Building Community / Lifestyle Bloggers at Avoca Malahide

{We got to pull props from the shop floor to add to our table settings – so much fun! Photos by Julie Matkin unless noted!}

Last night, I had the pleasure hosting a lifestyle blogger get together at Avoca Malahide. It was an idea that had been rolling around my head for a few months, to put together a meet-up where we could all chat, face to face, and build relationships. With a little encouragement from a few blogger friends, I decided to bite the bullet and set it up!

When I approached Avoca Malahide with the idea, I was nervous; sometimes I worry that the ideas I’ve created in my head won’t translate or that I won’t be able to explain them properly! But Odharnait (pronounced Orna!) Kiernan, the wonderful manager at the newest Avoca store, got it instantly. She said, “That’s perfect, you’re lifestyle bloggers, we’re a lifestyle brand.” Luckily, the lovely bloggers I invited liked the idea just as much as Odharnait and I did!

{Previous two photos by the lovely Nathalie}

Last night, Odharnait and the Avoca Malahide team, Allie, Andrew and head chef Michael,  gave us an incredibly warm welcome. Odharnait explained to us all that they are trying to build a community at Avoca Malahide that extends beyond the retail space, and becomes a space for locals and visitors to spend time together, connecting. We spent the night doing just that, chatting excitedly with each other, munching on gorgeous Avoca food, and wandering the empty store like kids who get to explore a museum after hours.

Last night provided more than 20 of us an opportunity to meet each other, put faces to blog names, and bring a community that began online, to a new level offline.

Writing From China Village has expanded my world. I’ve been introduced to some of the kindest, most open-hearted people around the world as well as here in Dublin. Writing here has created such a unique and creative community for me that has been instrumental in helping me feel at home in Dublin. It was such a pleasure and an honor to have so many warm, friendly people join together in person to learn more about each other and to celebrate one another. At least half of the conversations I had last night involved someone saying, “Did you know so-and-so did this? Amazing!” This community is positive, encouraging, and downright cheerful. I’m really proud to be a part of it.

I was so busy chatting I didn’t take a single photo. Luckily, Julie and Nathalie did – and captured the evening much better than I ever could! Unfortunately, we don’t have so many photos of everyone chatting away, but there certainly were lots of ladies having chats! And hopefully we’ll do a repeat again soon!

Thanks again to Avoca Malahide, and all the wonderful bloggers who attended for making it such a sweet evening!

All photos by Julie Matkin unless otherwise noted. Thanks, Julie, for all your help setting up, clearing out, and capturing the evening!