Those wishing to shop sustainably and pick up a designer bargain should note the new pop-up boutique from Designer Exchange which has opened at Kildare Village. Known for its pre-loved luxury items, Designer Exchange is now offering customers at Kildare Village the opportunity to buy, sell, and exchange their designer goods until Sunday, January 9. The boutique will feature a range of designer handbags and accessories and their knowledgeable staff will provide guests with honest and genuine customer service; www.kildarevillage.com.

There’s a special covered Christmas market taking place at Union Cafe, 68 Deerpark Road, Mount Merrion, Dublin this weekend on December 18 and 19. The market is offering a wide range of gift products from Gemstones handmade jewellery, to bespoke men’s shirts by Devils Edge shirt company, as well as Snugíbabóg doggy and baby sweaters, Mummy Picks wooden toys, and festive wooden reindeers from Wood You Believe. It’s the perfect spot to shop local and if you haven’t yet got a Christmas tree, Short Brothers will be at the fair selling beautiful trees from from 5ft – 12ft with stands provided and fitted; www.unioncafe.ie.

The Guinness Open Gate Brewery has partnered with the Laughter Lounge for a Christmas Comedy Club special during which guests can enjoy delicious food paired with some feel good laughter. Last Sunday Andrew Ryan and Eric Lalor entertained, while this Sunday, December 19 it’s the turn of Rory O’Hanlon and Joe Rooney. There are two shows each day – the first begins at 1pm – allowing guests time to enjoy some food ahead of the show at 2pm. The second show will open at 5pm and start at 6pm.  Tickets are available to purchase on Open Table; www.guinnessopengate.com.

Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire, has an excellent online programme with some lovely Christmas events. One of these is Eimear Quinn’s “Solace at Christmas” concert, which will be available to watch for 48 hours, from Tuesday, December 22, 8pm until Thursday, December 24, 8pm; www.paviliontheatre.ie.

For a celebratory cocktail post-shopping pop over to The Ivy Dawson Street, Dublin 2, where you’ll find a “snow day” installation of Norwegian spruce, crystallised twigs and giant glittery snowflakes outside (perfect for a festive selfie) with the theme carried on inside. There’s a limited edition Snow Day cocktail menu which includes the Thyme for Apple Pie cocktail made with Chivas, lemon, cinnamon and apple cider (€13.70). Little Helper is sure to delight gin fans with Monkey 47 Black Forest Gin, pineapple, lime, cranberry and Prosecco (€14.95), while the Snowy Libation features Monkey 47 Black Forest Gin, Lillet Blanc, Campari, marmalade, lemon and orange bitters (€13.75). For further information or to book a table at The Ivy Dawson Street visit www.theivydublin.com.

The Henry Girls are three sisters from Co Donegal renowned for their captivating and often moving live performances interweaving their cultural heritage with a transatlantic flavour. Earlier this month they recorded a performance at The Ark which can now be watched at home, and was especially created for younger audiences. Tickets for Tracks in the Snow are on sale from €10 giving access to an exclusive streaming link which can be booked via www.theark.ie. The performance combines “heavenly harmonies and recreates an enchanting world of sparkling icicles, the joy of sledding at high speed and the wonder of the Aurora Borealis on a frosty night.” www.thehenrygirls.com 

Do you know which Taittinger Champagne is your favourite? You can find out at the g Hotel, Galway via a guided tasting experience from next Monday, December 20 until December 23. The Tasting Experience takes place in the cocktail lounge and includes discovering three Taittinger Champagnes: the Champagne Taittinger, the Champagne Taittinger Prestige Rosé, and the Champagne Taittinger Nocturne. Once you have picked your favourite, you will receive a full glass to enjoy. The Taittinger tasting Experience Range is €35 per person and pre-booking is essential; www.theghotel.ie.

Gabriel Byrne photographed by Jerome De Perlingh.

One performance to book now is Walking with Ghosts, the world premiere of Gabriel Byrne’s best-selling memoir of the same name. This will take place in the Gaiety Theatre Dublin from January 27 – February 6. Directed by Emmy award-winning director Lonny Price, Byrne will be starring in the hilarious and heartbreaking production for twelve performances only. His memoir (which makes a great gift for bibliophiles) recounts his childhood growing up on the outskirts of Dublin, where Byrne sought refuge in a world of imagination among the fields and hills near his home, at the edge of a rapidly encroaching city. Moving between sensual recollection of childhood and a commentary on stardom in Hollywood and on Broadway, he returns to his home town to reflect on a life’s journey. Tickets are from €26 and are available from www.ticketmaster.ie.

If you can’t face cooking Christmas dinner, good news is at hand. After the sell-out success of its boxes last Christmas, Asador has launched its latest “at home” offering – The Christmas Roast Box. This includes a full three course meal (and cookies for Santa) and contains everything you need for Christmas lunch or dinner – from chicken liver parfait with brioche and spiced pear and chutney for starters, with a main course of turkey crown, a fully cooked honey glazed ham, with accompaniments such as honey glazed carrots and parsnips, duck fat roast potatoes, Brussel sprouts with bacon, sage and onion stuffing. Of course there is Christmas pudding complete with brandy butter and creme anglaise. You can also choose to add on wine, cheese, sharing bites, cocktails and more. Available for pre-order The Christmas Roast box is €295 and is sufficient for up to ten people with collection on December 23; www.asador.ie.