A round-up of events country-wide this weekend
KILDARE
The Monasterevin Venice of Ireland Festival continues this weekend, with daily workshops, street entertainment, art exhibitions, recitals and concerts. A picnic in the park takes place tomorrow and Luka Bloom performs on Sunday. veniceofireland.ie
CORK
The Cork Cycling Festival begins tomorrow and runs until next weekend. Free events include bike-maintenance workshops, a naked bike ride, cycle tours, vintage runs and children's events. corkcyclingfestival.com
DUBLIN
A weekend of family fun takes place at Dublin Zoo tomorrow and Sunday with the Fyffes zoo weekend. It includes face painting, gorilla zookeeper talks, magic shows and other circus acts. freddyfyffes.ie
WICKLOW
As part of the Bray Summerfest, the Bray Air Spectacular, which is a free event, takes place on Sunday at 3.30pm. Participants include the Black Knights as well as a host of aerobatic pilots. Visitors are advised to arrive early. brayairdisplay.com
DONEGAL
Guided Heritage Walks of Rathmullan take place every Saturday at 11am (and Thursdays at 3pm.) Walkers should meet at the Battery beside the Beachcomber Bar. The walk costs €5 per person and accompanied children are free. It lasts one hour, 15 minutes. donegalheritagetrails.com
KILDARE
Tomorrow at 3pm, the 25th Gerard Manley Hopkins Festival begins in Newbridge College Theatre with a gala opening. Later in the evening, Swedish pianist Hans Palsson will play Beethoven and more at 8pm. €25. Festival continues until Friday. gerardmanleyhopkins.org
GALWAY
Ballinasloe author Nuala Ní Chonchúir will read from her fourth short-story collection Mother America tomorrow as part of the Galway Fringe Festival. Admission is free and it takes place at Bridge Mills at 2pm.
[ galwayfringe.ie ]
LEITRIM
The official launch of Co Leitrim’s Percy French Society will take place in Hunt Hall in Mohill at 8pm tonight. French played this hall in 1914 and Senator David Norris opens the new society. Starts at 8pm and includes songs and recitals.
CORK
Katie Kim performs at the Half Moon Theatre tomorrow night. 8.30pm, €8/10. corkoperahouse.ie
MEATH
The Loughcrew Opera Festival takes place tomorrow and Sunday in Loughcrew Gardens. Highlights include Dawn Pascoe from Donegal’s Fidget Feet company as well as soprano Norah King.
Tickets from €49. loughcrew.com
GALWAY
The Roundstone Regatta runs in Connemara tomorrow
and Sunday and features Galway hookers and currachs, combining a range of sailing, rowing and musical events. roundstoneregatta.com
WEXFORD
The Irish National Heritage Park contains 35 acres of heritage trails, giving a history of Ireland from ringforts to the arrival of the Vikings. There are two playgrounds, as well as a restaurant, shop and a new adventure centre. inhp.com
For inclusion email brianoconnell@ irishtimes.com or through Twitter @oconnellbrian or use #ITguide
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