If you're a good food fan, a fine wine freak, an ancient castle fiend or preferably all three of the above then next week's culinary weekend at Glin Castle is for you. Undoubtedly it's a slightly more prestigious cookery course than most - this one boasts cuisine and culinary demonstrations by Ballymaloe's Darina Allen, the wine expertise of Anthony Alken of Febvre & Company and a lecture on the castle and its family by Desmond FitzGerald.
However, perhaps the most exclusive thing about the weekend is its size. Due to the number of bedrooms at the castle, there will only be about 25 to 30 people there and at the last count there were hardly any rooms left at all. However, don't tear your hair out - it is possible to go along on individual days. Ring 068 34173 for more information.