Five fun things you can do (safely) this June Bank Holiday weekend

It's another long weekend!

This June Bank Holiday, Met Éireann are predicting temperatures to be in the mid-twenties and even though we're staying at home, doesn't mean it has to go to waste.

Here are five things you can do to make the most of this weekend:

1. Teach yourself how to make a new cocktail

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Think about it for a second - what's the most delicious cocktail you've ever tasted? Now Google it and see can you give it a go from the comfort of your own home. With temperatures set to hit a glorious 25 degrees over the weekend, there's no better time to try and master your favourite order. If you can't think of one to make off the top of your head, there's a host of quick and easy cocktail recipes up on the BBC Food website that could come in handy.

2. Make pizza from scratch

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Craving some pizza? It's surprisingly easy and relatively quick to make up your dough from scratch. The best part? You can add as much toppings (and cheese!) as you wish! Here's a simple pizza dough recipe from Garth McColgan: 

Ingredients: 

• 700g self-raising flour
• 375ml warm water
• 1 teaspoon of sea salt
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 50 ml extra virgin olive oil

Method:

1. Mix the flour, salt and sugar together in a large bowl.
2. Drizzle in the oil and stir gently
3. Add about 300ml of the warm water and mix together. If the mixture is still a little dry, keep adding the remaining water until your dough comes together.
4. Cover the dough and leave it to rest for about 20 minutes. Then split it into four parts and roll it out to fit on a flat oven tray.
5. Prick it all over with a fork and cook it for 2-6 minutes at 240°C.
6. Allow it to cool before adding your toppings.

Orrrrr, you could just cheat and buy the bases from your local supermarket. Your secret is safe with us.

3. Explore your 5k

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If you live in rural Ireland, chances are there are some gorgeous walkways and some hidden gems well within your 5-kilometre limit. Remember that 'nature walk' ye did in national school? If it's within your reach, why not take a wander around it for old times' sake? Go and rediscover your local area while the sun is out over the weekend. Just make sure you can keep your social distance throughout, ok?

4. Make your own face mask

It's the must-have fashion accessory for 2020. Of course, you can always order one online but if you really want to make a statement, you can make your own. A video on how to make one out of a sock went viral in recent weeks and the Government have also released a video of how to make one using just an old cotton T-shirt, elastic, some scissors and a needle and thread.

5. Have a Come Dine with Me challenge

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Want to spice up your dinner routine? Get all the family to partake in a 'Come Dine with Me' kind of challenge over the weekend. Every night, someone else in the house makes a themed dinner and go all out here - we're talking starters, mains, desserts and drinks! There's plenty of themes you can take on - retro American diner food, Spanish tapas, roast dinner, Italian feast and Mexican tacos to name but a few.