Don’t leave your pooch behind when you go shopping this weekend – take him along to Dundrum Town Centre where you’ll find the “Pooch Pitstop” in Pembroke Square on August 20 – 22, from 11am – 4pm. In partnership with the DSPCA, Dundrum Town Centre has planned a whole weekend of “pawsome” fun including games, complimentary treats, doggy doughnuts, puppacinos and a special hydration station. There’ll also be the opportunity for pets to test their agility over some fun jumps and games. If you or your pooch could do with a refresher course on training, experts from the DSPCA will be on hand from 12pm – 2pm daily to answer queries and give tips. While all of these activities and treats are complimentary, donations to the DSPCA are welcomed. Keep an eye out for their education unit outside Movies@Dundrum on Town Square where you can find out more about their work, enquire about adoption, fostering and volunteering; www.dundrum.ie.

Another pop up to visit is that of Beo Sleep Well, which has just arrived at Arnotts. The pop up coincides with the launch of two new gorgeous collections created by founders Aoibhín Garrihy and Sharon Connellan. Says Garrihy, “From wall prints to silk to knitwear, contemporary luxury at home remains at the core of our brand strategy.” The “Dreamers Collection” is a set of three bedroom wall prints inspired by Irish myths and the magic of the west of Ireland, created in collaboration with artist Kerry Eugenie. The aim is to add a bit of wonder and magic to childrens’ bedrooms. For grown-ups, the Inis Collection of Aran-knit throws and socks available in three shades (green, grey and ecru) is perfect for getting cosy when the weather does not live up to expectations! www.arnotts.ie

This Saturday, August 21, is the launch of an exciting collaboration between Galway’s JP McMahon and Eoin Cluskey of Bread41. JP will be bringing the flavours of the west of Ireland to one of the most renowned bakeries in the country. Get up early for some of Bread41/Tartare’s dillisk croissants and pain au chocolat, featuring milled dillisk from Connemara. These go on sale simultaneously at Tartare in Galway and Bread41 on Dublin’s Pearse Street. The products mark the first in a series from the artisan bakery and the Galway café and wine bar, with more flavours of the west coming soon; www.bread41.ie.

“Lúnasa” curated by Stephen O’Connell is an exhibition of Irish craft and design at Lavit Gallery Cork. Taking its name from the ancient Irish festival that traditionally marked the beginning of the harvest season, this multidisciplinary exhibition brings together a selected group of craftspeople working in both traditional and contemporary craft idioms. Work will include traditionally-inspired slipware pieces by Jim Behan, functional ironwork by blacksmith Michael Budd, hand-carved sculptural  furniture by David Cousley, basketry by Kathleen McCormick, experimental glassware by Laura Quinn, Mary Palmer’s quilting inspired by 19th-century examples, and silver by Annemarie Reinhold informed by her interest in native wild Irish flora. The exhibition runs until August 28; www.lavitgallery.com.

One of Dublin’s most iconic pubs, The Hill, has reopened its doors after the completion of a sympathetic renovation. The building which originally opened in 1845, has been a part of the Ranelagh and Dublin 6 community with a number of proprietors all having put their stamp on this timeless bar and one time grocers. The new owners have retained much of its original character – guests will find original gold mirrored plating above the bar with one of the previous owners’ names etched into its design. There’s also some original brass and wood fittings dotted throughout the space, with a snug at the very front of the bar for cosy gatherings on cooler nights. As for the menu, chef Derek Marsden is offering elevated comfort food with a focus on bold flavours – from a classic Reuben with sliced pastrami, to the tasty Gochujang chicken and cheese with pulled gochujang chicken. Signature cocktails meanwhile include Kennedy’s Call – a smoked Old Fashioned using Jameson Black Barrel whiskey, with a blend of subtle flavours such as pear, apple, cardamom and vanilla; www.thehillpub.ie.

It’s National Heritage Week and if you are in the Kildare area, why not explore Arthur’s Way – a 16km trail that can be walked or cycled – taking in some historic sites linked to Guinness family and offering the chance to see both Leixlip and Celbridge – with Leixlip Castle, Castletown House and the Lyons Estate (now home to the exclusive Cliff at Lyons Hotel) all presenting some photo opportunities along the way. Where to dine? Try Silken Thomas in Kildare town, or Shoda Market Café in Maynooth for brunch. Also recommended is McDonnell’s in Newbridge while Athy’s Bailey’s Bar and Bistro is another option for those visiting the south-west of Kildare; www.intokildare.ie.

If you are in Brown Thomas Dublin do pop up to Level 3 to marvel at a new handmade (10kg) chocolate sculpture by Grá Chocolates, which has taken three months to perfect. Taking native wildflowers as a starting point for colours and patterns and using stones and twigs that the Grá team collected to make moulds, each element of the elaborate sculpture has been painstakingly cast and made in chocolate. This artisan confectionery brand was created by the award-winning pastry chef, Gráinne Mullins, and her team in Galway. Each chocolate from Grá Chocolates is meticulously made and painted by hand, combining the finest raw ingredients with native Irish flavours; www.brownthomas.com.

Low carb, low sugar and low calorie … are hard seltzers too good to be true? Well why not find out at the “White Claw Wave of Summer” pop up – an immersive experience at Lock 6, Portobello, Dublin from August 18 – September 5. Local artists have branded the exteriors with a special mural while Irish DJs will perform each day. Of course there will be a chance to experience and learn more about hard seltzer and White Claw (only 95 calories) which blends sparkling water with triple distilled alcohol and a hint of natural fruit flavour. The pop up also features a partnership with Chubby Co for merchandise, a can recycle wall collaboration with Every Can Counts and daily DJ performances. The pop up is open from Wednesday to Sunday to book your spot visit: www.waveofsummerie.whiteclaw.com.

