Dublin Festival of History is underway and runs until Sunday, October 10. Now in its ninth year, the format is a mix of in-person and online events exploring wide-ranging topics such as the journey to Irish independence, black and LGBTQ+ history, as well as medieval Dublin. Fans of David Bowie should take note of “Basara: David Bowie’s Kabuki Spirit” – a discussion with Josephine Rout, curator of Japanese Art at the Victoria & Albert Museum on September 29 from 6 -7 pm. Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust-era performances incorporated many elements from kabuki. This was not necessarily an early example of cultural appropriation. Rather, Bowie learned from and worked closely with, Japanese creatives such as the kabuki actor Tamasabur? Band? V, stylist Yasuko Takahashi and designer Kansai Yamamoto; www.dublinfestivalofhistory.ie 

The New Ross Piano festival takes place from Thursday to Sunday, September 23 – 26, with a variety of concerts exploring different piano forms – from solo piano, to duets for two pianos and chamber music with works from Bach, Poulenc, Mozart, Chausson and Tchaikovsky. The festival also premieres a new work by British composer Sally Beamish, which will be performed by Charles Owen, Katya Apekisheva  (pictured) and Irish pianist Finghin Collins.  The festival’s Jazz Day shows the diversity of the piano as a genre, and includes the celebrated jazz pianist Jason Rebello. Festival concerts take place in St Mary’s Church, New Ross.; www.newrosspianofestival.com

Since launching its annual “Give Up Clothes for Good” campaign, TK Maxx customers and associates have raised over €3.7 million to support Enable Ireland. The initiative helps provide funds for vital services, including purpose-built children’s centres, accessible playgrounds and assistive technology for children and young people with disabilities. To get involved, drop off pre-loved items (both clothes and homeware) at your local TK Maxx store. These will go to Enable Ireland shops to be sold and given a new lease of life. Each bag could raise up to €20 to support children and young people with disabilities. One of this year’s ambassadors is model and TV star Millie Mackintosh (pictured) who admits she is making more conscious choices with her wardrobe, regifting clothes to others and donating to TK Maxx; https://www.tkmaxx.ie/news/giveupclothesforgood  

Guests (and passers-by) who visit The Ivy Dawson Street, Dublin 2, will notice a special “Harvest Moon” installation outside the restaurant which includes dried flowers, oversized vegetables and a glowing full moon. This theme continues inside with a seasonal cocktail menu created with Johnnie Walker. For example, the “Thyme For Harvest” cocktail (€11.75) includes Johnnie Walker Black Label, beetroot juice, lemon juice, sugar syrup, ginger beer served with thyme sprigs lemon twist. Fans of a summer Aperol will love the “Foraged Boulevardier” cocktail (€9.95) which includes Johnnie Walker Black Label, strawberry vermouth and Aperol. For further information or to book a table visit www.theivydublin.com 

Emily in Paris Season 2 starts with a global fan event on Saturday, September 25, which will be broadcast across YouTube’s channels at 1pm GMT. The show for Season 2 reveal that Emily (Lily Collins) is now more entrenched in her life in Paris, and is getting better at navigating the city, though still struggling with the idiosyncrasies of French life. After stumbling into a love triangle with her neighbour and her first real French friend, Emily is determined to focus on her work, which is getting more complicated by the day. In French class, she meets an expat who both infuriates and intrigues her …. Collins stars alongside Philippine Leroy Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, Camille Razat, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery, and William Abadie, and new cast members Lucien Laviscount, Jeremy O Harris, and Arnaud Binard. www.netflix.com 

Vicar Street performing arts centre in Dublin’s Liberties district is reopening this weekend with a series of music and comedy events running until October 21. In its 22-year history it has hosted over 5,000 shows and welcomed over five million people. Christy Moore opens the programme and the series will feature other Irish acts including Tommy Tiernan, Damien Dempsey, Villagers, Lisa O’Neill, Ardal O’Hanlon, Enya Martin, Lemoncello, Jason Byrne, Aoife Nessa Francis, Tony Cantwell, Deirdre O’Kane, Neil Delamere, Alison Spittle, The Blindboy Podcast and many more. All shows will be seated and sold at up to 60 per cent capacity, based on current government guidelines. Tickets are available in pods of two and four; www.aikenpromotions.com 

At the National Gallery of Ireland, there’s a new exhibition “Picturing People” which focuses on humanity and the everyday, from O’Connell Bridge to Croagh Patrick, with works by photographers including Dorothea Lange, Father Francis Browne and Inge Morath.  “Picturing People” includes works that depict urban and rural life, as well as individuals from different communities, cultures and backgrounds. Exhibition curator Sarah McAuliffe explains: “As the Gallery’s collection continues to expand, we’re delighted to present over 70 artworks – many newly acquired – to the public in this exhibition. Picturing People offers something for everyone and my hope for those visiting the exhibition is that they will feel a sense of warmth and joy as they move through the exhibition space.” The exhibition closes on December 5; www.nationalgallery.ie. 

