Walking along the coast of Skerries, the sun is blinding, the wind is bitter and the fishermen are working diligently along the harbour.
Among the hustle and bustle on a Wednesday afternoon, there’s customers in their winter coats and sunglasses queuing up for their beloved sweet treats at a colourful little ice cream parlour.
Despite the freezing conditions, they're still desperate for some freshly whipped ice cream.
Tina McCormack came up with the business idea of Storm in a Teacup back in 2010 when she dreamed of having a little quiet place where locals could enjoy a 99 ice cream and a glass of wine while reading a good book.
But the small business quickly developed into a chain of ice cream parlours nationwide, and as Tina celebrates her birthday and wedding anniversary with her husband, her daughter Carrie took on the delightful duties at "Stormy" to give them a well deserved break.
Carrie told Dublin Live: “This is going to be our eleventh summer here and it was set up because my mam always had a little vision of serving a 99 while drinking a glass of wine and reading a book.
“She thought it’d be a little piece of heaven and it took off. She loves kids, she wanted something that was cheerful.
“We've got crepes for something warm, milkshakes, deluxe hot chocolates, different sauces, different bars, ice cream, desserts, ice cream, it’s all luscious.”
The shop is now under construction for the summer months but still looks like something from a fairy-tale with its coloured benches, cute signs and friendly staff.
"All our colours will be changed for the summer,” Carrie continued.
And what is the ice cream that people love the most?
“A 'mucky mess' with meringue, Ferrero Roche and ice cream is definitely one of the most popular order
“Funny enough, we go into the wholesalers and just pick what tastes nice. Everything is a popular purchase, it’s so simple but everyone seems to love it. An eton mess with strawberry and ice cream, they love that too.
“Hot chocolates are popular now, especially Ferrero flavoured, everyone loves it.”
Carrie says her sister Melanie and her husband, Martin and dad Colum who are a “major backbone to the family run business”.
She said: “I love working in Skerries, I’m from here, the business is local, you know everyone and they’re so friendly, our staff are brilliant, it’s like a little family.
“The fact mam and dad are here too, working with them can be challenging but I love it.
“Everyone has their own little jobs and we stick to them, it’s a nice little job. And where we are, I can't complain, there’s no real better office, is there?”
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