Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

weekend guide

Looking for a weekend plan? Here's what you don't want to miss

A round-up of the best events happening around the country this weekend.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING to get you out of the house this weekend? Here are our recommendations, from comedy in Galway to jazz in Sligo.

Donegal: The annual two-week extravaganza that is the Earagail Arts Festival winds down this weekend with a smashing selection of drama, readings and art exhibitions. Look out for appearances from Belinda McKeown, Kevin Barry and Sara Baume, among others.

Dublin: Learn while you play at the family-friendly Festival of Curiosity, a four-day celebration of science and technology. There’s plenty to keep the kids occupied, from treasure trails and lego making, to rocket launches and giant balloon shows. And if you’ve ever been into origami, drop into Dublin Castle, where organisers say they’ll be trying to build Ireland’s first paper zoo.

90387684 Photocall Ireland Photocall Ireland

Fermanagh: Literary fans should head to the annual International Beckett Festival this weekend in Enniskillen, where the novelist was schooled. The big draws include a performance of All That Fall, Beckett’s first radio play, staged in complete darkness. Exhibition Krapp’s Tape, and performances of Eh Joe and Stirrings Still are among the other weekend highlights.

Galway: The Coronas and Rubberbandits are the big weekend headlines of the Galway International Arts Festival, which draws to a close on Sunday. Catch new drama by Enda Walsh, Frank McGuiness and Amy Conroy until Sunday. And if comedy’s more up your street, Jarleth Regan, Colm O’Regan and Eleanor Tiernan will all be performing at the Kings Head.

Electric Picnic festival line-up announced Niall Carson / PA Archive/PA Images Niall Carson / PA Archive/PA Images / PA Archive/PA Images

Kerry: Home-grown talent is the focus of this weekend’s Folkfest, set on the foot of the Killarney hills. Saturday night’s lineup includes Kíla and electro trad group Super Céilí, while Sharon Shannon and Danu top the following day’s bill.

Laois: This one’s quite unique. The Durrow Scarecrow Festival kicks off on Sunday with live music, circus acts and street theatre. And the hundreds of scarecrows competing for prizes will all be on display across the rural village, of course.

11139378_861938270554702_783460604191347325_n - Copy Durrow Scarecrow Festival / Facebook Durrow Scarecrow Festival / Facebook / Facebook

Sligo: The Sligo Jazz Festival celebrates its 10th birthday in style this year with a cracking lineup mixing both local and international talent. The big pulls this weekend include Ernie Watts, Liane Carroll and Ciaran Wilde.

Wicklow: It’s not too late to book your ticket for Knockanstockan, a picturesque independent music festival on the shores of the Blessington lakes. Rebecca Collins, Gavin Glass, Bitch Falcon and Sinead White are among the stand-out talents of this year’s lineup.

Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments below.

Read: Have weekend plans? Bring an umbrella … and sun cream >

Read: 15 beer gardens in Ireland you need to visit this summer >

Your Voice
Readers Comments
9
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.