By Maria Connolly
Main St has a new florist, Dainty Dandelions, to follow in the footsteps of the much-loved Hills. It’s the creation of Marylouise Kelly, a native of Kilconnell. She grew up in the village and attended St Gabriel’s and Ardscoil Mhuire.
Her path to floristry was circuitous, with a career including 16 years in retail before she moved to Healthwise Pharmacy in Ballinasloe for five years. She says that being a florist “was never something I intentionally set out to do, but it was a passion that kept growing. I’ve always had a deep love for flowers and nature”, and working in retail had given her a background in customer service, organisation and running a busy shop, skills essential to her new role.
The idea for Dainty Dandelions grew over time, as Marylouise noticed a space in the market for “a modern, creative florist offering bespoke designs and personal service”. She adds that: “I wanted to create a space that felt welcoming, creative and inspiring, and to bring something a little different to the town while still being rooted in the community.”
Offering a personalised service is one of the values that Marylouise is passionate about. “We can tailor arrangements to suit a person, an occasion, a budget or a colour scheme… people can call in, have a chat, and leave with something truly unique.” She adds that “a local independent florist offers something very different from a supermarket bunch. With a florist, customers get quality, freshness and expertise.”
Supporting local businesses and the community is also close to Marylouise’s heart. Her stock is currently sourced from Holland, allowing her to offer high-quality fresh flowers all year round. However, she is keen to support Irish flower farmers over the spring and summer months. “I love the natural, wildflower look, and supporting local growers is something that’s very important to me,” she explains. Supporting local “keeps money in the town, supports local jobs, and helps small businesses thrive. For me, it’s about offering something special and meaningful, not just convenient.”
Over time, Marylouise hopes to grow Dainty Dandelions into “a well-loved local florist that people trust for all of life’s moments—from everyday bouquets to weddings and special occasions. I want it to be a creative, welcoming space where customers feel inspired and looked after.” She would like to offer workshops and floral classes, as well as expanding the online service. She also hopes to expand staff numbers eventually and train others in floristry. “My goal is to build a small, friendly team that reflects the warmth and quality of service I want people to experience,” she says.
Marylouise would like to thank her parents, Brian and Tina, her brothers, Thomas and Jack, Thomas’s partner Ruth, and her aunt Geraldine, who have supported her from day one. “They encouraged me, helped me, and believed in me even when things felt overwhelming. Most importantly, I want to thank my partner, Mark Murphy. Without him, none of this would have been possible. He worked day and night to help make my dream a reality.”
Dainty Dandelions is open on Main St from Monday to Saturday, 9.30am–5.00pm. Customers can order by phoning (087) 349 9360 or emailing daintydandelions2025@hotmail.com. You can also find the business on Instagram: @daintydandelions2025.
