Learn from cookery experts, camp in stylish pods, cosy up in the mountains or relax at an operatic picnic…
Support the Ukrainian Film Festival
Taking place at the IFI Dublin from July 2-27, Irish audiences have a chance to enjoy the best of contemporary Ukrainian cinema. This film festival is part of “Untold Ukraine,” a series of art events being organised in Dublin throughout the summer; www.untoldukraine.com.
Test these new glamping pods
Six new glamping pods by Further Space, which already has eight sites in Scotland and Northern Ireland, have been installed on the Forth Mountain, Co Wexford. These pods, which launch on July 4, offer guests views across the countryside towards Blackstairs Mountain and Mount Leinster, and are directly adjacent to popular hiking and horse-riding trails. The new (pet friendly) pods sleep up to four people, and are equipped with a double bed and bunk bed, shower room, fridge, toaster, tea and coffee making facilities and USB points. Further Space explorers can expect a warm welcome with a breakfast hamper full of fresh local produce and ingredients from nearby suppliers, The Saucy Butcher. Additionally, a barbecue/firepit pack is also available.To find out more information and to book a stay – the special opening offer rate is €100 per night, per pod – visit www.further.space/.
Enjoy this new Sunday lunch (and a hike)
The Wicklow Escape, the cosy, foodie lodge in Donard, Co Wicklow has just launched a new Sunday experience “Sunday at the Escape”. The menu has been prepared by Mexican chef Fransico Ramirez Murga and comprises wood-fired dishes (such as smoked chicken, pulled pork tacos, pizzas, Waygu burgers and great family-friendly options) can be enjoyed on the covered outdoor pavilion accompanied by live music. Starting on July 3, from 1pm to 5pm, the lunches will run until the end of September. Seating capacity is for up to 50 diners and there are vegan and vegetarian options available too, though booking is essential; www.thewicklowescape.com. The Wicklow Escape has also teamed up with local hiking guide, Damien Kennedy, who offers guided hikes of Lugnaquilla at €30 per person. Commencing at 10am and taking around six hours hikes can be booked separately via Facebook and hikers can reserve their table at “Sunday at the Escape” for afterwards.
Go to the opera (and enjoy a picnic)
Puccini’s Tosca is at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre this month. The opera includes some of Puccini’s greatest scenes and most touching arias, and features the talented Irish soprano Sinead Campbell Wallace. The Irish National Opera production will play a limited run of five performances from Monday July 11 to Sunday 17. To celebrate the event, theatre goers can order an Italian-themed picnic hamper, to enjoy al fresco along the Grand Canal or in Pearse Square before the opera begins. Picnickers can collect their hamper (from 5.30pm during the week or 3pm on Sunday) which includes a selection of charcuterie and Irish cheeses served with baguette and all the trimmings including two snipe bottles of Prosecco. Hampers are priced from €60 and can be brought via Ticketmaster.
Take this cookery course
Want to update your menu repertoire or upskill in the kitchen? Dunbrody House, Co Wexford is organising a selection of summer cookery courses – from a taste of Mediterranean to a barbecue and grilling workshop – that can be booked individually or as part of an accommodation package. Starting from next Wednesday, July 6, there is a special offer price of €150 per course (which includes a light lunch) or all three courses for €395. Courses run from 9.30am to 3pm. There are special accommodation rates from €95 per person bed and breakfast midweek and from €115 per person at weekends; www.cookeryschool.dunbrodyhouse.com.
