There’s nothing like the scent of freshly printed magazine paper on a Thursday afternoon to stimulate the senses…

As we filed into the beautiful drawing room of Ballykealey House in Ballon, Carlow, for the launch of inCarlow Magazine, the sense of pride and excitement in the air was palpable. To finally hold and leaf through the pages of a print project that has been months in the making is a joyful feeling — and judging from the reactions of the people around us, the magazine had met and surpassed expectations.

The ALHAUS team was quickly at the receiving end of a warm welcome from the movers and shakers of Carlow, the brains behind the original concept of this magazine, written, edited and designed by ALHAUS to showcase the many treasures, attractions and fascinating characters of this Leinster county. Carlow has the honour this year of hosting the National Ploughing Championships and what better occasion could there be to promote the attractions of this lush, green county using a superb magazine?

As a delicious afternoon tea was served in the recently re-opened Ballykealey House (a beautifully restored 19th century historic property set on rolling parklands), a series of speakers were introduced by Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development and Enterprise at Carlow Local Enterprise Office and Carlow County Council, and our main point of contact on this project.

Councillor John Pender, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, said: “I am delighted to be able to host this event and launch this wonderful publication which has been commissioned as part of our work to promote County Carlow in the run up to the National Ploughing Championships and beyond.”

Kathleen Holohan, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council, said: “We believe that County Carlow is multi-talented and many-faceted, providing a compelling blend of heritage, creativity, natural beauty, historic and modern elements; all enhanced by our people who have ambition, innovation and success built into their DNA.”

inCarlow Magazine was created to illuminate the intrinsic relationship between Carlow people and their place using well-written interviews, careful research and beautiful design. Over the summer ALHAUS conducted a series of interviews with, amongst others, Willie Mullins, legendary racehorse trainer; Kathryn Thomas, TV personality and Carlow native; and Eamonn Tracey, international ploughing champion and local hero.

Beautiful imagery and bold design elements have been skillfully interwoven with evocative editorial, using a self-confident and stylish approach devised by ALHAUS designer Alex Anczewski. By moving away from traditional styles in favour of a fresh approach, the magazine becomes a valuable journal, one to keep, savour and enjoy for a long time. There is no digital version, a conscious decision made by our clients to ensure that the publication remains a living thing, passed from hand to hand, the subject of discussion and debate.

The magazine will perform a crucial role for tourism during the National Ploughing Championships and beyond, said Colin Duggan, General Manager of the Woodford Dolmen Hotel.

“More and more, visitors want to hear about the authentic stories of the area so that they can seek out new and unique experiences. By having a quality publication of this nature available to visitors, it means they can find out more about what County Carlow has to offer and are enticed to stay longer, which is great for the tourism industry in this county.”

Finally, in the words of ALHAUS editor-in-chief Alison O’Byrne: “inCarlow Magazine is all about the reader experience—and Carlow provided us with a rich tapestry of both people and places; all of whom have innovation, ambition and success woven into their personal and professional stories.”

With thanks to Carlow County Council, Carlow Local Enterprise Office, Carlow County Chamber and Carlow Tourism.