Daytrippers

Seven things to do this week

TODAY It's all happening in Dublin this week, with the second Docklands Maritime Festival continuing today and tomorrow. A spectacular fleet of 10 historic tall ships, including the Gallant, the Prince William, the Iris and the Jeanie Johnston, are open to visitors for guided tours; the Docklands market will feature meats, cheeses, breads, flowers, clothing and jewellery. A pirates competition and a climbing wall should keep the children entertained around Mayor Square, in the IFSC. www.docklands.ie

TOMORROW It's open day in Temple Bar, which means Dublin's cultural quarter will be packed with free entertainment, including a treasure hunt, workshops, exhibitions, live music, film screenings and street entertainment. The Gallery of Photography will run Polaroid workshops for children on Meeting House Square, and a number of child- and eco-friendly activities will take place in the courtyard of the Cultivate sustainable-living centre. For a full list of activities log on to www.templebar.ie.

(Today is also the last day of Dublin Writers' Festival, with readings all afternoon at Film Base in Temple Bar.)

MONDAY The last time Kelkin held food label reading classes they were oversubscribed, so the health-food company is urging people to sign up early for its courses in July and August. Whether you are interested in eating healthily or losing weight, these courses can help you sustain a more balanced daily diet. To register for the free classes on July 9th and August 9th, at the Mespil Hotel in Dublin, contact labellingclasses@kelkin.ie and your place will be confirmed by return e-mail.

TUESDAY "Sometimes it's hard to be a Dub," reads the tag line for The Passion Machine's new play, A Little Bit of Blue, by Alan Archbold. The main character in this footballing odyssey is Sam Maguire, and the play charts the twists and turns of his life over a championship season. Directed by Paul Mercier, the play gets its world premiere tonight at Andrews Lane Theatre in (where else?) Dublin.

WEDNESDAY Discover Dalkey every Wednesday when Deilg Inis Theatre Company brings the village's history to life. Meet medieval merchants, archers and saints gathered at Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre for this little bit of living history. Guided walks of the area are also being held, with a guide telling the stories behind Dalkey's ancient history. Living History takes place between 11am and 4pm and costs €4 per child, €6 per adult or €16 for a family ticket. Walks are at 1.45pm and cost €4.

THURSDAY Celebrate Dublin Pride 2005 with readings by the poet Sonya Mulligan ("an enthusiastic lesbian, recovering vegetarian and escaping civil servant") and Jarlath Gregory (author of the "viciously witty and tragicomic drama" G.A.A.Y: One Hundred Ways to Love a Beautiful Loser) at Anthology Books, Meeting House Square. 7pm. Admission is free.

FRIDAY The first Art in the West exhibition will take place at the Leisureland Centre, in Salthill, Galway, from today until Sunday, with more than 55 international artists, photographers and sculptors displaying their work. The exhibition opens at noon and runs until 9pm. Tickets are €8. For more information check out www.artinthewest.com.