Take your pick of gifts, Dad

PLUMBER.

Landscape gardener.

On-call nanny.

Round the clock chauffeur.

Many and varied are the roles of a father, and every Daddy is a jack of all trades. Dads have to know how to do everything, from unblocking the drain to explaining the offside rule, from changing nappies to giving away the bride. Jun 17 is the day to recognise your father for his unique skill-set and treat him to something special for Father’s Day.

Every Dad is different and this year we’re previewing gifts of every type. So take your pick from our list, and get him something memorable. Because nothing’s too good for the man who taught you how to swim, and bought you your first 99.

1. If you’ve got a busy Dad, he never stops going. If you can’t make him put his feet up on Father’s Day, at least you can make sure he’s caffeinated. The sleek Nespresso Pixie, new in at Brown Thomas, will fuel him up nicely. Available in a choice of red or brown.

Nespresso Pixie, €149, BT.

2. A stylish Dad knows the difference between a double- and a single-breasted suit jacket and will appreciate something special from Salingers. Cork’s own temple of elegant menswear on French Church Street stocks a range of European labels and is a one-stop shop for sharp dressing, whether it’s a bespoke suit you’re splashing out on, or a handmade Italian pocket square. Treat your Dad to his own piece of timeless style, or better yet, take him down there and let him choose his own.

3. Between Euro 2012 on the telly, and long evenings in the garden while we have the bit of light, there’s every possibility your Dad could be a bit wild and woolly-looking by the time Father’s Day rolls round. If you’ve got a hirsute Dad, a shave might be in order. Cork legend Mick Moriarty aka The Baldy Barber (above) is offering a special Father’s Day voucher for €35, which will get your Dad (or Granda) not only a haircut but a hot towel shave as well. For info visit www.facebook.com/BaldybarberBlackpool or call Mick on 021-4504704.

4. Oscar Wilde said work is the curse of the drinking classes. Help your overworked Dad get his priorities straight with a break in East Cork. The Castlemartyr Resort ’Home from Home’ Package (below) includes three nights’ five star luxury accommodation with full Irish Breakfast each morning, complimentary upgrade to a Junior Suite, and complimentary tickets to the Old Jameson Distillery or, if he’d rather race cheetahs than have a foxy one, Fota Wildlife Park. Plus 20% off tailor-made spa treatments. From €160 per night (minimum 3 night stay.) For more information call 021-4219000 or visit www.castlemartyrresort.ie.

5. For the father who marches to the beat of his own drum, spoil your quirky Dad with an offbeat touch of luxury. This blood red McQueen skull-print scarf will add some drama to his evening outings.

Red Skull evening scarf €165 Brown Thomas.

6. For green-fingered Dads who are happiest in the garden (and Mums who are happiest when they’re out there), the latest range of shiny new tools from B&Q will ensure his backyard wilderness is tamed with panache.

From €35.60 at B&Q.

7. Forget the trowels and shovels though, mowing-mad Dads will be making eyes at the Mac Allister SP46. And understandably so, she’s a gorgeous looking number, as lawn tamers go. It’s a pricier bit of gear we’re talking here, but could be worth splashing out on. If you get him this for Father’s Day, maybe he’ll cut your grass as well? Mac Allister SP46, €310 B&Q.

8. For the father who has his own special outlook on life, (and what Dads don’t?) what better way to celebrate your original Dad than with a present as unique as he is? At the Clonakilty Garden Centre, no two pieces of bog oak are the same. Every beautiful piece of bog oak at the centre is locally sourced. Ancient wood from West Cork would make a beautiful and arresting Father’s Day present with a difference this year.

Bog Oak pieces start from €20 Clonakilty Garden Centre, Lissavaird Co-op, Co. Cork.

9. Celebrate Father’s Day under canvas if you’ve got an outdoorsy Dad. Pitch your tent in Hidden Valley, Rathdrum in Co Wicklow, a birdwatcher’s paradise in a beautiful valley with sites overlooking the Avonmore river, home to kingfishers, herons, wild geese, ducks, pheasants and red kites. Kayaking and rowing boats are also available onsite, and if you bring your bikes,you can both sign up for the Sally Gap Downhill Cycling Tour that leaves from the park.

Pitch rates from €12-€34, all gear provided. For more information see www.campingireland.ie/parks/wicklow/44-hidden-valley-caravan-and-camping-park.html or Tel: [phone].

10. Your aul fella might be more of a lap of luxury Dad, in which case there’s nothing for it, but to crown him King of the Castle for the weekend. Castle Dargan Resort in Sligo is offering a special Father’s Day package, including a one night stay for two adults and dinner in the Hall Door Restaurant, a complimentary round of golf in the Darren Clarke-designed championship course, use of the Relaxation Suite in The Icon Spa and a bottle of bubbly in Dad’s room on arrival from just €79 per person sharing.

For more information contact Castle Dargan Resort, Sligo on 071-9118080 or visit www.castledargan.com.

11. If you’ve got a culinary Dad he’s probably a whiz in the kitchen already, but even the most talented chefs are always looking to upskill. For a true gift that keeps on giving, why not sign him up for one of the cooking courses at Lettercollum and offer to be the taster for all the delicious dishes he learns how to make? The Lettercollum Kitchen Project, run by Con McLoughlin and Karen Austin is a West Cork institution and their seasonal cooking classes are a mecca for foodies, not only in Ireland, but from all over Europe as well.

Lettercollum Kitchen Project Classes are seasonal and cost €95, including tastings, tastings, lunch and recipes. Vouchers available from Lettercollum Kitchen Project shop, Clonakilty [phone], or http://www.lettercollum.ie/index.htm.

12. Of course the very best present for your One-and-Only Dad is the one that only you can give him, and that’s your company. For an utterly memorable Father’s Day this year, try the following recipe: 2 x bus fares, Cork City to Crosshaven, (main picture, above) €1.60 each, from Bus Station, Parnell Place.

2 x large chips 2 x cans of Fanta from Chish and Fips takeaway — change from a tenner.

Eating chips with salt and vinegar, watching the boats with your Dad while the sun sets — priceless.