Cloon Keen Roisin Dubh and Cloon Keen Lunasa Reviews + Whisperings of Eire Draw

Margaret Mangan at Cloon Keen, Irish Times

Based in Galway, Ireland, with a devout following and lineage of over 20 years, Margaret Mangan of Cloon Keen was a delight and pleasure to meet at Pitti Fragranze 2018, exuding a warmth and infectious passion for her perfumes.

Galway Landscape Cloon Keen.com

Tightly woven in whisperings of the land of its origins, all the fragrances are a tapestry of rich nuances, an evocative expression of terroir. As intriguing as the Mythology of Eire herself.

Marianne Stokes 1855-1927

Cloon Keen Roisin Dubh (Dark Rosaleen, Little Dark Rose) 2018: Mythic Black Rose, Cloon Keen Roisin Dubh, is compulsive and subversive. Darkly cloaked, addictive as Love itself, it has layers and rich opulence, how can I resist. It ignites my historical inclinations, binding to a revealing that traverse’s centuries. Inspired by a song of 16th Century origins speaking of the forbidden love of a Friar for a beautiful woman.

 I would walk in the dew beside you, or the bitter desert

In hopes I might have your affection, or part of your love

Fragrant small branch, you have given your word you love me

The choicest flower of Munster, my Roisin Dubh (16th Century)

Manuscript of 1150, Palazzo Capponi, Firenze 2018 Danu Seith-Fyr

Steeped also in the early 20th century literary and artistic Irish bohemians residing in Paris, their beloved Ireland as Muse. A scent of layers of time, cloaked in rebellious and avant-garde attire, it is the perfumed notebook of impulsive ramblings inspired by this gathering of writers in a city of beauty amongst salubrious company. Fingers caressing the vellum surface, imbibing braille-like the text beneath, the love story entwined with the lives of writers, ancestral Irish threads bound within Parisian streets.

 Books are Silent Teachers, David Smetana

 The Rose, alluring, stained implacably on the parchment pages, tones of Ink invaded by this inescapable flower.  Dusty Iris in stained parchment speaks of time until the page of the storyline, the fragrance envelops in plumes, scribed in literary bonds. Patchouli and Incense conjure darkened Parisian apartments and Latin Quartier hotels, sparsely lit, furnishings and floors littered with scents of Near Eastern culture, words urgently written and scattered in evolution, peppered with conversation, interwoven with tendrils of Tobacco. A distillation of the entanglements of time. Rose, Ink, Iris, Patchouli, Incense, Tobacco

Cloon Keen Atelier

GrainFieldSun, ThoughtCo

Cloon Keen Lunasa (Celine Guivarc’h) 2018:  Salutation to the Irish Sun God, Lugh. Cloon Keen Lunasa, Celtic celebration of the Harvestide, also referred to as Lughnasadh. A quintessential Solar fragrance, bursting in radiance. Mandarin, Neroli and Pear exude bright abundance, rampant vegetation rises in the Green Clover and the Flowers, a meadow laid out to receive me under the zenith Sun.  I am captivated as deeper underpinnings emerge to the surface reminders of the land’s sacrifice for the sake of the People.  Lugh as Corn King also cut down, reaped to abate Winter.

 Lugh, Irish American Magazine, Edith Preet 

Ambergris, Patchouli, Vetiver and Galbanum have me tracing footfall along the green verges of a lush crop, the scent of ripeness pervasive, Sun encapsulation, warmed husk and infant seed, all in Cloon Keen Lunasa is an honest celebration of the interconnection of land and peoples. Solar promise in seed of the Sun's Return. A Celebration of Life. Notes: Mandarin, Neroli, Nashi Pear, Green Clover, Violet Flower, White Rose, Ambergris, Patchouli, Vetiver, Galbanum, Angelica Roots

 Danu Seith-Fyr – Contributor

Cloon Keen Roisin Dubh and Cloon Keen Lunasa Samples received with thanks from Margaret Mangan, Cloon Keen

Nose and opinions my own.

