Country Vibes...a few of our favourite things

Hotels, restaurants, cafés and food producers from across the country have been recognised in the Georgina Campbell Irish Food and Hospitality Awards 2026.Among this year’s winners were Paul and Máire Flynn of The Tannery in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, who received the hospitality hero award, while Gougane Barra Hotel in Co Cork was named rural destination of the year. Ómós Guesthouse and Restaurant in Abbeyleix, Co Laois, took fine dining restaurant of the year, while Lough Eske Castle in Donegal was named five-star hotel of the year. Other winners included Murph’s Gastro Pub at The Derragarra Inn in Butlersbridge, Co Cavan, named gastro-pub of the year; Ocean Sands Hotel and Spa in Enniscrone, Co Sligo, which took the pet-friendly destination award and The Harbour Master’s House B&B in Shannon Harbour, Co Offaly, was named B&B of the year.Waterford city and county was named regional destination of the year, while Baltimore, Co Cork, took food village of the year. See Ireland-guide.com

A photographic exhibition sharing the experiences of eight women living with advanced breast cancer will come to Dundrum Shopping Centre on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October.Living Loudly. Dying to be Heard: Perspectives on Advanced Breast Cancer highlights the realities of living with metastatic, secondary or Stage 4 breast cancer. The free exhibition runs from 9am-7pm on both days and will be located on level one, outside Brown Thomas. See mariekeating.ie

Moonpig Ireland has named Cork student William Stokes as the winner of its nationwide Leaving Cert competition, awarding him up to €2,500 towards his college fees for the 2026/2027 academic year. William, who achieved a string of H1s in his Leaving Cert, is beginning chemical and biochemical engineering at the University of Limerick. In his competition entry, the Mallow student compared completing the Leaving Cert to reaching the summit of Everest after years of early mornings, late nights, friendships, sport and sacrifices.See moonpig.ie

The National Reptile Zoo in Kilkenny is celebrating 20 years since it first opened its doors in 2006. Founded by James Hennessy (pictured above) as the Reptile Village in Gowran, it has grown into Ireland’s only dedicated reptile zoo and is now home to more than 150 animals from over 60 species. Tickets are priced at €13.50 for children and €16 for adults for general admission. See nrz.ie

Angelus by A.M. Cousins, Wexford town

When the nurse has

finished her rounds

and her roommate

settled to sleep,

my mother watches

the ceiling, reminds

herself of how things

used to be.

She thinks about horses – workhorses –

that pulled the mower

and came to a halt

when the chapel

bell rang.

They dug in their

hooves and stood,

still as still, counting

the peals –

three, three, three,

then nine –

refused to budge until

the final Amen

when the men

blessed themselves

and replaced their hats;

flicked the reins.

Yup.

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.