Weekend loves: This week's must do, see & buy

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Now Gill Books bring us Naturama.

Child-focused again, and magnificently illustrated by Leitrim artist Melissa Doran, this showcases nature by the season, from your back garden to the countryside.

And it’s fun too — did you know the ash tree is good for making hurleys?

And have you ever counted a snail’s 27,000 teeth?

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His work hangs everywhere from Wall Street to Dublin’s coolest restaurants.

Now, after a year exhibiting around the world, artist David Uda (Duda) has returned to his home soil to launch his most recent body of work as a solo exhibition.

Belles & Whistles will be officially opened on Friday by Kevin Godley, of band 10cc, at Sol Art Gallery (Dawson St, Dublin 2).

The exhibition will run until June 10.

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The gates are open. Ashford Castle is now welcoming day visitors, so they can sample the Ashford experience along with hotel guests.

It includes access to the estate’s vast range of outdoor activities (falconry, archery, zip lining, and fishing), afternoon tea in the castle, and dining in the reopened Cullen’s at the Cottage restaurant and Mrs Tea’s Boutique & Bakery.

A taste of five-star — for a €10 entry fee (including a coffee at Mrs Tea’s Boutique & Bakery).

www.ashfordcastle.com