Shackleton’s endurance lives on
The only institution in the world dedicated to the life of Kildare-born explorer Ernest Shackleton has opened in Co Kildare and is set to become one of the world’s leading polar museum attractions. Housed in a beautifully restored 300-year-old building, Athy’s Shackleton Experience honours the Antarctic explorer, and features original artifacts such as a sledge and harness, the cabin where he died, and a scale model of Endurance plus a reconstructed 1920s cinema showcasing archival footage of Shackleton’s Antarctic journeys. See shackletonmuseum.com. AK
The Shackleton Experience uses artefacts and interactive elements inside the museum.
Get ready, Cork – The Mersey Beatles (above) are returning to The Everyman on Wednesday 5 November for a night packed with timeless hits for an unmissable show celebrating the Fab Four’s rise to global fame. From Help! to Hey Jude, this Liverpool-born band captures the magic of The Beatles like no other. The Mersey Beatles have wowed fans around the world for 25 years and they are now bringing their biggest ever tour down south. It’s heartfelt, nostalgic, and guaranteed to get you singing along. Tickets are €36 at everymancork.com. DN
The Mersey Beatles. /Jon Rhodes
Opening in the summer of 2026, Ómós is the hotly anticipated restaurant and guesthouse from acclaimed chef Cúán Greene (pictured above). Set in the heart of Abbeyleix in Co Laois, this 16-bedroom guesthouse and 40-seat restaurant promises more than just a meal – it offers a philosophy. Surrounded by gardens, water, and open fields, Ómós takes its name from the Irish word meaning ‘respect’ or ‘honour’. It’s a concept deeply rooted in care, creativity, and connection – values that guide every element of the experience, from the way food is sourced and prepared to how guests are welcomed and hosted.Chef-led and driven by a sense of place, Ómós brings together the beauty of Irish ingredients, the richness of local craft, and a dedication to community. See omos.com. DN
Cuán Greene, chef and owner of Ómós.
Serving up inclusion in Irish table tennis
In a significant step towards inclusivity in Irish sport, Special Olympics Ireland and Table Tennis Ireland has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), paving the way for greater participation and integration of athletes with intellectual disabilities in table tennis across the country. Karen Coventry, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland said:
“Athletes will have the opportunity to play table tennis in their local clubs, right in the heart of their own communities – building friendships, confidence, and skills that last a lifetime.” If you or a family member is interested in joining a Special Olympics Club in your area see specialolympics.ie. DN
Karen Coventry, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, and David McNally, CEO of Table Tennis Ireland. Also present were Paddy Vaughan, a distinguished Paralympics athlete set to qualify for the 2028 Games, and Fiodhna O’Leary, a table tennis medallist from the 2018 Abu Dabi Special Olympics World Games.
Kilkenomics returns from 7 to 9 November, bringing together economists, comedians and thinkers to explore money, markets, AI, climate and culture.
With over 50 shows in Kilkenny’s cosiest venues, you’ll enjoy sharp insights and witty debates over the weekend. This year’s festival features a remarkable cast like economists Eric Lonergan, David McWilliams, Filippo Gaddo with comedians Colm O’Regan, Dylan Moran, and many more. Tickets start at €15 for single shows or €85 for a full festival pass. See kilkenomics.com. DN
Comedian Barry Murphy.
Much loved author Alice Taylor returns to the shelves with her new book
Weathering Storms, a timely and tender meditation on resilience, change, and the quiet strength found in everyday life. Known for her warm, insightful reflections on rural Irish living, she once again invites readers to pause, reflect, and take comfort in the rhythms of nature and community.Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering her for the first time, this is an essential read for autumn’s quieter days. Pictured below: Weathering Storms by Alice Taylor published by O’Brien Press Ltd, €19.99.
See vibesandscribes.ie. AK
Shackleton’s endurance lives on
The only institution in the world dedicated to the life of Kildare-born explorer Ernest Shackleton has opened in Co Kildare and is set to become one of the world’s leading polar museum attractions. Housed in a beautifully restored 300-year-old building, Athy’s Shackleton Experience honours the Antarctic explorer, and features original artifacts such as a sledge and harness, the cabin where he died, and a scale model of Endurance plus a reconstructed 1920s cinema showcasing archival footage of Shackleton’s Antarctic journeys. See shackletonmuseum.com. AK
The Shackleton Experience uses artefacts and interactive elements inside the museum.
Get ready, Cork – The Mersey Beatles (above) are returning to The Everyman on Wednesday 5 November for a night packed with timeless hits for an unmissable show celebrating the Fab Four’s rise to global fame. From Help! to Hey Jude, this Liverpool-born band captures the magic of The Beatles like no other. The Mersey Beatles have wowed fans around the world for 25 years and they are now bringing their biggest ever tour down south. It’s heartfelt, nostalgic, and guaranteed to get you singing along. Tickets are €36 at everymancork.com. DN
The Mersey Beatles. /Jon Rhodes
Opening in the summer of 2026, Ómós is the hotly anticipated restaurant and guesthouse from acclaimed chef Cúán Greene (pictured above). Set in the heart of Abbeyleix in Co Laois, this 16-bedroom guesthouse and 40-seat restaurant promises more than just a meal – it offers a philosophy. Surrounded by gardens, water, and open fields, Ómós takes its name from the Irish word meaning ‘respect’ or ‘honour’. It’s a concept deeply rooted in care, creativity, and connection – values that guide every element of the experience, from the way food is sourced and prepared to how guests are welcomed and hosted.Chef-led and driven by a sense of place, Ómós brings together the beauty of Irish ingredients, the richness of local craft, and a dedication to community. See omos.com. DN
Cuán Greene, chef and owner of Ómós.
Serving up inclusion in Irish table tennis
In a significant step towards inclusivity in Irish sport, Special Olympics Ireland and Table Tennis Ireland has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), paving the way for greater participation and integration of athletes with intellectual disabilities in table tennis across the country. Karen Coventry, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland said:
“Athletes will have the opportunity to play table tennis in their local clubs, right in the heart of their own communities – building friendships, confidence, and skills that last a lifetime.” If you or a family member is interested in joining a Special Olympics Club in your area see specialolympics.ie. DN
Karen Coventry, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, and David McNally, CEO of Table Tennis Ireland. Also present were Paddy Vaughan, a distinguished Paralympics athlete set to qualify for the 2028 Games, and Fiodhna O’Leary, a table tennis medallist from the 2018 Abu Dabi Special Olympics World Games.
Kilkenomics returns from 7 to 9 November, bringing together economists, comedians and thinkers to explore money, markets, AI, climate and culture.
With over 50 shows in Kilkenny’s cosiest venues, you’ll enjoy sharp insights and witty debates over the weekend. This year’s festival features a remarkable cast like economists Eric Lonergan, David McWilliams, Filippo Gaddo with comedians Colm O’Regan, Dylan Moran, and many more. Tickets start at €15 for single shows or €85 for a full festival pass. See kilkenomics.com. DN
Comedian Barry Murphy.
Much loved author Alice Taylor returns to the shelves with her new book
Weathering Storms, a timely and tender meditation on resilience, change, and the quiet strength found in everyday life. Known for her warm, insightful reflections on rural Irish living, she once again invites readers to pause, reflect, and take comfort in the rhythms of nature and community.Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering her for the first time, this is an essential read for autumn’s quieter days. Pictured below: Weathering Storms by Alice Taylor published by O’Brien Press Ltd, €19.99.
See vibesandscribes.ie. AK
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