ENDURE Hell and Back this weekend at Kilruddery House, Bray, Co Wicklow. Firmly established as Ireland’s toughest and most popular endurance challenge, Hell and Back is undertaken by hundreds of competitors each year. Combining stunning landscape with a fiendish obstacle course, the event will test even the fittest athletes. This September weekend is the second and final run of Hell and Back for 2018. Courses range from 1km to 15km, so there is something for every age and fitness level. Both mucky and gruelling but, above all else, great fun, dare to take on Hell and Back. To find out more, visit www.hellandback.ie

EXPLORE your thoughts as you Write By The Sea this weekend as Kilmore Quay in Co Wexford welcomes this literary festival. Set in the fishing village, readers and would-be writers will get the opportunity to hear authors explain their writing processes in a peaceful and natural environment, with talks, readings, interviews and workshops. All in all, this autumnal weekend has become a highlight on the Irish literary calendar. For tickets see www.eventbrite.ie

COMMEMORATE the role of Irish women in history on Sunday, 30 September at Bonnets, Bandoliers and Ballot Papers in the National Museum’s Decorative Arts and History department at Collins Barracks, Dublin. Join the free public tour at 3pm, which takes a look at the changing roles of women in Ireland around the turn of the 20th century. It uses the museum’s exhibitions, artefacts and items to the tell stories of women’s lives over 100 years ago as they sought suffrage and Irish independence, as well as being responsible for family life. Booking is not required but places on the tour are limited so get there early. Find out more at www.museum.ie

STRETCH at Yoga le Grá this weekend in Bishopstown, Co Cork. Internationally acclaimed yoga instructor Stephen Ewashkiw is bringing his “Adventure Yoga” course to Cork and will host three main workshops focusing on strengthening the core and spine, working on handstands and headstands, and, finally, on back bends and stretches. This is a great opportunity to spend a weekend focusing on your mental and physical health with these serious yoga courses. For prices and details, visit www.yogalegra.ie.

EMBRACE the great outdoors at the Ogham Tree Festival in Laois’s Stradbally Woodlands Railway this weekend. Kiki Theatre Group is putting together a magical festival of creativity, innovation and education for all to enjoy. Set off on the old steam train journey through beautiful woodland settings, experiencing the workings of the train itself, as well as a performance from the woodland characters on board. The day’s journey is full of activities and surprises, and is suitable for all ages. Steam trains depart every 20 minutes from the station, starting at 10.30am on Saturday. For ticket details and more see www.universe.com.