Island spree

Call it extreme shopping if you like, but the idea of heading to an island for a spending spree has its appeal. Particularly if it involves the Inis Meáin Knitting Company, which is opening out of season today and Saturday, December 6th, for Christmas shoppers, with complementary soup and brown bread supplied by their award-winning new restaurant.

The idea is that you drive to Rossaveal to catch the 10.30am ferry, arrive at 11.30am, walk 15 minutes to the knitwear store and choose from an array of warm and woolly Christmas presents at a fraction of the price you'd pay in top stores they supply around the world. Typical would be cashmere and baby alpaca scarves at €45, hats and ties at €25 each (and a tie of your choice if you buy two). Then, when you've had your fill of browsing or trying on the knits, you can explore the island before catching the 4.30pm ferry to arrive back at Rossaveal at 5.45pm. Better still, book yourself in for a night at their new suites, designed by de Blacam & Meagher architects, and inspired by the surrounding landscape. Beats security checks at Dublin airport any day.

Further info from www.inismeain.com.