Galway & Me: Liv Vintage Studio's Olivia Lavelle on City Walks, Vintage Finds and Neurodiverse Design
From Blackrock swims to Magpie's iconic pastries, Olivia Lavelle, the founder of Galway's creative, vintage-loving community space Liv Vintage Studio shares her favourite city spots — and explains why designing for neurodiversity means designing for everyone.
When people are visiting, I always recommend Blackrock.
Free, open, timeless whether you’re jumping in or just watching, it’s pure joy.
Planet Retro, the Simon Shop and Irish Cancer Society are my favourite retail therapy spots within both my moral and financial budgets!
Like half of Galway, I’m obsessed with Magpie: consistent, delicious, and always interesting. As an AuDHD person, my autism adores consistency, and they never miss.
If I was to pick a drink other than coffee, it’s got be Juice Genie.
One of my favourite design stores is Planet Retro, who have an ever-changing collection of beautiful, unique finds.
My favourite thing about Galway is that you can walk from one side of the city to the other and everything you need is right there.
Being named as a rising star at Dublin Independent Fashion Week was so much fun. It was so validating to be included - it’s given me the drive to keep going.
I love to grab a coffee at Coffeewerk + Press and walk the Long Walk with my sensory-friendly conductor headphones. The water, the sound, the rhythm of the city, it keeps me in flow.
Texture has always mattered to me. I later realised it’s part of my sensory processing disorder. That sensitivity has shaped my entire approach to design. What’s good for ADHD and autism; breathable fabrics, natural fibres, sustainability, is good for everyone.
We have an incredible line-up coming up at the studio, especially some Brazilian Carnaval costume workshops among others, and I’m as excited to support others as I am to host my own.
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