Daytrippers

Seven things to do this week

TODAY

Buy a Big Mac in McDonalds restaurants today and €1 will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House which has just opened in the grounds of Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin, offering respite to sick children and their parents. It's all part of Global World Children's Day.

TOMORROW

Today is your last chance to catch an event in the experimental Darklight Digital Festival programme, which showcases film, animation, music, interactive work and imaging. Among the closing films are Broken Mirror, Killinarden Shorts, In This World and Frank and Marie. It's all happening today at The Digital Hub on Thomas Street, Dublin, with involvement from local children. www.darklight-filmfestival.com.

MONDAY

Three of the best Christmas Fairs around the country are donating money to charity, so you can shop with a clear conscience. Today, check out handicrafts, food and quirky gadgets at the Boyne Hotel, Navan, where proceeds from the admission fee are going to the Irish Cancer Society. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. On Thursday, Leopardstown Racecourse hosts a sale in aid of Cystic Fibrosis charities. 10 a.m.-7.30 p.m. And on Tuesday, November 30th, head to Naas Racecourse for another sale in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission €5.

TUESDAY

"About Time" is a festival of contemporary performance which runs in Dublin's Project Theatre until November 27th. Presented in partnership with the British Council, it features tattoo artists, chilli-snorting performers, cyclists and rock gig roadies, and aims to engage audiences with "provocative, edgy, satirical and humorous" interrogations of contemporary culture and politics. Civic Life: Moore Street, a short film by Desperate Optimists, is on at the UGC Cinemas Parnell Street from today. Full programme details from www.project.ie

WEDNESDAY

"Petal and Stems" is a début exhibition by Vanessa R M Butler taking place at Airfield House, Upper Kilmacud Road, Dundrum, Dublin 14. Expect plenty of pretty poppies and other blooms from the confident brush of this Matisse-influenced artist. The exhibition runs until December 19th, Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

THURSDAY

It's five years since the appearance of The Tribunals Show in Dublin and in a fully updated production Joe Taylor and Malcolm Douglas bring the show to Liberty Hall from tonight. Suzy Kennedy and Gaby Smith join the revue team. Tickets €22.50 from the box office on 01-8721122, www.centralticketbureau.com

FRIDAY

Ice-skating has become as much a part of the festive calendar as that obligatory trip to Santa. You can skate under the stars, New York-style, at Smithfield On Ice, which is handily located near a Luas stop. Open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Tickets €14 per adult and €9.50 per child, family tickets, €38. www.smithfieldonice.ie or call 01-4487777.