I finally made it along to Adam’s in Dublin to see this amazing collection of art by some incredibly talented Irish female artists. This large group of artists includes Norah McGuinness, Estella Solomons, Mainie Jellet, Rose Barton, Evie Hone, Sarah Purser, Lily Yeats, Joan Jameson, Grace Gifford and Elizabeth Rivers.

All of the artists were working – painting and illustrating – during the same period in Ireland and were part of a very vibrant art scene.

Many studied at Dublin’s Metropolitan Art School and the breadth and variety of their work really impressed me and made me wonder why we don’t hear more about them!

The exhibition moves to The Ava Gallery in Bangor for August.

The sun always shines for the Dalkey Book Festival! There is no nicer place than this seaside village to sit around in cafes, restaurants and pubs talking about books. Kirsty Wark discussed writing her first novel The Legacy of Elizabeth Pringle in a packed St Patrick’s Church overlooking the sea. Interviewed by Miriam O’Callaghan she talked about Scotland, her work as journalist and thoughts on media and teenagers.

A summer’s evening, perfect to have dinner in the Tramyard with my author friends Sarah Webb, Catherine Dunne, Claire Dowling and Martina O’Reilly who was celebrating the recent launch of her new bestseller Things I want you to know.

It was a busy week as I saw Bryan Ferry give a stunning performance in the National Concert Hall and also attended Mary Finn’s lovely book launch for No Stars in the Circus where playwright Frank McGuinness talked glowingly about Mary’s work.

Marita, Frank McGuinness and Mary Finn