Breathe in, bliss out
The Yoga Picnic
“Whether someone is attending their first yoga class, bringing their children for a family day out or looking for advanced workshops with international teachers, there is something for everybody at the festival,” says Katy Harrison, co-founder of The Yoga Picnic, which takes place on Saturday, July 4th on the grounds of Lilliput House, in Co Westmeath.
There will be more than 100 classes, talks and experiences led by Irish and international yoga practitioners (among them Eithne Kennedy, Sinéad Mooney, Mari Kennedy, Michael Ryan and Jack Harrison), in addition to stand up paddle board yoga sessions on Lough Ennell.
Now in its third year, the event has diversified to include poetry readings, cacao ceremonies and astrology talks, as well as treatments at Uisce Spa that include saunas, ice baths, salt rituals and hot-tub experiences. The finale is a lakeside concert with folk, country and yoga musician Jack Harrison. Adult day passes cost from €95. Penny McCormick
RM Block
Grab your skateboard
Replay street festival
Want to improve your skateboarding style, learn some new tricks or watch professionals in action? Skateboarding enthusiasts are in for a treat on August 15th, in southwest Dublin at Replay, a new festival of street culture. Taking place in Parthalán Place, Tallaght, the daylong event will have two zones specifically for skateboarding performances, and a mini-ramp for structured skate boarding and rollerblade sessions, led by experts.
There will also be a music stage with a programme of live acts and DJs. The NOISE Music Cypher Project, which supports young DJs, producers and MCs, will have a presence, and you can expect collective dance performances; live rap; graffiti displays; circus acts; freestyle football shows; face-painting; and food and craft markets. Replay is a fun, participatory and immersive event that promises to appeal to people of all ages. Erin McCafferty
Booked
The perfect summer read has arrived in the form of Caroline Grace-Cassidy’s latest novel, A Second Chance Summer in Dublin. Telling the story of jilted-at-the-altar wedding-dress designer Grace Algar, the action starts as Grace arrives at her tiny Dublin flat ready to manage her only bridal commission. She tends old wounds and experiences an unexpected spark, learning along the way that sometimes the wrong man can be just right.
One for fans of Cecelia Ahern, Marian Keyes, Beth O’Leary and Sophie White, A Second Chance Summer in Dublin is a funny, big-hearted story about the importance of choosing yourself first and falling in love where you least expect it. The summer love story we didn’t know we needed. Aisling O’Toole
Glamp and glam
Highclere Valley Stud Farm shepherd’s huts
highclerevalley.co.uk/stays/shepherds-huts
If you’re thinking of visiting Highclere castle, Downton Abbey’s main filming location, this summer, where better to stay but at nearby Highclere Stud? The View and The Nest are two shepherd’s huts, beautifully decorated in heritage colours, that offer a glimpse of life on the estate.
At Highclere Valley, you’ll find yourself among undulating hills and lush grassland on a 120-hectare farm where top-class horses, which have been reared here since 1902, graze alongside Ryeland sheep and Dexter cows.
Highclere Valley’s event space, The Tractor Shed, is open on Fridays, and on the last Friday of every month there is live music. Dine close by in the Carnarvon Arms. Mimi Murray
Pilates and brunch
The Montenotte Hotel
Head to Cork this summer to discover the restorative wellness experiences at The Montenotte. We love the Pilates & Brunch package, thoughtfully designed to nourish the body, calm the mind and encourage little moments of self-care throughout the rest of what can be a busy season. .
This one-day package starts with a welcome smoothie shot on arrival before easing you into a one-hour Pilates class in the stunning hotel gardens. Led by Soul Yoga & Pilates Cork, the class, which is suitable for all levels, includes a mix of intentional movement, stretching and breath-led exercises to ensure a truly restorative experience. Afterwards head to Panorama for a leisurely brunch from the carefully curated menu, all enjoyed with sweeping views of Cork city.
Pilates & Brunch with Soul Yoga & Pilates Cork takes place on July 11th and August 22nd. Aisling O’Toole
