News Open house: June 29th promises to be a lovely day out at Lisnavagh House in Co Carlow (above), as it celebrates its annual open day. There will be garden tours and historical talks, as well as traditional stands selling homemade jam, cakes and ice cream made from fruit grown in their walled garden – all served up on the Victorian mansion's 160-year- old lawns. lisnavagh.com
Sea escape: Beloved seaside retreat Kelly's Resort has unveiled its newest addition in the form of Leinster Lodge. Located right across from the hotel's entrance, the private lodge offers guests a secluded six-bedroom retreat, in what was one of Rosslare's oldest houses. The new offering is perfect for families or get togethers – enjoy the privacy of the plush, nautical-themed abode without missing out on the hotel's amenities, from their top-notch spa to the restaurants. kellys.ie
Hats off: Dublin's Westin Hotel has appointed its very own in-house milliner. Hat maker Laura Kinsella, who has designed with Danielle Romeril and Philip Tracey, will be available to design bespoke pieces for Westin brides and their wedding parties in the run-up to their big day. No nuptials on the horizon? Pop in to the hotel foyer where one of Laura's creations is on display. For appointments see thewestindublin.com.
FAMILY OUTINGS Airfield Estate, Dundrum: Get a taste of country life at the 38-acre estate, complete with its working farm, gardens and cafe. Startthe day with egg collecting, then watch the Jersey herd being milked. Little ones can help feed the animals; airfield.ie Eclipse Ireland, Co Kerry: Coasteering, kayaking, archery, orienteering, their infamous Bog Run and assault courses for every age will have the whole family puffing and panting at this outdoor activity centre in Kenmare; eclipseireland.com Quarter Park Party, Cork: On July 23rd, Fitzgerald's Park plays host to a free family extravaganza. Music by Shookrah and Cork Samba Band, storytelling and community games; quarterblockparty.com DEALS CRETE: Pilot Beach resort on the beautiful beach of the Gulf of Alymos between Chania and Rethymno – five star holidays with flights from €1,200 per week half board, 1800 814000; pilotbeachholidays.ie FUERTEVENTURA: book by June 30th for winter sun holidays in Fuerteventura at the Broncemar Beach resort from €299pps, 01-9010175, blueseaholidays.ie SICILY: July and August deals to the Sicilian coast with sunway.ie on charter flights, free baggage. Self-catering from €499pps and four-star hotels from €819pps, 01-2311800.
GET 'APPY Vegan Passport: The global dining guide for vegans is now available in app form. Communicate your vegan needs in 78 languages. Download it now at Windows, Apple and Google Play; vegansociety.com
