Arty Explorations
Don't worry if you've not yet made it the Jack Yeats exhibit at the National Gallery, it runs till next year. But if all those luscious canvases have you yearning for the source, head to Sligo, where the painter spent his childhood, and where the Model arts centre have a great collection of his works. They've also just launched a podcast to celebrate the artist's 150th anniversary, including rediscovered audio of the man himself, music composed by Karen Power, plus contemporary artists responding. Just the thing to lash on as you head out and explore. Find it at themodel.ie. Base yourself at the Sligo Southern Hotel, with room only from €65.
sligosouthernhotel.ie
Fruity Fasting
Oh, if I had a penny for every healthy resolution I've broken this year, I'd (almost) be able to stay at Ballyfin. Still, here's one that might be slightly easier to keep: Connemara's Screebe House has launched a basenfasten retreat. Say what? It's a detox programme that "eliminates certain food groups" to give you back your glow and generally leave you looking too young to drink in the first place. Read a little more closely and discover that an awful lot of food groups are eliminated – you "enjoy" a lovely diet of fruit, vegetables and other foods that can be fully metabolised… Add seaweed baths, yoga and massage, and the seven day/six night programme starts at €1,999 pps. What price beauty?
screebe.com
Woof Woof
If you fancy 'retoxing' on your way home, check out Barna's vibey The Twelve, where the cocktails are yummy, the beds comfy, and it makes for a lovely base for walking trails on the edge of Connemara. The Twelve also boasts three pet-friendly suites, a pet lobby for check in, a pet menu (where it's food FOR pets, not pets as food) and a boutique where you can buy stuff for your dog – who would no doubt prefer to be sniffing unmentionable things outside, but is probably too well mannered to say so. Pet friendly suites start at €175.
thetwelvehotel.ie
Up to Mischief
Celebrating all things otherworldly in time for Halloween, the Púca Festival runs from October 23rd to 31st across counties Meath and Louth. Centring around Slane Castle, Athboy, Drogheda and Trim, enjoy all manner of mischief, including comedy, music, performance and more. The local pubs get in on the action too, and you can find the programme at pucafestival.com. The walls of Trim Castle will be illuminated for the event, so stay right up close at the Trim Castle Hotel with bed and breakfast from €80 per room. Or check out their family package including bed and breakfast for four (sharing) with a kids' tepee in the room and free meals for the children – as long as you're eating yourself – and passes to Tayto Park, from €225 all in.
trimcastlehotel.com