Cloon Keen Roisin Dubh and Cloon Keen Lunasa

Thanks to Margaret Mangan and Cloon Keen we have a choice of a 100ml bottle of Cloon Keen Roisin Dubh and Cloon Keen Lunasa (your choice) for a registered reader anywhere in the world, so be sure to register if you have not done so. To be eligible please let us know what images of Eire are most evoked from Danu’s reviews of Cloon Keen Roisin Dubh and Cloon Keen Lunasa, which you would like to win and where you live. Draw closes 1/14/2019

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebon @cloonkeen @danu_sf

We announce the winners only on our website so like Cafleurebon and use our blog feed … or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

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49 comments

  • These both sound lovely. I would lean towards Cloon Keen Roisin Dubh! “peppered with conversation, interwoven with tendrils of Tobacco” I picture an elegant but restrained love, not one of pure lust, but one of desire and respect. CAN

  • fazalcheema says:

    Cloon Keen seems like they are not afraid to experiment. This may be why it is a challenge to describe them in worlds and even a list of notes does not prepare us for what we may smell and fiscover. I am more intrigued by Cloon Keen Roisin Dubh as it is a different kind of rose, with leathery and warm aspects. It is also suited to the winter weather we are experiencing now. My choice is Cloon Keen Roisin Dubh. I am in US.

  • Hi – i would love to win Roisin Dubh – the prose and the pictures made me remember the music of Roisin Dubh being played in my home as a child. The perfume will surely remind me of my father and happy Irish party nights. I am in Northern Ireland in the UK.
    Thanks for the chance to win this,

  • Roisin Dubh sounds like a smoky green Rose fragrance. I’ve never tried any perfumes from Ireland, but would love to. The Galway landscape pic is like a beautiful dream. USA

  • patrick_348 says:

    I would like to win Kloon Keen Lunasa and am in North Carolina in the USA. I liked the way Danu evoked the interweaving of pagan and Christian traditions in Ireland and how the earthy images of nature carry their force into the 20th century and beyond. I guess the imagery of the harvest seems to be to be more unusual and different from the norm in the world of fragrance.

  • A beautiful serene landscape where I could just be still and be lost.

    Cloon Keen Lunasa is interesting one. I loved how Danu Seith Fyr wrote “ an honest celebration of interconnection of land and people “.

    I have been told that Ireland is a beautiful country and has great folklore stories.

    I would like to win Cloon Keen Lunasa.

    I live in South Carolina USA

  • Wow it would be so difficult to choose! But Cloon Keen Roisin Dubh would edge out in front because I can always rely on the rose. I think it would evoke the mystery of Ireland to me. How interesting to have an Irish fragrance brand! Would love to win! I am in Melbourne Australia

  • I am so happy to see this brand here and for this opportunity. I had tried to get samples in the past, but they were not available.

    Rosin duh makes me think of elegance, a monestary and secrets. The foreboding and reckless abandon of passion.

    Lunasa makes me think of Ireland in spring, laden with fruit, full of energy, the kiss of sunlight and vibrancy of youth.

    I love the image and feeling or Ireland and this brand of course. I have my heart on lunasa and would treasure it, if I win. I live in the USA,ms.

  • Both scents sounds just awesome looking by the notes list. Still, i would go for the Cloon Keen Lunasa since i love the note of violet mixed with vetiver. Thanks for this great giveaway, i am in the EU.

  • Years ago, I visited Ireland and reading this review brought back the feelings I had during that wonderful visit. The land was beautiful and the people were warm, friendly and a lot of fun.

    Lunasa would be my choice and I live in Canada.

  • Monica Beaton says:

    “Tightly woven in whisperings of the land of its origins, all the fragrances are a tapestry of rich nuances, an evocative expression of terroir. As intriguing as the Mythology of Eire herself.”

    Beautiful review Danu – I love your poetic lilt. Amazing imagery as well. While both fragrances sound lovely, I think Cloon Keen Lunasa would suit me and our climate as well.

