CELEBRATE Limerick’s unique food heritage at the Pigtown Culture and Food Series. Now in its third year, the festival is inspired by the history of Limerick’s famous bacon industry. It sees an exciting programme of themed events taking place across various venues in the Treaty city and county. Having started last Friday, there are activities scheduled until 25 October, of which most will happen before 5 October. The Milk Market Guided Food Tour and Pigtown Food Heritage Tour will run on both Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September. There will also be plenty of lectures, demos and dining opportunities. For more information and a full programme of events see pigtown.ie.

NETWORK with the business women of Donegal at their 20th anniversary conference in Lough Eske Castle Hotel, Donegal town, on 1 October. “Looking Back – Moving Forward” is the theme of the conference, which celebrates the achievements and ambitions of a diverse group of 140 progressive business women across Donegal. Ciara Doherty, Ireland:AM presenter and a native of the county will chair a series of panel discussions. Keynote speakers on the day include Rosey Temple of Magee Donegal and Rosaleen Hegarty of Crana Knits. The conference starts at 10am. Tickets cost €70 and are available from www.donegalwomeninbusiness.com.

ENJOY the River to Lough Festival, taking place on the shores of Lough Neagh on Saturday 28 September. The festival celebrates Lough Neagh pollan, a fresh water fish and the first product in Northern Ireland to be awarded Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. The event begins at 11am at the Co Antrim based Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co-op where tickets can be purchased to all venues and activities. Visitors will meet the fishermen and learn how they prepare and fish for pollan. Scientists will show off the many fascinating creatures from the lough, including live species in aquariums. There are a whole host of other activities taking place on the day and a full programme of events can be found on, www.facebook.com/rivertoloughfestival.

APPRECIATE music at the New Ross Piano Festival, which runs until this Sunday 29 September. Led by its artistic director Finghin Collins, the festival features musicians from around the world in a packed programme of events. Pianists come from Korea, Italy, the Netherlands, Israel and Germany. Barry Douglas, one of Ireland’s finest musical ambassadors, makes his debut at the festival with his Camerata Orchestra. The festival includes jazz piano and the guest soloist is the charismatic Welsh pianist, Gwilym Simcock, who moves effortlessly between jazz and classical music. For a full line-up and tickets see www.newrosspianofestival.com.

ATTEND one of Europe’s oldest and largest horse fairs, the Ballinasloe Fair and Festival. Dating back to the 18th century, this annual event attracts up to 80,000 visitors from all over the world, with many returning to the town year after year. The Ballinasloe Horse Fair takes place across eight days from Sunday 29 September to 6 October. There are a plethora of events scheduled, from dog shows to a kids’ tractor race, food markets, baking, crafts and more. For more see www.ballinasoleoctoberfair.com.

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