A pair of old friends from Barcelona came to stay with us for a week in August, as they do every summer, welcoming Ireland’s breezy climate as a respite from the 40C heat endured throughout much of Spain.

Food news with Joe McNamee.

IN THE PAST few years, the Irish have taken to camping like never before.

Kilkenny City hasn’t been as badly affected by high-street vacancies as some other towns and cities but has seen a rise in the number of vacant commercial spaces, from 3.3% in early 2014 to 7.7% in the first quarter of this year.

More outlets are opening on the country’s prime shopping streets, writes Peter O’Dwyer

With a saddlebag full of chocolate and a straw bonnet on the bould Neidín, The Menu is taking to the highways and byways once more.

ARTS

THE 56th Corona Cork Film Festival was officially opened at Cork Opera House last night by arts minister Jimmy Deenihan.

As the Blue Book turns 45, Marie Toft joins the women at the helm of Ireland’s country houses for afternoon tea.

Golfers like to remind themselves that nothing’s won on Saturdays, but it’s the day plenty of tour pros write themselves out of contention.

Always something of a trailblazer, The Franciscan Well brewery continues in this vein by hosting Fem-Ale Fest (August 10-11), Ireland’s very first festival dedicated to celebrating the women of Irish brewing, with over 15 participating breweries and a full programme of speakers, panel discussions and entertainment along with gallons of great beer.

Leslie Williams visits Out of the Blue in Dingle Harbour.

By Kieran Shannon

Sorting out Cork people...

The Irish Open could have a title sponsor again next season after three years in the financial doldrums.

Weekend food columnist and McKenna’s Guide contributing editor Joe McNamee is back with his annual accolades. Read on for his best in fine dining, pub grub, afternoon tea and much more, in Cork and around the country.

Thanks to his hit TV show, Chris O’Dowd has put Boyle, Co Roscommon, on the map. The comedian’s father Seán gives Conor Power the tour of the town.

On hearing of a spud-related attempt to enter the Guinness Book of Records, The Menu immediately hitched up the wagon and pointed it westwards once more for The Menu truly venerates this most tremendous of all tubers.

Great Taste 2012 Award Winners

The benefits of doing a night course can be seen in personal development as well as in the workplace, as studying something you are passionate about boosts confidence, writes Arlene Harris Sometimes you need to seek out formal learning to achieve mastery or to progress your career