A weekly guide to going out, staying in and generally living the life.
music
The Farmleigh Affair takes place in the Pleasure Grounds at Phoenix Park tomorrow and Monday. The Dublin Gospel Choir and Altan will surely raise your spirits, whatever the weather, as will soulman Omar and the St Laurence O'Toole Pipe Band. Tomorrow's programme is sold out, but there are still some tickets available for Monday. There is also a wonderful food market, including organic wines. Check out availability at www.farmleigh.ie.
show
The Dublin Horse Show takes over the RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 from Wednesday to Sunday, and with the Irish squad facing relegation, Friday's Samsung Super League Nations' Cup will be a nail-biter. In addition to equestrian events, there will be trade and craft stands in the Main Hall, and antiques and fine art in the Serpentine Hall. Hats on for Thursday - it's Ladies' Day. For a full programme of events see www.dublinhorseshow.ie.
fireworks
Head to Rathdrum, Co Wicklow on Thursday and look to the skies as the annual Rathdrum Fireworks Festival blasts through the air. A spectacular array of fireworks will explode from Parnell National Memorial Park, while musical entertainment takes over the market square. For more information call 0404-46262. The Puck Fair will continue to draw the crowds to Killorglin, Co Kerry from Thursday to Saturday (www.puckfair.ie).
let loose
Today and tomorrow, 1,500 music lovers will descend on the 17th-century Charleville Castle in Tullamore for Castlepalooza 2006. This music festival includes a line-up of some of the country's finest music makers, including The Republic of Loose and The Blizzards. In the evenings, expect snake charmers, DJs and a spot of swing dancing. Check www.castlepalooza.com for all the details.
fair play
For a taste of our traditional past, go to Sligo on Thursday and experience the Tubbercurry Old Fair Day Festival. Stemming from centuries of fair days and markets, this festival is a glimpse into an almost forgotten world. Call 087-6815956 for details. If you're down south on Thursday make your way to Castletownshend in Co Cork and join in the celebrations of the 26th Festival of Music at St Barrahane's Church. Book on 028-36193 or 028-33752.
festivals
The Water Music Festival 2006 in Carrick-on-Shannon from Wednesday will host opera, classical and jazz performances. Book on 071-9650828 or see www.carrickwatermusic.com. Brendan Kennelly Summer Festival, beginning on Thursday, will transform the Kerry town of Ballylongford into a haven for writers and artists (www.brendankennellyfestival.com). Kilkenny Arts Festival runs until the 20th with films, music, literature and art (www.kilkennyarts.ie).