FESTIVAL WATCH FLEADH CHEOIL NA hÉIREANN:FLEADH CHEOIL na hÉireann hits Tullamore, Co Offaly, this Sunday and runs for a week. More than 250,000 trad-lovers from Ireland and beyond are expected to attend what has become the largest celebration of Irish music, song and dance in the world.
The Fleadh, now in its 57th year, boasts 10,000 performers taking part over the seven days. More than 130 competitions in many Irish instruments such as fiddle, flute, banjo and accordion as well as singing and dancing will be held.
Scoil Éigse, a five-day summer college, is also being held, offering workshops in "all aspects of Irish traditional music, song and dance".
Accommodation is available in local hotels and BBs and camping facilities. Sites are €30 per person, and 24-hour security, food, hot showers and hand-washing facilities are provided. Family motor homes are available for €150, and the same facilities are available. See www.fleadh2008.com for more details.
TODAY AND TOMORROW THE BEST OF SUMMER
TODAY:Dervish play The Button Factory, Dublin. Tickets €20. Call 01-6709202. Jim Xcomet DJs at Bodega Nights Nightclub, Cork. Tickets €10. Call 021-4272878. JUNK continues at the Belltable Arts Centre, Limerick. Tickets €10-€15. Contact 061-319866. Hamell On Trial rock Cyprus Avenue, Cork. Tickets €15. Call 021-4276165. Kilkenny Arts Festival has The Dresden Group in St Canice's Cathedral. Tickets €20. Contact 056-64971.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY:Plenty of movies out: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (PG) or The Fox and the Child (Gen) for the kids, You Don't Mess With The Zohan (15A). Olympics AM on RTÉ2 starts at 12.15, featuring coverage of Irish boxing hopefuls Paddy Barnes and Darren Sutherland in action. Paddy Casey and band play the National Concert Hall, Dublin, Saturday. Tickets €20-40. Call 01-4751572. Tchaikovsky's 1819 Overture will be performed at the University Concert Hall, Limerick, 2pm, Saturday. Call 061-3331549 for bookings.