Notions and Necessities: From creative and restorative escapes to literary festivals and museums, it's all here
One of the nicest spots for a Cork city summer cocktail is The River Lee Hotel's River Club. In collaboration with The Boatyard Distillery, the popular terrace is decked out in foliage from west Cork, courtesy of Fox Flowers, and has a new cocktail menu to boot. A Safe Harbour (spiced rum, lime, sugar and ginger beer with a Beamish float) is the recommendation from Derry Girls star and soon to be Traitors Ireland host Siobhán McSweeney, who the hotel has teamed up with to create a Curated Weekend itinerary. SC See thedoylecollection.com/cork
NECESSITY
Your cosmetic clean sweep Formulated with eyecare specialists, Optase Life Sensitive Eye Makeup Remover is ophthalmologist-approved and capable of removing even waterproof cosmetics without any stinging or oily residue. No rubbing and no waking up with panda eyes. SC
Optase Life Sensitive Eye Makeup Remove, €9.98, Boots.ie; selected pharmacies and opticians
NOTION
Pinball wizard Specsavers has launched an Elton John Eyewear collection inspired by the Rocket Man himself. The selection, which includes 12 frames and two limited-edition sunglasses, is a mixture of the out there, and some more subtle options. LH
Priced from €190, available in Specsavers nationwide, see specsavers.ie
NECESSITY
Midweek switch off The Station House Hotel in Meath is running Midweek Departures, a series of creative and restorative escapes throughout the summer on Wednesdays. The line-up includes pilates, sauna and stretch on July 9; a landscaping and gardening workshop on July 2 and August 6; Swainstown farm to fork experience with Arthur Preston, seen above, and Station House head chef, Gordon Mooney on July 16; and wine tasting on August 13. LH For information on the full overnight package see stationhousehotel.ie
NOTION
Dublin can be heaven Following a €4.3m transformation, The Little Museum of Dublin has reopened in its St Stephen's Green home. Even when in its temporary location, the popular museum had remained the No 1 thing to do in Dublin according to TripAdvisor, and it is likely to stay on top now it is back permanently on The Green, with a newly expanded exhibition space and many recently donated Dublin artefacts, a sunny patio space and a lift to improve accessibility. SC
See littlemuseum.ie
NECESSITY
Turn on the water works We all know to ramp up electrolytes after a workout or an upset tummy, but ORS Hydration Tablets are also worth adding to holiday packing, as hot weather can dehydrate and deplete essential minerals. Available in a variety of flavours with Sports, Immune and Kids options. SC
ORS Hydration Tablets, 24 soluble-tablet tube, €9.95, pharmacies nationwide
NOTION
Afternoon delight The Galmont Hotel in Galway has launched a new Afternoon Tea taking place in their Coopers Lounge, with views of Lough Atalia. Alongside your meal, the hotel is now playing host to a live pianist on Saturdays, adding to the generally chilled-out vibe. LH
Thursday-Sunday 2.30pm to 5pm. The Galmont's Afternoon Tea in the City costs €46pp (€39pp without prosecco or cocktail), see thegalmont.com
NECESSITY
Go West The week-long West Cork Literary Festival is taking place in Bantry from July 11-18, with a programme that includes master classes, readings, workshops, interviews and book launches. Authors with events include Eimear McBride, Katherine May, Seán Ronayne (pictured) and Wendy Erskine. LH
For tickets and further information, see westcorkmusic.ie/LFProgramme
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