WHY: There are many events taking place around the country to celebrate International Women’s Day, which has as its theme #EachforEqual this year. At Reformation on Dublin’s Waterloo Lane, there is a “Magic and Mantra” evening, today, March 5 from 6.30-8pm which is described as a “dynamic flow” session led by Susie Murray – a chance to move, sing and connect. On Friday March 6, at Poetry Ireland HQ, 11 Parnell Square East, Dublin 1, at 1pm, there is a celebration of women poets with many in attendance including Aifric MacAodha, Catherine Ann Cullen, Catherine Phil MacCarthy, Grace Wilentz and Jessica Traynor. On Saturday at the Bank of Ireland Cultural and Heritage Centre, Westmoreland Street, there is a a special look at the poems honouring the formative female figures in Seamus Heaney’s life, part of the “Listen Now Again” permanent exhibition. On March 8, a special Moon Medicine gathering at the famous Pillar Room within the Rotunda Hospital is led by Kathy Scott of The Trailblazery. Guest speakers will share their stories from a range of cultural backgrounds, all are advocating for social justice and gender equality. www.thetrailblazery.com 

WHERE: Shining a light on Dublin’s past and present music heritate is the new Hard Rock Hotel Dublin on Exchange Street. Music memorabilia from artists such as David Bowie, Phil Lynott, Beyonce, Hozier and Kurt Cobain is displayed around the hotel, which straddles a listed building dating from the early 20^th century and the adjacent former Fashion House building, both linked by a new glass bridge. The interiors are design-led and the 120 guest rooms and suites are cosy featuring lush textures, handpainted wallpaper, Crosley vinyl turntables with records, as well as Fender guitars for inpromptu jam sessions – complete with amp, headphones and soundproofing. I was impressed with the impressive wellness “Rock Om” programme (an in-room yoga experience) as well as Zampas Restaurant & Bar which has a South American-inspired menu using locally-sourced ingredients. The hotel is currently offering an overnight Toast & Jam package in a Superior Queen Bedroom from just €289 per room per night based on two people sharing. www.hardrockhotels.com/Dublin

WHO: This weekend is the 14^th Ennis Book Club Festival which comprises walking tours, yoga sessions, art exhibitions and, of course, plenty of chat about books led by local authors, including Sarah Breen and Emer McLysaght. To celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday, March 6, Sharon Cahir will be in conversation with Carla White, Danne Reed and Niamh Ennis on why change can be a good thing. Also on Friday, Caroline Foran, bestselling author of Owning It and The Confidence Kit will talk about how to make anxiety your ally. There’s a pop-up meeting celebrating Margaret Atwood’s novel The Testaments in the Temple Gate Hotel, while Ian Maleney, author of Minor Monuments, will be discussing memory, belonging and the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on family, in a weaving of film, sounds, music and live reading. For a full programme, which includes poetry readings, a singing circle and wine tastings visit www.ennisbookclubfestival.com 

WHERE: It was in Armagh that St Patrick began his Christian mission and the city has a two-week Home of St Patrick festival which starts on March 6. Highlights this year include singer Brian Kennedy in concert at the atmospheric Church of Ireland Cathedral; an opportunity to experience St Patrick’s Day sunrise at Navan Centre & Fort and a celebration of St Patrick at the Roman Catholic Cathedral led by composer and presenter John Anderson with visiting international choirs. The Big Telly Theatre Company also brings its production of The Worst Café in the World to The Shambles Yard. At The Market Place Theatre there will be a screening of Oscar-nominated animated drama The Breadwinner and a exhibition, “Sweeney Astray” by Northern Irish artist Desmond Kinney based on Seamus Heaney’s version of the medieval Irish work Buile Suibhne. www.visitarmagh.com 

WHAT: In search of the new? Then if you are in East Cork this weekend, two new places in the pretty coastal village of Ballycotton are worthing check out. Sea Church, formerly St Colman’s, has undergone a multi-million euro restoration by local entrepreneur Pearse Flynn and will be an intimate music and events venue (keep checking the programme as many events are already sold out!). Part of the project is the old schoolhouse behind the church, which has been developed into Sea Church Restaurant due to open this weekend from breakfast to dinner on Saturday and Sunday. www.seachurch.ie

Also new is Cush Restaurant overlooking Ballycotton Pier and the Ballycotton lighthouse. The restaurant is headed up by rising culinary star, chef Dan Guerin, who worked previously at Sage in Midleton and Michelin-star restaurant Campagne in Kilkenny. The weekend dishes include Slip Sole on the Bone with Seaweed Butter Sauce; Roast King Oyster Mushroom, Slow Cooked Egg and Crispy Onions; and Velvet Cloud Panna Cotta with Poached Rhubarb and Gingerbread.  As part of the wider offering Cush Maritime Bar and Cush Guesthouse are also open and newly refurbished. The latter offers cosy, tastefully decorated bedrooms with spectacular sea views rooms start at €95 per night. www.cush.ie

AND … The Sidecar bar at The Westbury is a GLOSS favourite and there’s an added incentive to visit – there’s a new cocktail list curated by the team. For Martini (or James Bond) fans, the Sidecar Martini is made on a glamorous Martini trolley at your table. Each aperitif is inspired by an old favourite, the history of which is beautifully told and illustrated alongside a description of the concoction in a specially produced hardback menu, which is also available for guests to purchase; www.doylecollection.com.