Countdown is on at The Ardilaun Hotel for the Galway Races Festival next week.
The First Furlong at The Ardilaun lunch, fashion and races charity event, which is now synonymous with the Galway Races, is in its 10th year, hosted by the hotel in support of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute which takes place on Tuesday July 26 at 12 noon.
As part of this popular event among racegoers and fashionistas, the fashion and millinery showcase featuring Catwalk Models is always a favourite on the day. Two of the west’s most talented milliners will be showcasing their latest creations on the day, Majella Lennon of Crevation Designs and Ailish McElroy of Ailish McElroy Millinery.
Crevation Designs
Crevation Designs Millinery by Majella is based in Claregalway and was established in 2014. Award winning Majella has an engineering background so she loves to mix materials and textures from silk to feathers and thermoplastics to leather.
Having also studied Fine art and Design, she has flair for working with colour. Her passion is creating classic unique handmade designs for the mother of the bride/groom, wedding guests, brides, and of course, those heading to the Races.
Majella says: “I love to work with my clients to make sure that the look fabulous, but equally important is that they feel comfortable in what I create for them.”
Majella is looking forward to all the style at the First Furlong where the Best Dressed Competition is being sponsored by Anthony Ryans Fashions.
Ailish McElroy Millinery
Ailish McElroy is a skilled artisan and self taught milliner, producing bespoke hats and accessories handcrafted in her studio in the hills of East Clare since 2015. Ailish sees her craft of millinery as an exciting form of feminine self expression and she believes wearing a unique headpiece can become an extension of a woman’s unique individuality.
Ailish takes her inspiration from many sources, including history, fine art and the beauty of the Irish landscape in her work. Her unique designs have been celebrated and worn all over the world to special events, weddings in Ireland and abroad, the vibrant Irish racing scene, the Melbourne Cup and Royal Ascot, and the Galway Races. Her complete range of uniquely handcrafted accessories at is available at:www.ailishmcelroymillinery.com, and is looking forward to showcasing her unique style at the First Furlong event.
For more details on this special race week event, visit www.theardilaunhotel.ie/first-furlong There is limited capacities for the event this year.
The Ardilaun Hotel on Taylor's Hill is celebrating 60 years in business this year. Live music nightly, great food and relaxing atmosphere are the order of the day so everyone can kick back their heels, slump into the comfy sofas in the spacious Ardilaun foyer, and enjoy a super line-up of free entertainment for the week.
During race week, park, dine and go racing with lunch, drink and transport to the races is available for €25. All details on: www.theardilaunhotel.ie
