Kinnitty woman launches new business from vintage horsebox

Kayley Hardiman

Danielle Rock Kealy recently launched her new business at Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival's artisan food and craft fair.

She bought a 60 year-old horse box in November with the intention of converting it into a mobile refreshment stand.

The horse box remained outside her house for months until husband Daniel recently started to strip the horse box, putting down a wooden floor in the process. It will be painted red and cream over the next few weeks. Danielle first saw this being done in the UK and thought it was a “really cool idea”.

As a lover of weddings and events this is perhaps the perfect venture for the young woman. She owns another business called DK Cabs and currently works in the Sheraton Hotel.

Danielle's latest business proposition will cater to the individual's needs. The mobile refreshment stand can cater for weddings, hen parties, corporate events, christenings, private functions and dinner parties.

Danielle will sit down with the customer and plan out exactly what they want in advance. “It's something different and a bit of a novelty for the day... People have been responding really well.” One quirky thing which the business has done is introduce coffee in ice-cream cones. Their coffee is provided by Bell Lane Coffee which is an award-winning artisan coffee roasters based in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

After getting married a few years ago Danielle noticed that she found that wedding guests were stuck for something to do once the ceremony ended between the time they had to wait to greet the bride and groom.

Her refurbished horse box will provide a unique experience for people whether it be with afternoon tea, artisan coffee, ice cream, doughnuts or the extremely popular macaroons.

Danielle does not have a license to sell alcohol but she can serve it once it is provided by the client. The Vintage HorseBox offers affordable & bespoke packages for any special event. They can add special drinks, your favourite sweet treats and some vintage glam to any event.

For enquiries contact daniellekealy14@gmail.com and visit the Facebook page @thevintagehorsebox18