With the evenings getting shorter and the children back to school, it’s a sure sign summer is over. The Electric Picnic kicks off today, and the sold-out Navy vs Notre Dame game is on tomorrow. If you didn’t get tickets to either, there’s plenty of events happening around the country this weekend.
Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival
The world-famous Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival draws huge crowds of over 20,000 people to pubs and hotels every year during the whole month of September. Described as Europe's biggest singles' festival, visitors come from all over the world for dancing, music, racing and the search for love. The first of several matchmaking festival dances takes place this weekend as well as live music and sulky racing. Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival
Notre Dame vs Navy events
If you couldn't get tickets to the Notre Dame vs Navy Game in the Aviva, there are a number of related events taking place in Dublin city centre. Between 10am and 1pm there is live entertainment at the Meeting House square. At 11am the Notre Dame pipe band will perform at the Central Bank plaza. Hundreds of American football fans are expected to gather in Temple Bar to watch the big game. Notre Dame vs Navy
Half Marathon championships
The 2012 National Half Marathon championship will take place in Athenry, Co Galway, on Sunday, September 2nd. The race will be held on the streets of Athenry from 2pm. The course is measured in miles and the markers will be prominent on the side of the road. Enter at National Half Marathon
Wedding & Honeymoon Show
The Wedding & Honeymoon Show will take place in the RDS main hall in Dublin this weekend. The show tells couples all they need to do before they say "I do." Up to 200 leading wedding specialists will be showcasing trends and ideas for weddings and honeymoons - from venues, flowers, cakes and videos. Many show exhibitors will be offering special discounts and offers. Wedding & Honeymoon Show
Racing at Dundalk
Racing will take place at Dundalk Racecourse, Co Louth, on Sunday Spetember 2nd. The first race is at 2.20pm, and the last race is at 5.20pm. Dundalk Racecourse is situated approximately 1km north of Dundalk town centre, off the M1 on the N25/Racecourse road. Dundalk Racecourse
The Iron Man Triathlon
The triathlon is taking place around Galway on Sunday and is expected to attract some 10,000 people. A total of 2,000 participants will complete a 90km bike ride on the Clifden road, a 21.1km run from Galway city to the promenade in Salthill and a swim in Galway Bay. The race gets under way at 7am and will continue until approximately 5pm. Road closures will be in place around Barna, Galway city, Moycullen, Ougtherard and Knocknacarra. The Iron Man Triathlon
Rugby – RaboDirect PRO12
Ulster take on Warriors at Ravenhill in the Rabo Pro 12 at 7pm tonight. Connacht take on Cardiff Blues in the Pro 12 at the Galway Sportsground tomorrow, and kick-off is at 5pm. Leinster play the Llanelli Scarletts at 6.30pm on Saturday at Parc y Scarlets. RaboDirect PRO12
All Ireland Semi-Finals
The minor and senior football championship semi-finals take place at Croke Park this Sunday. Throw-in for the minor semi-final between Kerry and Dublin is at 1.30pm. All Ireland champions Dublin will play Mayo at 3.30pm. GAA website