From the SoGo Festival in Dublin city centre to the Festival of the Fires in Westmeath there's a wealth of events countrywide for adults and children this weekend.
WESTMEATH
FESTIVAL OF THE FIRES
This event, which the organisers claim has not taken place for 1,400 years, is on the historic Hill of Uisneach near the village of Ballymore. The festival will see controlled fires ignited on Uisneach and 55 other sites nationwide on Saturday. Kíla, Sharon Shannon, Jerry Fish and Mundy will play. From 1pm until late. Tickets cost €30. See festivalofthefires.com.
LIMERICK
RIVERFEST
This citywide event takes in a cross-section of cultural and sporting activities, from fishing competitions to dragon boat racing. Also on the river banks a food market, open-air céilí and puc-fada competitions. All events are free and it runs from Friday until Monday. See limerickcity.ie.
BELFAST
BABY BOOM AT ZOO
This trail takes in all the latest additions to the zoo family, and one lucky family gets to “adopt” one of the zoo’s new arrivals. On Monday, the zoo hosts African Culture Day, with music events at 11am and 2pm as well as animal feeding times throughout the day. The zoo opens from 10am. Entry is £8.50 for adults, £4.50 for children (under fours and over 60s free). See belfastzoo.co.uk.
KERRY
BALLINCLARE HORSE FAIR
One of Kerry’s oldest horse fairs is on Sunday in Annascaul on the Dingle peninsula and includes stalls, horse-trading, a bouncy castle, Irish dancing and a pet competition. See ballinclarehorsefair.com or call 066-9157033
DUBLIN
TITANIC EXHIBITION
This exhibition – already seen by more than 22 million worldwide – features more than 300 authentic artifacts recovered from the Titanic. Open from 10am till 8pm every day at the Citywest Event Centre, and costs €18 for adults, €14 for students and seniors aged 65 and over, €12 for children. See titanicdublin.com
KINSALE
RUGBY SEVENS
This annual event combines a sevens rugby tournament with night-time entertainment in a scenic location. Eighty-five teams from around the globe compete in male and female categories, and both Heineken Cup semi-finals will be shown on big screens during the weekend. See kinsalesevens.com
DUBLIN
SOGO FESTIVAL
The warren of city-centre streets around South Great George’s Street comes alive this weekend, as the inaugural SoGo festival taps into the area’s cultural and culinary vibe. For the kids, there is a disco for under 12s in Uki Yo on Exchequer Street from 4-6pm on Sunday, with DJ Will Softly playing a child-friendly blend of classic disco and world music. The event is free and places are on a first-come, first-served basis. Details at sogo.ie
CORK
ALL IRELAND STRONGMAN
This national contest on Monday in the grounds of the Silver Springs Hotel in Cork city involves more than 12 competitors, including the 2009 winner, battling it out for the title of Ireland’s strongest man. Family entertainment, as well as a car lift and truck pull competition make up the day. Admission free, and it begins at noon. See irishstrongman.com
BELFAST
ANIMATED ADVENTURES
Wallace and Gromit animator Jim Parkyn is on hand for a modelling workshop for all the family at the W5, in the Odyssey complex. Learn how to create your own Gromit character. From 2pm to 4pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Family tickets are €25. See w5online.co.uk.
KILKENNY
FOOD TRAIL
The food trail, with 38 food producers, restaurants and local culinary businesses, includes visiting a fish farm, an ice-cream maker, a gourmet sausage producer, bakers and a chocolate maker. Visitors can enjoy pit stops in some of the many cafes and restaurants involved.
See trailkilkenny.ie
GALWAY
CRAFT BREWERS FESTIVAL
Beer brewers from all over the country will meet in the Oslo Bar in Salthill on Saturday and Sunday, in the first event of its kind in the west. Tours of a local brewery will be given as well as information on brewing techniques. 091-448390
OFFALY
SLIEVE BLOOM WALKING FESTIVAL
This festival runs until Monday, and caters for everyone from school tours to more experienced walkers. The walks cost €5 each, or participants can join the walking club for €20. See slievebloom.ie.
