Daytrippers

Seven things to do this week

TODAY Pick up some designer duds and help tsunami victims at the same time in the elegant surroundings of Barberstown Castle, in Straffan, Co Kildare from midday to 6 p.m. A group of friends from Clane assembled a stunning collection of designer clothes, bags and shoes from local boutiques and fashionistas. Proceeds will go to GOAL and local charity KARE. The event is free and continues tomorrow if you can't make it today.

TOMORROW All 49,500 tickets for today's rugby clash at Lansdowne Road between England and Ireland sold out weeks ago, but you can savour the event from the comfort of your sitting room. Console yourself with the knowledge that the half-time snacks will be cheaper and tastier round at yours - or pay €14 to watch it on three screens in the Guinness Hop Store.

MONDAY They were ugly knick-knacks we inexplicably collected as teenagers, but Trolls are suddenly trendy. Some of Norway's most cutting-edge ceramicists offer fresh interpretations of the hairy dolls; Elins Aasheim's Too Many Cigarettes, Too Many Late Nights depicts two bulbous red-eyed figures facing up to each other. Just your average Saturday night in Dublin, then. At the National Craft Gallery, Castle Yard, Kilkenny, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day until March 28th.

TUESDAY If you don't know your Brahms from your Liszt but like to pretend you do, Nuts and Bolts should do the trick. This bluffer's guide to classical music consists of eight sessions presented by Brenda Wilkes. The classes will be held each Tuesday, starting today, at 11.30 a.m. or 7.45 p.m. and the cost for all eight is 120, including admission to recitals by Royal Irish Academy of Music students at 36 Westland Row, Dublin. Contact 01-6325304.

WEDNESDAY Textiles aren't known as the most thrilling art form, but a new exhibition at the American College in Dublin could change all that. Dreams Through Textiles promises an eclectic collection of appliqué, beading and embroidery. At 1 Merrion Square until March 10th.

THURSDAY Dirty Pretty Things, an exhibition by Felicity Clear, should make for intriguing viewing if the gallery's description of it is anything to go by. "Speed," it reads, "is the power on which everything is based . . . The world is shrinking and becoming more claustrophobic. Dirty Pretty Things is a response to living with this new reality." That's all fine and dandy, but is it art? Find out by visiting the Rubicon Gallery, 10 St Stephen's Green, Dublin, until March 26th. For more details phone 01-6708055.

FRIDAY The theme for this year's UCD Fashion Show is Temptation Island, so this charity night at the Point is not for the feint of heart. Expect plenty of risqué outfits and surprises at the event, which is choreographed by Mark Cleary, who has worked with Beyoncé and Madonna. Tickets from www. ucdartsfashionshow.com. Students €20, others €40, corporate €100. Proceeds to charity.