Heywood Gardens in Ballinakill, Co Laois, are one of only four Irish gardens designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
Probably landscaped by Gertrude Jekyll, they form the centrepiece of the estate. The gardens are open every day, and admission is free. There is a tour on Sundays at 3 p.m.
To do tonight...Five days of great music kick off this evening at Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival. Bands playing in the Co Waterford port include Hickory Project from the US, Coal Porters, White Lightening and Grassroots from the UK and Prison Love, the Knotty Pine String Band, Woodbine and the Niall Toner Band from Ireland.
Fun for kids...If your children are fascinated by steam trains, treat them to a return trip from Dublin to Belfast on Saturday, when Merlin, above, will be only the second steam-hauled Enterprise since 1950. It leaves Dublin at 7.45 a.m., arriving back at 8.10 p.m. after five hours in Belfast. Book your tickets (26) on 01-2809417.
Late late offers...If you're in need of a last break before the return to term-time normality, check out www.irelandin1.com. This month, for example, the accommodation service had rooms from Sunday to Wednesday in Temple Bar Hotel in Dublin for 30 per person sharing, subject to availability.
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