Book the Babysitter: This week’s BEST date ideas

Grab a slice from the Dough Bros Upper Abbeygate St. Galway The Dough Bros is a pop-up pizza bar serving wood fired pizza and craft beers in Galway city. Not only do they serve some damn fine pies, they're also not afraid to use every trick in the book to get the word out on Facebook. Here's "Uncle Ro showing Lil Jamie all the tricks of the trade". Who could resist? Monsters, Dinosaurs, Ghosts Runs until June 27 at The Abbey Theatre, €13 – €20 It's always good when theatre comes with a 'strong language, flashing lights and suitable for ages 14+' warning. This tense and darkly funny new play from Jimmy McAleavey takes a fearless look at why men go to war... and what happens when a last operation offers the chance to bring meaning to their actions. The Festival of Writing & Ideas Carlow, June 5 – 7, €35 Get yourself down to Borris House this weekend and your curiosity could lead you anywhere from the Syrian frontlines to a rare encounter with the songwriters of Pink Floyd. You might find yourself in the company of Booker Prize royalty, or trying to come to terms with ISIS tactics of kidnap and execution. The atmosphere is casual, with speakers including Ian McEwan, David Gilmour, Antony Beevor, Anne Enright, Tommy Tiernan, Belinda McKeon and Joanne O’Riordan. Be inspired by adventurous women at Airfield Open now until June 30, adults €10, Dundrum We'll be heading to Airfield Estate this weekend to check out an exhibition celebrating six cool women who once lived there. Lives Less Ordinary focuses on the fascinating lives of two generations; Letitia and Naomi Overend, their mother Lily, and aunts Fannie and Helen Butler, and Minnie Overend. Despite considerable challenges in relation to a woman’s status at the time, these gals forged opportunities for themselves and led fulfilling and globally-travelled lives that many at the time could only dream of. Items on display include travel mementos – postcards, photos, cruise liner menus – from Letitia, Naomi and Minnie’s travels. Go veggie on Leeside Iyers, 38 Pope's Quay, Cork A small, family run, pure vegetarian cafe in Cork city, Iyers serves authentic South Indian food and snacks made fresh daily. Believe us when we tell you that dedicated carnivores will be wowed by the depth of flavour in these dishes. It's well priced too so a trip here makes an interesting budget date night. Staying in? They export their crisps everywhere from Shanghai to New York, but Keogh's Farm is a home grown food business based in North County Dublin. Stock up on their Dubliner Irish Cheese and Onion and make these moreish Croquettes as a decadent side dish this weekend... Ingredients

• 500g Keogh's Rooster, Maris Piper or Golden Wonder Potatoes (Peeling weight)
• 25g Butter
• 1 Large Whole Egg + 1 Egg Yolk
• Salt & Ground White Pepper
• A pinch of ground Nutmeg (Optional)
• 1 x 125g Keogh's Dubliner Irish Cheese & Onion Crisps (Gluten Free)

Method

1. Wash and peel the potatoes then cut into even sized pieces. Boil or steam until fully cooked. Drain then shake the saucepan over a low heat to dry off any remaining moisture.
2. Take one of the eggs; separate the yolk from the white, reserve the white for later.
3. Mash the potatoes while hot then mix in the egg yolk and the butter. Season well with salt & pepper and a little nutmeg.
4. Form the mixture into small cylinders each measuring 5cms x 2.5cms. Place on a tray then refrigerate for 30-45 minutes.
5. Pulse the Keogh's Crisps in a food processor for 30 seconds until they form large crumbs. (Be careful not to over blitz) Remove from the processor into a dish.
6. Regulate the oven to 180°C /350F /Gas Mark 4/Fan Oven 160°C.
7. Whisk together the whole egg and the remaining egg white.
8. Dip each croquette in the beaten egg to thoroughly coat the surface. Drain off any excess egg. Roll each croquette in the crisp crumbs then pat gently to secure the coating.
9. Place the croquettes on a baking sheet then bake for 15-20 minutes in the pre-heated oven; turn the tray around for even colour if needed.
10. Devour immediately