The Raheny Podcast

What do a childhood love of an Irish folk band, a green dot on a map, and a preserved French moss have in common? They’re all part of Alena’s story of moving from a small village in the Czech Republic to becoming the founder of Blooming Boutique, one of Raheny’s most creative and colourful businesses. In this warm conversation on The Raheny Podcast, Alena shares how her family’s idea grew into a pan-European business, how a tiny flower shop became a vibrant community hub, and what really goes into creating a bouquet that lasts. Perfect listening for anyone who loves creativity, community, or the quiet power of following your instincts.00:00 – Introduction: Kevin sets the scene for Alena’s story01:30 – Why Alena chose Ireland over England (and what the Kelly Family band had to do with it)04:00 – First impressions of Raheny and how it instantly felt like home05:30 – The origins of Blooming Boutique, from hanging planters to flower shop07:00 – The secret of preserved French moss and how it’s used in design09:30 – From a small shop to renovating a gym into a thriving boutique12:30 – What makes a signature bouquet (and why it’s more science than guesswork)15:00 – The role of creativity in workshops for customers and corporates17:00 – Why flowers change with the seasons, and how that shapes the work19:00 – Alena’s favourite parts of running the boutique and the role of her team20:30 – Pro tips for keeping flowers fresh at home longer23:00 – The surprising joy of working on weddings, funerals, and corporate events26:00 – The reality of floristry: creativity, deadlines, and even dirt27:00 – What’s next for Blooming Boutique and a heartfelt thank-you to her family, partner, team, and community

In this episode, I sit down with Wim de Jongh, co-founder of Hope Beer in Dublin, to explore how storytelling and community shape a brewery’s identity. Wim shares the origins of the Hope name, the folklore behind their labels, and the challenges of growing a mission-driven business in a crowded market. Perfect for podcasters, founders, and leaders who want to see how narrative and community can turn a product into a movement.00:01 – Kevin introduces Wim and the story of Hope Beer02:17 – How the name Hope was chosen and what it represents07:14 – Why every beer label tells a local story11:32 – Building a brand rooted in community values15:40 – Challenges of running a brewery in Dublin’s crowded market19:05 – The role of local business in keeping culture alive23:28 – What big breweries can’t replicate about small, story-driven brands32:14 – Wim’s advice for anyone trying to build with purpose

In this episode of The Raheny Podcast, I chat with Sorcha, owner and partner at Village Vets Raheny. From training in Budapest to opening a three-floor veterinary hospital in the old Ulster Bank building, Sorcha shares what it takes to run a modern clinic while keeping the warmth of a local community practice. She talks about common pet issues, why insurance matters, and the little touches that make vet visits less stressful. Perfect for pet owners, animal lovers, and anyone curious about Raheny’s evolving village life.[00:08] Why Sorcha chose Raheny and the origins of the clinic[01:27] What partnership with Village Vets really means[01:59] Sorcha’s journey: from zoology to veterinary medicine in Budapest[03:41] Inside the three-floor hospital and its facilities[04:29] Starting out with a small team and building momentum[05:17] Typical cases—itchy skin, tummy upsets, vaccines, and more[05:28] Handling exotics and when to refer to specialist clinics[07:09] The mindset shift from junior vet to clinic partner[07:43] Building a welcoming, community-first practice[09:29] Why continuity of care and familiar faces matter for owners[10:06] The underused but vital role of pet insurance[14:58] Introducing fear-free medicine and behavioral support[18:37] Full surgeries, diagnostics, and advanced care in-house[19:58] The warm welcome from the Raheny community[21:02] Funny clinic stories and pets with unforgettable names[22:47] Future plans: expanding services and a dermatology specialty[23:31] Summer advice: ticks, hydration, overheating, and safe travel[24:50] Clearing up a local myth: they’re not the Ulster Bank anymore!

Photographer Nicola Webster has built a career on capturing the fleeting moments families treasure most. In this episode of The Raheny Podcast, she talks with Kevin Redmond about her creative beginnings, the lessons she’s learned across 25 years in business, and why the best photos are never about posing, but about connection. A thoughtful listen for anyone curious about creativity, memory, and the value of preserving life’s chapters.00:00 – Kevin asks Nicola about the first photo that set her on the path to photography01:10 – Early influences, mentors, and the importance of great teachers02:30 – From waitressing to her first weddings: building a career from scratch04:07 – The reality of “winging it” at her first wedding shoot05:47 – Finding guidance through the Irish Professional Photographers Association06:53 – Shifting from weddings to studio portraits with the help of a mentor07:44 – Why she still loves photography after 25 years: the kids, the families, the buzz09:06 – The emotional impact of seeing family portraits for the first time10:48 – Creating a welcoming, stress-free studio experience12:56 – Behind the curtain: her system for capturing natural smiles13:56 – What makes a photo truly great: the emotion it carries15:20 – A favourite family photo—taken of her own parents16:40 – Seeing the world differently as a photographer18:46 – What most people misunderstand about photography as a business20:00 – Why families finally book that portrait session21:00 – Reassurance for those nervous about photo shoots21:43 – Moving into her new studio in Raheny and loving the village community24:25 – Where to find Nicola online and view her work

In this episode of The Raheny Podcast, we dive into the inspiring story of Louise McEvoy, the owner of Lil Stompers, a children's shoe shop nestled in the heart of Raheny Village. Louise shares her journey from starting the business in December 2019, navigating the challenges of COVID-19, and her passion for providing the perfect fit for little feet. Discover how Lil Stompers became a community favourite, the unique challenges of specializing in children's shoes, and the heart-warming moments that make it all worthwhile. Tune in to hear about Louise's entrepreneurial spirit and her commitment to making shoe shopping a delightful experience for both kids and parents.

For over 30 years the Raheny Summer Project catered to 400+ excitable kids every day of June. It was completely run by volunteers . This is the story of how they kept the show on the road.

Christiana Carbery was born in a cottage near Hilltop in 1929 and she’s been in Raheny ever since. In this episode, she takes us on a vivid, funny, and heart-warming walk through nearly a century of village life.She shares memories of sliding down cliffs in the quarry, watching eels in Edenmore ponds, where her school was!, and sledding down frozen roads in winter. There are tales of hoolies, horse-drawn carts, and the time you could see Howth from your kitchen window.Christiana doesn’t just remember Raheny - she is Raheny. This is history told through lived experience, full of love, humour, and a wild childhood lived to the full.

At just 17, Daniel Fee (https://www.youtube.com/@danielfee33) has done what most film fans only dream of - interviewing A-list Hollywood actors and being flown to London by a major director to shadow him on set. All while still living in Raheny and juggling life as a teenager. In this episode, Daniel shares how he went from filming YouTube videos at home to building real connections in the film industry. We talk ambition, behind-the-scenes stories, and why Raheny is still the place he calls home, no matter how surreal things get.

Dave Geraghty is a founding member of Bell X1, one of Ireland’s most celebrated bands, with platinum albums, sold-out tours, and global acclaim. He also performs under the moniker 'Join Me In The Pines'. This was a great conversation with one of Ireland’s most talented musicians.

What started as a casual conversation between Dee Farrelly and Aoife O'Sullivan has turned into something historic, Raheny’s first-ever (or first in a long time!) St. Patrick’s Day Parade. But how do you go from an idea over a chat to organising a full-scale community event? In this episode, we dive into the journey of bringing the parade to life, the challenges, the surprises, and what it means for Raheny.🎤 How did they do it?☘️ What can we expect on the big day?🏡 And what does this mean for the future of Raheny?This is the story of two locals turning an idea into a tradition.