Notions and necessities: From tasty scónbos to yoga retreats and Meave Binchy and hot air balloon events, it’s all here

Scone mastery The latest culinary invention to hit our shores is the scónbo — a scone sandwich — at the newly opened coffee shop Scón Galway. From scrambled egg with either salmon, pudding or bacon and homemade relish options for brekkie to pulled pork, beef brisket or mozzarella, tomato and pesto scónbos (€6.50) for lunch, owner Cormac McGuckian is taking this 500-year-old favoured recipe into the 21st century with a twist. And if that's not enough to whet your appetite, try one of the 10 sweet varieties, including chocolate orange, raspberry and white chocolate, lemon zest or apple and coconut. LH See on Instagram

Bye bye breakfast roll, hello scónbo

Cúpla focal more Indefatigable in his mission to encourage Irish as a language that is within us, as opposed to something to learn, Hector Ó hEochagáin has a new book. Irish Words You Should Know (And How To Use Them Every Day). The "should" sounds prescriptive, but this book captures the joy and playfulness in the language. Ó hEochagáin devotes a small chapter to each word, explaining both literal and lived meanings, for example how cuimil means "a soft rubbing of the hand". but also its place at funerals and sickbeds or a "husband picking up his wife's hand and holding it to say, 'I'm with you'," as Ó hEochagáin puts it. SC €20, published by Gill Books

Tipping point Breathe at Bansha Castle is a yoga retreat taking place in Tipperary, October 11-13, which includes two night's accommodation, yoga sessions with Shelley Tobin, a talk on hormone balance, a sound bath, and a guided walk along the Swiss cottage heritage trail. LH For tickets, see banshacastle.com

Marvellously Maeve Echoes 2024, the Maeve Binchy Literary Festival, takes place October 4-6. The event includes Binchy's Minding Frankie, adapted for stage by Shay Linehan, performed by Michael Heavey, a rehearsed reading of Chancery Lane by Binchy, in a new adaptation directed by Conall Morrison, a day of readings, interviews and conversations with participants including Cecelia Ahern, Oliver Callan, Edel Coffey, and Gordon Snell, and a Marvellously Maeve guided walk. LH For full programme and bookings, see echoes.ie

Shaw's opera narration Fiona Shaw is performing for one night at the National Concert Hall with the Irish National Opera, as the narrator of its performance of Beatrice & Benedict, an opera based on Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, on October 1. As well as her legendary acting career, Shaw has also directed several operatic productions. The performance will be conducted by Ryan McAdams, and feature Irish mezzo-soprano Paula Murrihy and tenor David Portillo. LH For tickets, see nch.ie

Face forward If you've nailed the skincare and want to add a little extra to the routine, German beauty-tech brand Geske has brought a selection of tools to the Irish market that range from €10 to €60 and offer at-home alternatives or even a back-up to salon treatments. They have everything from sonic facial brushes for deep cleaning, through microneedling tools and this microcurrent face lifter device. There's even an app for those who love a bit of visual instruction, personalised skin analysis and a nudge to use. SC Geske MicroCurrent Face-Lifter Six-in-One, €49.95, available at major pharmacy groups nationwide

​NECESSITY

A jammy number Award-winning, Co Wexford-based Mór Taste has landed in Lidl as part of its Kickstart Programme. With jams that are high in fruit and low in sugar, Mór Taste also has an extended range online ranging from nut butters and exotic-fruit spreads to graphic T-shirts. SC Mór Taste raspberry, cherry and blueberry jams, €3.70, Lidl; Aldi; selected food shops nationwide. See mortaste.ie

Up, up and away It's eyes to the skies in Co Offaly throughout this week, with the 52nd annual Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships taking place. Hobby balloonists will take flight twice a day until Friday, flying morning and late afternoon, weather permitting, providing a colourful and joyful display for spectators near and far. SC For details on locations and flights, see irishballooningassociation.com