Hometree’s eco-arts project Dinnseanchas embarks on its first national tour, inviting communities to explore the landscape’s lore through exhibitions, film, performance, conversation and creative events. Inspired by the word dinnseanchas, meaning the stories a place is telling, the project creates spaces to imagine new possibilities for the rural landscapes. It will visit Inishbofin (September 10-12), Uíbh Ráthach, Co Kerry (1-4 October) and Ennis, Co Clare (15-18 October). See hometree.ie/dinnseanchas-project.
Murder One, Ireland’s International Crime Writing Festival, returns to Dún Laoghaire from October 15-18.Now in its ninth year, the festival at LexIcon Library and Cultural Centre will feature bestselling authors and special guests including Ardal O’Hanlon, Andrea Mara, Jane Casey, Jo Spain, Catherine Ryan Howard and T.M. Logan. There will be author talks, readings and writing masterclasses. See murderone.ie
David and Norma Walsh will hold a tea and coffee fundraiser at Cremin’s Bar, Aghabullogue, Co Cork, on 5 September from 8am to 5pm. The event will raise funds for the National Kidney Support Centre at Beaumont Hospital, which supports kidney transplant patients and their families. The day is very personal to the family and their community. On 15 May 2003, the couple sadly lost their daughter Michaela and her organs where donated to save another child’s life. Twenty-three years later on Michaela’s anniversary, David received that miracle call to head to Dublin for his kidney transplant. As a family they have been on both sides of giving and receiving organ donations. See ika.ie/patientservices/support-centre/national
Cohen Unlimited bring the songs, poetry and stories of a legend to the Tuar Ard stage in Westmeath. Led by singer and guitarist Robert Doyle, the show features a full live band, rich vocals and a striking visual backdrop inspired by Cohen’s final world tour.
Robert has performed Cohen’s songs since discovering his music at the age of 14 and even met Leonard Cohen in Zurich in 1979, where Cohen asked him to sing for him and his band. Following sold-out performances around Ireland, including Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre, Cohen Unlimited comes to Moate for a deeply felt celebration of one of the great songwriters of our time. Thanks for the Dance - The Leonard Cohen Story will be taking to the stage on Saturday 19 September, tickets are €31. See tuarard.ie
The Park Hotel Dungarvan has added 21 new family bedrooms (see below) as part of a €4m expansion, making it an even handier base for a break in west Waterford. The new rooms cater for larger families, with some sleeping two adults, three children and a baby, while a two-bedroom family suite is also available. The hotel has also upgraded its Garden Bar and outdoor area, while its Riverside Health Club now includes a new sauna. With the beaches, Dungarvan Castle and plenty of outdoor activities nearby, it’s a well-placed option for an autumn or winter family break. See parkhoteldungarvan.com
Rural decline by Catherine Sadlier, Dublin 18
Checking out the peeling paint on the façade of a closed shop,
I survey the other seedy, neglected parts of
the village,
cut through a gnarled hotchpotch of concrete
and pass a decaying pool hall, signage
and shutters awry,
moulded windowsills, nettles, and daisies
thigh-high.
Weeds sprouting from drainpipes, gutters,
and paths
herald marginalisation, frustration, wrath.
Tractor drivers slowly weave through
what was once their
vibrant local venue.
More diesel required;
the next town offers
shopping, connection,
and decent menus.
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.
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