Seven things to do this week
TODAY: Thirteen members of the uber-crafty Woods family show off their work - from jewellery to furniture, handbags, wood-turning and paintings - at the Carnegie Library, Sandyford Community Centre, today from 2-6 p.m. and tomorrow, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Inspired. But the main event for the masses is at the RDS, where Off the Rails goes live once again - it's a one-stop shop for fashion and beauty paraphernalia, hosted by Pamela Flood and Caroline Morahan. Fashion shows today and tomorrow at 11 a.m., 1, 4 and 6 p.m. Tickets, €15.50, from Ticketmaster 0818-719300.
TOMORROW: Harry Crosbie will wield the auctioneer's hammer today at a sale of 60 well-known artists' work - including Mick O'Dea, Brian Palm, Michael Fitzharris - in aid of Fighting Blindness. At the Cobalt Cafe and Gallery, 16 North Great George's Street, Dublin 1; Viewing from 2.30 p.m.; sale at 4.30 p.m.
MONDAY: The vigorous, supercharged work of Una Sealy is on exhibition in the Dunamaise Arts Centre, Church Street, Portlaoise, Co Laois until Friday, December 3rd: 25 rich paintings in all, including a stunning portrait of Mary and Douglas Sealy, Irish Times music critic and grandson of Douglas Hyde, in their Howth garden. www.dunamaise.ie
TUESDAY: Book a night in a lighthouse, tower or castle keep: the Irish Landmark Trust has just restored its 14th heritage property - the Barbican Gate at Glenarm Castle, Co Antrim - which is particularly magical. A perfect escape. www.irishlandmark.com or telephone 01-6704733 for information.
WEDNESDAY: If you have the nerve or the gumption to buy jewellery at auction, go bravely to O'Reilly's Auctioneers at 126 Francis Street, Dublin 8 for their annual Winter Jewels auction of antique and contemporary gems. From 2 p.m. (01-4530311).
THURSDAY: Polly Paulusma ... what a name. The UK singer/songwriter, with everyone from Nick Drake to Joni Mitchell on her honours list, was at Whelans in Dublin last night and is at Crúiscín Lán in Cork tonight at 9 p.m. €10/€12.
FRIDAY: Get your skates on at the covered outdoor rink at the RDS, where Christmas on Ice opens today. A tad early for the C-word, perhaps, but there are even more extras built in this year, including markets, skating lessons, student dance nights, broomball team games, and a spa chill-out zone. www.7upchristmasonice.ie or Ticketmaster at 0818-719300.