Something for the Weekend

Bray Jazz Festival

The Bray Jazz Festival takes place from May 1st-3rd with a range of local and international acts including Havana Ché (Cuba), Ed Motta (Brazil) and Irish group Bunk. Shows are held at venues across the town, and special ticket offers include double-show (€30) and three-show (€35) packages. BrayJazz.com

Riverfest

Running all the way through the bank holiday weekend, this unique festival encompasses everything from artisan food shows and Ireland’s largest barbecue cook-off to the annual Great

Limerick

Run.

The Maldron Hotel-sponsored element of the weekend's activities will see aqua-sport enthusiasts take to the Shannon on Saturday for a series of water-based events, and there'll be a fireworks show from King John's Castle on Sunday night. Limerick.ie Hurling league finals It may be widely regarded as a mere dress-rehearsal ahead of a highly anticipated Munster Championship semi-final next month, but both Waterford and Cork will be desperately seeking a first piece of silverware this year at the league's showpiece event on Sunday.

Throw in is at 3.30pm in Semple Stadium, Thurles on Sunday, and tickets start from €5 for juveniles and €20 for adults. Gaa.ie

Cork Choral Festival

Now in its 61st year, this event draws acts from far-flung corners of the world who bring their musical talents to Leeside on Saturday and Sunday.

Cork will be hosting a series of gala concerts, school concerts and international competitions in the atmospheric surroundings of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Triskel Christchurch and Cork City Hall. There is also a strong participative and educational aspect with seminars and workshops on choral music. CorkChoral.ie

Father Ted Festival

Fans of the celebrated sitcom are encouraged to dust off the ceremonial vestments and have their cleric’s collars at the ready as this annual remembrance of all things hilarious gets underway in

Clare

over the weekend.

Plenty of entertainment and somewhat irreverent revelry is promised, and there’ll be a Lovely Girls Contest along with the revered Golden Cleric Awards competition at the spiritual home of the Channel 4 TV series in Kilfenora.

Advance weekend tickets cost €60 per adult or €30 per child, with one-day entrance costing €40 per adult and €20 per child on Saturday and Sunday. TedTours.com