    Thank you CaFleureBon and Cloon Keen for such a generous giveaway. I live in Australia.

  • Thanks for another great review, Danu! I’ve fallen in love with Cloon Keen since I stumbled upon their fragrance Terre d’Encens several years ago
    I adore this house. The picture of the Galway Landscape from Cloon Keen.com represents this house for me. Like what Danu said- ‘Tightly woven in whisperings of the land of its origins, all the fragrances are a tapestry of rich nuances, an evocative expression of terroir. As intriguing as the Mythology of Eire herself.’ I have Lunasa and it’s a very gorgeous fragrance. I’d love to win Raisin Dubh. Thanks for this opportunity. – CA, USA

  • I would love to have a chance to win Roisin Dubh.

    Danu’s review evokes an eternal deep rose where time stands still. The smell of ink is very contemplative and meditative to me and adds to the stillness. The background notes serve to remind that there’s life outside there, outside the bubble I’m imagining myself in.

    Based in Canada.

  • Hi,
    I like the image and feeling of Ireland and this brand of course. For me it’s only a wish. I’ve never tried any perfumes from Ireland, but for my girlfriend i choose Roisin Dubh.
    I’m from EU.

  • doveskylark says:

    I loved the images and associations my mind made when I read the review of Roisin Dubh. I thought about the Irish writers in Paris, longing for their homeland, trying to recreate some of their faraway land through their words…I wondered if the beauty of Paris would ever be enough.
    I would choose Roisin Dubh.
    I live in the USA.

  • My mother and I used to love listening to the song, Galway Girl, and its story of passion for an irresistible Gallway girl. I’d love to win Cloon Keen’s Roisin Dubh which seems to convey a similar message of impossible longing.
    FYI the version of Galway Girl my mother and I liked the best was by Celtic Thunder.
    Sarah Colton, Paris France

  • Roisin Dubh reminded me of scenes from the film The Name of the Rose. Sounds like something Sean Connery would have worn.
    Never heard of the brand, so i Would love to win the Roisin Dubh
    I am German

  • BostonScentGuy says:

    Not familiar with this house and all and loved reading about it! Besides the beautiful name Roisin Dubh, the description of the verdant, floral, sun-drenched materials of Lunasa stood out to e as evocative of the place. The imagery of Lugh, and the idea of harvesting to “abate winter” also stuck with me! Thanks so much for this draw. I would love to win Lunasa. I’m in the US.

  • I very like the reviews and the pictures in the article. I would chose Cloon Keen Lunasa, because it sounds just that type of fragrance I love. From the notes of this fragrance, I imagine a lovely elven girl walking in a magic garden. Thank you for the draw. I live in Europe.

  • Roisin Dubh has me thinking of old castles and Lunasa of the train rolling through green hills which I’ve yet to visit. Thank you Danu for the dreamy description and Margaret Mangan house of Cloon Keen which I’cant wait to experience thanks so much for the chance. Normally I would go for the dark rose but I’m trying to widen my senses and I’d like to try Lunasa if possible. Thanks again Margaret for the sample bottles to try. USA

  • The fragrance Roidin Dubh sounds amazing. I love Ireland. Was in Connemara in August. Heavenly. Thank you for the chance to win! I live in the US.

  • I probably won’t be original: Danu’s excellent review has made me think of each romantic comedy which takes place in Ireland: Law of Attraction, PS I love you, something with Uma Thurman. Those emerald fields are impossible to forget, and it’s been a dream of mine for a long time to go see them for myself.

    I must confess that I don’t know much about the Irish mythology but
    I’ll look into it. Lugh reminds me of ever-giving Demeter.

