There may be only one thing the country is talking about this weekend, but allow us to distract you for a moment with news of Ireland's first ever Dessert Festival.

Irish restaurants, cafes, bakeries, pubs and hotels will be pulling out all the stops to take part in Ireland’s first ever national Dessert Festival from 23 to 29 July, 2018. The event was announced by organiser Ernest Cantillon on Friday: "We are very fortunate to have an abundance of quality producers and food outlets in Ireland. "Following the huge success of our previous festivals and the overwhelming support from businesses and visitors alike it was an easy decision for us to launch our newest event: Ireland's very own Dessert Festival. “The festival promises to appeal to everyone from the sweet-toothed dessert enthusiast to the master confectioner. We hope to showcase some of the finest desserts and allow for a few surprises along the way." Kitchens across the country will be joining donut shops, ice cream parlours, crêperies, chocolatiers and milkshake makers to show off their skills and entice new customers through their doors, delivering tastings, workshops and events in every city in Ireland. Businesses can get involved in the fun by registering here - participation costs €95 per venue - with the full list of mouthwatering events due to be released in the weeks before the festival.