What’s on around Ireland this weekend

Traditional music, horses, goats and wooden boats among highlights

Pat Cahill and John McGrath at Dingle Bay in Co Kerry with the captured wild mountain goat that will be crowned King Puck. Photograph: Don Macmonagle
Pat Cahill and John McGrath at Dingle Bay in Co Kerry with the captured wild mountain goat that will be crowned King Puck. Photograph: Don Macmonagle

Festival Cluain Meala

On Sunday, festivalgoers will take over the centre of Clonmel, Co Tipperary for a family medieval and music day. Mundy and other artists will play a free concert, and there will be archery, a climbing wall, an outdoor ceili and more. The festival raises money for Crumlin Children's Hospital.

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Cruinniu na mBad

Visitors will experience a weekend of traditional wooden boat races, music and family entertainment at this annual sailing festival in Kinvara, Co Galway. The festival celebrates the tradition of using Galway Hookers to transport goods along the Connemara coast. Some vessels taking to the sea this weekend are over 150 years old.

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Kilkenny Arts Festival

Artists will gather in medieval Kilkenny city for this ten-day festival which begins this weekend. Organisers promise extraordinary artists and unique collaborations in the magical ancient buildings and gardens of Kilkenny. The programme of ticketed and free events includes theatre, music, arts and crafts. Among the highlights are Benjamin Bagby’s performance of Beowulf in the original Old English on Sunday and an exhibition by New York based painter Marilyn Lerner .

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Dublin Horse Show

The 2014 Dublin Horse show, which ends on Sunday, will feature live music, art, fashion, shopping, food and, of course, equestrian competitions.

Ticket prices vary. A single admission ticket is €21 for adults and €15 for concessions. A family ticket for up to two adults and four kids is €54.

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Puck Fair

Visitors to Kilorglin, Co Kerry will experience one of the most unusual festivals of the summer when a wild mountain goat is crowned king of the town for three days and nights. The festival begins on Sunday, when King Puck will be paraded through town and onto a high perch, kicking off three days of free street performances, craft workshops and more.

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Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

Sligo town will host Ireland’s largest traditional Irish music festival, which begins on Sunday. The week-long celebration of traditional music, song, dance and culture welcomes musicians and spectators alike. There will be music competitions, walking tours, films, seminars and markets.

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Achill Holistic Festival

Visitors to this weekend festival on Achill Island, Co Mayo will focus on their health and wellbeing. Activities include workshops, individual therapies and evening events. Ticket prices for workshops range from €10 to €40; individual therapies are €40 per hour.

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Leonard Cohen Festival

Ireland’s first festival dedicated to the influential singer-songwriter promises an exciting programme of music, film and literature in Dublin’s Liberty Hall until Sunday. Although the singer won’t be there himself, fans can watch an exclusive screening of a recent concert on Sunday.

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Kilmurry Harvest Festival

For a real life Irish bake-off, Kilmurry, Co Clare is the place to be on Sunday when tea scones and victoria sponges will go head to head for the Kilmurry Harvest Festival baking competition. The main event takes place on Sunday with the All Ireland Vintage Rally which includes cars and traditional haymaking machines. There is also a family fun day with and competitions such as best dressed baby, wellington throwing and cow milking. kilmurry.com

Taste of Cavan

Foodies should make their way to Cavan this weekend where the town's food festival, Taste of Cavan, is being held on Saturday . Among the chefs demonstrating are Rachel Allen and Richard Corrigan and there are over 80 exhibition stands. Admission €3, children under 12 free.

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