Instagram inspiration

Whether she’s celebrating inspiring women – or our Irish idiosyncrasies – illustrator Rachel Corcoran is a joy to follow on Instagram @rachelcorcoranillustration

Her range of prints and greeting cards are 100% printed and packaged in Ireland and if you are looking for a special way to send warm wishes to a loved one this festive season – or for any occasion for that matter – her online shop is definitely worth a browse.

Local treasures

As part of our Local Treasures competition, we received many entries from readers, which we hope to share over the coming weeks as lockdown means we are back to exploring what is on our doorstep; this week’s nomination comes from Amy Ní Bhroin.

Belmont Demesne is a definite local treasure in Wicklow. This photo was taken back in June. Winding through foxglove filled forest paths (which also make up part of a mountain bike trail) we made our way to the incline. We worked our way past the working farm at Belmont and we were met by Margaret, the smiling orphaned lamb trying to make a break for it. The name and info was seen on their social media afterwards.

As part of our "Local Treasures" competition, we received many entries from readers, which we hope to share over the coming weeks; this week's nomination comes from Amy Ní Bhroin.

We continued the journey on rocky heather filled paths, stopping to take photos of the views back over Bray and Greystones. We reached the peak of the small Sugarloaf just in time to take in the views before the rolling fog engulfed us. A well deserved (in our eyes) woodfired pizza awaited us in the little cafe in the grounds when we descended. The sun broke out again just in time to enjoy lunch at the picnic tables. A lovely day all round. Looking forward to giving the bike hire a try next time!

Picture of the week

Picture of the week: This week's picture of Benbulben comes from young readers Michael and Katie Feeney, who live in Grange, Co Sligo with their parents, John and Christine.

Chef Janine’s tips

It’s the time of year when most fruit and vegetables are coming out of season and may not be looking their ripest when you’re out food shopping. If you like a nice, ripe banana with your breakfast or a bit of smashed avocado on your toast, a quick trick to help under-ripe fruit ripen quickly is to place them in a brown paper bag and leave them out at room temperature – they should ripen within a day.

For best taste results, never refrigerate tomatoes, most fruits or onions and garlic.

Tweet of the week

Quote of the week

By Adas Rakauskas in our Living Life section this week.

(The Shoebox Appeal) taught me that there are people out there who care about others. It’s an important lesson for every child to learn, that people do care

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A Week in the Country

A Week in the Country