May 26-June 2
Opera
After last year's abbreviated event, Wexford Festival Operareturns with a bang - seven major works (including Der Silbersee) and the magnificent setting of Johnstown Castle as a backdrop. The event proper starts on Thursday for 18 nights, but there are opening festivities on the Wexford Quayside tomorrow from 5pm to 7pm. www.wexfordopera.com
Hairy bikers
Ireland Bike Weekis aimed at motorcycle enthusiasts and has been taking place in Killarney this week, finishing Monday. More than 3,000 leather-clad visitors are expected and activities include daily ride-outs, bike displays and children's activities. www.irelandbikeweek.com
Literary listowel
The 37th Writers' Week Literary Festivalin Listowel, Co Kerry, starts on Wednesday with the presentation of the Irish Fiction Award. The fest includes readings, lectures, films and music from the likes of Melvyn Bragg, Colm Tóibín, Alain de Botton and Glen Hansard. www.writersweek.ie
Nofit state
Throughout June, the spectacular NoFit State Circusis anchored on George's Dock in Dublin's Docklands. In addition to nightly circus performances and Sunday matinees, 12 cabaret nights called Club ImMortal are planned, starting Thursday, and featuring trapeze artists, acrobats, comedy and a nightly music act, including Kíla, the Tassel Club, Chanteuse and Caroline Moreau. www.dublindocklands.ie
Born to rock
The Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festivalstarts this Thursday and runs until Sunday June 3rd in Gallagher's hometown of Ballyshannon, Co Donegal. This year's festival features 63 events at 18 venues. Highlights include former Thin Lizzy guitarist Eric Bell, Aimon, Boo Boo Davis Band, Sinnerboy and Pat McManus. www.goingtomyhometown.com
Giving
Mizen 2 Malinsees a group of 75 cyclists travel from Mizen Head in Co Cork to Malin Head in Co Donegal in six days, in aid of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. See www.mizen2malin.ie for details.
Irish tenor John Mac Nallyperforms a farewell concert at the National Concert Hall on Tuesday in aid of Our Lady's Hospice, Harold's Cross.
The Phantom 105.2 Music Quizreturns to The Sugar Club on Thursday with all proceeds going to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. www.phantom.ie
Sport
Busy GAA day tomorrow: in hurlingaction, Cork take on Clare in the Munster quarter-final at Semple Stadium while Laois take on Offaly in Tullamore. In football, Donegal take on Armagh in the Ulster quarter final. The Irish Seniors Amateur Open Golf Championshiptakes place from Wednesday at the Hermitage. At the Curragh the Boylesports Irish Guineas Festivaltakes place today and tomorrow. The Cork Regattatakes place in Inniscarra this afternoon.
gigs
Sunday: Editors(Olympia).
Tuesday: Funeral for a Friend(Ambassador). Wednesday: Josh Groban(Point), An Acoustic Extravaganza(The Village).
and finally...
The Commitments and special guests play in Merrion Square as part of the Dublin City Soul Festivalat 2pm tomorrow, www.dublincitysoulfestival.ie. Patrick Mason directs Arthur Miller's always relevant allegorical drama The Crucibleat the Abbey, which previews tonight and runs until July 7th.