    Cloon Keen Lunasa would be my choice should I win, although Cloon Keen Roisin Dubh sounds terrific. Thanks for the generous draw.
    I live in Russia

  • What a beautiful review, so evocative of the fragrances and of Ireland itself! I’ve only visited Ireland twice, but one trip was last summer when Ireland had much less rain than normal. The countryside was still so GREEN, but we had one sunny day after another, which the review evoked. We visited several world-famous gardens and other historic sites, and the review reminded me of several: the Trinity College library with the Book of Kells, and the Powerscourt gardens. among others. Cloon Keen Lunasa would be my choice! I live in the USA. Thank you for doing the draw!

  • I think the most evocative picture for me is the painting by Marianne Stokes – so beautiful. And though both scents sound so intriguing, the painting perhaps goes better with Roisin Dubh. I’ve had the chance to smell the candles at Brown Thomas in Cork last summer and sampling Castana is high on my list – would be stoked to win the bottle, and honestly, both fragrances, though very different, sound fantastic. Roisin Dubh? Thanks! I’m in the USA.

  • Wonderful review as always, And what images this review evoked I would say endless rolling green hills with a warm bright sunset and smell of sweet dew in the air 🙂 I think Irelands countryside would be pretty incredible maybe go fishing and diving in the irish sea. Anyway if I got lucky and won I’d pick Cloon Keen Roisin Dubh… yummm Iris, Patchouli, Incense, Tobacco right off the bat 4 awesome notes sounds definitely love to try and love the juice color also .

    Canada here …thanks for great review and for amazing giveaway much appreciated.

  • What a great tribute to the wonderful landscape of ireland. I love the idea of the Cloon Keen Lunasa. Ireland with its perpetual mists and rain gives way to a break in the clouds and sun. This I’ve got to sniff. Thanks a a beautifully written review and to a delightful draw. I’m in the USA

  • Wonderful review as always. I would be very tempted by Roisin Dubh – for some reason it is evoking a memory of beautiful rolling green hills

  • Both fragrances sound pretty good , but i much prefer the notes of Roisin Dubh – rose, ink, iris, patchouli, incense and tobacco.I just love balsamic unorthodox type of fragrances.Hope both tobacco and ink are well pronounced .
    I have never heard of this house before , or any other comming from Ireland.I’ll check them out + follow @cloonkeen on IG.
    Thank you for the generosity .
    Virginia USA or London UK … at least 97/100 times

  • Roisin Dubh makes me think of dark and sultry imagery. Damp alleys, gothic aesthetic, and the like. Lunasa is like a bright and sunny field on a summer day.
    I’d like to get Roisin Dubh if I win.
    Im in IL in the US. Thanks for the draw

  • The images of Eire that are most evoked from Danu’s reviews of Cloon Keen Roisin Dubh and Cloon Keen Lunasa are that of an old Irish manuscript and a lush meadow. I wouldn’t mind reading a book in an Irish meadow right now!! Based solely on Danu’s review and my own research, I would like to win Lunasa. I’m in the US.

  • I love the image of Marianne Stokes, the beautiful black drape is the best I’ve seen. I would love to win Cloon Keen Lunasa.
    I live in California

  • RaePerfumeSoul says:

    I have been looking for a Ambergris perfume, so would love to win Cloon Keen Lunasa .

    In UNITED KINGDOM.

  • Cloon Keen Lunasa sounds perfect! Mandarin, pear and neroli as top notes continuing with ambergris, vetiver and patchouli would make this one a perfect choice for the warmer, upcoming weather. I am in EU. Thanks!

  • marcopietro says:

    Great review! Beautiful suggestions of words and images, the description of the fragrances solicits curiosity, for the bold and unusual combinations. My favorite could be Lunasa with its hymn to the sun.
    I’m in EU.
    Thanks!

  • What a timely article! I’m actually traveling to Galway soon, so Cloon Keen has been added to my list of places to visit while I’m there. (I’m also headed back to The Burren Perfumery because my whole family loved it last time.) Both perfumes are tempting, but I see clover notes so rarely that my choice would be Lunasa. Ireland is verdant and lovely, and a harvest fragrance seems appropriate. I’m in the US. Thanks for the drawing!

