WASTE DISPOSAL: When people see Mark Oliver's strange creepy crawlies they often think they have happened upon an exotic new breed of other-worldly animals. In a way they have - welcome to the "urban entomology" collection.
On closer inspection, the curious will discover that the insects are made from odds and ends that most would regard as rubbish, but that illustrator Mark Oliver has used to create bugs with personality. Wrapping paper, old spectacles, tickets and bits of a model aircraft are some of the things that have gone into the emergence of a new insect - the litterbug. The litterbugs began to evolve as a species when Oliver, who is a children's illustrator, started experimenting with the things he had lying around for making collages. "Sadly, I collect loads of bits and pieces. I'm not quite at the stage of rummaging through litterbins but I'm not far from it," he admits. Depending on the size and work that has gone into them, each mounted and framed Litterbug ranges from about €120 to €600. Litterbugs are on display and for sale at the Clotworthy Arts Centre at Antrim Castle until June 30th. For further information see www.thelitterbug.com. Nicoline Greer
HATCHING A PLOT
Something has happened in Ireland that, it is believed, has not happened since the Ice Age - a vulture egg has hatched. The Irish Raptor Research Centre and the Eagles Flying bird sanctuary in Ballymote, Co Sligo brought over two new male vultures in February as companions for the two females already there, and it seems they made friends quickly.
Two human hands could hold the new chick immediately after hatching, but it will eventually have a wing span of about three metres and will be waist height even when sitting. A second egg in the aviary was broken in a vulture scuffle, so now visitors who want to get a close look at the fledgling family can watch via a camera feed. Lothar Muschketat, who runs the centre, says that many visitors are prejudiced against vultures and think that they are ugly, but he says that if you look more closely you will find that they are "very beautiful birds". The centre also holds one-hour shows twice daily at 11am and 3pm where visitors can see birds of prey such as eagles and hawks in action. Adults €8 and children €5. For further information see www.eaglesflying.com or call 071-9189310. Nicoline Greer
THE COOK AND THE GARDENER
Being the spouse of a keen cook and gardener, my attention was drawn to a book on the same subject. The Cook and the Gardener by Amanda Hesser, food editor of the New York Times, was first published in the US in l999 and won both the James Beard and Julie Child awards. It is her record of a year spent as a cook in the 17th-century chateau in Burgundy owned by Anne Willan of La Varenne cookery school fame. What makes it interesting is the close liaison between the cook and the grumpy French gardener, Monsieur Milbert, whose attitude to his vegetable garden is that of a fastidious craftsman. She cooks his produce and in so doing learns from his expertise, and his complete dedication to the cultivation of his rented land around the chateau. The book is a lovely, atmospheric chronicle of the year with tested seasonal recipes such as pea and potato salad, or rhubarb and strawberry confit, for example. Perfect for this time of year. It's not often that cooks and gardeners come together in such harmony. This new edition of the prize-winning book is a fat paperback published by Absolute Press, priced £18.95. Deirdre McQuillan
TIME TO NAIL IT
If your feet need a treat, Dublin's newest hand and foot spa in Donnybrook offers luxury pedicures as well as manicures. Mink's menu lists seven different types of foot treatments (including a male pedicure), from a simple polish change to de luxe marine therapies. Clients are installed in cream leather armchairs with motorised footbaths, imported from LA. Manicures and nail enhancements are carried out at desks with velvet tub chairs designed by owner Orla Verling, an artist. She and her husband Jim (the former wine merchant) got the idea for Mink following a trip to New York, and they intend to open further outlets around the country. Customer appeal is wide. A chic boutique owner was having her nails done, a party of 11-year-olds was due in for "Little Princess" mini manicures (with sparkling lotions, rose petals and polish of their choice), and as we left, a young man was booking in for a pedicure. Amazing how uplifting a little kindness to the feet can be. Mink is at 45 Main Street, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, 01-2603076. Prices are from €20 to €90. www.mink.ie. Deirdre McQuillan
DADS IN THE KITCHEN
He might be expecting a bottle of wine, or a nice meal in a fancy restaurant, so it might be best to give a little advance warning to the Dad in your life before you book him in for next Sunday's special fathers' day cookery course at Ballyknocken Cookery School in Ashford, Co Wicklow. But, once they have found their way to the kitchen, even the most kitchen-shy men usually relish the independence that comes with a little culinary knowledge. This is a men-only class which will be given by Catherine Fulvio, and the emphasis will be on gizmos and gadgets - think what fun they'll have with the mandolin, mouli and blow torch. The class will start at 10.15am and end at 3pm, and the cost is €85, including lunch. Book on 0404-44627. Accommodation is available at Ballyknocken House if you want to make a weekend of it. www.thecookeryschool.ie. Marie-Claire Digby
DANCE FEVER
Keep up if you can at Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin this weekend as the Irish Youth Dance Festival takes over the ferry plaza with free outdoor jazz, tango, and contemporary dance workshops this afternoon. The pros will perform at the Pavilion Theatre at 7pm this evening, €8-€10.
UP, UP AND AWAY
There are few more serene sights than a hot air balloon floating under a blue sky. If it's serenity you're looking for, then, head to Kilkenny, where the International Hot Air Balloon Festival runs from June 15th to 18th. Balloons will launch from the grounds of Kilkenny Castle morning and evening. Davin O'Dwyer