcoran has an expert eye for distinctive gowns to help elevate any bride’s personal style, and is “slightly obsessed” with fabric and colour in both bridal wear and home interiors. On the travel front she’s a huge fan of Portugal, vintage shopping in London, and holidaying with the family pooch. Read on.
What did childhood holidays typically involve?
I’m originally from Cork and we holidayed in places like Goleen in West Cork and Kenmare in Kerry. My parents would pack up the car, full to the brim, with pillows, duvets, board games and food. We did a lot of swimming, spending time on the beach and playing cards. The perfect childhood holiday in my opinion.
I’m originally from Cork and we holidayed in places like Goleen in West Cork and Kenmare in Kerry. My parents would pack up the car, full to the brim, with pillows, duvets, board games and food. We did a lot of swimming, spending time on the beach and playing cards. The perfect childhood holiday in my opinion.
What do you remember most about your first holiday abroad?
I’m not sure it was our first holiday abroad but a memory that sticks out in my mind is that I remember my parents used to put myself and my brother’s name down to sing karaoke without telling us. They also used to pick the song!
I’m not sure it was our first holiday abroad but a memory that sticks out in my mind is that I remember my parents used to put myself and my brother’s name down to sing karaoke without telling us. They also used to pick the song!
I remember crying at the time, as I was young and felt embarrassed to get up in front of loads of people and sing. I think back now and it makes me laugh! We still talk about it. Now I’m a parent, I think it actually did teach us a lesson in a way to do things that are out of your comfort zone and to push yourself to do things that make you feel slightly uncomfortable in order to grow confidence in yourself and what you can do.
Where was your last holiday?
We always holiday in the same place in Portugal every year, we’re creatures of habit. We’re very lucky that my parents have an apartment in the Algarve where we holiday so it really feels like home from home. We go to Alvor, which is about 40 minutes from Faro. It retains its charm of a fishing village and has lots of authentic restaurants which are incredible. One of my favourite things to do first thing is walk along the boardwalk in the mornings and into the village for a morning coffee.
We always holiday in the same place in Portugal every year, we’re creatures of habit. We’re very lucky that my parents have an apartment in the Algarve where we holiday so it really feels like home from home. We go to Alvor, which is about 40 minutes from Faro. It retains its charm of a fishing village and has lots of authentic restaurants which are incredible. One of my favourite things to do first thing is walk along the boardwalk in the mornings and into the village for a morning coffee.
Money no object, where would you travel to tomorrow?
To be very honest with you, I don’t have that itch to go anywhere in particular. I’ve visited some amazing places and I do enjoy travelling in Europe and exploring different cities and cultures. But my bucket list has probably changed since having a family. Holidays for me are about making memories, exploring, cooking, laughing and enjoying the simple things. There’s something very appealing to me about packing up the car – dog included! – and just enjoying the adventure.
To be very honest with you, I don’t have that itch to go anywhere in particular. I’ve visited some amazing places and I do enjoy travelling in Europe and exploring different cities and cultures. But my bucket list has probably changed since having a family. Holidays for me are about making memories, exploring, cooking, laughing and enjoying the simple things. There’s something very appealing to me about packing up the car – dog included! – and just enjoying the adventure.
Your Out of Office is on, but how long does it typically take you to switch off from work?
Oh god, my Out of Office is never on!
Oh god, my Out of Office is never on!
You’ve a suitcase checked in but worry it might go astray. Underwear aside: what three daywear staples do you pack into hand luggage just in case your suitcase is delayed?
I’m a shirt kind of gal. I love relaxed, oversized shirts so that would definitely be one of my staple items. Linen is one of my favourite fabrics, it’s light easy to wear while looking chic. A pair of linen trousers would be the next on the list, and a swimsuit of course.
I’m a shirt kind of gal. I love relaxed, oversized shirts so that would definitely be one of my staple items. Linen is one of my favourite fabrics, it’s light easy to wear while looking chic. A pair of linen trousers would be the next on the list, and a swimsuit of course.
Aside from obligatory SPF, what are your three holiday skincare travel staples?
I’ve been using Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum for years and I adore it. You can use it morning and night, and I find it very effective.
I’ve been using Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum for years and I adore it. You can use it morning and night, and I find it very effective.
Caffeine eye cream, 100pc. Charlotte Tilbury’s Cryo-Recovery Eye Serum has a metal applicator so you can keep it in the fridge – very refreshing in the mornings. I’ve also recently started using Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream.
Lastly, Clarins Lip Comfort Oil. I put this on mostly at night. It’s thick and nourishing, and my lips are never dry.
How do you pass the time on trains, planes and automobiles?
If I’m travelling alone I would take the time to sleep! I also love Solitaire – I could play it for hours.
If I’m travelling alone I would take the time to sleep! I also love Solitaire – I could play it for hours.
Best shopping city and why?
I love London for vintage finds in places like Notting Hill. Shopping in independent stores is something I like to support when I can. Paris is great for window shopping and I adore how chic the Parisians are. I've never been to Copenhagen but I would imagine that would be an incredible place to shop! It’s on my list.
I love London for vintage finds in places like Notting Hill. Shopping in independent stores is something I like to support when I can. Paris is great for window shopping and I adore how chic the Parisians are. I've never been to Copenhagen but I would imagine that would be an incredible place to shop! It’s on my list.
Have you ever had a holiday romance?
I certainly have – young love is a funny thing, isn’t it? I’ll leave it there…
I certainly have – young love is a funny thing, isn’t it? I’ll leave it there…
Beach bum or culture vulture?
I do enjoy being on the beach but I can never sit still so if I had to pick, I would say culture vulture. I love exploring new places and finding hidden gems. We rent a car when we holiday so we do a little bit of driving around.
I do enjoy being on the beach but I can never sit still so if I had to pick, I would say culture vulture. I love exploring new places and finding hidden gems. We rent a car when we holiday so we do a little bit of driving around.
Sunrise or sunset?
It would have to be sunrise for me, there’s something lovely about the thought of a new day and what it might bring.
It would have to be sunrise for me, there’s something lovely about the thought of a new day and what it might bring.
Have you ever missed a flight or gotten spectacularly lost?
I actually haven’t, my dad is very time conscious so I think that has been passed on to my brother and I. We are always on time!
I actually haven’t, my dad is very time conscious so I think that has been passed on to my brother and I. We are always on time!
Dead or alive, which three celebrity companions would you travel with?
Princess Diana would be top of the list. David Attenborough and Adele. I think I’d quite like to show them around Ireland, and I would bring them to Dingle. I think we’d enjoy lots of walking, talking and lovely food.
Sinead's Resort Picks
Follow Sinead @theonebysineadcorcoran
And check out her Bridal Couture Store, The One
@theonebysineadcorcoran
