Daytrippers

Seven things to do this week

TODAY No less an authority than Quincy Jones calls Take 6 "the greatest vocal ensemble on the planet". You can make your own mind up when this a cappella group from Alabama, which have millions of albums and nine Grammy awards under their belt take to the stage at the National Concert Hall tonight. Tickets 01-4170000, from €16.

TOMORROW The History of Collins Barracks and its Environs is a walking tour of Collins Barracks in Dublin which will take place outdoors, weather permitting. The tour is part of heritage week which features a variety of events across the country. Meet at Collins Barracks at 3.30pm. The tour lasts for one hour. For more information on heritage week visit www.heritageweek.ie.

MONDAY Is our culture of drinking out of control? Can taking alcohol in moderation be good for your health? These and other issues will be discussed by a panel of experts from Ireland, France and the UK this evening in a debate chaired by Brian Dobson. Audience participation is encouraged. 7pm-8.30pm at the Sugar Club in Dublin. The event is part of the BA Festival of Science. See details of the programme and book tickets online at www.the-ba.net/the-ba.

TUESDAY In more than 40 years, it has never rained on the Ambrosia Dublin Taxi Drivers' Special Children's Day Out, so there is no excuse not to see the children and the drivers off today. From 11am 500 taxis and 2,000 children will gather at Parnell Square, where they will be joined by boy band Zoo and other local entertainers. At 12pm the convoy will go down O'Connell Street, led by the Garda Band, before travelling to Club 92 for the 45th annual hooley.

WEDNESDAY One lucky couple are having their wedding reception in the Spiegeltent on George's Dock in Dublin this year, but you don't have to be getting hitched to enjoy top-class entertainment in this opulent art deco mirrored tent. Tonight, cult underground cabaret Club Volta presents an original show with bluegrass music, sultry burlesque dancers and a host of surreal characters such as camp crooner Gerry Adams (7pm, tickets €12.50). This is followed by Dirty Rotten Cabaret by the Fallen Angels troupe, who weave their comedy magic at 9pm. As usual, Club Speigel - the late night shindig after the show - is included in the €17 ticket price.

THURSDAY For dynamic visual stimulation head up to the Hugh Lane Gallery on Parnell Square Dublin where Offside, a mixed-media exhibition featuring new works from emerging artists Alex McCullagh, Nina McGowan and Rhona Byrne is taking place. Like the participants, the show is bold, brash and beautiful. Until September 24th.

FRIDAY The recently opened Ballyrogan Gallery in Redcross, Brittas Bay, Co Wicklow is a little gem run by artist and printmaker Niamh MacGowan. The gallery is in an old farmhouse tucked away beneath Ballymoyle Hill where the big stove is lit on cool days and the tea and coffee is complimentary. The art on display includes etchings, jewellery, handbags, ceramic lamps and woven textiles. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11am-6pm. www.niamhmacgowan.com.