This October bank holiday weekend, join West Cork Music as the Carducci Quartet performs Shostakovich’s complete cycle of 15 quartets in the candlelit splendour of Bantry House. Across the weekend (24–26 October), experience music of tenderness, defiance and quiet hope in an intimate setting. Tickets start at €10 and it’s sure to be a memorable experience. Book now at westcorkmusic.ie.
The award- winning Carducci Quartet (Matthew Denton, violin; Michelle Fleming, violin; Eoin Schmidt-Martin, viola; and Emma Denton, cello).
Ireland has launched a national platform making circular living simple and rewarding. From repair tips to community stories, it offers practical ideas to help people waste less, save money and share more. The platform supports small steps that make a big difference. See circular.ie.
Dr Sarah Miller, project lead Circular.ie; Martina Hennessy, assistant secretary with responsibility for the Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency at the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment; Niall McLoughlin, principal officer, the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment; and Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment with special responsibility for the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD. \Barry Cronin
As autumn sweeps in and the leaves turn gold and crimson, An Post has captured the season’s beauty in a new set of stamps. Featuring silver birch, rowan and hawthorn, the designs by botanical artist Yanny Petters and designer Jenny Dempsey celebrate the colours we see in our woods and gardens. A lovely nod to nature, these stamps will brighten letters and parcels this autumn season. Buy a set of six stamps for €9.90. See anpost.com.
A selection of the stamps on offer.
This Halloween midterm, gather the family for a seasonal adventure at Birr Castle Demesne. From 23 October-3 November, explore spooky trails, spot autumn wildlife, and enjoy the rich colours of the Red Tree Trail. Children can dress up in costume, making for great photos and memories. With science wonders, scenic walks, and plenty to discover, it’s a lovely autumn escape for all ages. Tickets starting at €7 for children and €12 for adults. See Birrcastle.com.
Signposts on site at Birr Castle Demesne.
While it may feel early to mention Christmas, some causes deserve the head start and Team Hope’s Christmas Shoebox Appeal is one of them. Now in its 15th year, Team Hope is calling on schools, employers, individuals, and community groups across the country to get involved. Since 2010, Team Hope has delivered over 2.8 million shoebox gifts to children in need across Africa and Eastern Europe – and hopes to surpass 3 million this year. For many children, these shoeboxes are the only gift they’ll receive – bringing joy, hope, and a reminder that someone cares. You can pack a shoebox at home or build one online. See teamhope.ie.
The Christmas Shoebox Appeal delivers gifts to children affected by poverty.
The Sailor by Sheila Walsh, Tarmon, Gort, Co Galway
Sailing on the ocean, drifting with the tide.
A sea of mixed emotions running through my mind.
Upon the rocky cliff tops, so high above the sea.
The seagulls go majestic, gliding gracefully.
The swirling waves around me flowed with all their might.
And the dolphins in the water jumped in sheer delight.
So on and on I travelled, while they kept me company.
The peace and tranquillity, that’s what appeals to me.
In the shadow of evening when the moon shines its light,
down on the calming waters, it’s such a glorious sight.
How easy it is to understand how different man can be.
Sure most people love the land, but the sailor loves the sea.
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.
This October bank holiday weekend, join West Cork Music as the Carducci Quartet performs Shostakovich’s complete cycle of 15 quartets in the candlelit splendour of Bantry House. Across the weekend (24–26 October), experience music of tenderness, defiance and quiet hope in an intimate setting. Tickets start at €10 and it’s sure to be a memorable experience. Book now at westcorkmusic.ie.
The award- winning Carducci Quartet (Matthew Denton, violin; Michelle Fleming, violin; Eoin Schmidt-Martin, viola; and Emma Denton, cello).
Ireland has launched a national platform making circular living simple and rewarding. From repair tips to community stories, it offers practical ideas to help people waste less, save money and share more. The platform supports small steps that make a big difference. See circular.ie.
Dr Sarah Miller, project lead Circular.ie; Martina Hennessy, assistant secretary with responsibility for the Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency at the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment; Niall McLoughlin, principal officer, the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment; and Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment with special responsibility for the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD. \Barry Cronin
As autumn sweeps in and the leaves turn gold and crimson, An Post has captured the season’s beauty in a new set of stamps. Featuring silver birch, rowan and hawthorn, the designs by botanical artist Yanny Petters and designer Jenny Dempsey celebrate the colours we see in our woods and gardens. A lovely nod to nature, these stamps will brighten letters and parcels this autumn season. Buy a set of six stamps for €9.90. See anpost.com.
A selection of the stamps on offer.
This Halloween midterm, gather the family for a seasonal adventure at Birr Castle Demesne. From 23 October-3 November, explore spooky trails, spot autumn wildlife, and enjoy the rich colours of the Red Tree Trail. Children can dress up in costume, making for great photos and memories. With science wonders, scenic walks, and plenty to discover, it’s a lovely autumn escape for all ages. Tickets starting at €7 for children and €12 for adults. See Birrcastle.com.
Signposts on site at Birr Castle Demesne.
While it may feel early to mention Christmas, some causes deserve the head start and Team Hope’s Christmas Shoebox Appeal is one of them. Now in its 15th year, Team Hope is calling on schools, employers, individuals, and community groups across the country to get involved. Since 2010, Team Hope has delivered over 2.8 million shoebox gifts to children in need across Africa and Eastern Europe – and hopes to surpass 3 million this year. For many children, these shoeboxes are the only gift they’ll receive – bringing joy, hope, and a reminder that someone cares. You can pack a shoebox at home or build one online. See teamhope.ie.
The Christmas Shoebox Appeal delivers gifts to children affected by poverty.
The Sailor by Sheila Walsh, Tarmon, Gort, Co Galway
Sailing on the ocean, drifting with the tide.
A sea of mixed emotions running through my mind.
Upon the rocky cliff tops, so high above the sea.
The seagulls go majestic, gliding gracefully.
The swirling waves around me flowed with all their might.
And the dolphins in the water jumped in sheer delight.
So on and on I travelled, while they kept me company.
The peace and tranquillity, that’s what appeals to me.
In the shadow of evening when the moon shines its light,
down on the calming waters, it’s such a glorious sight.
How easy it is to understand how different man can be.
Sure most people love the land, but the sailor loves the sea.
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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