These are the events and happenings in July and August that we’re booking in for …
We’re making a beeline for CREATE 2024, on Level 3 at Brown Thomas Dublin, on until August 11. Now in its 14th year, CREATE champions emerging fashion designers, giving them a retail launchpad, while shoppers see fresh, original Irish design. www.brownthomas.com.
Delve into the cultural legacy left by Handel’s visit to Dublin in 1741, during the Dublin HandelFest, July 19-21. The opening concert features the Irish Baroque Orchestra playing in Dublin Castle. www.dublinhandelfest.com.
Birr Vintage Week, one of Ireland’s oldest festivals, takes place from August 2-10, with a beautiful Vintage Picnic at Birr Castle Demesne one of the main events. www.birrcastle.com.
The Dublin Horse Show takes off on August 14, Ladies Day is on August 15. www.dublinhorseshow.com The perennially exciting Defender Puissance takes place on August 17. www.dublinhorseshow.com.
Imagine you are in Paris (on the Summer Terrace at The Merrion), enjoying the hotels’ delicious summer dining options in beautiful surroundings. Dine in the elegant Summer Terrace at The Merrion, Dublin 2, for drinks, lunch, dinner, or a prettily portable Garden Room Picnic. www.merrionhotel.com.
Or imagine you are in Provence at Wilde at The Westbury. Taste a flight of Minuty rosé wines with an Irish seafood platter at Wilde at The Westbury, Dublin. www.doylecollection.com.
THIS MONTH WE’RE…
VISITING: The Burren Perfumery Garden, Co Clare. www.burrenperfumery.com.
APPRECIATING: August Craft Month. This annual island-wide celebration is a chance to enjoy events and exhibitions, as well as support makers by buying craft and learning more about their work. www.augustcraftmonth.org.
FLEXING: at Yoga Picnic, held on July 7 at Lilliput House, Co Westmeath. Now in its third year, the line-up includes movement, therapies, discussion and music in a beautiful outdoor setting. www.theyogapicnic.com.
DINING: at Floritz, the glamorous new destination restaurant in the Townhouse on the Green hotel, 22 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. Designed by Project Orange, the flamboyant decor matches the exotic menu. www.floritz.ie.
READING: The new edition of The Open Gardens of Ireland, by Shirley Lanigan, €25, and planning a visit to one of the 427 gardens featured.
CHECKING OUT: The “More Power To You” exhibition at Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin 1, dedicated to Irish artist Sarah Purser. It features 100 works including portraits of WB Yeats and Maud Gonne. From July 10; www.hughlane.ie.
LOVING ALL THINGS TENNIS: The notion of the tennis bracelet can be traced back to when Chris Evert lost her diamond bracelet during the US Open in 1987 and insisted on stopping play until it was found! Boodles’ take on this classic features a diamond tennis ball charm. www.boodles.com.