If ever there was a time to visit the Garden County of Wicklow, then it is in early November as woodlands and forest swap summer green for the unspeakably beautiful autumnal palette, one of nature’s finest shows and a most exquisite closing act to the wild food foraging season. 

The Menu is taking his brain out of the vaults once more for its annual airing at The Great Irish Foodie Quiz 2014 (Oct 7@7.30pm). 

Believing attendance at an Irish food festival is a state of grace any God-fearing Gael should aspire to on a near daily basis.

Harvest Heaven

AWARDS are two a penny these times, so much so that they often come and go with minimum publicity.

Cork Free Choice Consumer Association: On February 28 at the Crawford Gallery Cafe you can learn how to grow your own fruit and nuts, when to plant, how to prune and care for apple and nut trees, raspberries, strawberries, etc. With Paul McCormick and Jacinta French of Woodkerne Nurseries, John Baker, Caroline Robinson and other experts. Admission, €6, including tea, coffee, etc.

Tours de France: The Irish are celebrating French Connections with ‘Tours de France’ from 9.30-6pm today at 6 Kildare St Dublin.

Youghal Through the Ages: There is an Elizabethan Market at Barry's Lane today from 10am to 3pm with street entertainment.

SLOW FOOD West Cork and the Schull ICA recently teamed up to host an event where guild members and their friends and local farming families could meet the foodmakers who sell at the local farmers’ markets.