Visit

Clifden Arts Festival. From music and dance to family-fun and fairytales, the 38th Clifden Arts Festival has something to offer everyone this September. Highlights include singer-songwriter and Cork native Mick Flannery, who kicks off the festival on Thursday 17 September. Contemporary Irish poet Paul Durcan will give a line or two on the Friday, while comedy act Après Match are sure to entertain the crowds. The legendary Christy Moore will also be live in concert on the Friday 25 September, guaranteeing another unforgettable performance.

17-27 September | clifdenartsweek.ie

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Dine

At Lakeside Bistro in Killarney. If you’re looking for warm and authentic hospitality this Autumn then Lakeside Bistro is the perfect spot. Overlooking the 12th century MacCarthy Mór Castle, lakes and mountains of Killarney, the bistro offers an extensive menu of fine food. Afternoon Tea is especially good at this stunning lakeside location, available from 10am to 6pm daily. For just €16 you can get a selection of homemade sandwiches, award-winning fruit cake, homemade scones, pastries and a selection of teas and coffees. Gluten-free options are also available.

lakesidebistro.ie

Listen to

Storytelling and literature at the Cork International Short Story Festival, taking place from 22-26 September. The festival showcases readings, literary forums and workshops with both national and international writers, as well as presenting the The Seán Ó Faoláin Prize and The Frank O’Connor International Story Award. A highlight at this year’s festival is The Berries, a collection of stories, poems and photographs celebrating Hollyhill and the opening of the new library, which will be launched on Tuesday 22 September with writers Billy O’Callaghan and Doireann Ní Ghríofa. Admission is free.

22-26 September | corkshortstory.net

Getaway

To Santiago de Compostelo. This has been on our to-do list forever, and now is the best time to plan your pilgrimage, with some exciting new deals for 2016. Camino Ways have just announced their line-up of guided tours for the year ahead, which includes the famous French Way, starting in the historic town of Sarria and venturing through a beautiful 100km stretch of countryside. Their newest route, The English Way, traditionally taken by pilgrims from Ireland and Britain, departs from Ferrol in Galicia and passes through picturesque coastal towns like Betanzos and Pontedeume.Prices start from €690 per person and include airport transfers, an English-speaking guide, luggage transfers, half-board accommodation with dinner each night, and holiday pack with practical information.

caminoways.com | 01 525 2886

Eat

At the Taste of Togher Festival, taking place in Louth on 19 September. The event celebrates Togher’s local suppliers and its rich heritage, which has links to the Viking era. It’s the fourth year of the festival, and this year it will be hosted by the The Glyde Inn Annagassan. Events include cooking demonstations, kids’ cookery workshops by Tara from thetastytart.ie and local traditional Irish music. Local restaurants will also compete in the chowder of the year competition, while chefs prepare traditional Viking dishes. See www.theglydeinn.ie for more.