Looking for a new desk? Casey’s Furniture, one of Cork and Ireland’s oldest and largest furniture retailers, is celebrating 100 years in business with a special collection. Customers can also pick up a limited-edition, locally-produced anniversary candles in store for €20: the 1921 edition and the 2021 edition. The celebrations will span for the remainder of the year as the company highlights key moments in its history and undertakes a number of charity projects; www.casey.ie 

Starting this weekend, scéalaí Niall de Búrca will be spinning tales inspired by the Wild Atlantic Way. Raised on the west coast, de Búrca has performed on six continents and at the EU parliament in Brussels (to celebrate Irish becoming an official language of the Union) and at Áras an Uachtairán. Though essentially for children, his tales of chieftains, heroines and hags, of bowsies, banshees and brave fisherfolk is sure to enchant kidults too. The premiere is on September 24 at glór in Ennis (www.glor.ie ) before moving on to Rossmore, Co Cork on September 25; www.rossmoretheatre.com 

If you are looking for brunch inspiration, Fodder Restaurant at Avoca Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, is open again after a long and challenging lockdown. Whether you want to soak up the final summer rays out on the terrace or cosy up indoors, a seasonal menu is guaranteed, one which is created from its “farm to fork” ethos and supports local suppliers. Brunch favourites include the breakfast bap or the blueberry and lemon buttermilk pancakes. Other specialities are its rotisserie chicken, kale and squash laksa, as well as a series of pizza’s freshly prepared and cooked in woodfire pizza oven; www.avoca.com 

Aran Island Ferries has launched its new food tour on Inis Mór – a collaboration with goats’ cheese producer Gabriel Faherty, who was one of the first artisan food producers on the islands. He created Aran Goats Cheese, now an award-winning product sold nationwide. Faherty admits, “It’s been a fantastic food journey, and it’s exciting to see the growth of quality food producers including the wonderful Bláth na Mara seaweed, Man of Aran Fudge and the Aran Islands Distilling Company.”

The tour allows visitors to experience historical and cultural sites, including the Dún Aengus Cliffs, the site of the Seven Churches and the island’s seal colony. Of course, a visit to Faherty’s farm and sampling his specialties is central to the trip, which can be booked online for both full and half day tours. Rates are from €70 for adults for a full day (five hour) tour or from €35 for a half day. Discounted rates are available for groups; www.arangoatcheeseandfoodtours.com . As for getting there, Aran Island Ferries docks at Kilronan Pier and Aran Food Tours pick is from there. For details and booking to all three of the Aran Islands, visit www.aranislandferries.com 

Starting at 9am on September 27, Yirah Yoga, led by Ceire O’Rourke and Clodagh Minall, will begin a six-week pop-up in the Rainforest Spa at Summerhill Hotel in Enniskerry, Co Wicklow. There will be eight classes each week – five vinyasa open flow classes, one beginners class, and two yin open classes. All classes are 60 minutes and will have a slow warm-up and a five-minute savasana. Private classes are also available on request. Clients can choose drop-in classes or opt for a six-class pass. Yirah Yoga is a practice for people looking to change the energy within, the frequency they’re transmitting, and to have a place to let go of any negative fears they have about their situation. The focus isn’t on getting your leg behind your ear or standing on your head but creating a space and practice that lets people connect with their body and breath; www.kuula.tv/yirah-yoga / @yirahyoga

And, finalement…

One way to start the weekend à la française? Pick up a baguette and add Bonne Maman’s new Hazelnut Chocolate spread – generous in hazelnuts, smooth in texture and (most importantly) palm oil-free. Available in all major retailers, it’s a little luxury guaranteed to please. From €3.79.

Main featured image: The new loungewear collection from Ireland’s Eye; www.irelandseyeknitwear.com