Ballroom glitz
InterContinental Dublin, formerly the Four Seasons, is hosting a wedding forum today. Soon-to-be-weds can inspect the lavish ballrooms (there’s a choice of two) with their hand-painted silk-lined walls, Waterford Crystal chandeliers and customised furnishings. Get there in good time and you could have a private consultation with a wedding specialist, and even if you’re only there for a snoop, you’ll get to scoff champagne and canapés on arrival.
icdublin.com
Alive and kicking
If you are still on a health kick next month, the Ballymaloe good living day and 5k run on February 5 is for you. It features a talk by TV chef Darina Allen on how food can change your life, plus wellness seminars. A fitness stage will feature demonstrations of keep-fit techniques, and the spa zone offers reflexology, reiki and facials. The €10 entry fee covers everything, or pay €15 and do the 5k Lucky Run as well. It’s at the grainstore, Ballymaloe House in Shanagarry.
ballymaloe.ie
China whirl
Got the post-festive blues? It’s not long till the next big shebang: Dublin Chinese New Year Festival from January 28. The fortnight of talks, food events, tours and live music was officially launched last week at Dublin Castle by stars including model Yomiko Chen, right. Highlights include Louise Reay’s It’s Only Words — a comedy in Chinese for people who don’t speak Chinese — and a live drawing event by artist Angela Wang at Arnotts to celebrate the Year of the Rooster.
dublinchinesenewyear.com