Hot tip

* LOOK out for fresh new season asparagus at your local farmers’ market. Check out www.irelandmarkets.com — this site will give you details of the farmers’ market closest to you. It also lists country markets in your area.

Anyone setting up new markets should also contact the site for a wealth of advice and information.

* Visit the seven new Artist Workshops at Stephen Pearce Gallery in Shanagarry, east Cork. This is a facility designed to support individual or small groups of artists in developing their art and craft, which will be available for sale in the workshops and includes paintings, furnishings, textiles, jewellery, spices, pottery, etc. The project has been part-funded by East Cork Area Development, under the rural development scheme.