Autumn is well and truly here. Kick start the new season with these events …
Enjoying the 50th Annual Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships
As the longest running annual national ballooning event in the world, around 40 ballooning teams from Ireland, Europe, Chile and the USA are expected to take part in the Championships, which began on Saturday, September 24 and runs until Friday, September 30 at Birr Castle Demesne, Co Offaly. There are two scheduled flights per day in the mornings and late afternoons, which make for an impressive sight and Instagram opportunity. Entry costs are from €6 per person and pre-booking is essential; www.birrcastle.com.
Experience Galway’s International Oyster Festival
Galway’s International Oyster Festival is well underway and visitors can participate in a Seafood Trail as part of the event. On the route is McSwiggans Oyster bar, which will be fully stocked with Dooncastle oysters over ice, and lots of other seafood options. The landmark bar and restaurant has been a part of Galway life for over 30 years, evolving from a lively country store trading potatoes in the iconic Woodquay Market to now being a welcoming place to eat the best of what Ireland has to offer on a plate; www.mcswiggans.ie.
Taking in this new art exhibition
“Turning Corners” by Ranelagh-based artist Gerard Byrne at the Gerard Byrne Studio, opened on Culture Night and comprises a selection of gorgeous plein air and figurative works, all executed during the three lockdown phases, spanning spring 2020 to summer 2021. There are some 60 works on display in the newly reconfigured gallery. In addition a new book, Turning Corners, features illustrations of Byrne’s complete lockdown output of 150 artworks, alongside an accompanying text by Susan Stairs. This is a lovely gift for art enthusiasts, historians, gardeners and those interested in Dublin’s architectural heritage. The exhibition will continue until October 23; www.gerardbyrneartist.com.
Watch Sister Act The Musical
For some feel good fun, I can definitely recommend Sister Act The Musical, which is on at Bord Gais Energy Theatre until October 1. Having attended the preview night, I defy anyone not to leave in better spirits than they arrived. Comic, campy and colourful, the show is based on the iconic film and tells the hilarious story of the disco diva Deloris whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent! Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior (played by actress Lesley Thomas), Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own; www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie.
Try this new cocktail and nibbles experience
At Kinara Kitchen, Ranelagh there’s a new cocktail and nibbles experience every Wednesday which starts from 5pm – ideal for a post work catch-up, or to get over hump day. If you’re unfamiliar with the venue, it’s a gem spanning two floors with an outdoor rooftop decking (especially good for private parties) where an in-house DJ adds to the chilled out vibe at the weekend. As for the food, if you’re unfamiliar with Pakistani cuisine, then this is the best showcase I’ve experienced. The menu, which changes frequently, includes fragrant lamb chops, Kurkuri Machli and homemade samosas and dishes are perfect for sharing – though are so tasty, you won’t want to. The menu is complemented by cocktails created by renowned mixologist Paul Lambert – if you’re not sure what to order, let him decide – you won’t be disappointed. Early bird menus and a la carte options are also available. With budget uppermost at the moment, this is one restaurant where value, service and flavour ensure a feel good experience;
www.kinarakitchen.ie.
Listening to this new recording of poet Patrick Kavanagh’s work
Originally released on Claddagh Records in 1964, the double album features the only recording of the revered Irish poet reading his most celebrated poems. Now remastered and reimagined this new two-part album features Kavanagh’s poetry read by Bono, Hozier, Imelda May, Liam Neeson, Jessie Buckley, Aidan Gillen, Lisa McGee, Lisa Hannigan, President Michael D Higgins, Evanna Lynch, Sharon Corr, Kathleen Watkins, Christy Moore, Rachael Blackmore and Aisling Bea set against an evocative musical background. The physical album format contains two unique vinyl sleeves – the first has a printed collage of sketches of all the readers around Patrick Kavanagh, with Kavanagh himself visible through the gold-foil cut-out square on the cover itself. The second vinyl sleeve is an exact replica of the original 1963 release and has just been released on Claddagh Records; www.claddaghrecords.com.
Endorsing World Heart Day
If you’re shopping on Dublin’s Grafton Street this week – check out the new Russell & Bromley store – and also the murals in the window of Marks & Spencer, a collaboration between the Irish Heart Foundation and the all-female Minaw Collective. Together they are endorsing “Her Heart Matters” campaign, encouraging women to make small, sustainable changes to their lifestyle and health. This coincides with World Heart Day on Thursday, September 29.
The “Her Heart Matters” campaign, launched earlier this month, has revealed one in four women in Ireland die from heart disease and stroke, meaning that cardiovascular disease kills six times as many women in Ireland as breast cancer. From the age of 40, a woman’s risk of heart disease and stroke increases as she moves into menopause. And yet an Ipsos poll carried out on behalf of the Irish Heart Foundation revealed that almost one-third (30 per cent) of women do not have enough time each day to focus on their health.
As part of the campaign, the Irish Heart Foundation is holding a free webinar for women on Thursday 29 September. Her Heart Matters: Let’s Talk About Menopause will bring together a panel of experts for a conversation on women’s real experience of menopause, its impact on heart health and lots of practical information to help women. The free online event runs from 12.30pm to 1.45pm and you can register by visiting irishheart.ie, where you will also find information and practical tips on how to look after your heart health.