Did you know the spiritual meaning of the curlew is to stop and take notice of your surroundings? This sculpture, forged by Michael Calnan and Gunvor Anhøj, in Wicklow using bronze, oak and copper, is a strong visual reminder to take time out to sense and appreciate your environment this weekend. The sculpture is just one of many original artworks to be found at the Kildare Gallery in Carton House, Carton Demesne, Maynooth, Co Kildare; www.TheKildareGallery.ie.

If you haven’t been in a while, do book a table at Roly’s Bistro in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, where its new indoor terrace is bright and beautiful. The menu never disappoints with favourites such as its fresh prawn cocktail, crab claws with garlic, chilli and ginger butter for starters. Mains include grilled dover sole, a delicious seafood plater and, of course, the iconic Dublin bay prawns with garlic, chilli and ginger with coriander scented rice. You can also order online for collection or delivery within 6km; www.rolysbistro.ie.

There’s a distinct nip in the air these days, so many might be tempted to have a small nip in the evenings. Try Roe & Co Irish Whiskey’s latest innovation, Roe & Co Japanese Sugi. This whiskey has already garnered awards from The Spirits Business Irish Whiskey Masters 2021, and showcases a unique wood type, Japanese Sugi, as well as an interesting maturation which results in layers of flavour. George Harper, Master Blender for Roe & Co explains, “When looking to create unique flavours as a blender, we turn to raw materials such as wood to add that depth and uniqueness to the liquid. Irish Whiskey regulations allow us to look beyond oak and so working with Japanese Sugi wood has been a really exciting process for us. The liquid has a lovely base character, adding on layers of wood space, tropical fruit and grassy herbal notes, while retaining the character of Roe & Co.” Roe & Co Japanese Sugi is perfect served neat, over ice, or built into Japanese inspired highballs. Priced at €80 per bottle, it is available to preorder via this link: shop.roeandcowhiskey.com.  

Launching on August 20 is artist and designer Caroline Duffy’s new collection of silk scarves. The “Be Fearless” silk scarf features peony blooms and radiant colours, full of the joys of nature. The “Blissfully You’” scarf is an explosion of blue poppies. Prices start from €135; each scarf is individually designed in Ireland before being printed on fine silk in Como, Italy. Of the new campaign, modelled by Sophie Anderton, Duffy says, “My vision for each scarf is that they embody joy, femininity and strength, things I feel myself while out in nature. One of my passions is sharing these feelings with others, so they too can feel gorgeous, strong, fearless and unstoppable!” www.carolineduffdesigns.com

Many parents and children will be preparing for the new school term this weekend. Time to look at Søstrene Grene’s new collection of notebooks, tote bags, writing tools and accessories for organising an inspiring deskscape at home. Remember that all Søstrene Grene’s stationery paper products are FSC®-certified, supporting responsible management of the world’s forests. The sisters have also collaborated with Plan International on certain new products. By purchasing these, you contribute to the support of girls’ education in East Africa. Discover the popular Plan International tote bag in three new designs, made of organic cotton, and two notebooks in similar designs. For each tote bag sold, they donate €0.67 to the important cause, and €0.40 for each notebook; www.sostrenegrene.com.

Already synonymous with beautiful scents in the form of diffusers and candles, Max Benjamin has just launched a new range of room mists. French Linen Water scent is reminiscent of evenings on the veranda in Provence, overlooking fields of fresh lavender. This romantic floral aroma has notes of lavender, sweet orange, petitgrain and citrus. There’s also Acqua Viva conjuring up visions of crisp, warm nights in Positano or Capri, the fragrance has top notes of mandarin, orange, lemon and cassis lead to a heart of cardamom and pepper with underlying base notes of musk, amber and cedarwood. The new natural room mists, priced at €25, made in Ireland, are perfect for freshening up a room or adding a sensational scent to home fabrics; www.maxbenjamin.com.

The fabulous four star Rathmullan House in Co Donegal is run by Mark and Mary Wheeler with the help of their children. It’s one to have on your radar for an early autumn break (rates for October start from €160 per room bed and breakfast). Non-residents are also welcome to dine and if you are in the vicinity, the hotel’s Pavilion and outdoor dining pods provide alfresco dining on the shores of Lough Swilly. Pavilion serves a delicious menu of stone baked pizza and local farmhouse beers. Nearby attractions to help you work up an appetite include exploring Lough Swilly by boat, rambling the rugged Atlantic coastline, discovering sea caves by kayak, cycling in Glenveagh National Park, playing some of Donegal’s links golf courses, exploring Ards Forest Park and experiencing breath-taking views from the top of Muckish and Mount Errigal; www.rathmullanhouse.com.

One for next weekend: At The Manor, the outdoor celebration of music and culture at Palmerstown House Estate, has announced an extra weekend of events and there’s still time to book. “Move At The Manor” is a new health and wellness event which will be taking place on Saturday, August 28 from 10am – 4pm. Featuring a main stage line-up of fun workouts and classes, here will also be smaller group classes, talks and workshops run in socially distanced pods throughout the day hosted by industry insiders Greg O’Shea, Bernard Brogan, Daniel Davey, Kate McDaid and Aidan O’Mahony. In the evening “House Classics At The Manor” returns with Abba and Tom Jones tribute bands. “Picnic At The Manor” will take place on Sunday, August 29. Guests at House Classics and Picnic At The Manor will have a reserved picnic table seating for four to six people. Tickets are priced from €30 per person plus booking fee and are sold in pods only. Tickets are on sale now via www.atthemanor.ie.