EXPLORE the rails of Marie Curie and The Irish Cancer Society charity shops on 19 October. BT employees will be taking over the stores as part of BT Shop for Change in a bid to raise crucial funds for cancer research and care, as part of an all-island campaign. This will be the perfect opportunity to find a bargain, while showing your gratitude and support for the work that these cancer organisations do. In total, 26 teams of volunteers will be taking over 25 Irish Cancer Society and Marie Curie charity shops for one day only.

IMMERSE yourself in an area of outstanding natural beauty and join a photographic exhibition and talk discussing the history and wildlife of Strangford Lough in Co Down on 21 October from 10am to 12pm. Strangford Lough is a conservation area and its abundant wildlife is recognised internationally. It is also a popular tourist destination noted for its fishing, scenery and water sports and is Northern Ireland’s first marine nature reserve. Those taking part in the event will meet at The Lookout, Mount Stewart. Booking is not essential, but for more information see www.visitardsandnorthdown.com.

EXPERIENCE the produce of Cork at Taste Cork Week, which is running until 22 October. Throughout the week, Cork restaurants, cafés, bars and pubs will be showcasing their creativity, designing sensational menus and events as part of the Taste Cork Experience. The event will be celebrating Cork’s produce, history and food culture. Taste Cork is teaming up with Festival Cork to deliver an exciting programme, which will be tailored to lovers of truly great food. The hectic week of scheduling will feature food trails and demonstrations among other things. Check out Taste Cork Week’s social media channels or visit www.festivalcork.com for more details.

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DISCOVER your inner gamer and raise money in the process as Dungeons and Donuts will be hosting their third annual Game-A-Thon on Saturday 28 October. The 24-hour gaming event will see gamers playing in the hopes of raising funds for west of Ireland charity Cancer Care West. Everyone will be able to take part as, throughout the event, they will be running other events, including board games, card games and miniature war game tournaments. So feel free to pop in and show your support, whether it be day or night. For more information email dungeonsanddonutsgalway@gmail.com or call (091) 567 930.

DIVE into the Imagine Arts Festival from 19 October to 29 October, taking placing at various venues across Waterford. The voluntary-run festival is a unique celebration of the arts in Waterford City, providing over 100 events in the space of 10 days, and is one of Ireland’s premier arts festivals. The Writers Weekend and the John Dwyer Trad Fest will be part of Imagine 2017. With dance, film, visual art, theatre, spoken word and literature, as well as classical, contemporary and traditional music, there will be something to suit everyone’s taste. For more information see www.imagineartsfestival.com.