With the changing of the seasons, now is an ideal time to rediscover your local library and all it has to offer. National Public Libraries Open Day on Saturday 26 September invites people of all ages to discover the many benefits of free membership. The annual nationwide event highlights the wide range of services, programmes and resources available through the country’s 330 public libraries and the part it plays in local communities. In Louth, the library service will host a diverse programme of free events for all ages – from family storytimes in Carlingford and Dunleer to a pop-up book club in Dundalk and special Lit Lú festival events in Ardee and Drogheda. See louthcoco.ie
Dublin is home to both National Brown Bread Baking Competition winners following a fiercely contested finale at the National Ploughing Championships on 17 September.Olivia Nash from Dublin was crowned as Ireland’s best senior brown bread baker of 2026, with Cara Wall, also from the capital, using her grandmother’s recipe, named as the winner of the junior category. The competition is sponsored by Euronics and run in association with the National Ploughing Association (NPA) and the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA). “I thought my husband was lying that my bread was nice, but I’m really happy to learn he’s been telling the truth the past few years, and I’m delighted to have won,” Olivia Nash said.
Reset your wardrobe for autumn with some jewellery from a popular Irish brand that can transform an outfit from simple to sassy at a purse-friendly price. Andrea Bucci Jewellery, available exclusively in Dunnes Stores nationwide, brings together statement pieces, timeless classics and seasonal colour to refresh your wardrobe from day to dusk. Bold earrings and chunky rings in pearl and crystal are standout items. See dunnestores.com
A scam warning has been issued to Irish food producers planning to trade at festivals, after vendors and applicants were targeted with fraudulent payment requests and fake online forms. Ahead of the Dingle Food Festival, from 2-4 October, organisers have warned that events, including the festival and the Blas na hÉireann awards, have been targeted. Scammers are using fake email addresses and asking producers to make payments through Revolut links. Producers are advised to check email addresses carefully, verify payment requests directly with festival organisers and never provide personal information through unofficial forms. Trading spaces for the Dingle Food Festival are now full and accepted traders are listed at dinglefood.com.
The Kilkenny Law Festival returns from 25-27 September, bringing barristers, judges, journalists, comedians and forensic experts together for three days of lively debate. More than 20 events will explore everything from crime and wrongful convictions to free speech, immigration, AI and the courts. Speakers include journalist Nicola Tallant, barrister and author Mark Tottenham, Kneecap manager Daniel Lambert and comedian Colm O’Regan. Also in the line-up is Andrea Carter, author of The Inishowen Mysteries. Having practised law for 20 years, more recently as a barrister, she now writes full-time. See kilkennylawfestival.com
Flavours of foraging by Julianne Fagan, Muckalee, Co Kilkenny
The drive to the Brown
Mountain was always a treat
To pick mouthfuls of fraughans
So shiny and sweet.
The road to the ball alley
Never failed to surprise
Tiny strawberries hiding
From the morning
sunrise.
Summers walks to Knockmajor
Another treat in store
Wild raspberries, yes raspberries
in the ditch galore.
Blackberry season was best of all
On Hanlon’s Lane they
were wall to wall
Pies, tarts or scones with jam
Smothered with cream, your only man.
The Metal Bridge picnic was a favourite of Mam’s
Armed with baskets and
aluminium cans
Hazelnuts were picked by
the score
These Mam added to
her winter store.
Then there was the mushrooms in Nicky’s Field
Oh the surprise!
And what a big yield
Mushroom soup for our supper
Or roasted with its pool of butter.
There are so many things I could add to the list.
Sucking honey from the
clover flower
A much nicer taste than
the wild sorrel.
Elderflower cordial,
the ultimate treat
To tiny wild peas so
perfect and neat.
Wow! What memories so real and so true
I have repeated the foraging with my own crew.
Thank you, dear Mam,
for instilling in us
A love of our countryside
and it’s bountifulness.
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