5 Glossy Things To Do This Weekend - The Gloss Magazine

5 Glossy Things To Do This Weekend

WHAT: A new initiative called “Poetry in Bloom” is about the power of storytelling and nature, developed with the creative writing organisation Fighting Words. Visitors to Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall throughout July and August are invited to put pen to paper and write some poetry, inspired by the surroundings. There will also be a poetry trail in the Gardens and a virtual poetry wall featuring all submissions, which open on July 27 – August 31. All submissions will automatically be entered into an open prize draw to win a variety of prizes. The initiative is also marking the life of the “Poetess of Powerscourt”, Sheila Wingfield, a gifted poet and also the Viscountess of Powerscourt. She was a contemporary of some of the greatest literary figures of the early 20th century in Ireland, including WB Yeats. Her writing and poetry clearly emanates from her love of nature, with many of her poems inspired by her surroundings at Powerscourt Estate. For further information and free resources to assist in creative writing visit www.powerscourt.com/poetryinbloom and www.fightingwords.ie/poetryinbloom.

WHERE: “Bragan Bog is one of my favourite places in Monaghan,” says actress and model Caitriona Balfe. “It’s wild, desolate and usually free from other people. In the summertime it’s full of beautiful wild flowers, bog cotton, fraughans [wild blueberries] and there is always the thrill of a few skylarks: something that instantaneously brings me back to my childhood.” Designer Helen Steele is also a fan of Bragan and says, “It is at its best in July-late August … I have shot some of my collection campaigns here [above] at this time as I think it shows how beautiful the rural Monaghan landscape truly is.” Two good reasons to visit – a further one being a series of four trails, the Knockatallon Looped Walks in north Monaghan, which range from 6km -10km in length, perfect for all abilities. Here you will find one of the finest examples of “blanket bog” in Ireland – an environment that supports some of our most threatened wildlife such as the Hen Harrier. Follow @monaghantourism over the course of the summer for further insider tips on where to visit in the county. 

WHY: Forget staycations, we now have daycations for the time pressed. One of the best is a pampering experience at InterContinental Dublin. This begins with a choice of a 50-minute head massage, back massage, or reflexology, followed by a blow dry at the in-house Blow salon, with a file and polish as the finale. Guests can enjoy full use of the gym, swimming pool, jacuzzi and relaxation area before moving on to the stylish surroundings of the newly refurbished Reading Room, overlooking the sunny Garden Terrace. It’s where a Signature Afternoon Tea is served featuring a range of savoury delights and sweet treats prepared by head pastry chef Orna Larkin and her team. This package starts from €150 per person, and includes complimentary parking, to book visit www.intercontinentaldublin.ie.

HOW: If you’re thinking of packing a picnic this weekend, why not venture towards Kilkenny which has plenty of inspiring settings. Kilkenny Castle Parklands comprises 21 hectares of land with woodland walks and a children’s playground with swings, slides, bridges and benches for adults too. It’s open until 8.30pm during the summer. Then there’s Woodstock Gardens, located just outside the picturesque village of Inistioge. The gardens, overlooking the River Nore Valley, are a relaxing environment with plenty of picnic tables, a playground and an orienteering course for the more adventurous families. There is a €4 admission fee per car, payable on exit. Untouched for 200 years, Kilfane Glen & Waterfall is another picturesque setting for picnickers. It is open daily from 11am to 6pm until August 31, with an admission fee of €7 per person. Reductions are available for students, OAPs and families.

WHO: The National Gallery of Ireland is celebrating work created by three contemporary Irish artists in lockdown in a new, free exhibition “Lace, Paint, Hair.” Opening on Saturday, 25 July, the display features handmade lace by Fiona Harrington [above], oil paintings by Cian McLoughlin and a series of mixed media artworks by Eimear Murphy. All three artists have made significant contributions to the Gallery’s public programme in recent years, and the exhibition title references the materials used by the three artists while adapting to unfamiliar situations and surroundings. From Fiona Harrington’s masterful needlework to Cian McLoughlin’s pulsating ‘Crowd’ canvases and Eimear Murphy’s innovative fusion of traditional techniques with unusual media, this exhibition celebrates the art of making; www.nationalgallery.ie.

AND … The annual Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim in aid of Cancer Care West which is now in its 15th year will be taking place throughout the month of August – so some time to get into practice. The annual swim would normally see 150 people crossing the bay from Aughinish in Co Clare and finishing at Blackrock Diving Tower in Salthill, the swim is a distance of roughly 13 kilometres. This year’s swim has been reimagined. Participants are invited to swim 13km, which can be broken up throughout the whole month. Swimmers are asked to raise €100 each for Cancer Care West this year. To register for the event visit www.cancercarewest.ie or www.galwaybayswim.com.

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