What’s on around Ireland this weekend

Kincora Traditional Weekend

A weekend of traditional music including instrument workshops, concerts, sessions and recitals in the Shannon side towns of Killaloe and Ballina.

Guests performers will include John Wynne, Martin Connolly, Manus McGuire, Siobhan Peoples, Eileen O’Brien, Sean Ryan, Rita Gallagher, Mickey and Niamh Dunne.

The Kincora Gala Concert will take place on the Saturday at O'Donovan's Brian Ború on the Hill, Ballina, Co Tipperary.

Tickets cost €10.

[ www.kincoratraditionalweekend.com ]

Franco-Irish Literary Festival

There will be debates, interviews, readings and signings for the 15th edition of the three day festival.

Starting in Dublin Castle tonight, the festival is ready to continue the tradition that led to Dublin’s nomination as a UNESCO City of Literature.

The theme of this festival, organised by the Alliance Francaise Dublin and the Cultural and Scientific Service of the French Embassy, is “changing lives - changer la vie - malairt saoil”.

All events are open to the public and admission is free. Simultaneous interpretation is provided.

[ www.francoirishliteraryfestival.com ]

Connemarathon

The Connemara International Marathon will be a day of road running and racing around Co Galway this Sunday.

It will include a full marathon, a half marathon and an on-road ultra marathon. The Elvery’s event sold out last year with more than 3200 runners from 28 countries.

Entry fee costs €70.

[ www.connemarathon.com ]

Japanese Film Festival

In its 6th year, the collaboration between Access Cinema and the Japanese Cinema has kicked off to showcase 20 films around the country.

The travelling festival will be in Cork and Galways this weekend as it moves to Dublin, Limerick and Waterford through the month.

The screenings this weekend will include the film Unforgiven , Lee Sang-il's remake of the Clint Eastwood classic and Takasi Miike's Lesson Of Evil about a popular school teacher with a dark side.

[ www.jff.ie ]