April 28-May 4
SUMMER VIBE
May brings out the Burren's 650 different varieties of flowers, plants and ferns in all their abundant glory. Ballyvaughan celebrates this botanical wealth with Burren in Bloom, a series of illustrated talks and organised walks throughout the month of May. (065-7077077)
Limerick RiverFest 2007 from May 1st to 7th includes a European market, urban sports, Riverfest global beats and the Fringe Arts Trail.
SPORT
Waterford take on neighbours Kilkenny in the final of the National Hurling League tomorrow in Thurles. Dublin University Boat Club and Trinity College host the annual Trinity Regatta at Islandbridge today. Munster take on Newport Gwent Dragons in Magner's League action, 5pm at Musgrave Park.
In the Eircom League on Friday, Shamrock Rovers take on Sligo Rovers in Tolka Park, Cork City play St Pats in Turner's Cross and Bohemians play UCD in Dalymount. The Cricket World Cup final is held in Barbados today.
GIVING
Approximately 38,000 people in Ireland have some form of dementia and this figure will triple within 20 years. Thursday is National Alzheimer's Tea Day - drink some tea or better still, host a tea party in your home or office. (www.alzheimer.ie)
Friend's of St Luke's host their Annual Ball at the Four Seasons Hotel tonight, 7:30pm. (www.friendsofstlukes.ie)
Fifteen local charities will benefit from Niall Ó Brolcháin's Mayoral Ball tonight at the Galway Bay Hotel. (091-520 520)
FREE ADMISSION
Joseph O'Connor reads from his new book, Redemption Falls at the Pavilion in Dún Laoghaire, Monday 8pm. (01-2312929) Global Day for Fair Pay takes place tomorrow at 12:30pm from Parnell Square, finishing up in Customs House Gardens. At the Temple Bar Gallery on Friday at 8pm, Douglas Fishbone performs a comedic monologue. (01-6710073)
ARTS
The All-Ireland Drama Festival in Athlone brings theatre groups from all over Ireland for a nine-night festival. Today until May 6th. www.dramafestival.ie
In Galway this weekend, the Cúirt International Festival of Literature features Ian McEwan, Colm Tóibín, Paul Durcan and Irvine Welsh, among others. (091-569777)
The Irish Museum of Modern Art's new exhibition is called (I'm Always Touched) By Your Presence, Dear and features 37 pieces with a focus on new media. www.imma.ie
On Tuesday and Wednesday at Cork Opera House, the Cork City Ballet Company presents Ballet Spectacular 2007. (021-4270022)
FOR THE YOUNG
Alasdair Malloy hosts an adventure concert, From Hamelin to Hogwarts - The Story So Far tomorrow Sunday, 3:30pm at the NCH with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. (01-4170000)
Duffy's Circus take over Greystones GAA for 11 nights from Wednesday. www.duffyscircus.com
... AND THE NOT SO YOUNG
Bealtaine 2007 runs for the month of May and celebrates creativity in older age with thousands of events all over Ireland. www.bealtaine.com
GIGS
Tonight: David Kitt (Whelans, Dublin), Fionn Regan (Dolans, Limerick) and Karl Spain (Laughter Lounge, Dublin). Thursday: Juliette and The Licks (Ambassador, Dublin), Des Bishop (Vicar Street, Dublin). Friday: Bryan Adams (Point, Dublin).