AN END to the volcanic ash disruption has cleared the way for a wealth of outings this weekend.
Rugby, racing and a Guinness world-record attempt to have the most musicians playing the Irish national anthem simultaneously are among the events taking place.
In Co Meath, musicians will descend on Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA club tomorrow for the novel Amhrán na bhFiann recital which kicks off at 5pm.
Among those welcoming the return to normality at Ireland’s airports is Niall Chorell, a Dublin-born tenor based in Helsinki who is performing at the National Concert Hall tonight.
Mr Chorell arrived just in time for the final rehearsal of the Dublin County Choir’s major choral concert having gone through Estonia, Sweden and London on trains, ferries and aircraft.
Taste of Ranelagh tomorrow will have tongues tingling with an array of different flavours from local restaurants including Diep noodle bar, Punjab Balti restaurant Antica Veniza restaurant and Druid cuisine.
Artisan foods will also be on offer in Cork as part of the World Book Festival market. O’Flynn’s Gourmet Sausage Company, Ó Conaill Chocolate and Uncle Pete’s Pizza are just a selection of what will be on offer when more than 30 stalls take up residency on the Grand Parade today.
In the west, the Clifden Traditional Music Festival will include open-air entertainment, music workshops and a sean-nós dance workshop today and tomorrow.
In sport, Munster will take on the Ospreys in the Magners League this evening in Thomond Park. Kick-off is at 6.30pm, while today is the final day of the Punchestown National Hunt Festival.
Armagh will take on Down in GAA football National League division 2 final in Croke Park at 2pm tomorrow, and Cork will play Mayo in the division 1 final, at 4pm.
The Irish Aviation Authority yesterday said Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports were meeting full capacity demand from the airlines. Separately, the Dublin Airport Authority noted there was a 12 per cent decline in passenger numbers in March.