Notions and necessities: From grounding theatre to shows about hormone health and romantic reads, it’s all here

Here comes the sun ​Rough Magic, who are celebrating their 40th anniversary, and the Abbey Theatre are premiering Hilary Fannin’s adaptation of Maxim Gorky’s Children of the Sun. Travelling across time and space from the 20th century to present day, the play looks at staying afloat in a world saturated in uncertainty. LH Runs until May 11, see abbeytheatre.ie

NECESSITY

Lessons in lady bits Following on from her successful nationwide tour, Laura Dowling, the Fabulous Pharmacist, brings Viva La Vulva to the National Concert Hall. The historic venue won’t know what hit it as Dowling takes the audience on a three-hour dive into hormone health and menopause, with add-on elements of comedy, sex and relationship advice, and even skincare expertise. You’ll laugh, you might cry and there’ll be tips if either cause you issues. SC ‘Viva La Vulva’, National Concert Hall, D2, May 5, €75, see nch.ie

NECESSITY

On your bike Next Sunday, April 28, will see cyclists Saddle Up for Down Syndrome Kilkenny, taking either a 45km, 65km or 105km route through the county for a good cause. Down Syndrome Kilkenny is a voluntary-run organisation, with no Government funding, and relies entirely on donations and fundraising to offer therapies and other activities to children with Down syndrome. This cycling fundraiser doesn’t require participants to get sponsorship, just pay to join up and off you go. SC Tickets €25-€45, according to distance; or an option to simply donate, see eventbrite.ie

NECESSITY

A wonderful romance Maggie Armstrong’s new novel, Old Romantics never lets the reader get too comfortable, as it treads, tiptoes and trips through a series of romances that bring its Dublin protagonist from experimental youth to the mysteries of motherhood and all the way up to family life in the pandemic. Full of wonderful, small but special observations on how the rules for a successful life are less than obvious, it’s a brilliant take on modern love. SC ‘Old Romantics’ by Maggie Armstrong, €16, published by Tramp Press

NOTION

Time for some fine dining A luxurious one-night stay and dining experience is taking place in the Morrison Room at Fairmont Carton House Hotel this Thursday, April 25. Head chef Adam Nevin is teaming up with his old friend from their London days, Killian Walsh, head chef of the Michelin-starred Bastible in Dublin. There will be two sittings, 6pm and 9pm, of a 15-serving menu, with some ingredients foraged from the grounds of Carton House. Dinner will be €140 per person, with an optional wine pairing available for €95. LH See cartonhouse.com

NOTION

Bedtime bliss Interior designer Maria Fenlon has just launched the Enhance collection of luxury bedspreads, which fall neatly to the floor and fold over pillows. Inspired by Irish artist Patrick Scott, the covers are designed in Ireland and made in Portugal — using sustainable, natural fabrics. The line includes two designs, Celtic Bronze and Furrow Green. LH Prices from €690, see mariafenlon.com/enhance for more details

NOTION

Classic comfort The perfect post-One Day Netflix binge salve has arrived with the new book by David Nicholls, You Are Here, which will be published this week. A gentle love story set on a walk throughout England, without the emotional trauma of that ending (from One Day), it’s an easy, comforting read. LH ‘You Are Here’ by David Nicholls, Sceptre, €17.99, books.ie

NOTION

You spin me round Dublin jewellers Stonechat have designed a new range of spinning rings in a selection of gold, silver and even diamond-set styles (from €290-4,370), all of which feature a concave band with an outer band for busy fingers to spin, providing sensory feedback and a soothing effect. SC Spinning ring in silver and 18ct gold, €850, Stonechat, Westbury Mall, D2, or see stonechatjewellers.ie