Weekend Loves: Christmas treats and Hallowe'en nights

M&S kicked off its glittering Christmas offering with a soirée at stunning Dublin venue 25 Fitzwilliam Place. 

Some of our favourite fashion items on the night included sequinned trousers and green velvet and white corduroy suiting. And we’re upping our accessories game with the designer-esque handbags and boots. 

When it comes to food, the Irish Oakham Turkey went down a treat and who knew we needed Turkey Gravy Mayo in our lives? 

Meanwhile some of the tastiest options on the night were meat-free — the vegan Plant Kitchen butternut, almond and pecan nut roast (€12), vegetarian Brie, Butternut and Mushroom Wellington (€24) and the Shallot Tarte Tatin (€7).

• You can now pre-order the Christmas food range at M&S online for collection at marksandspencer.ie/christmasfood

Music, Myth and Mischief at Meath’s Púca Festival

The Púca Festival in Co Meath just seems to be getting bigger and better each year with a lineup for 2023 that includes Macy Gray (also appearing at the Cork Jazz Festival), The Charlatans, Imelda May, Gavin James and the Jerry Fish Electric Sideshow as well as comic relief from Joanne McNally, David O’Doherty, Reginald D Hunter, Emma Doran and more. 

Over 36,000 people attended the event last year which marks the traditional Celtic festival of Samhain or ‘summer’s end’ when the other world takes centre stage. 

The festival will begin with an opening procession in Trim blending theatre, street performance and music and will close with ‘An Lasadh Suas’ or the ‘lighting up’ when flame and fire will light the way for winter. 

• With circus acts, harvest markets, Cartoon Saloon projections, live comedy and a brilliant lineup of music, find out more at pucafestival.com

Sink your teeth into Transylvania with Sunway

Escorted packages can be a great way to take the stress out of travelling — when going on a short trip why not let the experts do all the organising? 

Let Sunway worry about everything while you pack the garlic and crucifixes before jetting off to Transylvania for a thrilling Halloween adventure. 

The Transylvania and Dracula Tour of Romania promises to be a scarily good blend of culture, folklore and excitement with visits to Bran Castle — linked to the fictional Dracula — as well as the country’s charming villages and spectacular landscapes. 

From October 29.

• Five nights/six days, from €859 per person. sunway.ie

Yoga, meditation, and delectable food in Kinsale

Discover a day of joy and serenity at the one-day yoga retreat hosted by Hazel Buckley from The Yoga Tree, set in the historic manor house in Ballinacurra Manor, Kinsale, on November 5.

The theme for the day is happiness and mood-boosting, offering two inclusive yoga practices to awaken your body, infuse gratitude, and provide deep relaxation.

Following the morning session, relish a delectable two-course lunch prepared by Michelin-trained chef David Rice.

Engage with two guest speakers – Anneliese Dressel, a nutritional therapist and Aislinn Cambridge, "The Minister for Happiness", then take a rejuvenating walk in the beautiful grounds, and enjoy a serene stretch by the water. 

Throughout the day, Pukka herbal infusions will keep you refreshed.

• For more details visit www.theyogatree.ie.

Rugby player swaps pitch for paintbrush at Oriel Gallery

Originally from Teeside in England, professional rugby player Ed Williamson swapped the pitch for the paintbrush some years ago, moving to France and then Ireland where he now lives with his family. 

This weekend is your last chance to see his latest exhibition ‘Persona’ at Dublin’s Oriel Gallery. 

Known for the artist’s contemporary, surrealist style, the eye-catching and often challenging works on display feature women’s bodies and clothing but with faces always masked — ‘persona’ meaning ‘mask’ in ancient Roman.

• theoriel.com

Honey syrups to keep your hive healthy this Autumn

If you have kids you’ll have probably seen the various spoofs on social media of mums bemoaning the fact that their kids have already missed 365 days of school so far this term thanks to cough and cold symptoms. 

If you want to help your smallies stay in school this autumn then check out Zarbee’s — a new range of products on the Irish market that combine honey, botanicals and vitamins to boost the immune system and soothe sore throats and coughs. 

The range includes products for adults too including the Evening Immune Support Syrup and the Cough & Sore Throat Syrup which is designed to help ease allergies from pollutants too. 

• Zarbee’s is available in pharmacies and major retailers nationwide with prices from €7.99.

Ballycotton’s Cush launches new autumn menu

One of Cork’s favourite restaurants, Cush in Ballycotton, has just launched a new three-course set menu and a new tasting menu to tempt customers (as if we need tempting) to the acclaimed seaside eatery. 

Listed in this year’s Michelin Guide of The Best Seafood Restaurants in the Republic of Ireland, Cush prides itself on its locally-sourced seasonal ingredients as well as its stylish guesthouse accommodation. 

Why not take in a show at nearby venue Sea Church while you’re at it? 

Head Chef Dan Geurin’s new menu includes slow-cooked Irish beef cheek, Iona farm baby carrot and black garlic in a Madeira sauce. What could be more satisfying after a cliff walk or a visit to the lighthouse?

• For more information about the various menus and accommodation packages visit cush.ie.