Cucumber sandwiches and Victoria sponge cake will no doubt be on the menu at the Big Beautiful Vintage Picnic, which takes place at Birr Castle Demesne in Co Offaly on August 4 as part of the 55th Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival. Attendees are encouraged to dress up for the occasion, with prizes on the day for best-looking vintage-themed picnic and best-dressed vintage family, along with games of garden croquet and skittles on the grounds of the 120-acre demesne. Pre-booking is essential. birrcastle.com