My Weekend: ‘Lie-ins are a luxury for me’

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work:

I’m originally from Dublin, and have lived in Bantry nearly six years. I was a proper city girl, growing up in the centre of Dublin, so moving to Bantry was a bit of a culture shock. My parents and two of my brothers still live in north-central Dublin, and I have another brother living in Belfast with his family.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

I don’t know that I have an ideal Friday. It all depends on how hectic a week it’s been and what I have planned for the weekend. I love to go to the theatre, but it’s always a drive, so I can’t go as often as I would like. It’s great to go out to the pub on a Friday, but sometimes, if it’s been a long week, an easy evening is what’s needed.

Lie-ins or up with the lark.. which is it for you?

Lie-ins are a luxury for me. I love to not have to set my alarm, although my body clock usually wakes me up at the usual time. But if I don’t need to get up, it’s nice to take my morning tea back to bed and read a bit. But I generally have things to do at the weekend.

Does work creep in to your weekend at all?

My regular work? No. I’m strict about not doing that. But I play organ Sunday mornings and conduct a community orchestra Saturday mornings, so my weekends fill up.

If money were no object where would you head to on a weekend city break? And who would you bring with you?

I would go to Florence. I went there for a week last year and would love to go back. I think I would take a different friend with me each time I went — different people bring different perspectives and want to do different things, so if I went on return visits I think that would help to try different things and see different things there. But it’s such a vibrant and beautiful city and there’s so much to see.

Closer to home, is there some place you like to head to recharge the batteries?

I like a lot of spots along the Sheep’s Head. A walk down at the very end, or coffee and scone at the Heron Art Gallery (best scones in the area in that café). And the drive down is so nice. And, of course, walking by the sea is wonderful for clearing the head.

Do you like to catch up with family/friends at the weekend?

Yes, I usually call my parents and brothers at the weekend. I have my orchestra friends, who I meet on Saturday. And the weekend would usually be when I might arrange for dinner or lunch with friends in the area, or to go to the pictures with them.

Do you get to indulge any hobbies? Even as a spectator?

Music is my main hobby — orchestra — and I also direct a choir in Bantry. I also love reading, and hiking.

Entertain or be entertained? If it’s the latter do you have a signature dish?

Both. I don’t have a signature dish, I like to try different things. Although I do a fantastic lamb and apricot tagine, which always goes down well.

We have so many places to eat out in Cork. Where are your go to spots for coffee/lunch/special meal?

Fish Kitchen in Bantry is the best place for dinners. For coffee and treats, the Heron Art Gallery in Ahakista.

Sunday night comes around too fast.. how do you normally spend it?

I will often call my parents Sunday evening, to catch up, and perhaps play an online game with them. But, sometimes, I might do movie night with friends.

What time does your alarm clock go off on Monday morning?

7am.

Anything else you are up to right now...

A few craft projects and clothes repair jobs. I like that kind of work — a great way to get away from screens.

Helen Dawson is the programme co-ordinator for the West Cork Chamber Music Festival, which takes place in Bantry, West Cork, from June 27 to July 6. See www.westcorkmusic.ie