June 9 to June 15
gigs
Pet Shop Boystop the bill at today's Garden Party, at Ballinlough Castle in Co Westmeath, five kilometres from Athboy; www.gardenparty.ie. R&B queen Beyonce is at the Point in Dublin today and tomorrow - when you can also catch thrash-metal veterans Megadeathup the road at the Ambassador.
the streets
In Merrion Square park, D2, from next Friday (until Sunday 17th), acrobats, sword swallowers, mime artists, jugglers, unicyclists and strongmen from around the world will compete in the Street Performance World Championship. Get a taste of what's in store at www.spwc.ie.
festivals
All week Eigse Carlow Arts Festivaloffers a dizzying programme of theatre, dance, music, comedy and children's events at a range of venues in the town. See www.eigsecarlow.ie.
Immrama, a festival of travel writing, starts in Lismore, Co Waterford, next Thursday. Guests include Nick Danziger, Jung Chang, Jon Halliday and Nick Middleton; www.lismoreimmrama.com.
Music in Great Irish Housesfeatures chamber music in beautiful buildings, including Fota House, Co Cork, Killruddery House in Bray and Russborough House in Blessington, both in Co Wicklow. See www.musicgreatirish houses.com.
dating
Clare Island, in Co Mayo, is holding its singles weekendtoday and tomorrow. Aimed at the over-30s, it includes a ballroom of romance, computer and blind dating and romantic walks. Call 098-26565 if you've explored all other options.
giving
At 3pm tomorrow Irish Guide Dogs for the Blindis asking you to bring your dog (on a lead) for a fundraising walk, starting at the playground in Cabinteely Park. Walk the paws and help the cause.
At Waterford Castle on Wednesday the Irish Wheelchair Associationhosts a champagne reception, gourmet lunch and charity auction to help fund a new resource centre in Dungarvan. Call 051-295655.
Focus Ireland's flagship fundraiser, the Four Peaks Challenge, takes place this weekend; teams will be climbing Ireland's four highest mountains: Carrauntoohil, Mweelrea, Slieve Donard and Lugnaquillia. See www.focusireland.ie.
joyce on song
In advance of Bloomsday, next Saturday, the James Joyce Centrehas planned a week of activities, starting this weekend with music, film, lectures and readings. Highlights include Molly Says No!, performed by the soprano Judith Mok, highlights from a new musical, Himself and Nora, and Glaswegian ensemble Joyce in Voice. See www.jamesjoyce.ie.
sport
The National Yacht Club's Dún Laoghaire to Dingle Racesets off tomorrow morning; www.nyc.ie.