Complied by Nicoline Greer.
TO THE PICTURES UGC Dublin is unleashing a season of Korean and Japanese films with the launch of Tiger Beer Tartan Asia Extreme 2004. Cinema from Korea and Japan can be stylish and often violent - from the worlds of Miike Takashi, Hideo Nakata and the Pang Brothers. Every two weeks throughout August, September and October, a new title will be released. The Japanese film, Gozu, is showing at the moment and the next one (opening August 13th) is A Tale of Two Sisters from Korea, which includes two sisters, a mental institution, a cruel stepmother and a ghost as its line-up of protagonists. The Isle, pictured above, will be screened on September 10th. UGC is also running a Kids Mania season of classic children's films, starting next Wednesday with Toy Story at 11 a.m. and Chicken Run at 2 p.m. See www.ugc.ie or phone 01-8728444.
THE CHAIN IN SPAIN The Paradors of Spain are state-run hotels, many converted from old castles and monasteries, but also including some seaside hotels. Lorna Roberts is Irish agent for the hotels and has places available on two tours she is running this autumn. One leaves on September 15th, staying in Bilbao then moving on to some of the best Paradors in northern Spain (Rioja, Navarra etc). Another departs on October 23rd, when travellers spend a week in Paradors in the regions near Barcelona. Walking, railway trips, and relaxing by the sea are all on the cards. Tours cost €1,425/€1,435 per person sharing, including flights, accommodation, dinner, drinks and B&B. For details of these and other deals, plus advice and copious local knowledge of Spain, phone Lorna on 095-23511. You can also browse the Paradors and even book accommodation directly, on www.parador.es. Conor Goodman
WAY OUT WEST Atlantic Artists, an artists' co-operative, is based in Clifden, Co Galway. Printmakers Mo West and Sabine Springer, sculptor Alannah Robins, textile artist Bernie Dignam and artist-in-residence Kate Minnock make up the co-op. Cramming all that talent into one space - it's a gallery and a studio combined - it's not surprising there's an inspiring vibe. The group currently showing in the Diverse! exhibition are all Galway-based artists who have produced group shows for the past 11 Galway Arts Festivals. Diverse! Works on Paper runs until August 16th. Atlantic Art Studio and Gallery (beside Station House Hotel), Clifden, Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-6 p.m., 095-22871, www.atlantic-art.com, e-mail: atlanticart@eircom.net.
BIKES IN THE BOGS If you happen to be in Connemara today and are looking for a bit of fresh air, the "Tour de Bog" kicks off at 3 p.m. It's not a race, "but it sometimes turns into one," says Richard de Stacpole, one of the organisers. The 200 or so cyclists set off from Roundstone, make their way around Ballyconeely and Clifden and then back to Roundstone where they reward themselves in O'Dowds, home of seafood and pints. The "Tour de Bog" was started by just three families, who did it one year for fun, and, five years later, has escalated into a veritable critical mass of a bike ride. For more information, call 095-35044.
BEACH BUMS If you're going to use the guide book Bare Beaches you'd best pack your suncream. Those pale bits are awfully susceptible to burning, and if you're checking out the list of more than 200 naturist beaches around the world, they'll sure be seeing the sun. Bare beach destinations include Spain and the Spanish islands, France and Corsica, the Greek islands, Portugal, the Caribbean, Croatia, New Zealand, the Bahamas, the US and Canada. It also includes information on the most family-friendly beaches, the most romantic beaches and beaches best for snorkelling or winter sun. When authors Nick Mayhew and Mike Charles found out that literally millions of free spirits in Britain have enjoyed skinny-dipping and sunbathing in the nip, they knew the book would be a success. Available from www.barebeaches.com or from 00-44-20-85323529 priced at €25.50 including delivery.
FLOWER POWER First, there was DIY. Now, there is PIY. Even if you can only draw stick men, you'll feel artistic with the London Tate's Paint-It-Yourself (PIY) kits. When you PIY you make pretty, funky designs with a bit of help. We're talking big swirly floral designs with a colour scheme with a retro eye on the 1970s. They have been devised by the interior designers known as Maisonette, and come with pre-primed outlined canvas, wooden stretcher frame, acrylic paints, brushes and instructions. They are available in a few different colours, but you might need to design the whole colour scheme of your room around them to make them really work. They come in sizes 90x90cm or 60x60cm. www.tate.org.uk.
PIGS MIGHT FRY Here comes the heatwave. You can tell by the pig sunburn warnings. Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture has issued a reminder to pig farmers about heat stress and sunburn among their squealers. Vehicles used for transport of little piggies, the department advises, should be covered with a weatherproof roof. The poor porkers should be loaded into vehicles early or late in the day, to avoid the strongest sunshine. Finally, Babes should not be left waiting outdoors on their way in to the abattoir. Now, if you were a pig (and we're sure you're not), how much would you worry about a spot of sunburn when your next stop is the big sty in the sky?