Seven things to do this week
TODAY It's all happening in the Republic of Cork today and for the rest of the year as the city embarks on its stint as European Capital of Culture. The Awakening Ceremony and Fireworks takes place along the Lee tonight with a civic reception in City Hall (above) of a specially commissioned theatrical production; The Red Sun. For more events throughout the year log onto www.cork2005.ie
TOMORROW The Belfry Pub in Stoneybatter, Dublin hosts a number of regular musical events and one of their most popular is the folk and ballad sing song held on Sunday nights. No better place to enjoy a traditional evening in the capital. Altogether now, Dublin can be heaven
MONDAY The Brand New Show by professional culchie Pat Shortt in Vicar Street is bound to be a hit with audiences who can't get enough of characters such as Sheamie the builder and Dymphna the Air Hostess. Previews tonight, tomorrow and Wednesday before opening its run on Thursday. Tickets for the previews, €25, from Ticketmaster on 0818-719390.
TUESDAY Tune in to a soothing evening of music with the Lyric Concert presented by Denis Costello. There is something for everyone with the RTÉ Symphony Orchestra/Brophy Tailleferre performing Concertino for Harp, George Osborne with Piano No 3 Triantan Words and The Only Jealousy of Emer: A re-telling of Yeats's story by Paul Brennan. From 9 p.m. Lyric FM.
WEDNESDAY Journey through the looking glass when Alice the Musical continues at the Pavilion theatre Dún Laoghaire tonight with original book, music and lyrics by Paul Boyd based on the Lewis Carroll stories. Tickets €18/€12. Details: 01-2312929.
THURSDAY Singer-songwriter nights can be awfully earnest, but the folk at innovative Create Your Own sandwich shop and restaurant (22 Wexford Street, Dublin) are trying to change all that. Light-hearted and fun, the regular night has become a favourite with everyone from Grafton Street buskers to people who started their careers as Grafton Street buskers. Paddy Casey anyone? The €10 entrance fee includes a generous portion of very good tapas and a beer.
FRIDAY The ESAT/BT Young Scientist Exhibition received more entries this year than in its 41-year history. Support all the mini-boffins in the RDS today and tomorrow as they demonstrate how classroom science can be applied to solve real life problems.
