Going out: something for the weekend

Knockan Stockan music festival, Blessington Lakes, Co Wicklow: This eclectic festival runs over the weekend and will once again provide a showcase for the independent Irish music scene. There are plenty of acts from home and abroad to choose from, including Mossy Nolan and Mumblin' deaf Ro as well as Overhead, the Albatross and Raglans. Weekend and day tickets are available at http://knockanstockan.ie

All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship quarter finals, Thurles, Co Tipperary: The next instalments in what has so far been a vintage hurling season take place in Thurles this Sunday when Cork face champions Kilkenny and Galway take on Clare. Non-GAA followers should really get to at least one big hurling match and those that head to Tipp this weekend can expect a fervent atmosphere and cracking entertainment as the teams battle for their places in the semi-final.

Tickets available from gaa.tickets.ie or at the gate.

The Yeats International Summer School, Co Sligo: The Yeats Summer School started in 1960 and has been held every year since, with studens and lecturers from around the world coming to talk about the writing of WB Yeats. Mark Patrick Hederman OSB, Abbot of Glenstal Abbey, will open the school this Sunday at the Hawks Well Theatre at 2.30pm.

www.yeats-sligo.com

Dublin Flea Market: Get down to Newmarket square, Dublin 8, this Sunday to enjoy the buzz and hum of stallholder trading. With over 60 stalls selling vintage clothes, jewellery, bric-a-brac, and whatever else there'll be plenty to sift through. Keen-eyed collectors are quick to nab the best stuff so get there early to grab something good.

www.dublinflea.ie

Reek Sunday, Croagh Patrick, Co Mayo: Croagh Patrick will be alive with activity this Sunday as tens of thousands of people huff and puff their way to its summit as part of Reek Sunday, the annual pilgrimage which dates back to pre-Christian Ireland. Mass will be celebrated at the top at 8.00am and every half-hour thereafter until the last Mass at 2.00 pm.

Durrow Scarecrow Festival, Durrow, Co Laois: Over 120 scarecrows are expected to descend on Durrow this week for the fourth All Ireland Scarecrow Championships. They will adorn the streets of the picturesque village and compete for the title of "Overall Winner". This corvine nightmare of festival starts on Sunday and runs until August 5th. It includes craft workshops and a "duck derby".

More information at durrowscarecrowfestival.com