They say there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. I’m not so sure about that given the summer we’ve enjoyed (or endured) so far. However, last Friday night, myself, my husband and two friends wrapped ourselves in coats, scarves, hats and sleeping bags – and even a skiing balaclava or two – and drove to Listowel, where the Kerry Film Festival was hosting an outdoor screening of 1980s hit Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in the town park as part of a summer open air cinema series.

A few weeks before, we sat on the lawn at Muckross House in Killarney at twilight as Back To The Future was projected on a big screen. We’ve also sheltered from the rain under a tree in Tralee town park, watching Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark, while scoffing sinful amounts of Maltesers.

Entry is free, it’s family friendly and, more importantly, a fantastic use of public space – the kind you would usually associate with a European cultural capital. It had actually been years since I was in my local park in Tralee, but I’ve recently discovered how much is going on there, from the 5km park run every Saturday morning to a community allotment.

It’s not just the activities like the outdoor films that are the attraction, but the opportunities they provide to bring people together. At a time when many rural towns are struggling to attract people in, these kinds of events prove how creative, community-focused thinking can really rejuvenate an area. Much as the very first Rose of Tralee Festival did back in 1959, Ciara Leahy gives some of this year’s escorts hailing from farming backgrounds a Dáithí-esque grilling.

Of course, Rose of Tralee time equals CAO time, and Mary Phelan has put together a guide for first-time college goers, including a very interesting article with dietitian Paula Mee on how to avoid the fresher’s 15 – or the 15lbs that college students are thought to gain in their first year as they tend to fall into poor eating habits while fending for themselves for the first time. (Fourteen years on and I’m still trying to shift it.)

There is also an article on how to get involved in sports at third level, but as Margaret Hawkins proves, it’s never too late to take up a hobby, as dedicated me time is proven to be essential for both your physical and mental health, especially for people involved in farming or who are self-employed.

Our Money Mentor, Peter Young, has some good financial advice to share as he revisits the OP€RATION CASHFLOW participants. Hannah Nolan of Why Weight Ireland shares her top fitness tips, while Neven makes our mouths water with al fresco dining inspiration on page 16. There is also expert advice for dating in your golden years. And all your other favourites are featured as well. Although I have to single out Katherine O’Leary’s very moving column on how some things in life are really worth celebrating.

Whatever the weather, enjoy the read.