  • Both descriptions read like something I’d like to wear. My pick would beCloon Keen Roisin Dubh. US

  • Danu Seith- Fyr says:

    Again and again, thanks are inadequate, these are truly beautiful fragrances, unique and inspired, it was a joy to sense them in words, and to invite the readers here to follow suit.

  • To me, the Marianne Stokes painting evokes the feeling and energy of Eire. Green, yet dark. Sparse, yet overflowing with beauty. I also love the image of the woman with books. Being second generation Irish, I associate the love of literature and music with my Irish side. I remember seeing (and hearing) so many folks in pubs in Dublin reading books or reading poetry aloud.

    Both perfumes sound gorgeous. I’d pick Lunasa because of the notes, but also because I love the Celtic band Lunasa. I’ve tried Cloon Keen’s Terre d’Encens and Lune de Givre, and hope to someday get my nose on Castana! I live in the U.S. and thanks for the draw.

  • I would love to win: Roisin Dubh Mythic. This part “Darkly cloaked, addictive as Love itself, it has layers and rich opulence, how can I resist.” So how can I resist 🙂 I live in EU. Thank you for this wonderful draw.

  • Oh, it is so poetic!: “Ambergris, Patchouli, Vetiver and Galbanum have me tracing footfall along the green verges of a lush crop, the scent of ripeness pervasive, Sun encapsulation, warmed husk and infant seed, all in Cloon Keen Lunasa is an honest celebration of the interconnection of land and peoples. Solar promise in seed of the Sun’s Return.”
    Never heard about any Irish perfumery, or tryed something, but Lunasa sounds very appealing. I like the combo of the green and sunny accords.
    I would like to win LUNASA.
    Many thanks,
    I am in the EU.

  • I choose Roisin Dubh. I haven’t found yet my perfect rose suitable for men. Maybe this time? This time sensual, poetic rose is balanced with ink giving it a darker masculine vibe. Together with patchouli, frankincense and tobacco making it an interesting unisex fragrance with bohemian mood. I can imagine this as a dark, black rose evoking some kind of longing. Longing for impossible love. Love of a friar to a beloved girl. Love of poets living on exile for their beloved country. I think this sense of longing is typical for Irish spirit. I am Polish and can understand it well. Just like Irish we had long times in our history fighting for independence. Our most important works of art in literature and music were made by political exiles in Paris expressing their love, yearning and support for their faraway homeland. If Roisin Dubh manages to capture this feeling I am for this. I live in Poland, EU. Thanks for the draw.

  • Beautiful review by Danu and Rosin Dubh sounds most appealing to me! With and opening line like this “Darkly cloaked, addictive as Love itself, it has layers and rich opulence, how can I resist,” I know this is for me. I love the darkness and depth of the fragrance. I live in the US and thanks for the giveaway! 🙂

  • This sounds so intoxicating! Rose, patchouli and ambergis have got me in love!!! I’m in Oregon USA Thanks so much, fingers crossed for this lovely!

  • I love the image of The grain fields which are always so serine and amazing to behold. I would like the notes of Cloon Keen Lunasa to win. I live in CA, USA.

  • Irish Perfumery??? Wow Cloon Keen Atelier has been brewing since 2002 and I’ve never heard of the line until this write up. I’m really interested in the ink note in Roison Dubh. But today, I am experiencing a cold rainy day and it is forecasted that there is more to come. So Lunasa would be my choice to “abate winter” and reminded me to celebrate the land and people as I remain indoors. Great giveaway. Not so sunny California

  • Both perfumes sound really nice , but during the winter i’m more into darker smoky fragrances , so Roisin Dubh is the one for me.Never been to Galway or Ireland , only to Northern Ireland , but i’m open to the idea of irish fragrances 🙂
    Great opportunity – thank you.
    Back and forth between USA and Scotland -> 1 week in US -> next one in Scotland and so on.

  • Loved this article. I am really drawn to the notes of Roisin Dubh (I love rose and incense fragrances)
    I live in the USA.