INSTAGRAM STORIES are rapidly catching up with (or maybe overtaking?) Snapchat as the speedy image-sharing medium of choice. Here are 16 Irish-based accounts that make for excellent viewing.

1. Annie Atkins (annieatkins)

Follow Annie, a graphic designer whose work can be seen in Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel, to learn a bit about design – no surprise, her Stories always look absolutely beautiful.

2. Gastro Gays (gastrogays)

As you might have guessed from the name, the GastroGays (AKA Russell Alford and Patrick Hanlon) are all about food, food, food, and their Stories are filled with delicious recipes and hanger-inducing photos.

3. Kirstie McDermott (kirstiemcdermott)

Kirstie (as she previously showed in our What’s In My Makeup Bag chat) is an oracle on all things beauty and interiors – and she’s refreshingly honest about what’s good, and what’s actually a load of auld shite. Her two adorable cats regularly star in her Stories, too.

4. Rebecca Flynn (its_r2theb)

Rebecca is a great one to follow if you’re looking to get away from the barrage of diet talk and food guilt that arrives every January. Her body positive chat is life-affirming and lovely (read more about it here).

5. Emer McLysaght (emerthescreamer)

We all know Emer is funny as hell, and her Insta Stories are wonderfully charming. Also watch out for the continuing battles between her three cats: Pip, Ronnie and Reggie.

6. Karen Coakley (Kenmare_Foodie)

Even more food to make you drool – Karen cooks up a storm on Insta Stories, and it may even inspire you to turn on the oven for once. (She made a stunning roast a few weekends ago that we’re still thinking about.)

7. Louise McSharry (louisemcsharry)

If you can’t get enough of our beauty columnist’s wisdom, you’ll love the recommendations that pepper her Insta Stories, along with new music she’s loving and plenty of special appearances from her cute toddler Sam.

8. Nadia El Ferdaoussi (nadia_dailyself)

Travel writer Nadia documents her adventures on her Stories – they look so good that you’ll be booting up SkyScanner within minutes.

9. Michelle (shellymc)

Michelle is a great follow for funny, honest chat on the four Fs – fatness, fashion, feminism, and fitness. You’ll want to be her friend.

10. Sinead Warren (5inead)

Sinead’s story is filled with yummy food and covetable fashion, as well relatable asides like her thoughts on people who wear jeans to lounge around the house (don’t trust them).

11. Sinéad Burke (minniemelange)

Sinéad’s Stories are delightfully varied and super educational – we joined her in celeb-spotting at the British Fashion Awards in December, while also discovering how she finds clothes to fit her 3’5″ frame. A must-follow.

12. Doireann Garrihy (doireanngarrihy)

Spin 1038 presenter Doireann is one gas ticket – she built a huge following on Snapchat, so it’s only natural that she’s taken to Instagram Stories too. We also feel it’s important to inform you that she has a great dog.

13. Sarah Hanrahan (i_come_undone)

For food and fashion, you definitely want to follow Sarah, who makes everything look good. You’ll covet her wardrobe AND her dinner.

14. Laura Kennedy (loora_kennedy)

Another beauty whizz, Laura has all the inside scoop on the latest luxury releases from the likes of Chanel and Christian Louboutin. Plus, she has a gorgeous cat (pet content is key, it seems). Everything you could want, really.

15. Sophie White (sophie_white__)

Sophie is a writer, a foodie, a mother of two and a very fashionable lady – she shares funny moments from all those areas on her Insta Stories.

16. Georgie Crawford (georgie.crawford)

Georgie is the entertainment editor for Spin 1038 and a new mother – sadly, she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

She’s made the brave decision to chat through the process on Instagram Stories and encourage young women to get checked. Get well soon, Georgie <3

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