Step into Georgian Armagh

Armagh City is set to sparkle this Christmas as the Georgian Festival returns

from 27–30 November. Expect costumed characters, artisan markets, music and the famous light show at Market House. From mock trials to opera in the Primate’s Chapel, the weekend is packed with history, charm and festive cheer. Step back in time and experience Christmas as it was 250 years ago. Full details at visitarmagh.com/georgianfestival.

Pictured are Carolyn Cairns as Mrs Harriet Hunter, Matthew Toner as her loyal footman, Ruadhan McInteggart as the surgeon’s assistant, and Marcellus Kearney as the town crier. \visitarmagh

Local garden club

There’s a real sense of pride in Drumeela, Co Leitrim this year as the local garden club celebrates its 30th anniversary. To mark the occasion, a gala evening will take place on Friday 28 November at 8pm in the Corn Mill Theatre, Carrigallen. Guests can enjoy garden inspiration from Leonie Cornelius (pictured above), a floral demonstration by Timothy Elliott, and a generous raffle with lovely prizes, including a €500 garden design consultation. Tickets are €15 and available at cornmilltheatre.com.

Leonie at Lissadell House, Co Sligo. /Colin Gillen

Meet Glider, as Gaeilge

West Cork start-up HomeBot Ireland is bringing a touch of local charm to smart cleaning with the new Glider 6-in-1 robot vacuum and mop – now featuring an Irish voice by DJ Louise Clarke. Founded by Clara Mulligan and Alan O’Neill, the family-run company designs clever robots for real Irish homes, even if you have uneven floors or patchy Wi-Fi. It’s the perfect helping hand (and a bit of fun) for busy households this Christmas (€809). See homebotireland.ie.

HomeBot Ireland continues to grow with new Glider 6-in-1 smart vacuum and mop and announces new product launches for 2026.

Poetry Corner

Mad in the Shed

By Luke Hannon

I’m so sick and tired,

But I can’t afford to

take a break,

The cows are hardly

going to milk themselves for goodness sake.

The calves will

need a feeding,

For growing big

and strong,

There’s silage,

slurry, seeding,

Plus scrambling when things go wrong.

And so, I’ll nap amidst the milkings,

Sleep after they’re done,

Between the toil

and tiredness

There isn’t too much

time for fun.

My friends are

always asking me,

If I could change

careers instead?

But I’m sick and tired

and love it,

I guess I’m just mad

in the shed!

Calling all poets

Do you have a piece of

poetry inspired by the countryside and farming? Please send in your best work for consideration for the weekly Poetry Corner. We’re looking for short poems that captivate, inspire and reflect the landscapes, traditions, and culture of rural Ireland in the past or the present. About 200 words or so is the ideal length.

Please send your poetry to icl@farmersjournal.ie or post to Irish Country Living, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12.