Six weeks of festive fun are coming to Cork city from 15 November to 31 December. The celebrations kick off with a Christmas Parade and Santa’s arrival on 15 November to switch on Cork’s Christmas lights followed by artisan markets at Bishop Lucey Park from 20 November. From November 27 to December 31, the iconic 32m panoramic wheel will transform the city skyline, offering unparalleled views of the city. And for the little ones, the beloved carousel will be there for their enjoyment.
Families can enjoy free entertainment and ticketed attractions, including puppet shows at Counting House Plaza, while a new immersive light and sound experience takes over St Fin Barre’s Cathedral from 9-19 December. See corkcity.ie
Landscapes, farmyard animals and familiar everyday scenes feature in the first solo exhibition by Kilkenny artist Eileen Mulrooney at South Tipperary Arts Centre, Clonmel, from 7 November to 30 January 2027. Admission is free. A member of KCAT Studio since 2005, Eileen works mainly in water-based oils, creating vibrant paintings inspired by photographs of her surroundings and travels. Her work explores the relationship between the natural world and the places people inhabit.
See southtippartscentre.ie
Step back in time at Cairde Sligo Arts Festival’s Vintage Ball on Saturday 21 November, at Temple House Estate, Co Sligo. Expect swing and jazz music, DJs, burlesque, cabaret and tarot readings, with vintage dress encouraged.
The fundraiser will support the festival’s 25th anniversary programme in 2027. Tickets cost €40, or €50 including return transport from Sligo town. An overnight package for two costs €300. See cairdefestival.com
Hands by Josephine Miller, Wexford town
My grandfather was
a man of the sea,
a handsome man with
enormous hands.
Nut-brown in colour,
nicotine-stained from the
way he held his Woodbine cigarette.
Hands that were hard and
calloused from a
lifetime of seafaring,
toughened by the friction of the thick, coarse ropes.
Hands that had the
texture of leather, from years of constant exposure to
saltwater and wind.
On visits home,
we would go for walks to the quay to check on tides
and boats, for the sea was always with him.
His hand too big for my little hand, I would hold tightly
on to his thumb.
Happy with the promise of sweets from Angie’s on the way home.
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.
