Desire Lines: A high-tech hair straightener to transform DIY hair routines

Plus the limited edition three-course meal for €30 

Check out this week's highlights from the Weekend team.

The hair product

Sculpt by ghd, €419

The brand that first defined home styling has launched Sculpt, and it’s set to transform DIY hair routines.

Promising an end to heat damage, ghd’s new technology uses AI to regulate temperature, adapting in real time for a personalised experience. Essentially sensing how you style, expect less frizz and more shine. The super-slim Infinity plates have a waterfall design for effortless glide. €419.

• ghdhair.com/ie

The trend

Brown Thomas unveils their defining collections, new designers and exclusive capsules for Autumn/Winter 2026. Picture: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

Brown Thomas transformed the first floor of its Grafton Street flagship into an unrecognisable catwalk experience to showcase 80 key autumn/winter looks. The edit of the new season featured leading international designers, new brands, and the key trends and pieces set to define the season. A high neck will dominate the high street, showcased here with Victoria Beckham’s leather top, €1,560 and skirt, €650.

• brownthomas.com

The dinner

Orchids restaurant at Hayfield Manor, Cork

To mark three decades of hospitality, Hayfield Manor in Cork, has launched a limited edition three-course 30th anniversary menu for €30. Available from now until October 31, the dishes are inspired by an original 1996 wedding menu gifted by a guest.

Executive head chef Mark Staples and team will rustle up Ballycotton smoked salmon terrine, a classic Caesar salad, tournedos of beef with port wine jus and a retro baked Alaska, combining 90s nostalgia with the best of contemporary Cork produce. The 30th anniversary menu is available for €30 per head at Orchids Restaurant at Hayfield Manor, Cork city’s only five-star hotel. Pre-booking essential.

• hayfieldmanor.ie

The event

The brothers behind one of the world’s most recognisable homeware brands, Joseph Joseph, are coming to Cork for a special one-night event with Meadows & Byrne at Fota Retail Park on Thursday 8th October

The brothers behind iconic homeware brand Joseph Joseph travel to Cork on October 8 for an in conversation event at Meadows and Byrne with Kevin Dundon.

This rare appearance by twin brothers Antony and Richard Joseph begins with drinks and canapés at 6.30pm, followed at 7pm by a live conversation. The discussion will explore the story behind Joseph Joseph, from the brothers’ earliest ideas to building an international brand — as well as taking a look at the inspiration behind some of the kitchen products that have become household favourites.

• Tickets €5 from eventbrite.ie

The pub

Sally Mac's pub in Dublin

The former Larry Murphy’s on Lower Baggot St has had several incarnations over the years.

The latest? Sally Mac’s. Named after The Pogues track, this latest iteration leans heavily into its Irish character — portraits of the 1916 leaders greet you as you walk through the door. It’s well placed for after-work drinks or match day pints, with a satisfying soakage menu to boot. Think loaded jacket potatoes, fish and chips, and a grilled ham and mature Irish cheddar toastie served with Keogh’s crisps that demands a pint of Guinness.

• sallymacs.ie

The Sunday feast

Virginia Park Lodge in Cavan will host Richard Corrigan's Homegrown Weekend for a third year

Returning for its third year, Richard Corrigan’s Homegrown weekend at Virginia Park Lodge in Cavan has released a limited number of Sunday overnight tickets. Running from 16–19 October, the dining festival brings together a roll call of some of the biggest names in food for a weekend of cooking, conversation, music and Irish hospitality.

Alongside Prue Leith, Angela Hartnett, Sally Barnes, Luke Holder, Robin Gill and Valentine Warner, the Sunday programme begins with a feasting-style long table lunch from Henry Harris of Bouchon Racine, recently named the UK’s Best Restaurant at the National Restaurant Awards, served in the Pavilion.

The festival closes with a wrap party at Richard Corrigan’s nearby pub, The Deerpark Inn, from 7pm until late, with live music, cocktails and tacos from Lily Ramirez-Foran. The Sunday feast costs €80 with overnight accommodation also available.

• virginiaparklodge.com/homegrown-rooms

The charity night

Peigin Crowley from Ground Wellbeing Picture: Miki Barlok

GROUND has launched a limited-edition gift set, featuring the Sleep Pillow Spray 30ml and Night Body Balm 60ml, with €10 from every set sold donated to Look Good Feel Better. As part of the campaign, Brown Thomas Cork will also host A Call to Tune In: Minding Our Girls on Thursday, October 8, with GROUND founder Peigín Crowley joined by Kim O’Sullivan and Triona McCarthy for a conversation around self-care, burnout, friendship, and breast health awareness.

• brownthomas.com