IN NEED OF a weekend plan? Here are our recommendations, from a Kerry island festival to a silent disco walking tour of Dublin.
Cork: Bantry is the place to be for live literature this weekend as the West Cork Literary Festival kicks off its yearly programme of book launches, workshops and seminars. The first reading of the week-long event comes from Dutch author Michel Feber, whose latest novel, The Book of Strange Things, was shortlisted for the UK’s top science fiction prize earlier this year. Belinda McKeon, Christine Dwyer Hickey and Paul Murray are among those featured later on in the week.
Donegal: McKeon will also be reading at this weekend’s Earagail Arts Festival, which began today. There’s something for everyone at this Letterkenny extravaganza, with art exhibitions, live drama, storytelling and comedy workshops taking place across the town. And the music doesn’t let up either, with headliners including Altan, Mundy and American country signer Mary Chapin Carpenter.
Dublin: Free yoga, science shows and a petting farm are among the highlights of City Spectacular on Merrion Square. The annual festival will see the heart of Dublin 2 transformed into a live circus as breakdancers, swords swallowers, jugglers and trampoline artists take over the streets. If you’re in the mood for something a little different, there’ll also be silent disco walking tours on both Saturday and Sunday evening – with headphones supplied.
Kerry: Take in the Atlantic Ocean at the chilled Valentia Isle Festival this weekend. The three-day island bash is back after a two-year break with a strong music lineup featuring Young Wonder, Natty Wailer, The Hot Sprockets and The Dirty Dubsters. Puppet shows and a special kids zone should keep the little ones occupied as well.
Kilkenny: The inaugural Gowran Festival of Speed is expected to draw up to 20,000 motor enthusiasts to Gowran Park this weekend for Formula 1 car demonstrations, a classic motor show and live entertainment. Racing legends including Freddie Hunt and Rosemary Smith will also be in action in what organisers have described as the country’s largest ever Group B rally car demonstration.
Mayo: The Ballina Salmon Festival, now in its 51st year, continues tomorrow with a Mardi Gras parade open to all. Keywest will be playing an open-air concert at the heart of the town tomorrow evening, before festivities wind down later in the night with a monster fireworks display over the River Moy.
Tipperary: Take the kids along for face painting, canoe demonstrations, art workshops and live music at the Junction Festival. The yearly multi-arts event draws to a close on Sunday with a free garden party on the pretty grounds of Raheen House.
Wexford: Fish lovers looking for a last-minute break should check out the Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival. Cookery demonstrations, art exhibitions, guided walks and a 5km road race are among the highlights of the annual event, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. And there’ll be fresh seafood platters available throughout the weekend, of course.
Have we missed any events? Let us know in the comments below.
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