What's on this weekend?
The last few days of our so-called summer are drawing to a close, but there are plenty of events happening around the country this weekend with sport, culture and festivals taking place to ease back-to-school blues.
The weather forecast
Saturday will have scattered outbreaks of rain, and a few of the showers may be heavy with slight risk of thunder in the south. Temperatures will reach between 16 and 19 degrees. Sunday will be a mainly dry day with some sunshine but the southwest and west may have some rain later in the day. Met Éireann
The Tall Ships Festival
The Tall Ships Festival is taking place in Dublin’s Docklands until Sunday, with 50 boats expected to sail into Dublin city.
The main event will be the Parade of Sail on the River Liffey on Sunday from 11am to 2pm. A record-breaking-attempt Rock the Boat charity event will also take place on Sunday from 1pm to 2pm at Sir John Rogersons Quay, with large crowds expected.
A number of street events are being held in the Docklands over the weekend, including a floating cinema just off Hanover Quay and a live music stage at George’s Quay.
Motorists can expect long delays in the city, particularly on the northside, over the weekend, and drivers are advised to use public transport where possible. South city traffic wishing to cross the Liffey at Samuel Beckett bridge will be diverted via Pearse Street, Tara Street and Butt Bridge.
The Samuel Beckett Bridge, Guild Street and Cardiff Lane will be closed from 8am to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday. The East Link bridge will operate a reduced rate for cars during the Tall Ships Festival. South Dock Road is closed until 8pm on Sunday.
From 10.30am until Sunday, Luas red line services will not stop at Connolly Station. However, an otherwise full service will operate with additional services over the weekend. Tall Ships Festival
Merrion Square Open Day
Dublin’s Merrion Square will throw open its doors on Saturday for a free day of events celebrating its rich heritage. The day is an opportunity to explore Georgian Dublin in an informal way, taking in the houses, museums, churches and parks in the heart of the city. Visitors will have the opportunity to see properties not often open to the public and enjoy talks, exhibitions, walks, and music in a programme that aims to offer something for everyone.
Look out for the Merrion Square ambassadors who will be on the square and in venues with a full programme of events, maps and information. You can also enjoy a coffee on the square for the first time courtesy of Tir na nÓg coffee vendor. Merrion Square Open Day
GAA
The All Ireland senior and minor football championship semi-finals will take place at Croke Park in Dublin on Sunday. Mayo will play Meath in the minor championship semi at 1:30pm, while at 3:30pm Cork will play Donegal in the senior semi-final. Large crowds of approximately 55,000 are expected to attend. GAA
Salute
The tanks are back, and military enthusiasts are in for a treat as Salute, the military vehicle and re-enactment show, is being staged in the National Show Centre in Swords this weekend.
Highlights include the 1953, former Irish Army, Willy's Jeep, one of two in existence, and the Chieftain battle tank performing manoeuvres. Admission is €10 per person, with a family ticket priced at €20. Salute
The National Kite Surfing championships
The National Kite Surfing championships, hosted by the Irish Kite Surfing Association, are being held on Duncannon beach in Wexford this weekend. Hooked-kite surfing will take place during the annual Wexford kite surfing festival, also in Duncannon. The best junior, female and male riders from across Ireland and the globe will compete over the weekend in a series of course racing and freestyle events. Irish Kite Surfing Association
Racing
Racing will take place at the Curragh Racecourse, Co Kildare, on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, the first race is at 2.10pm, and the last race is at 5.25pm. On Sunday, the first race is at 2.10pm, with the last running is at 5:55pm.
The Curragh is just off the M7 between Newbridge (J12) and Kildare town (J13). Trains will run from Dublin's Heuston Station, Waterford, Cork, Limerick and Galway to Kildare station, with a free shuttle to the racecourse. Bus Éireann is providing a race-day service from Busáras in Dublin. The Curragh
Lobster, Crab and all that Jazz
The inaugural Dalkey Lobster Fest takes place in Dalkey this weekend. Ireland's most famous literary town is coming out of its shell for a celebration of its maritime and musical heritage. A programme of fun events has been lined up for all the family to enjoy, including a "celebrity masterchef" competition, cookery displays, live music and free, guided tour of Dalkey castle. Lobfest