Lismore Castle and gardens 
Live more at Lismore Castle Gardens
Exploring and playing outdoors is proven to be beneficial to children’s development and there’s a lot to be said about doing this while learning about places with rich histories.
Lismore Castle Gardens & Gallery in Co. Waterford have announced they are “delighted” to welcome back visitors via a new entrance, and with very limited numbers this August.
There are two time slots daily and advance booking is essential. The time slots are 11am-1.30pm or 1.30pm-4pm (last entry 3.30pm).
Entrance is via a new gate on the pathway towards the rear entrance of the castle. Those attending are asked to park at the town car park and follow the signs on foot to the gate. Handwashing facilities are available at the entrance gate. Their gallery café is currently facilitating a take-out service only.
People are asked to ensure they can pay by card, to ensure a cashless payment system and bathrooms will be open. Only one customer/couple are allowed in the building at any one time.
For more info visit websites www.lismorecastlegardens.com or www.lismorecastlearts.ie
Training for the Camino de Santiago
Thinking of doing the Camino de Santiago at some point? Practice makes perfect, so why not get some experience in by doing a few walks in Ireland first?
Join the CaminoWays.com team for their Camino preparation walk. They will be heading to Killiney Hill in Dublin on August 30 for a moderate walk, with tickets (€8) available from July 19. There will be views of Dalkey and Killiney. It should take approximately two hours to complete the 8km walk.
Highlights include: The Metals, Dalkey, Coliemore Harbour, Vico Road, Killiney Hill, Dublin Bay.
The meeting point is Glenageary Dart Station with attendees asked to arrive in plenty of time for the 9.30am start.
Those interested are asked to bring: Picnic (sandwich, fruit, chocolate bar, water bottle), walking boots (lights and airy), light rain jacket and walking sticks.
Registration must be done through Eventbrite.
Tickets are not refundable but they are transferable.
Dogs: a toddler’s best friend?
Toddlers from dog-owning families are 30% less likely to have conduct and peer problems in comparison to preschoolers from families who don’t own dogs, according to new research.
The study, published in the journal Pediatric Research, found that owning, walking and playing with a family dog could encourage a toddler’s social and emotional development.
“Regular physical activity plays an important role during early childhood, contributing to young children’s development and decreasing their risk of developing chronic diseases including obesity,” said the study’s senior author Hayley Christian, an associate professor and senior research fellow in the Centre for Child Health Research at The University of Western Australia. Dog ownership has been linked to responsibility, positive identity, empathy and trust.
