A round-up of some of the events taking place around the country this bank holiday weekend
National Hurling League Final
Cork take on Kilkenny at the Semple Stadium in Thurles on Sunday, the first time the two sides have met in the final since 2002, when Kilkenny won by a point. Kilkenny will be looking for a repeat of that performance but will be without a number of key players this time round. Adult tickets cost €20 if purchased in advanced of match day and €25 at the stiles; Town End Terrace tickets are €15. gaa.ie
Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival
Now in its 15 year, the Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival has wooed some class acts to the country since its inception in 1998. This year is no different with the highly-rated Alabama Shakes heading a list of 30 acts from the US, Canada, the UK and Sweden. A number of home-grown talents are also on the bill. kilkennyroots.com
Maritime Matters Festival
The annual Maritime Matters Festival kicks off at Hook Lighthouse in Co Wexford tomorrow with highlights including displays from The Irish Coast Guard, Irish Water Safety and the Irish Seal Sanctuary as well as a crafts market and a competition to find Ireland's strongest man. hookheritage.ie
Féile na Bealtaine
The 18th Féile na Bealtaine takes place in Dingle, Co Kerry this weekend with music from We Cut Corners, Cat Dowling and the Lost Brothers and readings from writers such as Colm Tóibin. feilenabealtaine.ie/
All-Ireland Drama Festival
The 60th RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival opened at the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone yesterday and continues until Saturday May 13th. The festival sees the top nine amateur drama groups in the country compete for the All-Ireland title and the prestigious Festival Perpetual Trophy, as well as for several major acting and technical awards. dramafestival.ie
Invasion Dublin
Star Wars fans will be heading out to Citywest this weekend for Invasion Dublin, an annual event which celebrates the popular series of films. Featuring life sized replica props and sets from the original and new Star Wars trilogies, the events also includes Q&A sessions with actors from the films and memorabilia stalls. This year's special guest is Billy Dee Williams, who played Lando Calrissian in both the Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. invasion.ie
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival
Belfast opens its arms up to some great entertainment this weekend with the 13th Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival offering comedy, music, theatre and family events. Among the acts scheduled to play in the coming days are Death In Vegas, Yacht and Field Music. cqaf.com
Riverfest
The Great Limerick Run is the highlight of the annual Riverfest, which takes place throughout the city this weekend. Over 7,000 people took part in last year run, which consists of three fully certified races a marathon, a half marathon and a 6-mile race that all commence over a staggered start schedule. The run begins on Sunday at the People's Park and ends in O'Connell street and delays can be expected around the city. riverfest.ie
Festival of the Fires
Taking place on the Hill of Uisneach in CoWestmeath, the Festival of the Fires promises the best in arts, culture, ceremony, history and heritage, crafts, debate, artisan food and drink, ancient Celtic sports, re-enactments, ancient agricultural rituals and music. Musical highlights include Hothouse Flowers, Kila, Jape and Bressie. festivalofthefires.com/
The Dublin International Piano Competition
First established in 1988, this event is seen as something of a launch pad for up and coming musicians and it draws an enormous international entry. The competition, which takes place at the RDS in Dublin, is held in four stages with the first two preliminary stages held between now and Saturday 13th May. dipc.ie/
Drogheda Arts Festival
Former Big Audio Dynamite man and renowned reggae DJ Don Letts is one of the big draws at the Drogheda Arts Festival this weekend. Gemma Hayes will also be in town to perform tracks from her fourth album Let it Break while Lebanese jazz musician Rabih Abou-Khalil is at St Peter's Church of Ireland. droghedaartsfestival.ie/