New-look Guilbaud'sThe plutocrats who form the regular clientele at Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, in Dublin, are demanding sorts, and the two-Michelin-star establishment has been keeping them happy for years. Some of them doubtless feel that a serious meal there is incomplete without smoking a Cohiba afterwards, and until now they have had to take it out on the street. But Guilbaud's root-and-branch refurbishment means there is now a heated terrace where the blue smoke of Havana tobacco can be enjoyed legally.
And not only are there also new cutlery, crockery and furnishings, but the kitchen has been completely renewed. The dining-room floor, according to Guilbaud, had never been satisfactory, and now a resin-based one has been installed. Elegant chairs have been brought from Italy, plus air-conditioning has been discreetly introduced. There's a computerised lighting system, plus new carpets and curtains. Has the restaurant's outstanding wine list been overhauled, too? Guilbaud laughs and says this would be just a bridge too far. Tom Doorley
Fit for a king
Paul McCartney got married here, WB Yeats enjoyed Ireland's first bath, and now you can act as if you own the place. Castle Leslie, in Co Monaghan, has been reinvented as a private members' club. Samantha Leslie, nominated for an entrepreneur-of-the-year award, is moving back to the kind of lavish entertaining the castle was renowned for 100 years ago. On arrival, members get a massage and afternoon tea, and, after a champagne reception, dinner is served at the chef's table. When I visited, many of the guests knew each other, which made for a fun evening. Afterwards a giant cheeseboard is carried to the billiards room, where you can sit by the fire with a port or coffee, or check out the private screening room. Next morning it's breakfast overlooking the lake, where a record pike was recently caught. Activity-wise, there's a great new equestrian centre, which includes a full-size "virtual" horse. There are real horses, too - 40 of them - and 400 hectares of grounds to explore, as well as an indoor arena. And, of course, there's a spa - but with quirky Victorian-style steam boxes. Sir John (aka Uncle Jack, and a cousin of Winston Churchill) gives house tours, bringing the family's extraordinary history to life and recounting previous visitors, such as Yeats, Oliver St John Gogarty and Mick Jagger. The €3,000 annual membership fee entitles you to bring a partner, and the Leslies are waiving a joining fee until the end of the year, but still, at €300 per person per night, it's a rather exclusive getaway. The cost covers all meals and drinks, as well as reduced rates at the spa and cookery school, and they are setting up reciprocal deals with international clubs. Castle Leslie, Glaslough, Co Monaghan, 047-88100. Clare McCarthy
Mixing it up
Ever tried to set fire to a piece of orange peel? Did you even know it was flammable? I didn't until the other night, at a demonstration on how to make cocktails with the award-winning Paul Lambert, cocktail-maker extraordinaire of Saba restaurant, who showed us how to shake, muddle and stir. The peel was one of the ingredients, along with triple sec, vodka and cranberry juice, used to concoct a Cosmopolitan, a pink drink made famous when Madonna had one in the Rainbow Room, put it on the world map and propelled its creator into a consultancy with Sex and the City. It's a sensational cocktail garnished with flamed orange zest, and if you want to learn how to make it, along with the perfect mojito or a classic martini, from a master mixologist, check out www.fabulousfoodtrails.ie for an entertaining and informative night out. Concocting Cocktails evenings run from 6.30- 9.30pm twice a month at Clarendon Café & Bar on Clarendon Street, Dublin. Deirdre McQuillan
Fair day
Ardkeen Quality Food Store in Waterford is a study in the ability of retail independents to thrive even after the Lidl, Aldi or Tesco juggernaut has rolled into town. Run by the Jephson family, the supermarket continues to compete with the giants by focusing on local food suppliers, organics and artisan foods. Next Friday Ardkeen hosts its fourth annual Artisan Food & Wine Fair, at the Granary (Waterford Treasures), in aid of People in Need. Speakers include Darina Allen, Paul Flynn (of the Tannery and Balzac) and Kevin Sheridan of Sheridans Cheesemongers. This year's programme also includes an outdoor market, on Hanover Street. Indoor activities include wine- and cheese-sampling on the first floor, artisan-food sampling on the ground floor and lectures and interviews in the theatre on the second floor. Ardkeen wine consultant Mary Gaynor and independent Italian wine producer Alberto Zenato will host wine tastings. The event takes place from 4pm to 9pm. Tickets cost €25 in advance from the store or from the People in Need office in Georges Court. Michael Kelly
Paintings from Poland
The National Gallery of Ireland's big winter show begins next Wednesday. Paintings from Poland: Symbolism to Modern Art (1880-1939) runs until January 27th.
The fine art of publishing
Stoney Road Press is one of the best kept secrets in the Dublin art world but probably not for much longer. Based on a small lane in the docklands area of the capital, everyone from Louis le Brocquy to Patrick Scott, and Anne Madden to Richard Gorman, has come through the doors of this respected fine-art publishing and editioning house. To celebrate its fifth birthday, an exhibition featuring the above artists and more, including William Crozier, Maria Simonds-Gooding, Sean Shanahan and Eamon Colman (creator of Summit Prayer Flags), is being held in the atrium of the Office of Public Works on St Stephen's Green in Dublin. Beautiful box sets of limited edition prints make these artists more affordable, but if they are still out of your price range a stunning companion book, Collaborations & Conversations, has also been published to coincide with the exhibition, which continues until October 26th. See www.stoneyroadpress.com. Róisín Ingle
Never felt better
Legend has it that felt was invented by Christians fleeing prosecution, who used to stuff their sandals with wool to prevent blistering. It's unlikely that early Christians can take all the credit, as fossil evidence suggests it was used as far back as 6,500BC. On a commercial basis felt is manufactured using chemicals, but the ancient technique of adding soapy water to wool and then rubbing the fibres is still widely used. For ecological reasons, the technique is making something of a comeback. Feltmakers Ireland provides quarterly workshops, exhibitions and information. The organisation's exhibition takes place this month at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre in Dublin with a huge range of handmade felt - everything from fashion accessories to art pieces - on display. Turning of the Seasons is open every day this month, 10am-5pm, with demonstrations on Sundays, 2-4pm. Admission is free. See www.virtualdublin15.info/sheila/ index.html. Michael Kelly
Designer sale
Ciarán Sweeney is having his autumn sample sale today and tomorrow at his Dublin studio. Using his trademark silk and silk velvet fabrics, he makes fashion and homeware ranges that include scarves, cushions and throws. Prices start at €50. IDA Centre, 12 Newmarket Square, St Laurence Avenue, Dublin 8, 01-4113953. See www.ciaransweeney.com.
Well-travelled wine
Who hasn't shuddered in the presence of a swilling, spitting wine snob, whose disdainful cries of "corked" are intended to imply elitist knowledge and a life of privilege? Thankfully those days are gone, and to ensure the door is closed to their return, the folks at hostelworld.com are keen to promote affordable wine-tasting trips for budget travellers looking to make more of their backpacking experience. There are six wine-growing regions to choose from; eager tipplers can, for example, explore the charms of Chianti, from Florence, the marvels of the Marlborough region's Sauvignon Blanc, on New Zealand's South Island, or the Cabernet Sauvignons of Chile's Cachapoal Valley. See www.hostelworld.com. Fiona McCann