And that’s only the beginning.

As the Vanbrugh Quartet get a lifetime achievement award, Gregory Ellis reflects on his 30 years with the group, writes Cathy Desmond

Ireland’s great houses have a habit of throwing up the odd spectacular piece, writes Des O’Sulivan.

From Monday October 27 to Friday October 31 the children are off school. This can mean one and one thing only: you need to keep them busy. Very busy.

Westport, Co Mayo

TO SAY that Westport House has been in the family for generations doesn’t quite capture Lady Sheelyn Browne’s impressive lineage — her connection to the 400-acre Co Mayo estate goes right back to her 14th great-grandmother, the “most notorious woman in all the coasts of Ireland”, pirate queen Grace O’Malley.

Craic, music and food mighty in Westport

1) Fota House & Gardens, Co Cork

One of the last credible witnesses of the War of Independence has died.

Seán McCárthaigh experiences some of the diverse attractions on offer in Westport.

Mayo Mountain Rescue said today that they have received hundreds of calls about a diamond ring that was discovered in a collection bucket.

Put down those glittering Oscars, Golden Globes, Baftas — and yes, even a Razzie.

Music fans are heading to Mayo in their thousands this evening for the first ever Westport Festival of Music and Performing Arts.

SPECIAL OFFERINGS FOR VEGAS TRIP

IF YOU still need proof that Christmas is now a fully-fledged season — as opposed to a single day, or even several days, of festive fun — you’ll find it in Eyre Square.

Now that the kids are fully settled back at school, the lazy hazy days of summer seem like a lifetime ago.

Sheelyn Browne of the Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park discusses her working day with Niamh Hennessy

HERE ARE SOME GREAT FAMILY FUN IDEAS TO KEEP YOU BUSY FOR THE SUMMER!

AS I STAND at the Mulranny Park Hotel in Co Mayo on day one of a weekend trip, my eye races over the empty spaces, trying to comprehend the beauty of the interlocking mountains, the sweep of the sea, the sense of boundless landscape.

The Government today announced €18.56m in grants for conservation projects around the country like Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin and Co Mayo’s Westport House.

THE country's longest heritage railway opens today but it's future is being threatened by massive insurance costs.