Arminta Wallace selects the most exciting Irish and international titles of the year ahead

Yeats fetched the highest price for a work of art; the Armada Table smashed furniture records; Asian pieces sold well in 2018, as did Joyce’s glasses, Pearse’s chair and Johnny Sexton’s bashed-up rugby boots

Published: December 30th, 1988. Photograph by Jack McManus

Published: December 19th, 1997. Photograph: Frank Miller

Published: December 17th, 2001. Photograph by Brenda Fitzsimons

Published: February 9th, 1990. Photograph by Peter Thursfield

Centre tables, side tables, rent tables and sofa tables among lots for auction

Auction results: Strong prices for Midleton whiskey, first editions and diamond rings

Rare books and fine furniture also on offer in auctions countrywide

Here are some items which would nestle beautifully under any tree

Published: June 14th, 1983.Photograph: Peter Thursfield

Home Front: at home for Christmas

Published: July 3rd, 1967.Photograph: Dermot Barry

Margaret Clarke self-portrait sells well over estimate; chandeliers to light up Mullen’s

A pair of spectacles worn by the famous writer among intriguing auction lots