LOOKING FOR WEEKEND plans? Here are our picks.
Dublin: After a sell-out launch last year, the Big Grill Festival returns to Herbert Park this weekend with a programme packed full of demos, talks and masterclasses. There’ll be lots of barbecue and cider to sample on site, as well a hot wings eating competition on Saturday night. The music lineup features DJ Yoda, Stomptown Brass and Mama Kasbah, among others.
Kilkenny: The Kilkenny Arts Festival‘s popular Bach series draws to an end on Sunday with a performance of the composer’s best-known motets by British music ensemble The Cardinall’s Musick. The final showing of DruidShakespeare is sold out, but there are plenty of other festival events on offer this weekend – including a reading from Pulitzer Prize winning author Jane Smiley and free, pop-up concerts in the city’s historic city gardens.
Kerry: It’s that time of year again. The first televised Rose of Tralee selection takes place on Monday night, but festivities get underway this weekend with a fancy ball, fashion show and outdoor concert. Prepare yourselves for jigging, singing and recitals galore.
Sligo: Organisers of the Fleadh Cheoil call it “the biggest traditional Irish music festival on the planet”. It’s a big claim, but this weekend’s line-up doesn’t disappoint, with performances from stars including Danú, Kíla and Flook. RTÉ’s Céilí House will also be broadcast live from the town centre on Saturday night.
Tipperary: This year’s Terryglass Arts Festival programme features workshops in everything from Chinese calligraphy and pottery to sean nós dancing and bread making. And if you need to wind down, there are regular cruises all weekend along the nearby Lough Derg.
Waterford: Fancy a few days of racing by the sea? Top horses and jockeys are battling it out all weekend at the Tramore Festival, which runs until Sunday. There’ll be live music and lots of family-friendly activities – not to mention cold hard cash for the most stylish ladies.
- additional reporting by Ali Watson
Have we missed any big events? Let us know in the comments below.
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