Weekend Hitlist

What we want to see, do and buy this weekend

Drink it

Madrí Excepcional launched its Spanish-inspired savoury safari across Dublin city earlier this month. The Mediterranean-style lager has teamed up with restaurants across the capital, including The Tap House in Ranelagh and Lemon & Duke in Dublin 2 to produce dishes that perfectly complement the beer. The small plates will be available until the end of the month, with each restaurant putting its own spin on a signature Spanish dish. The Seafood Café, based in Temple Bar, is also a participating restaurant. Expect its usual high-quality fish, with the team pairing a pint of Madrí with a dish featuring whole crab, deconstructed boiled egg and chives. @madriexcepcional

Wear it

Style Ignite Studio’s SS24 collection takes the fuss out of summer dressing. Based around the easy-wearing co-ord, options include the ‘Savana’ two-piece set (€259, above), as well as pinstripe sets which can be mixed and matched throughout the seasons. The Louth-based team use only 100pc pure organic cotton for its shirts and shorts, ensuring comfort, breathability and durability. Dress up with heels and jewellery or down with runners and a tote bag. styleignitestudio.com

Style it

Looking for a conversational yet timeless art piece for your home? Maria Murphy has us spoilt for choice. The Irish artist, who now lives in Stockholm, has a brilliantly colourful range of original works, prints and ceramics. We like the ‘Friends in low places’ original oil on canvas (€1,400.95) inspired by the Garth Brooks song of the same name. Murphy has illustrated the song verse by verse in her works, with print versions starting at €32.95. They’re the perfect pop of colour to warm up your walls. mariamurphy.art

Book it

Sleep expert and hypnotherapist Fiona Brennan is hosting a Sleep Well Experience at The Avon in Blessington, Co Wicklow, on May 19. The day-long retreat is based around eight core habits that aim to help with falling (and staying) asleep, and waking up refreshed. Highlights for the day include a mindfulness walk, a sleep and medicine talk from consultant cardiologist Robert Kelly and a restorative soundbath. Attendees will also get the chance to ask the experts about any issues preventing them from getting some much-needed zzzs. Tickets are €149 and include lunch and a €10 voucher for a King Koil pillow. thepositivehabit.com

Taste it

The Taste of Kildare food and drink festival returns to Naas Racecourse this September 20-22. From food trucks and cooking demonstrations, to workshops and talks, there are over 50 events over the three days. We like the sound of the tablescaping course and chocolate and whiskey masterclass. Attendees can also expect talks from legends of the Irish food scene, including Ross Lewis, Melissa McCabe and Rachel Allen (left), and tastings from restaurants including Cliff at Lyons, The Club Hotel at Goffs and Lemongrass Fusion. The only issue we foresee is choosing where to eat. Tickets for the weekend go on sale next Thursday, May 16, starting at €15. tasteofkildare.ie

Gift it

Kilkenny-based stationary brand A Chara has released a new collection of cards, including the ‘Donna’ (€12-€17), a paper sculpture card that will add interest to a mantelpiece. Handcut and folded in Ireland by designer Mundy Walsh using recyclable material, A Chara creations are designed to revive the lost art of letter and note writing. Whether you’re looking for a traditional birthday card or ‘thank you’ note, these are cards you keep as mementos. The brand also offers custom stationary. acharastationary. com

Learn it

Paint and prosecco events are not hard to stumble upon in Dublin. This one, however, combines paint and a tipple with a twist. Artist Ciara O’Neill has transformed The Terrace at The Conrad with her latest collection of works and, on May 18, attendees will have a chance to listen to her talk through the works and her inspiration and artistic process for the new collection. Afterwards, you can take what you have learned to your own canvas while enjoying prosecco in the airy and peaceful setting of The Terrace Kitchen & Social House, a moment of quiet in the middle of the city. Tickets cost €75. eventbrite.ie