We know that inducing labour early is safe for babies. But is it better for the mum?
Recent study on low-risk first-time mothers induced at 39 weeks who returned home to wait for labour to start criticised by researchers seeking improvements to services
Chinese porcelain about to go under the hammer in Cork
Hegarty Antiques of Bandon has Qing-dynasty items of note while De Búrca has a rare book by John Millington Synge and a framed photograph of Shackleton’s Quest expedition
Live auction at Castle Durrow in Laois to appear on British TV series
The Country House Auction will be broadcast on More4, while O’Reilly’s is set to hold an auction of modern Irish art
Hats and handbags in vogue for 56th Birr Vintage Week
Rare Lady Lavery ‘war-code’ bank notes to feature alongside exquisite diamond rings and Irish silver at upcoming sale at John Weldon Auctioneers
Coin it in: how to invest in precious metals in uncertain times
Gold and silver coins are a good option for beginners; if you prefer to wear precious metals, Ross’s has some gems for sale
‘I was at family celebration ... then suddenly my heart was racing and I started to get sick’
Genetic heart conditions: Testing family members for cardiac genetic abnormalities following a sudden adult death can save lives
‘I needed that, I’ll be back’: Drop-in exercise programme for homeless people gets positive reaction
Classes targeted frailty as many homeless people in their 20s, 30s and 40s have physical frailty of those in their 70s and 80s, says researcher
Start your Irish landscape paintings collection from just €40
Art doesn’t have to be expensive; you can even pick up a Paul Henry – albeit a poster – from €250 at upcoming sales
This is Your River: A film underlining importance of the Dodder in the heart of Dublin
Educational film forms part of ongoing efforts to keep the Dodder clean for wildlife and walkers, runners, cyclists and anglers
Discovering northern Italy’s charm: exploring five beautiful cities in just five days
The itinerary might seem overambitious, but it proved to be a rich and rewarding experience, made possible by Italy’s efficient train system
Armagh designer’s creativity and flair showcased at London sale
Sale of the contents of Max Clendinning and Ralph Adron’s homes in London and Umbria reveal their fascinating creative lives
Keep your distance: Saltee islands seabirds feel the effects of human intrusion on their habitat
The islands off Wexford’s coast attracting droves of summer visitors but this could be putting puffin and gannet populations under strain
Architectural fragments, sun dials and stone troughs: Everything for your garden at annual sale
Decorative objects to inspire amateur and professional gardeners alike at annual garden sale; items from personal library of former taoiseach the late Dr Garret FitzGerald also to go on sale in Co Offaly
Why are more empty religious buildings not being used to house the homeless?
Numbers in religious orders are dwindling - but experts disagree about how big the opportunity to is
Colour, clarity, and carat: The ingredients of a high-quality diamond
While lab-grown diamonds are increasing in popularity, auctioneers warn that the prices of these ‘fall off a cliff’ when it comes to resale