It’s the season for Irish escapes …

There are perfect Irish summer days. Yours might be bagging a window seat in St Francis Provisions in Kinsale, a plate heaving with plump, briny Cromane oysters in front of you, then wandering around to Prim’s Bookshop and finding the window snug free for people watching and a glass of sherry. Or it could be driving the Beara peninsula on a sunny day and stopping at Helen’s Bar on the road towards Kenmare and landing a free table on the pier where you order a pot of mussels so local you can see where they were pulled up from the water. Or, for the more adventurous, it might be kayaking around Baginbun Head in Wexford, exploring sea caves and looking out for wildlife while learning about the history of the Hook Peninsula before heading back to Grálinn in Fethard-on-Sea with salty hair for a delicious lunch.

Whatever your perfect Irish summer, may it be filled with good food, great company and some lovely weather. There truly is nowhere better when the sun shines. You’ll find what to pack and wear, and where to eat and stay, in THE GLOSS Magazine June issue with The Irish Times.

This Month We’re …

WRAPPING UP: In Foxford’s Lismore lambswool throws – an Irish road trip essential for impromptu picnics; €132.

LAYERING: Warm-weather lightweight knit co-ords, which take the stress out of dressing for unpredictable Irish summers. Beige cashmere mix shirt, €125; matching tank, €50; both Lucy Nagle.

MAKING A SPLASH: In Longchamp’s sweet new summer collection, featuring plaid linen co-ords, French workwear jackets and striped rugby shirts, perfect for covering up on breezy beach days.

PACKING: For great escapes, in Louis Vuitton’s newest Horizon 55 Aluminium carry-on case; €3,800, at Brown Thomas.

REWATCHING: Faye Dunaway films, as the IFI launches a month-long celebration of her work, with screenings of Bonnie and Clyde, Chinatown and more.

SEEING: “John Kirwan – New Works” exhibition focusing on seascapes and skies in Achill Island and North Dublin, at The Trinity Gallery Dublin.

HEADING TO: Dalkey for the annual Book Festival (June 18-21) which hosts over 100 speakers this year, including Rachel Eliza Griffiths, Anne Enright and Naomi Ishiguro.

LISTENING TO: Broadcaster Kirsty Wark at the Hinterland Festival of Literature and Arts (June 25-28). Other speakers include authors Liz Nugent and Doireann Ní Ghríofa.

SEE MORE: Don’t Miss THE GLOSS June Issue Out Now!