Hot tip

Neuadd Lwyd is a wonderful country house in North Wales with magnificent views of Snowdonia and Anglesey.

Originally a Victorian Rectory, it is now owned by one of our past pupils Susannah Wood, who now serves award-winning quality food with the finest local seasonal ingredients. Just 25 minutes from Holyhead ferry and five minutes from the Menai Bridges. Email: [e-mail]; Internet: www.neuaddlwyd.co.uk; Tel: [phone]

Finnebrogue Oisin Venison is reared on the Finnebrogue estate in the rolling hills of Co Down, near Downpatrick. The venison is exclusively produced from the largest red deer herd in Ireland and UK, from deer under 21 months of age and is used by top chefs. Internet: www.finnebrogue.com; email: [e-mail]; Tel [phone]

Clifden on Ice and Clifden Station House Courtyard Christmas Market: On the original site of the Clifden Railway Station, the Courtyard of the Clifden Station House will be transformed into an outdoor Ice Rink and Christmas Market from December 2, 2005 - January 7, 2006. The market will be open for the weekends in December and a range of stalls are required; selling quality and luxury Arts & Crafts, Food Produce and Christmas novelties - for further information contact Kate Dempsey at Clifden Station House - 091-788272 or 087-9254175; email: [e-mail]

Tipperary Slow Food Event: A new Slow Food Conivium has been launched in Nenagh under the direction of Peter Ward of Country Choice fame. To celebrate the launch, they have planned a Halloween Slow Food Event on October 29, 30, and 31. Temptations include a woodland mushroom hunt. Guest chef Hugo Arnold will cook a Slow food banquet on Saturday night. For details see www.slowfoodireland.com or Tel [phone].