Seven things to do this week
TODAY Amnesty's five-day International Women's Day Festival is a smorgasbord of culture, campaigning and craic dedicated to raising awareness of the global outrage of violence against women. Events held in and around Temple Bar, Dublin, include the Women's Aid Clothesline Exhibition at Filmbase, the Women in Rock photographic exhibition at Rockarchive and a Student and Youth Demonstration in Temple Bar Square at 4pm. Tomorrow there's a screening at the IFI, Temple Bar, at 11.30am, of the Oscar-nominated film, Maria Full of Grace. www.amnesty.ie, 01-6776361.
TOMORROW Cork Singers' Club is hosting a weekend of music and song, with guests including Jimmy Crowley, Mick Leary and John Spillane. Today, choose from events such as "The Ridiculous Songs of Con Ó Drisceoil" at 12.30pm, My Grief on the Sea (Irish songs of emigration) by song collector Tom Munnelly at 4pm, and Cork Singers' Club session, 9.30pm. All events at An Spailpin Fanach. Tickets €6. Contact Jim Walsh on 087-2759311.
MONDAY Today marks the start of the first "Library Ireland Week", with book clubs, competitions and exhibitions in libraries all over the country. In Roxboro, Limerick, "Cast the Net" will see newcomers to the Internet doing a computer search of the city and county. www.libraryassociation.ie
TUESDAY AccessScience sees six postgraduate students battle it out to explain their research projects without using scientific jargon. Hear how aspirin could help guard against colon cancer, and explore Mother Nature's very own chemistry set in tonight's competition, which is hosted by Pat Kenny. O'Reilly Hall, UCD, 7pm. Admission free.
WEDNESDAY Reflecting City is a multi-media architectural exhibition that showcases Dublin's urban development through images, articles, virtual tours and 3D imagery. Changes such as the introduction of the Luas lines, the demolition of the Ballymun Towers and the construction of the Port Tunnel are charted by an interactive guide. Until March 18th at the offices of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, Merrion Square. www.reflectingcity.com
THURSDAY Anyone who saw them on Jools Holland's programme last New Year's Eve will want to get a closer look at the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain who are making their Irish debut at the Helix in Dublin tonight. The orchestra breathes new life into an instrument often derided as a mere comedy prop for the likes of George Formby and Tiny Tim. (Their version of Nirvana's Nevermind has to be heard to be believed.) Tickets €20/€18. Doors 8pm.
FRIDAY Derry's annual J20 Comedy Festival is a gigglefest featuring everyone from Dara O'Briain to Jenny Éclair to local favourite Kevin McAleer. Tonight you can catch Ed Wood at the Nerve Centre for the bargain price of £1 at 8pm. Tickets £9/£6 stg. www.thebigtickle.com.
