What's On

Today And Tomorrow

PARKLANDS ART

Lough Boora in Offaly has some of Ireland’s best wetlands and a large outdoor sculpture park. The is also a range of outdoor activities including hiking, cycling and course angling. A new bike rental service is in operation, and two pathways offer 14km of cycle paths. Bikes can be rented 10am to 8pm. loughbooraparklands.com

CASTLE TOUR

Kilkenny Castle is one of Ireland’s foremost castles and offers visitors a well-honed 40-minute tour. Walk through the Long Gallery, where portraits of the Butler family over the centuries hang, or explore a children’s playground among 20 hectares of parkland. Open daily from 9am to 5.30pm. Admission to the park is free, adults €6 into the castle, children €2.50. 056-770 4116, kilkennycastle.ie

SEA LIFE

The National Sea Life Centre, based on Bray’s seafront, is home to more than 90 species of underwater animals – a perfect place for a rainy afternoon. New additions this year include a giant octopus. Feeding times are on the centre’s website and discounts available for online booking. 01-286 6939, sealifeeurope.com

AFTERNOON RACES

A Downpatrick race meet is offering a family day today. Admission includes free goodies for kids as well as pony rides and bouncy castles. Seven races are on the cards, with the first race at 2.50pm. Children under-14 are free when accompanied by adults. Admission £10 per adult. 028-446 12054, downpatrickracecourse.co.uk

CHURCH CONCERTS

A season of church classics concerts begins tomorrow night in St Mary’s Cathedral in Tuam with the Irish Chamber Orchestra featuring leader Katherine Hunka (violin) and Dermot Dunne (accordion). Presented jointly with Galway Arts Festival, tickets available from 091-566 577 and galwayartsfestival.com