My Weekend: 'I enjoy chilling at home after a busy week'

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work?

I am a ceramic artist and I work from my home studio in Churchtown, North Cork.

I am also a busy mom to three children and a golden retriever named Bear.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

Friday nights are my protected night, as in activities or outings are planned.

It’s a chill night at home where we can all gather and reconnect after a busy week. We usually play card games and watch a film.

Lie-ins or up with the lark — which is it for you?

I’m not one for lie-ins. I like to get up early, I always have, and it’s just as well as I’m not a night owl. I just can’t stay up late, I’m out like a light.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

Yes, I would always have something to do at the weekend but my work now is my passion — I love creating.

If money was no object, where would you head to on a weekend city break?

Belfast. I haven’t been and it is next on my list to visit.

Ireland has so many beautiful places to visit and I haven’t seen half enough.

Closer to home, is there some place you like to head to recharge?

I go to Kerry a lot during the summer. I love the coast and rural Ireland.

Do you like to catch up with family/friends on the weekend?

If I’m not at one of my kids’ GAA, camogie, soccer, or rugby matches, we would go for a walk with Bear up the Ballyhoura mountain. It’s so refreshing to get out in nature and the views are amazing.

Do you get to indulge any hobbies? Even as a spectator?

At the moment most of my time is taken up with my children’s hobbies but I enjoy watching them and their friends growing together in their different areas.

Entertain or be entertained?

Entertained.

We have so many places to eat out in Cork, where are your go-to spots for coffee/lunch/special meal?

My favourite spot to eat locally to me is The Haggart in Freemount.

It is a hidden gem, don’t tell anyone!

Sunday night comes around too fast. How do you normally spend it?

As you can probably tell, I’m a home bird so Sunday nights are usually the same for me, enjoying being at home ahead of the busy week.

What time does your alarm clock go off on Monday morning?

I would get up at 7am most mornings. I’m very grateful I’m not commuting for my work.

Anything else you are up to right now?

I became a member of Cork Craft and Design this year. It’s a very exciting group of makers to be a part of and they have wonderful support from the people of Cork.

I also newly launched my website www.traceylilleyceramics.com. It has been a very exciting year for my small business.

I will also be appearing at Ballymaloe Craft Fair which takes place this weekend and next, November 15-17 and 22-24.