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EMBRACE the magic of the Mayo skies and mountains with a unique walking weekend at Knockranny House Hotel, in the picturesque town of Westport, Co Mayo, on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 November. Check in Friday evening and on Saturday morning guests can take in the scenery of the Sheeffry Hills with a guided 11.5km walk above the Glenlaur Valley. A nighttime excursion takes place at 10pm to discover the dark skies of Mayo. Afterwards, the local Seanchai will keep the guests spellbound, with local stories and folklore, some magic and possibly a song or two. To book or for further enquires visit www.knockrannyhousehotel.ie
CREATE your own unique Christmas wreath at Wicklow’s Druids Glen Hotel and Golf Resort Christmas wreath workshop. This beautiful festive event will take place on Saturday 24 November and will see guests enjoy a delectable afternoon tea and take home their own unique Christmas wreath. Greystones-based Floral Art will take guests through the workshop where they will learn how to build seasonal foliage into a 12-inch wreath made up of berries, seed heads, dried and fresh flowers and woodland materials to create their original Christmas wreath. This Christmas Wreath Making Workshop is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit with friends. Booking is essential, call 01 287 0809 for more information.
JOIN Wildlife Rehabilitation Ireland (WRI) and charity patrons on Sunday, 25 November in Brigit’s Garden, Galway. Charity Patrons Mary Reynolds and Sharon Shannon will also be in attendance as they talk about Irish wildlife and how to protect it. The WRI is the only Irish charity focusing on all wildlife and providing training courses to both public and professional supporters. This event gives visitors a chance to enjoy the Celtic gardens designed by Mary while listening to Sharon play some uplifting melodies in the beautiful Hazel Room, after talks from WRI wildlife experts. Limited tickets for this intimate event are available at www.wri.ie or call Aideen on 086 3771209.
DIVE into an Ocean of Light at this year’s Wild Lights in Dublin Zoo, with an entirely new cast of illuminated giant silk lanterns celebrating the wonders of the life aquatic. Running from 1 November, through to 6 January, this is a winter experience not to be missed. From giant squid to polar bears, penguins, colossal blue whales and dainty seahorses, Dublin Zoo once again will be transformed into a world of illumination with lanterns tailor-made especially for this year’s event. All of this and more will make Wild Lights 2018 a truly unforgettable night to celebrate the festive season together. See www.dublinzoo.ie for more information.
CELEBRATE the best Irish designers and makers from fashion to jewellery and beyond, at Cork’s unique City Hall Crafts and Design Fair, from Friday 23 until Sunday 25 November. Thousands of unique gifts from the stars of Irish contemporary crafts and design will be showcased, with 85 exhibitors. The traditional opening to the festive season in Cork offers a chance to pick up individual and original Christmas gifts. There will be a huge emphasis on local makers such as Shanagarry botanical artist Belinda Northcote and Bantry wildlife artist Annabel Langrish. Shoppers will find a wide range of crafts, artisan-made goods, food and drink, stunning handmade jewellery and accessories at the Fair. For full details and booking visit www.cityhallcraftsfair.ie.
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