"It's like nothing bad can ever happen here, " Holly Golightly said of Tiffany's, but she might have said the same of the Merrion Hotel. If you feel like experiencing some genteel grandeur this Easter, the hotel is offering two packages. The Off to the Races option includes one night's accommodation in a deluxe double or twin room, with full Irish breakfast and two tickets to the Irish Grand National in Fairyhouse on Monday and costs 300 per room, per night.

There's also a family offer, for two adults and two children, accommodation and breakfast; this includes a Dublin Pass which gives free entry to tourist attractions such as Dublin Castle and Dublin Zoo, for 490 per two rooms per night. Go on, spoil yourself. Visit www. merrionhotel. com or call 01-6030600 for more information.

Spirit level education

Who said that school couldn't be fun?

The Vodka University, which is paying a visit to Harvey Nichols in Dublin, is most definitely one for mature students. This crash course in Vodkaology promises to bring you up to speed on such pertinent subjects such as the history of vodka, ordering the right vodka for the right drink and mixing like a pro. In order to gain a deep understanding of the course, participants will be required to undertake a tasting session of up to 15 premium and super premium vodkas from around the world. Attendees will also be entered in a draw to win flights to New Zealand. Vodka U is takes place on Wednesday 5 April at 7pm, and call 01 291 0488 for booking.

Star gazing

Just when we then vow to to stop buying rubbish celebrity magazines and be more intellectual along comes Gawker Stalker (www. gawker. com/stalker/). This gossip website . . . which allows readers to see where exactly in New York stars have been spotted . . . has caused outrage. Critics say that the speed at which the data is uploaded means there's a very real chance that the celebrity will still be in that same location when the information goes up on the website. An invasion of privacy it might well be but the posts are hilarious. Here's what one voyeur said of our own Col: "Colin Farrell (100 W 12th St, Mar 14 2006 at 4pm) Walking uptown, kind of in a rush. He was wearing a lightcoloured fedora and flannel pyjama pants. Kind of horrific, I know."

Double act

The building housing the American College on Dublin's Merrion Square has seen many a talented artist pass through its hallowed corridors . . . in a previous life it was the home and salon of William Wilde (father of Oscar).

It continues its tradition of hosting the great and the good of Dublin's art world with the opening of an exhibition next Tuesday entitled Edge of Reason, which will showcase photographic prints and paintings by photographer Justin Farrelly and paintings by Dublin-based artist Stephen Luther. Sunday Tribune readers will be familiar with Justin's work, which regularly appears on the pages of this newspaper. The exhibition finishes on Friday 7 April.

Kiss kiss bang bang

Who would have thought that Benefit . . . the hip make-up brand responsible for the cult blusher Dandelion, not to mention the best eyebrow bar in town . . . has clocked up 30 years? To celebrate this coming of age, it is releasing a variation on another of its classics.

Benetint, a multipurpose rosy stain for lips and cheeks, can be found all fashionistas' make-up bags, and the new PocketPal is set to become a staple of clutch purses. This colour wand has a mini Benetint on one end and a clear gloss on the other, and comes in a handy pocket protector. Smudgeproof and enticingly natural, you can now work that pout wherever you are. Available from Arnotts and Brown Thomas, price 22.

State of the union

Are you trying to plan your wedding? And is it turning you into Bridezilla? Fret not, because Wedding Fair at the Powerscourt Townhouse Shopping Centre could help take the hitch out of being hitched. The fair itself caters for all aspects of the wedding process, whether you are trying to find the perfect wedding ring or kit out the father of the groom. There are two bridal fashion shows scheduled for 2pm and 4pm, and visitors can enjoy a glass of wine while listening to a string quartet. The centre is also launching its Wedding List, giving you the chance to create your wish list from the centre's shops. The event is taking place on Sunday 2 April and admission is free.

Arty without the farty

Original art isn't often accessible or cheap but here's your opportunity to get your mitts on work by some of Ireland's leading creatives for next to nothing. Candy Culture has teamed up with Habitat and McGowan's Digital Print to present 50 x 50, in which 50 leading lights of Ireland's creative scene have been invited to produce an art piece. These striking works have been printed 50cm x 50cm, in a limited edition of 50 prints each only. Best of all is the price . . .they're only 50 each. Contributors include Donal Dineen, Nina Hynes, DADDY, Lovely Productions, David Holmes, Dynamo and Frankenstyles.

Get yourself down to Habitat on Dame Street and pick up a future classic print now; www. candyculture. net.

Garden of delights

There are heaps of exciting gigs happening this summer, but discerning punters will ensure that their dance cards are free for the Garden Party on 4 June. It's all happening in the walled gardens of Ballinglough Castle, Co Meath, and if the aesthetics of one of Ireland's prettiest stately homes don't get you, the line up certainly will. 2 Many DJs, reggae legends Toots and the Maytals, Nightmares on Wax, the Scratch Perverts and Asian Dub Foundation are some of the crowd pleasers lined up, with a fully operational flea circus, cocktail bar and organic grub providing other diversions. Tickets are from 65. Visit www. pod. ie for more information.