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Hay Festival – Kells, all weekend.
The renowned literary festival comes to Co Meath with a host of public talks and workshops. Topics up for discussion over the weekend include Shakespeare, the riches of the Welsh and Irish languages, future energy needs and, of course, the Book of Kells. Notable speakers include John Banville, Germaine Greer and 2003 winner of the Booker Prize DBC Pierre. Tickets are available from the box office in Kells Town Hall.
Irish Derby – Curragh Racecourse, Co Kildare, all weekend.
One of the biggest days in the Irish sporting and social calendar, Saturday’s Irish Derby day features seven races from about 3pm. The main event gets under way at 6.40 and has a prize of €1.25 million. General admission is €40 on Saturday, with concessions. Entrance for Friday and Sunday is €20.
West Cork Music Festival – Bantry, Co Cork, all week.
Starting with a world premiere from the RTE Vanbrugh Quartet tonight and running all next week, the West Cork Music Festival is set to fill Bantry with the sound of strings. A packed programme includes a late night concert at St Brendan’s Church on Sunday night. Tickets are available online and at the festival box office on the Glengarriff Road in the town. Many of the events are also free.
Westport Festival of Music and Food – Westport, Co Mayo. Saturday and Sunday.
The second Westport festival takes place in the grounds of Westport House. Christy Moore, Damien Dempsey, Elvis Costello and the Waterboys provide just some of the music on offer over the two days, while a comedy tent and cooking workshops provide an alternative. Camping available. Day tickets are €75 for adults, or €130 for two-day camping. Concessions available for under 18s.
Irish Open – Carton House, Maynooth, Co Kildare. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Some of the biggest names of golf battle it out on Saturday and Sunday in Ireland’s premier golfing showcase at Carton House. Ticket prices vary.
Drogheda Samba Festival – Drogheda, Co Louth. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
A staple of Drogheda’s summer since 1994, the samba festival returns this weekend in all its colour. The programme includes a five hour samba marathon on West Street from 10am on Saturday and a samba mass in the Augustinian Church on Shop Street at 1.15pm on Sunday. Most of the events over the weekend are free of charge.