Boyle buzz for all the family
The Boyle Market Fest promises a lively family day out in north Roscommon this Saturday 2 May. Running from 11am to 1pm in the grounds of historic King House, the courtyard market will showcase local artisan food, craft and organic produce, from fresh veg and baked goods to handmade pieces. There’s plenty for all ages, with live music from Reel Craic featuring David Knight, adding to the atmosphere.
Alongside the performances, Boyle Market Fest will offer a wide range of family-friendly activities. Children can take part in creative workshops, arts and crafts sessions, games and interactive entertainment. See athlone.ie/events/boyle-market-fest-2026
There will be plenty of activities for families at Boyle Market Fest. \iStock
It’s peak market season, and Irish Country Living can’t get enough of finding unique products that spice up their days. Skillet & Spice’s handcrafted sesame-based seasonings are small but mighty. The Carlow-based business offers a range of ‘Everything’ – perfect for adding a little bit of flavour to your meals.
Their sustainably packaged tins make it easy to enjoy these blends. Follow them on Instagram (@skillet_and_spice) to check market dates around the country. You can purchase products on shopinireland.ie/sellers/skillet-and-spice.
Everything Jalapeño, Everything Classic, and Everything Italian, (50g) are €5 each.
Blooming lovely bank holiday
One of Ireland’s oldest walking events is celebrating its 30th birthday over the May bank holiday weekend. The Slieve Bloom Walking Festival is not just for the serious walker but also a special social event for people to meet and enjoy the unspoilt beauty of one of Europe’s oldest mountain ranges, which straddles Laois and Offaly.
There are seven guided walks to choose from this year, ranging from an easygoing walk through the bluebells in Capard Woodlands to the more moderate Brittas Lake or a challenging trek in Knockastumpa through remote wilderness areas. The fee is €8 per walk (accompanied children are free). If you wish to join the Slieve Bloom Walking Club and avail of guided walks every Sunday of the year then annual membership is €20 (single) or €30 (family).
See slievebloom.ie
Walking among the bluebells in the Slieve Blooms. /Paul Moore
Looking for a holiday read or are you a fan of cosy crime? A bold new mystery by debut author Cormac Quinn, out on 7 May, will definitely tick both of those boxes with aplomb. Murder on Lough Derg is a classic country house mystery with a contemporary edge featuring foreign correspondent-turned-sleuth Jack Myers, who finds himself investigating a mysterious drowning on the lake.
His instincts tell him it’s no accident, and Jack has to use all of his detective skills to expose the truth amid a growing body count.Murder on Lough Derg, published by Mercier Press, is €14.99.
Murder on Lough Derg.
New research from Aviva shows 53% of people in Ireland have been affected by home repair or contractor scams, often involving rogue tradespeople or disappearing deposits. Risk rises after severe weather, when urgent repairs are needed.
While 86% feel confident spotting scams, caution is still advised. Verify who you are dealing with, insist on written quotes, and avoid transferring large sums upfront. The most common issues include rogue or unregistered tradespeople (16%),
contractors who take upfront deposits and disappear (14%) and scams following storm related damage (13%). These findings highlight the scale and sophistication of risks facing households in Ireland. Aviva advises several practical steps to protect against in-person, financial and digital scams.
See aviva.ie/group/media-centre/research-home-repair-scams/
New research from Aviva shows 53% of people in Ireland have been affected by home repair or contractor scams. /iStock
Boyle buzz for all the family
The Boyle Market Fest promises a lively family day out in north Roscommon this Saturday 2 May. Running from 11am to 1pm in the grounds of historic King House, the courtyard market will showcase local artisan food, craft and organic produce, from fresh veg and baked goods to handmade pieces. There’s plenty for all ages, with live music from Reel Craic featuring David Knight, adding to the atmosphere.
Alongside the performances, Boyle Market Fest will offer a wide range of family-friendly activities. Children can take part in creative workshops, arts and crafts sessions, games and interactive entertainment. See athlone.ie/events/boyle-market-fest-2026
There will be plenty of activities for families at Boyle Market Fest. \iStock
It’s peak market season, and Irish Country Living can’t get enough of finding unique products that spice up their days. Skillet & Spice’s handcrafted sesame-based seasonings are small but mighty. The Carlow-based business offers a range of ‘Everything’ – perfect for adding a little bit of flavour to your meals.
Their sustainably packaged tins make it easy to enjoy these blends. Follow them on Instagram (@skillet_and_spice) to check market dates around the country. You can purchase products on shopinireland.ie/sellers/skillet-and-spice.
Everything Jalapeño, Everything Classic, and Everything Italian, (50g) are €5 each.
Blooming lovely bank holiday
One of Ireland’s oldest walking events is celebrating its 30th birthday over the May bank holiday weekend. The Slieve Bloom Walking Festival is not just for the serious walker but also a special social event for people to meet and enjoy the unspoilt beauty of one of Europe’s oldest mountain ranges, which straddles Laois and Offaly.
There are seven guided walks to choose from this year, ranging from an easygoing walk through the bluebells in Capard Woodlands to the more moderate Brittas Lake or a challenging trek in Knockastumpa through remote wilderness areas. The fee is €8 per walk (accompanied children are free). If you wish to join the Slieve Bloom Walking Club and avail of guided walks every Sunday of the year then annual membership is €20 (single) or €30 (family).
See slievebloom.ie
Walking among the bluebells in the Slieve Blooms. /Paul Moore
Looking for a holiday read or are you a fan of cosy crime? A bold new mystery by debut author Cormac Quinn, out on 7 May, will definitely tick both of those boxes with aplomb. Murder on Lough Derg is a classic country house mystery with a contemporary edge featuring foreign correspondent-turned-sleuth Jack Myers, who finds himself investigating a mysterious drowning on the lake.
His instincts tell him it’s no accident, and Jack has to use all of his detective skills to expose the truth amid a growing body count.Murder on Lough Derg, published by Mercier Press, is €14.99.
Murder on Lough Derg.
New research from Aviva shows 53% of people in Ireland have been affected by home repair or contractor scams, often involving rogue tradespeople or disappearing deposits. Risk rises after severe weather, when urgent repairs are needed.
While 86% feel confident spotting scams, caution is still advised. Verify who you are dealing with, insist on written quotes, and avoid transferring large sums upfront. The most common issues include rogue or unregistered tradespeople (16%),
contractors who take upfront deposits and disappear (14%) and scams following storm related damage (13%). These findings highlight the scale and sophistication of risks facing households in Ireland. Aviva advises several practical steps to protect against in-person, financial and digital scams.
See aviva.ie/group/media-centre/research-home-repair-scams/
New research from Aviva shows 53% of people in Ireland have been affected by home repair or contractor scams. /iStock
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