Laugh

Out loud at the silly antics and be amazed at the juggling skills during the National Circus Festival, taking place on 12-15 November in Tralee, Co Kerry. The event is one of the most exciting emerging festivals in Ireland, lighting up the country every November in an explosion of clowns, fun, skill and acrobatics. Since its humble beginnings as a juggling convention back in 2000, it now includes many events. At the heart of the festival is Circus Siamsa, a public variety show held at the Siamsa Tíre Theatre. The National Circus Festival is a showcase for contemporary urban circus and features top national and international performers, hosted by Fanzini Productions.

Visit www.circusfestival.ie for more info.

Learn

How to knit with no needles, curved needles, toothpicks or even broom handles at The Knitting & Stitching Show. The RDS in Dublin will play host to the event, which takes place on 12-15 November. The show offers an extensive range of workshops on topics including beadwork, crochet, cross stitch, dressmaking, embroidery, felt-making, home furnishing, knitting, lace-making, patchwork and quilting, tapestry, weaving, spinning and dyeing. Not only will you find all of the products you need to create your own works of art, but this fantastic exhibition will be bursting with new ideas and experts, to bring you up to date with the latest technology, practices and innovations in the world of knitting and stitching.

Tickets start at €14 at www.theknittin gandstitchingshow.com/dublin

Relax

With a mid-week stay in Longueville House in Mallow, Co Cork, this November or December. Take a leisurely stroll around the beautiful walled gardens and enjoy the peace and quiet of this luxury estate. Have a spa treatment in the comfort of your own room, then tuck in to a full Irish the following morning. From €65 per person sharing, this offer is available for Wednesdays and Thursdays in November and December, and includes a one-night stay for two in a luxurious Queen Room and full breakfast. Book online at www.longuevillehouse.ie or phone 022-47156.

Grab

Your early bird tickets for Body & Soul 2016, which takes place at Ballinlough Estate, Co Westmeath, next 7-19 June. The festival puts a contemporary twist on the summer solstice celebration by transforming the ethereal 15th century walled gardens, forests, lakes and meadows of the estate into a playground of surprises for its music, performance and art fans. Tented talks, performance walkers, electronic beats, disco, soul and rock n roll, coupled with holistic therapies, a midnight masquerade ball, a dedicated soul kids programme and its strong ethos of sustainability make this festival the ‘one for the diary’.

Early bird tickets are €99.50 and can be purchased on www.ticketmaster.ie

Enjoy

The festivities at this year’s WR Shaw Queen of the Land Festival, which takes place at the Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore, Co Offaly, from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November. The festival celebrates 51 years this year, once again welcoming a host of beautiful girls to the Faithful County. There is a superb lineup of entertainment, with music by Transmitter, Fiesta and many more. A gala banquet will take place on Sunday night and the 2015 Queen of the Land will be crowned. The festival celebrates the talents and achievements of the members of Macra na Feirme. Featuring contestants from Ireland and abroad, the festival runs over three days drawing Macra na Feirme members and non-members from all over the country to Tullamore.

See www.queenofthelandfestival.com