May 19-May 25
Freebie
You've got to love Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Co Council's efforts to make Cabinteely Parkas user-friendly as Central Park. Centre Stage is a free, open-air drama showcase which this afternoon features Woody Allen's Riverside Driveand Neil Simon's Brighton Beach Memoirs. Tomorrow sees performances of Deirdre Kinehan's Melodyand Park World, written by Dara Carolan. From 3pm. See www.dlrevents.ie.
Music for mícheál
The tragic death last year of singer, guitarist, producer and presenter Mícheál Ó Domhnaill deprived traditional music of a quiet hero. A remarkable gathering of musicianscelebrates his life and music in Ómós - A Gig for Mícheál, on Thursday in Vicar Street, Dublin 2. Book on 0818-719390.
Gig guide
Some 50,000 visitors are expected in Ennis, Co Clare for the Fleadh Nuawhich starts tomorrow and runs until Monday, May 28th. www.fleadhnua.com. Van Morrison headlines the Blues on the BayFestival in Warrenpoint, Co Down from Thursday to Monday, May 28th. www.bluesonthebay.com.
baby bargains
Parenting group Cuidiú hosts a nearly-new kids' clothes and equipmentsale at St Brigid's school, Howth Road, Killester, Dublin 5 tomorrow (1-3pm). A great way to nab bargains on kids' clothes, buggies and cots.
Watch the birdie
Bring your binoculars along to Sonairte Ecology Centre in Laytown, Co Meath tomorrow for their Farmers' Market & Birdwatch Day(from 10.30am). Discover how to identify birds and birdsong, and how to bring birds to your garden. (041-9827572)
Culture
The Irish Baroque Orchestra's Age of the Guillotine focuses on music composed up to the French Revolution. Sublime venues include Castalia Hall in Kilkenny (Thursday, 056-7761497), St Carthage's Cathedral in Lismore (Friday, 058-54975) and the National Gallery of Ireland (May 27th).
Giving
The Boyne Walkin aid of the Irish Cancer Society starts this afternoon at The Ramparts, Navan, Co Meath at 2pm. Women's Aid Fun Cycletakes place today travelling 44 miles from Dublin to Arklow. www.womensaid.ie.
Sporting chance
Man U and Chelsea resume hostilities in the FA Cup Finalat the new Wembley Stadium this afternoon (3pm). Leicester take on London Wasps in the Heineken Cup Finalin Twickenham tomorrow (2.30pm). The FBD Insurance RÁSstarts tomorrow with a 158km stage from Naas to Templemore and finishes in Skerries on Sunday. AC Milan will be looking to take revenge on Liverpool in the Champion's League Finalon Wednesday evening in Athens. The Punchestown International Three-Day Event and Horse Showis on today and tomorrow at the Co Kildare venue.
Gigs
Monday: Duke Special(Cork Opera House). Tuesday: Mark Geary(Whelans). Wednesday: Dave Matthews Band(The Point); (Sugar Club). Thursday: Lionel Richie(The Point). Friday: Architecture In Helsinki(Tripod).
and finally . . .
The Chelsea Flower Showin London starts on Tuesday and finishes next Saturday.