BRIAN O'CONNELLtalks us through the latest events
LOVE AND MARRIAGE
On Wednesday between 7pm and 9pm at Donegal County Museum in Letterkenny, a talk entitled An 18th Century Gentlewoman’s Guide to Marriage will explore the ways in which love and marriage were dealt with during the 18th century. The talk covers courtship, marriage customs and the duties of a wife! Tea will be served beforehand. Tel: 074-9124613.
BUTTERFLY WALK
Santry Demesne will host a nature walk tomorrow, focusing on butterfly spotting and moth trapping that will be led by Global Action Plan. The talk is aimed at primary-school children, and takes place at noon. Visitors are asked to meet at the car park. Places are limited, so pre-booking is essential. Tel: 01-8625846.
JACKIE CLARKE COLLECTION
A behind-the-scenes tour and conservation workshop on this newly acquired collection will take place at the library on Pearse Street in Ballina this Saturday and the following Friday and Saturday led by renowned international curator Vincent Virga. It runs between 2pm and 4pm and is free. Tel: 087-2748670.
CORK FILM SCREENING
From Monday to Saturday next week, a selection of restored short films showing Cork and Ireland at the beginning of the 20th century will be screened at the Civic Trust House on Pope’s Quay. Screening times are 4pm to 5.30pm. Tel: 021 4215101.
LOUGH GUR HISTORIC SITES
This Sunday from 11am, free guided walks of Lough Gur historic sites in Limerick are on offer. Visiting Bolin Island, Ash Point, and Carraig Aille Stone Forts and narrated by a qualified guide, the tours take two hours and are organised by Lough Gur Development. Donations accepted. Tel: 061-385386.
CELEBRATION AT TARA
Called a “Turn at Tara”, this event features a homage to the ancient site and also to Irish heritage, with leading poets and writers such as Seamus Heaney, Paul Muldoon and Colm Tóibín, and musicians such as Laoise Kelly. It takes place on Sunday 29th between 3pm and 5pm. Weather permitting, the event will be held outdoors. Tel: 046-9025903.
DANCING AT THE CROSSROADS
Held at Laharn Cross, near Mallow, this Sunday and next Sunday from 8pm to 9pm, is a night of live traditional music and crossroads dancing on specially constructed platforms. Participation is free, and the event is suitable for both young and old. Tel: 086-8903154.
JEWELLERY-MAKING WORKSHOP
At Waterford Museum of Treasures in The Granary on Merchants Quay this Monday between 2pm and 4pm, participants will get to make replicas of Bronze Age gold personal ornaments. The event is suited to children aged nine-plus, and limited places are available. Booking is essential. Tel: 051-340500.
EXPLORING KILMAINHAM
Tomorrow a talk will be held exploring the collection of Kilmainham Gaol Museum, by Anne-Marie Ryan, who discusses the wide variety of historical objects in the museum. The event starts at 2pm, and admission is free. Booking essential. Tel: 01-4535984.
UGLY BUG BALL
At Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre in Kenagh, Longford on Sunday 29th from 10am to 5pm. Looking at insects found at Corlea Bog. Children will be able to handle and examine the insects and there will be a competition for best-dressed bug. Pre booking is not necessary. Tel: 043-3322386.
CLIFDEN HOUSES
Starting tomorrow and running for a week, a selection of businesses and private houses in Clifden, Connemara will display an aspect of the history of their premises or family. The event is designed to make visitors and locals aware of local history and runs from 8am to 11pm. Tel: 095-21148.
BALLOONS TO BALLISTICS
This interactive workshop at the Casino in Marino takes place on Sunday 29th from 1pm to 4.30pm and brings participants through the science of balloon and rocket flights. It’s suitable for everyone from primary school students to PHDs. Tel: 01-8331618.
CHILDREN AT THE ÁRAS
Running tomorrow and next Saturday, a tour of Áras an Uachtaráin for kids takes place from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. The tour takes in the President’s house, gardens and also the Garda horses. Participation is free but pre-booking is essential and numbers are restricted. Tel 01-8155900.
