Whether you are a Wimbledon fanatic, a literary lover, a cocktail connoisseur or you are looking for a fun family day out, here is some inspiration for the weekend ahead …
For the storytellers: Craicly Storytelling, Larchill Arcadian Gardens, Kilcock, Co Kildare, Saturday July 12
Craicly Stories has teamed up with Historic Houses of Ireland for 2025. Founder Jane Gormley’s aim is to reposition the Big House, by sharing stories of the past and bringing together people connected to the houses and surrounding region. By opening up these private spaces to the public through an intimate medium of storytelling, the attendees will have a one-of-a-kind experience. The next location is Larchill Arcadian Gardens, an original Ferme Ornee – meaning ornamental Farm – it is the only garden of its type in Europe, which attendees will hear about during the storytelling session. Following this, the attendee’s ticket also includes a guided walk of the walled garden from owner Michael as well as lunch at the café. Spend the rest of the day there to enjoy the gardens on your own time. Book here.
For cocktail connoisseurs: Dublin Cocktail Week, Friday July 11 to 20
For ten days, Dublin’s top bars, restaurants and pubs will unite for Dublin’s first ever cocktail week. How to get involved? Get a wristband. Thirty of Dublin’s beloved venues are taking part and will be offering signature cocktails priced from €7 to €10 for all wristband holders. Wristbands can be used an unlimited amount of times throughout the ten-day event. Take this opportunity to visit your favourites or discover some new spots. Confirmed venues include BAR 1661, Fidelity, Collins Club, Flight Club, Jean Georges at The Leinster, The Sackville Lounge, Zozimus Bar and many more. Enjoy this city-wide celebration of local talent, creativity and community.
For Wimbledon fanatics: Elegant and exclusive Wimbledon Brunch and viewing, The Montenotte, Co Cork, Sunday July 13
For all the dedicated tennis heads, The Montenotte hotel in Cork City is hosting an elegant and exclusive afternoon brunch and big-screen viewing of the men’s final day at Wimbledon 2025. Attendees can expect a decadent brunch buffet on arrival, as well as an à la carte menu which will include a choice of brunch favourites, from eggs benedict to florentine. After you have had your fill, take your pick between two glasses of the elegant sparkling Gusbourne Estate Blanc de Blancs 2013 from the Gusbourne Estate in Kent or the delicious Copenhagen Sparkling Tea. Attendees will then be guided to the luxurious in-house Cameo Cinema to view the final day of Wimbledon, with popcorn to boot! A beverage menu will be available for the duration of the lunch and during the tennis match, including the tennis staple Pimms, mimosas, wine and more. Book here.
For lovers of print: The Yeats Sisters Symposium, Taney Road, Dundrum, Saturday July 12
The third annual Yeats Sisters Symposium will take place on Saturday in Taney Parish Centre in Dundrum. The opening session will explore the career of Elizabeth (‘Lollie’) the artist, Froebel trained teacher, the craftswomen, fine art printer and business owner, and her influence as a trainer and mentor of young women. The second session will explore the centrality of Dundrum and Churchtown and the importance of place it was for Dun Emer Press (founded by Evelyn Gleeson and the Yeats sisters) and subsequently Cuala Industries. It became a suburban creative ecosystem that helped Evelyn Gleeson, the Yeats sisters and contributing women artists and craft makers to flourish. The event will be chaired by Dr Angela Griffith, art historian at Trinity College Dublin, and a distinguished panel of speakers will contribute, including Irish historian Dr Sinead McCoole, historian, researcher and writer Dr Antonia Hart, and lecturer Laura Thornton.
If you are in the Dundrum/Churchtown area, a new exhibition; Elizabeth Corbet Yeats: A Neglected Heroine, has been opened to the public at Dundrum Library, Dublin 14. The exhibition, which will run until July 26, is a collaboration between the Yeats Sisters Commemoration Project and the Irish Guild of Embroiderers, with the support of DLR Heritage and Libraries.
For fine food: Life Store, Straffan, Co Kildare
Eoin and Siobhán Ryan of the award-winning Victorian Tea Rooms and Straffan Antiques in Co Kildare have just opened their new venture, Life Store, in the 18th century stone buildings at Barberstown in Straffan. Their combined knowledge and experience in high-end retail and fine foods have fuelled this new concept, which will also include a curated selection of clothing and gifts. Eoin and Siobhán Ryan are serving up a delicious taste of Ireland in their new concept store, deli and café in Co Kildare, perfect for a weekend visit. @lifestorestraffan
For the whole family: Dream Point, Point Square, Dublin
Dream Point experience is a go-to spit when trying to keep the little ones busy over the summer holidays. It is a high-tech experience for the whole family, featuring a large ball pit, inflatable forests and “draw alive” colouring rooms and it is now offering family memberships so you can revisit throughout the summer season and beyond. Starting from €169, the three membership options include tickets for the month, a percentage off additional tickets, a percentage off the café – and a free cookie and ice cream each per visit. Book here.
For those interested in food: Chefs Stories by Roe & Co Distillery
Roe & Co Distillery is starting a new immersive culinary and whiskey experience, inviting guests to delve into the heart of Irish food culture through the captivating narratives of some of its most celebrated chefs from across the country, each offering a distinct experience over four weekends this summer. “Chef’s Stories by Roe & Co Distillery” is curated in partnership with, and hosted by, acclaimed food journalist Ali Dunworth, and the series will feature four of Ireland’s top culinary talents – JP McMahon, Aishling Moore, Melissa McCabe, and Graham Herterich – each taking over the distillery for a dedicated weekend. Guests will journey through the beautiful Roe & Co Distillery, exploring five unique paired courses based on the reflective prompts: Inspire, Admire, Perspire, Aspire, and Retire. Each bite sparks a memory and every sip a story, as four incredible chefs guide you through a personal journey. Taking place from August to September, don’t miss out on tickets for this exciting series, on sale www.roeandcowhiskey.com, on Tuesday July 15 at €110 per person.
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