FESTIVAL WATCH BACK TO SCHOOL WEEK, DUNDRUM, DUBLIN:Dundrum Town Centre is running a programme of "back to school" events, starting on Saturday August 30th and running until Sunday September 7th.
A Kidzone play centre will feature, and there'll be a class in giving first aid to infants, yoga for children and parents, and an interactive music workshop for children.
A number of childcare experts will also be giving talks. Grainne Ryan, midwife, public health nurse and presenter of Baby on Board, will give a seminar on childhood obesity and general parenting issues (September 2nd, 11am). David Coleman, child psychologist and Irish Times columnist, will offer advice to parents on how to deal with problems at home (September 4th, 11am).
And a talk by child nutritionist Annabel Karmel ties in with the launch of her new book, The Baby and Toddler Food Diary (September 5th, noon). Yes, the organisers may hope you spend a few quid in the shopping centre, but it's not obligatory and all the events are free.
Ticket requests to info@dundrum.ie or 01-2991700. See also www.dundrum.ie
TODAY AND TOMORROW THE BEST OF THE SUMMER
TODAY:That Petrol Emotion play the Spirit Store, Dundalk, Co Louth at 9pm.
Opera in the Open at the Civic Offices, Wood Quay features Rossini's Barber of Seville (1pm, free).
Heritage Week continues with events throughout the country. These include: a talk on Top Tourist Spots in Ireland in the Early 1900s in the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre, Tullamore, Co Offaly at 8.15pm (free) and a Dragonflies and Butterflies Walk in Wexford Wildlife Reserve, North Slob,
Co Wexford at 2pm (free).
TOMORROW:The Ultimate Girls Day Out style and shopping event begins at the RDS Merrion Road, Dublin 4. www.ticketmaster.ie
Among the many Heritage Week events are: The Blue Heaven Barbershop Chorus performance in St Mary's Abbey at 1pm (free); and Go Batty in Birr Castle (photographed left), a bat walk around the castle led by Dr Tina Aughney of Bat Conservation Ireland. 8-10pm (free). www.heritageweek.ie