What’s on: Something for the weekend

Round Ireland Yacht Race, Wicklow

Thirty-six ocean-going yachts are confirmed for this year’s Round Ireland Yacht Race which begins today. It is Ireland’s premier offshore sailing race and is held every two years by

Wicklow Sailing Club

in association with the Royal Ocean Racing Club. The 704-nautical mile race was first held in 1980 and still retains the original course. There is a host of fun events in Wicklow town to mark the official start of the race at 2pm. roundirelandyachtrace.ie

Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival, The Curragh

The Co Kildare track hosts what promises to be a spectacular and glamorous weekend of world class racing, fashion, food and music – not to mention the Irish Derby today. Derby Day will feature the

Derby Music

Village, the Derby Food Paddock as well as the Dubai Duty Free Most Stylish Lady competition. Tomorrow sees the Derby Family Day with lots of free entertainment for children. curragh.ie

Westport Festival of Music and Food, Westport House, Co Mayo

The two-day festival of music with the best of Irish and international acts on three stages is aimed at a relaxed family- friendly crowd. There’s also the Comedy Tent and Chef’s Kitchen, beer tent, wine bar and onsite camping – all in the glorious grounds of Westport House. westportfestival.com

Belfast City Blues Festival

The sixth annual festival hits a high point this weekend at 16 venues across Belfast city centre and on the

Lagan

. Many of the 16 acts and events today are free with a further 10 tomorrow. Alongside established performers will be the best of emerging talent in the blues scene. belfastcityblues.com

Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, Aran Islands

The Serpent’s Lair on Inis Mór will once again be disturbed this weekend when the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series returns to the Aran Islands. The rugged blow hole will play host to the series again today and tomorrow when the best divers in the world take the 27-metre plunge into the Atlantic. redbull.ie

Kilflynn Enchanted Fairy Festival, Co Kerry

The fairy council at the village of Kilflynn near Tralee is inviting adults and especially children to embrace a sense of adventure and discovery this weekend. Families can relax in the “enchanted” atmosphere that will be created and enjoy the magical fairy and elf trail. The trail concludes with a ride in an open-top bus back to the village while looking out for the knights battling in yonder lands. Magical characters, street entertainers and storytellers promise to put sweet memories into each child’s heart and mind. gokerry.ie

Drogheda Samba Festival Drogheda is limbering up for the 21st annual samba festival (left). There are pub and street gigs, workshops and concerts today

and tomorrow. Highlights are the five-hour non- stop samba session in the main street and the carnival parade and there is even a special samba Mass. Most gigs are free and family-friendly. drogheda.ie

Wexford Maritime Festival

Highlights in this third annual festival are the Irish Search and Rescue Exercise including

Air Corps

and

Coast Guard

helicopters, the fixed wing Casa aircraft, RNLI lifeboats, Coast Guard, HSE and Naval Service, a water arena, new kids stage, a kayak record attempt, new food village additions and the longest “Line up for your Lifeboats” attempt.

At Well’s House and gardens in nearby Gorey, there will be a military display which includes army vehicles, uniforms and military shows. visitwexford.ie/events