Looking for a day trip with a difference this Valentine’s Day? Check out Ciara McDonnell’s top suggestions.

This Garinish at Glengarriff Co Cork, is one of four to share the name in the country.

It’s no wonder that Peter Dowdall sees Powerscourt as one of Ireland’s jewels. And he thoroughly enjoyed a recent visit with head gardener Alex Slazenger, who embodies the change and continuity in this special place

Kya deLongchamps encourages a wide-eyed spring ramble around three of the many heritage gardens of Ireland.

EAT THIS

Do take a look at the West Cork Garden Trail’s websiteas they are suggesting a number of interesting trip combinations for viewing of the various Gulf Stream gardens dotted all over the coast of West Cork. 

The Irish Georgian Society has called for urgent State action to save what remains of historic Vernon Mount House in Cork, which was gutted in a suspected arson attack.

One of Rosanna Davison’s three wedding bashes in summer 2014 contributed to the luxury five-star Powerscourt hotel and spa at Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, recording earnings of €700,000 last year.

Definitely a unique way to see the country — from a vintage Rolls Royce Silver Ghost with the roof rolled back and the wind in your hair.

Coach Michael Bannon has been a driving force on Rory McIlroy’s road to stardom.

Leinster players being self-critical after victories is not exactly news in recent years, but Rob Kearney took it a step further on Saturday night by questioning the team’s preparations throughout this season.

Noel Baker chills out a luxurious bolthole in the foothill of the Sugar Loaf, surrounded by some of the country’s most beautiful scenery. Life can be so sweet...

Helen Dillon, the renowned plantswomen, writer, lecturer and broadcaster will give a lecture on gardening to the Cork Literary and Scientific Society on Thursday, January 29, at 8pm in the Crawford Art Gallery, Emmet Place. 

Tralee Flower & Garden Club present “The Magic of Christmas” by Rose Hickey in the Grand Hotel, Tralee, on Monday November 17 at 8pm.

Never let it be said that the Golf Column isn’t ahead of the game but if proof were needed, we’re not too modest to toot our horn.

Four golfers whose names don’t really ring a bell for followers of the amateur game have qualified for this morning’s semi-finals of the Clare Coast Hotels South of Ireland Championship at Lahinch.

RACHEL DOYLE was elected President of the International Garden Centre Association (IGCA) last October.

Detectives have arrested a woman after seizing illegal drugs believed to worth almost €500,000.

The K Club’s Ryder Cup course has been voted the country’s top parkland course for 2014 by readers of Golfing Weekly. Its sister course at the Straffan estate, the Smurfit Course, came in at No 15.

Ireland's tallest tree has been crowned at Powerscourt in Co Wicklow.

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP: Niall Kearney has slipped snugly into the favourites’ seat for the Cassidy Golf PGA Irish Region Championship title this week, at Roganstown.

An injunction preventing a man from occupying a suite he owns at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel at Powerscourt, Co Wicklow, has been extended at the High Court.

Jedward take to the stage at the Olympia from Wednesday December 19 2012 to Monday December 31 2012 for Jedward and the Magic Lamp.

The demise of the golf membership entrance fee in Ireland has become a reality as we head into 2013, writes Brian Keogh

THEY soothed our senses, purified our pores and massaged the nine-to-five from our system.

Jamie Spencer paid tribute to owner Dr Jim Hay after riding Cape Blanco to a comfortable victory in the Arlington Million.

I HAVE a neighbour with a large garden.

THERE has been an explosion in demand among Irish woman for fascinators and hats after the royal wedding made headwear one of the hottest fashion trends of the year.

PERFECT restaurants don’t exist.

Chef Catherine Fulvio’s Ballyknocken House is very tempting, says Pól Ó Conghaile

THREE years ago, three houses tucked away at Cedar Grove, off Waterford’s Dunmore Road went up for sale, designed by local architects Fewer Harrington Lawlor, and sporting asking prices of €680,000.

DIRECT Holidays’ programme for summer 2011 has 17 destinations on offer and three new routes from Cork. Prices start from €299 per person to the Algarve, while a family of four can enjoy 4-star luxury on the Costa Dorada next July for about €1,900 from any of the three main airports.

CHAT show king Ryan Tubridy is refusing to open up about his wilted romance with Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin.

Irish and international property group Treasury Holdings has appointed Kevin Keegan to its board.

THE funeral of Dr Michael Slazenger who died along with a friend following a plane crash in Wicklow is expected to take place on Thursday.

THE funeral of Dr Michael Slazenger who died along with a friend following a plane crash in Wicklow is expected to take place on Thursday.

A retired anaesthetist whose family founded the Slazenger sports brand was fighting for his life today after a plane crash which left another man dead.

The owner of the Powerscourt estate in Wicklow is in a critical condition in hospital following a plane crash yesterday in which another man died.

LANCE ARMSTRONG wants to conquer St Patrick’s Hill in Cork and he will he will grab the opportunity when the Tour of Ireland finishes in the city on August 23.