Take some advice from Mary Poppins - go fly a kite. This old-fashioned activity is seeing a revival this summer due to its development as an extreme sport, as the kites get bigger and more powerful.
Small, traditional kites can be bought for as little as 8.99 at the Art & Hobby shop, where a "sports" kite will set you back 30. Beaches are the best places for flying kites (right), otherwise you need a large level field with no trees or power-lines. For even more fun, you can make a kite yourself (see www.kidwizard.com). - Kate Holmquist
ReadIn
What are you reading?
Gerry Godley, former chef and director of the Improvised Music Company
"I'm going through a really foody period, reading Food: A History by Felipe Fernandez-Arnesto. It's a fantastic scholarly work. It's about the politics of food and fascinating stuff about early agronomy. I'm also re-reading Anthony Bourdain's A Cook's Tour. He's circumnavigating the world in search of the greatest meal. In Cambodia he eats the still-beating heart of a live cobra." - In conversation with Catherine Foley
SceneOut
The Falls, Ennistymon, Co Clare
There can't be too many towns built over rapids, but the picturesque market town of Ennistymon is one. Wander through an arch on the main street, and the roar of water as the Inagh river pours under the bridge to Lahinch can be suddenly deafening. On dry days, however, the Falls can be reduced to a trickle. The walkway continues along the riverside as far as the Falls Hotel. Once home to Caitlin MacNamara, wife of Dylan Thomas, the hotel offers some of the finest views of the river and town. - Davin O'Dwyer
InFestival
The Coleman Traditional Festival
A three-day festival of traditional music and dance will take place at Gurteen in Co Sligo from Friday, September 2nd. Organised in association with the Coleman Irish Music Centre (left), events will include a concert with Galway box player Oliver Diviney, a seisiún at the Ceoláras Coleman and a céilí in Teach Murray on Sunday. There will also be classes and competitions organised by Ceoltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. For more information contact 071-9182599, or see www.colemanirishmusic.com
CF
Where to go, what to see: for entertainment listings, see The Ticket every Friday in The Irish Times, or go to www.ireland.com/theticket.
