A round-up of upcoming festivals and events
GALWAY ARTS FESTIVAL
The Galway Arts Festival begins today and runs until July 26th, and features more than 500 writers, performers and musicians. Today and tomorrow, there’s plenty on offer including fairy tales images from artist David Hockney at the Festival Gallery, a flea circus in the Town Hall Theatre Foyer, and Firebirds – daredevil pilots with flying machines who will offer a street spectacle at 2pm and 10pm. This year the festival big top will cater for larger acts such as Bon Iver, David Gray, Spiritualized and Primal Scream. 091-509700, www.galwayartsfestival.com
BALLYHEIGUE SUMMER FESTIVAL
This traditional Irish festival kicks off tomorrow with the Brain of Ballyheigue quiz in Flahive’s bar (€24 for a team of four). Other events during the week include Terrier racing, Ballyheigue X-factor, and the King of the Beach competition. www.ballyheigue festival.com
BELFAST ROSE WEEK
Beginning tomorrow, this free event runs all week in the Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon park in Belfast. It combines music, children’s entertainment and lots and lots of roses. A panel of experts will be on hand to judge the blooming offerings, on scent, flower quality and growth. 00-44-28-90918768, www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parks
CAHIRMEE HORSE FAIR IN CORK
Today in the town of Buttevant in north Cork, you will find one of the oldest free fairs in Ireland; it is here that the Duke of Wellington is said to have bought his mount for the Battle Of Waterloo. Whether you’re interested in a three-legged donkey or a three-card trick, buying or selling, or just plain curious, the fair is a great traditional family day out. A horse show is also held with a number of prizes available, including the best horse of the fair. www.discoverireland.ie
ALLEN TOUSSAINT IN DUBLIN
It’s not often you get to see and hear a rock’n’roll Hall of Fame inductee up close and personal in the relative intimate confines of Whelan’s on Wexford Street. Tickets for this New Orleans RB legend, who plays tonight, are €38. 1890-200 078, www.ticketmaster.ie
WALKS IN LAOIS
The latest event as part of a two-month programme takes place at Emo Court Estate, and is described as a pleasant one-hour walk on tracks among oak, beech and pine trees. Meet at the Emo Court village entrance at 7.30pm tonight . A donation of €2 towards insurance is asked for.
