Make-A-Wish Ireland’s biggest fundraising week returns from 13-17 April, with communities across the country getting involved in small but meaningful ways. Since 1992, Make-A-Wish Ireland has granted wishes for more than 3,600 brave children across Ireland, including 229 wishes granted in 2025 alone. As Make-A-Wish Ireland does not receive any government funding, it relies overwhelmingly on the kindness of the Irish public to continue granting wishes. There are lots of fantastic ways to support the charity – from bake sales to ‘Wear Blue’ days, it’s all about raising funds to grant wishes for children living with critical illness. You can take part in your own fundraising challenge this Wish Week, or join the team and bucket collect at locations across Ireland. It’s a nice way to be part of something that genuinely makes a difference. See makeawish.ie
Volunteers raising money for Make-A-Wish Ireland.
Fancy a wander around Killarney?
The Wander Wild Festival, Ireland’s premier outdoor and wellness festival, returns to Killarney from 17-19 April. This year’s festival has activities designed to invigorate, inspire, and spark the soul. It will feature over 120 events across adventure, nature, and wellbeing, set mainly within Killarney National Park. Whether you run, bike, horse ride, or stroll, there’s no better way to explore the wild heart of Killarney National Park and experience its lakes, mountains and park. You can also savour the taste of Killarney with local food vendors or recharge with a soothing wellness session. The newly added activities cater to a wide range of interests, whether you are looking for a challenge or ways to unwind. Follow @WanderWildFestival on Instagram and Facebook or see wanderwildfestival.com.
Enjoying a walk through Killarney National Park. \ The Wander Wild Festival
Renowned endocrinologist Dr Mary Ryan has penned a comprehensive guide with all you need to know about period health, from the science behind menstruation to practical advice on managing your cycle. It’s Probably Your Period explores the biology of bleeding, the hormonal changes that shape the body and mind, and what constitutes a healthy menstrual cycle. There is advice on navigating common menstrual challenges, including PMS, irregular periods, and conditions like endometriosis and PCOS. Published by Gill, priced €18.99 and available nationwide.
From My Skin Integrity, Denise O’Connell’s Kilkenny-based range, this lavender hand cream feels right now that spring has properly arrived. It’s €16 for a 60ml tub, and a little goes a long way, with shea butter and aloe keeping hands soft without that greasy feel.
The scent is gentle rather than overpowering, just enough to notice. A nice everyday one, especially if you’re washing your hands a lot, which we all are these days. See myskin.ie
Lavender Hand Cream 60ml €16.
Cork World Book Fest returns from 21-26 April, bringing a busy mix of readings, workshops and conversations into the city. Expect a blend of Irish and international writers, alongside events like First Page Pitch, where new voices get a chance to share their work. Most events are free or low-cost, which makes it easy to dip in for an hour or stay longer. It has a nice, open feel, with plenty happening across the week. See corkworldbookfest.com
Patricia Looney, Cork City Libraries and Gillian Hennessy, Trickle Arts Centre at the Cork World Book Festival in 2025. \Darragh Kane
Lambing Time by Seán McDermott, Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick
The shed is busy through the night,
no clock to mark the hours,
just coats thrown on and boots pulled tight
and tea gone cold in flasks.
There’s straw laid down,
a gate swung wide, a ewe set off alone,
the quiet work of steady hands in ways long
practised, known.
A lamb arrives on trembling legs,
new to the cold and ground,
a shake, a stretch,
a searching step,
then finding milk by sound.
Outside, the fields
wait soft with rain,
fences dark and still,
the kind of night that asks for work
and a bit of stubborn will.
No one speaks of tiredness here,
though it sits behind each eye,
there’s too much
yet to see done right
to let the moment pass by.
And come the day,
the count is made,
each small life
checked and sure,
another season carried on,
as it has done before.
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.
Make-A-Wish Ireland’s biggest fundraising week returns from 13-17 April, with communities across the country getting involved in small but meaningful ways. Since 1992, Make-A-Wish Ireland has granted wishes for more than 3,600 brave children across Ireland, including 229 wishes granted in 2025 alone. As Make-A-Wish Ireland does not receive any government funding, it relies overwhelmingly on the kindness of the Irish public to continue granting wishes. There are lots of fantastic ways to support the charity – from bake sales to ‘Wear Blue’ days, it’s all about raising funds to grant wishes for children living with critical illness. You can take part in your own fundraising challenge this Wish Week, or join the team and bucket collect at locations across Ireland. It’s a nice way to be part of something that genuinely makes a difference. See makeawish.ie
Volunteers raising money for Make-A-Wish Ireland.
Fancy a wander around Killarney?
The Wander Wild Festival, Ireland’s premier outdoor and wellness festival, returns to Killarney from 17-19 April. This year’s festival has activities designed to invigorate, inspire, and spark the soul. It will feature over 120 events across adventure, nature, and wellbeing, set mainly within Killarney National Park. Whether you run, bike, horse ride, or stroll, there’s no better way to explore the wild heart of Killarney National Park and experience its lakes, mountains and park. You can also savour the taste of Killarney with local food vendors or recharge with a soothing wellness session. The newly added activities cater to a wide range of interests, whether you are looking for a challenge or ways to unwind. Follow @WanderWildFestival on Instagram and Facebook or see wanderwildfestival.com.
Enjoying a walk through Killarney National Park. \ The Wander Wild Festival
Renowned endocrinologist Dr Mary Ryan has penned a comprehensive guide with all you need to know about period health, from the science behind menstruation to practical advice on managing your cycle. It’s Probably Your Period explores the biology of bleeding, the hormonal changes that shape the body and mind, and what constitutes a healthy menstrual cycle. There is advice on navigating common menstrual challenges, including PMS, irregular periods, and conditions like endometriosis and PCOS. Published by Gill, priced €18.99 and available nationwide.
From My Skin Integrity, Denise O’Connell’s Kilkenny-based range, this lavender hand cream feels right now that spring has properly arrived. It’s €16 for a 60ml tub, and a little goes a long way, with shea butter and aloe keeping hands soft without that greasy feel.
The scent is gentle rather than overpowering, just enough to notice. A nice everyday one, especially if you’re washing your hands a lot, which we all are these days. See myskin.ie
Lavender Hand Cream 60ml €16.
Cork World Book Fest returns from 21-26 April, bringing a busy mix of readings, workshops and conversations into the city. Expect a blend of Irish and international writers, alongside events like First Page Pitch, where new voices get a chance to share their work. Most events are free or low-cost, which makes it easy to dip in for an hour or stay longer. It has a nice, open feel, with plenty happening across the week. See corkworldbookfest.com
Patricia Looney, Cork City Libraries and Gillian Hennessy, Trickle Arts Centre at the Cork World Book Festival in 2025. \Darragh Kane
Lambing Time by Seán McDermott, Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick
The shed is busy through the night,
no clock to mark the hours,
just coats thrown on and boots pulled tight
and tea gone cold in flasks.
There’s straw laid down,
a gate swung wide, a ewe set off alone,
the quiet work of steady hands in ways long
practised, known.
A lamb arrives on trembling legs,
new to the cold and ground,
a shake, a stretch,
a searching step,
then finding milk by sound.
Outside, the fields
wait soft with rain,
fences dark and still,
the kind of night that asks for work
and a bit of stubborn will.
No one speaks of tiredness here,
though it sits behind each eye,
there’s too much
yet to see done right
to let the moment pass by.
And come the day,
the count is made,
each small life
checked and sure,
another season carried on,
as it has done before.
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.
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