What is happening this weekend
MULLAGHMORE EXHIBITION
The Old Schoolhouse in Mullaghmore, Co Sligo, has a show opening at 7.30pm today that outlines the history of the harbour since Alexander Nimmo first proposed a quay there, in 1822. As part of the exhibition, which is open between 11am and 5pm from tomorrow until next Wednesday (and then between 11am and 1pm next Thursday), you can join a walking tour of the harbour tomorrow and Sunday, starting at 11.30am at the Pier Head Hotel. More details from
May Burns on 087-8221977.
KILLARNEY SUMMERFEST
As part of this week-long Kerry festival, which begins today, a teddy bears’ picnic takes place tomorrow at Muckross Gardens from 3pm to 5.30pm. A range of children’s events has been organised, from face painting to balloon making. Admission is €7 per adult and €6 per child, or €20 for a family of one adult and three children. killarneysummerfest.com.
SLIEVE BLOOM WALK
As part of Laois Walks Festival you can go
on a three-hour, eight-kilometre walk at Glenbarrow on Sunday, meeting at Rosenallis Church at 2pm. The organisers promise native forests, quarries, waterfalls and breathtaking views. Participation costs €2, and you’re asked to bring along cameras to take part in a photography competition. You can find out more about the festival at 057-8661900 or laois.ie/walking.
KILMACANOGUE HORSE SHOW
Running tomorrow from 9.30am until 6pm, at Monastery Cross, Enniskerry, this annual show has a strong show-jumping element, as well as a most-obedient-pony competition, prizes for fancy dress, and a dog show in the afternoon. All proceeds from the show go to charity. Admission €5 per adult; children are free. kilmacanoguehorseshow.com.
STEAM TRAINS
The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland hosts a series of summer events, including two open days this Saturday and Sunday, at its Whitehead headquarters, in Co Antrim. Visitors get a quick ride on a steam train and take a walking tour of the many engines stored at the site. rpsi-online.org. Photograph: CP Friel.
CASTLETOWN HOUSE
Every Sunday this great house near Celbridge, in Co Kildare, provides entertainment. Children’s workshops from 11am until noon are followed by free musical performances in the entrance hall from 2pm to 4pm. The house opens from 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is €4.50 for adults, €3.50 for concessions. 01-6288252, castletown.ie.
KILKENNY TOURS
Retelling the story of this historic city, with its castle (right) local guide Pat Tynan focuses on the heroes and villains of the city’s past. Departing from the 16th-century Shee Alms House, aka Kilkenny tourist office, he runs four tours a day from Monday to Saturday, with
two on Sunday. €6 adults, €5.50 students, children under 12 free. 087-2651745, tynantours@eircom.net
SNATCH COMEDY
One of Ireland’s longest-running improvisational-comedy groups takes to the stage at the Crane Lane Theatre, in Cork, on Sunday with a play that they make up as they go along – with a bit of help from the audience. Doors open at 8.30pm, with the performance scheduled for 9pm sharp. Tickets cost €10 at the door. snatchcomedy.com.
METALS TOUR
This has got nothing to do with Iron Maiden and everything to do with the historic pathway (above) that linked the quarry in Dalkey with the harbour works in Dún Laoghaire. Historian Rob Goodbody leads the tour, which takes place every Saturday at noon until the end of summer. The meeting point is the Queen Victoria Fountain in Dún Laoghaire. The tour is free and lasts about 90 minutes.
LONGFORD COUNTY SHOW
This annual show, which has been running since 1902, describes itself as a family day out with livestock and show-jumping exhibitions. This year’s event, which takes place from noon tomorrow in Cloonkeen, Moydow, includes a display of harrier hawks and owls, as well as a host of children’s events, from fancy dress to bouncy castles, and an environmental-awareness section. longfordshow.ie.
WICKLOW MUSIC FESTIVAL
Knockanstockan Music Festival returns to Blessington Lakes from today until Sunday. The volunteer-run event, which was named Best Small Festival in 2008, features 100 bands over three stages, with the lakes as a scenic backdrop. Tickets €75. knockanstockan.ie
