Down is the new up for Lilywhites

All eyes will be on Croke Park this Sunday to see whether Down or Kildare can take their place alongside Cork in the All-Ireland…

All eyes will be on Croke Park this Sunday to see whether Down or Kildare can take their place alongside Cork in the All-Ireland football final in September.

While Kildare are favourites ahead of the game, Down will be no pushover, having already dumped out the reigning champions Kerry at the quarter-final stage.

The curtain raiser sees Galway play Cork in the minors - throw-in at 1.30pm - before the main event begins at 3.30pm.

For biker enthusiasts, the annual Across Ireland motorcycle run takes place tomorrow.

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Over 1,000 bikers are expected to take part in the charity run which leaves the Mansion House in Dublin at 1pm and is expected to arrive in Eyre Square, Galway later that evening.

Motorists are advised of possible delays and to exercise caution along the route.

Musicians from all over the world will play in Dunmore East this weekend at the annual Bluegrass Festival. With no entry fee, expect the pubs and bars to be crowded with music aficionados.

The Longford marathon is taking place this Sunday, coinciding with the end of the Fáilte festival. The festival, running all weekend, features a battle of the bands, street entertainers and farmers markets.

Up to 5,000 people are expected at the Irish Game and Country Fair on the grounds of Birr Castle this weekend. Activities include angling, clay pigeon shooting, gundog displays as well as stalls selling home-made foods and various crafts.

For those less inclined to get their hands dirty, a weekend of pampering and fashion at the RDS might be the answer. The Ultimate Girls Day Out promises an extravaganza of designer boutiques, catwalks, free treatments and beauty tips.

On the weather front, Met Éireann expects bright periods and some rain with highest temperatures 14 to 18 degrees tomorrow. Sunday will be cool, fresh day with bright or sunny periods and scattered showers.

Luke Cassidy

Luke Cassidy

Luke Cassidy is Digital Production Editor of The Irish Times