Daytimes: Tourists and locals alike will be entertained by Noel Cummins's extracts from the work of Irish writers in his daily lunchtime performances at the Dublin Writers' Museum, Parnell Square, Dublin.
Selected pieces from Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, George Bernard Shaw and Seamus Heaney are included in his 50-minute monologue. Shows run daily until the end of August at 1.10 p.m. Admission €5. Tel: 01-8722077.
Nighttime: Sample some jazz with the acclaimed Louis Stewart (above) Quartet tonight in Sheehans, Chatham Street, Dublin. Doors open at 9.30 p.m. Admission €7. Tel: 01-6790359.
Childtimes: A varied programme of children's art and craft workshops begins today at the Kilkenny Arts Festival. Also, children's films will be shown each weekday morning at 11 a.m. in the Kilkenny Cineplex. Today's offering is The Real Howard Spitz, a clever tale of a children's author and his devious exploits. Admission €2.50 Tel: 056-52175.
My Native County: Westmeath
Poet Vona Groarke/Three of my favourite places:
1 Begin with Belvedere House, near Mullingar - its setting, design and gardens may be delightful, its occupants were not. Look for its monument to marital discord that is the Jealous Wall.
2 A favourite of fishermen and sailors, Lough Ree is also steeped in history. Take a boat trip out to Hare Island or Inchmore - you're likely to happen on monastic and church ruins dating from anywhere between the sixth and 17th centuries, as well as a gorgeous array of wildflowers.
3 After that, Glassan, a pretty village perfect for exploring Goldsmith country. Stop off for a hearty meal in Grogan's pub on the main street, and watch for the nearby obelisk supposed to mark the crux of Ireland. It's a short drive to Goldsmith's parsonage at Lissoy and, from there, you can slip into the 18th century to join Tony Lumpkin's ghost for an ale at The Three Jolly Pigeons.
- Sylvia Thompson
Just-in times - lateoffers: Watersports enthusiasts could not wish for a better holiday destination than the Caribbean. Club Colonna in Antigua (above) is one of Sunsail's most popular destinations. From the end of August to mid-October, a week's holiday, including four dinners and two lunches and full use of the watersports facilities, costs £595 sterling ex UK. Sunway: 01-2886828; www.sunway.ie
- Joan Scales
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