Horizons

Best of Irish foodBlack pudding has had a raw deal, according to some of the new food connoisseurs in this country. If you are interested in seeing how this staple of the traditional Irish breakfast is made nowadays, head for Kenmare, Co Kerry, next weekend for this year's Slow Food Ireland celebration of the best of Irish food.

Events include excursions to cheesemakers, Kerry cow breeders and organic markets. Also workshops on matching wine with food and brunch at a special Slow Food Ireland Market. For details, contact 023-52977 and www.slowfoodireland.com

Eco-week in Dublin

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council will host its first eco-week beginning next Saturday. Highlights include a wildlife talk and walk with environmentalist, Eanna Ní Lamhna at 3 p.m on April 1st starting from Marlay Park House in Marlay Park, free composting and "slim your bin" workshops (one of which is in Airfield Trust, Dundrum on Saturday next from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), business waste clinics and children's energy and there will also be some interesting puppet-making workshops. The week ends with an eco-day on Saturday, April 3rd, in Dún Laoghaire County Hall. Contact 01-2054817 or e-mail ecoweek@dlrcoco.ie

www.dlrcoco.ie/env

Village experience

What would life in an eco-village be like? Interested members of the public can find out at the exhibition of the eco-village project in Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, on display at ENFO, Andrew's St, Dublin from Monday until April 2nd. Included in the exhibits are a model of the village made by children and detailed plans of the houses, community buildings and open spaces in the project. www.thevillage.ie and www.enfo.ie

Playground funding

The Government is finally backing the funding for new playgrounds in Ireland following the launch of Ireland's first play policy earlier this month. Now, a seminar in Dublin aims to help local groups considering installing a play facility in their area. Entitled Muck and Magic in the Playground, it goes ahead in St Catherine's Community and Sports Centre, Marrowbone Lane, Dublin 8, on Tuesday, March 30th. Admission to the centre is free but booking is essential. Contact 086-8150995 or e-mail play@dublincity.ie.

Shannon navigation

Interested in bridges, power stations, mills and other industrial buildings from the past? If so, consider attending the annual general meeting of the Industrial Heritage Association of Ireland in Shannonbridge, Co Offaly, next Saturday from 11 a.m. Once formal business is concluded, members of the IHAI will tour the Bord Na Móna Blackwater Works and study the Shannon Navigation system. Contact: 01-2824235.