Looking for a shady spot for a coffee date?

Ballyvolane House in Fermoy is throwing open its gardens to visitors on Saturday, July 24th and Sunday, July 25th, with a pop-up ‘Grub’s Up’ café serving drinks and lunch on the lawns of the Georgian pile, which dates back to 1728.

Visitors are invited to drop by between 12pm and 4pm (well-behaved dogs are welcome on the lead too) when the team will be dishing up iced coffees, cakes, pastries and a light lunch of quiche and salad to eat alfresco under the trees.

Sounds heavenly.

There’s loads to explore too: “Stroll around the wonderful 80 acres of manicured gardens and parkland with friends and family. Some of the highlights include the walled garden, the lakes, and the Rock woodland walk. Not to mention our much-loved donkeys, piggies, and hens that you might spot along the way!” they say.

“We have lots of seating outdoors and covered seating under open-sided marquees dotted around the gardens.”

Rumour has it a new wood-fired pizza oven is currently being built on the property, with a new menu set to feature homemade flatbreads, pizzas and snacks.

In the meantime, admission to the pop-up garden event is €5 per person and €15 for a family ticket (two adults and up to three kids – cash only).