What’s on for the weekend

The Merriman Summer School

The Merriman Summer School continues in Glór, Ennis, Co Clare until Sunday. Emotional Life in Ireland is the theme, and there will be a wide range of events, including speakers, seminars and poetry.

The short film I Hear Fish Drowning by filmmaker Sarah Strong will premiere on Sunday morning. All are welcome.

Ticket prices vary, but most events are either €10 or €15. Full day tickets for Friday and Saturday are available for €40.

Booking at www.glor.ie

Camp Wonder Fest

The grounds of Malahide Castle is the scene of this children’s festival, which runs from Saturday morning until Sunday night. The schedule of events would make you long to be a kid again - circus workshops, breakdance classes, marionette making, falconry and more.

Scientists from Trinity College will be there to help kids build their own robots. Pets and parents are welcome.

Kids’ tickets are €12.50 for the entire weekend of activities, and entry is free for kids under three.

wonderfest.ie

The Big Grill Barbecue and Craft Beer Festival

The smell of barbecue will take over Herbert Park in Dublin this weekend during a food and beer festival for carnivores. Learn about the art of barbecue from the professionals: there’ll be chef-run workshops and demonstrations.

Come hungry for the chili-eating challenge, and hone your skills before the grand barbecue cook-off. The barbecue is on until Sunday at 9pm.

Saturday and Sunday tickets are €15.

biggrill2014.eventbrite.ie

Rose of Tralee Festival

The Co Kerry festival celebrates its 55th year with a weekend of music, parades, a circus and competition. The judging begins in earnest on Saturday morning, when judges will interview roses from around the globe.

Ticket prices vary, but many events range from €10 to €15.

roseoftralee.ie

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

Sligo hosts the country’s largest traditional Irish music festival until Sunday. There is a packed schedule of music and dancing events until the closing ceremony on Sunday night, when fireworks will light up the Sligo night sky.

fleadhcheoil.ie

Kilkenny Arts Festival

This 10-day festival ends on Sunday after a weekend of ticketed and free events. On Saturday, musician and Beethoven enthusiast Gerry Murphy will take an "affectionate" look at the composer's life. On Sunday Eamon Kelly of the National Museum of Ireland will explore Kilkenny's history of medieval stone carvings, highlighting some of the finest stonework in the region.

kilkennyarts.ie

Terryglass Arts Festival

Visitors are encouraged to participate in this hands-on festival in Tipperary. The schedule of weekend workshops includes breadmaking, drama, coding, screen printing and origami.

terryglassartsfestival.ie

Burren Tolkien Festival

Lord of the Rings enthusiasts will gather in the Burren for this inaugural festival. The region’s stark scenery is believed to have inspired Tolkien’s epic novel.

The festival promises walks, academic talks, workshops and more. Visitors can explore the landscape, including a cave known as Poll na gColm (pronounced ‘Pole na Gollum’). Watch your back. Ticket prices vary.

burrentolkiensociety.ie