Daytrippers

7 things to do this week

TODAY It's National Game Playing Week so don't be surprised if you go into work on Monday and the boss challenges you to a quick game of Connect 4. All this week if you buy a board game in any of the major toy stores in the country, a donation will be made to this year's charity, The Dyslexia Association of Ireland. For more information see www.nationalgameplayingweek.ie

TOMORROW The Kerry Film Festival concludes today with a showing of children's short films. Expect delights such as Knitting a Love Song by Annie Watson. It tells the story of Pearl (15) who loves Jack (18) but he doesn't know she exists. She decides to knit her passion for him into a scarf and hide it in his locker. If only real life were that easy. Siamsa Tire Theatre, Tralee. From 12.30 p.m. Admission €3.

MONDAY It's the October Bank Holiday so go out and show your support for the athletes in the Dublin Marathon this morning from 9 a.m. all over the city. Or stay home and watch it on the telly. Just don't do a Father Horan.

TUESDAY The spine-tinglingly popular Hallowe'en season in the Maiden City kicks off today with Scary Derry at the Nerve Centre. The movies Alien and American Werewolf in London will be screened for the not-very-scary admission price of one pound sterling. There will be a full bar at this over-18s event. Be very afraid. Doors 9 p.m. Contact www.nerve-centre.org.uk

WEDNESDAY "Dreaming of the Dragon's Nation: Contemporary Art from China" is the largest exhibition of Chinese art shown in Ireland. It begins in the Irish Museum of Modern Art on Wednesday and continues until February 6th. Curator, Li Xu, will give an introductory tour of the exhibition and artists Liu Jianhua and Shi Hui will discuss their work. Talks are free but space is limited and booking recommended (01-6129948).

THURSDAY Valerie Meikle is an Englishwoman, now based in Ennis, who lived for many years among indigenous communities in the tropical rainforests of Ecuador, Colombia and Peru. Come along to hear her illustrated talk "To the Heart of the Amazon: Journey of a Lifetime". LASC 5, Merrion Row, Dublin 2. for more details log on to www.activelink.ie/ce/active.

FRIDAY Dubliner Susan McKeown is based in New York's East Village these days but tonight the singer makes a rare hometown appearance in Mother Redcaps at the National Birth Alliance Benefit. Joining her in the packed line-up are Maria Tecce, Anne Marie O'Grady and Sonny Condell. The Alliance campaigns for greater choice for women in childbirth including more access to maternity services. www.maternitymatters.org. Tickets €15 or €13 in advance from the venue. Doors 9.30 p.m.