Our pick of weekend events
Over the next three nights, the Louisburgh Music Street Festival in Co Mayo sees the closure of Chapel Street for a host of acts from 7.30pm until 11pm. The local pubs are also open until 2am all weekend. 098-66140
FOREST OPEN DAY
This Sunday, an open day at the Manch Estate, a 130-hectare site near Dunmanway in west Cork, will feature guided walks, stalls and demonstrations and a Minibeast Hunt. The programme begins at 11am and admission is free. www.inff.ie
MARKET DAY
Hosfords Garden Centre, on the road between Bandon and Clonakilty, has a farmers’ market on Sunday, noon to 5.30pm, as well as live music in the café. On sale will be food, chickens, coops and many local arts and crafts. 023-8839159, www.hosford gardencentre.ie
WORLD FLEADH
Held this weekend in Castlebar, this event has evolved into Ireland’s biggest Irish and Celtic music festival. Tonight, festival favourites The Saw Doctors take to the main stage at 8.30pm, while Sharon Shannon, Shane McGowan, Damien Dempsey and Dessie O’Halloran are on tomorrow night. The festival also features Martina McBride (above). 094-9286133, www.theworldfleadh.com
BALLYSHANNON FOLK
Beginning today, one of Ireland’s oldest music festivals offers a mix of folk and traditional music. Tonight has Mairtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden and Seamie O’Dowd at the Abbey Theatre, while busking competitions, workshops and street entertainment carry on over the weekend. www.ballyshannonfolk festival.com, www.ticketmaster.ie
CASTLEPALOOZA
The eclectic music and arts festival returns to Charleville Castle, Tullamore, Co Offaly this year, with workshops, music, exhibitions and more. Running Saturday and Sunday, the line-up includes Dark Room Notes and electronica favourites 8Ball. Weekend tickets are €89 from www.castlepalooza.com.
HEALYFEST
Describing itself as “Woodstock meets Killinaskully”, this music event takes place on Sunday in Ballycastle, Co Mayo, and has been moved from the local pub to the GAA pitch, such was the success of last year. Admission is €10 and children and OAPs are free. www.healyfest.blogspot.com
CULTURAL HOLIDAYS
Oideas Gael has an impressive selection of events on offer in the Gaeltacht in southwest Donegal, including three-day weekend courses in Irish, hill walking, and music and dance workshops. 074-9730248, www.oideas-gael.com
HANDSHAKE RECORD
Two brothers, Sean and Ger Conroy, will attempt to beat the world handshake record this Sunday in Durrow, Co Laois. Starting at 5am and continuing until after 3pm, their shot at the world’s longest handshake takes place in the Village Green and is in aid of a local hospice. www.durrowvillage.com
CASTLECOMER PARK
Just 20km north of Kilkenny, this park contains 31 hectares of mixed woodland, pathways, children’s playgrounds, a visitor centre and café. The Carysfort Gallery also has a sculpture exhibition at the park beginning tomorrow. www.discoverypark.ie
SPRAOI IN WATERFORD
This annual riot of colour and street entertainment includes the Irish premiere tonight of Mobile Oblique et Bancal from renowned French street-theatre company Transe Express (above), at 10pm in Miller’s Marsh car park. www.spraoi.com, 051-841808
CORK X SOUTHWEST
A one-day independent music festival takes place in Skibbereen tomorrow. The line-up includes Jerry Fish and the Mudbug Club, The Waterboys and local heroes John Spillane and Fred. Tickets for the day cost €50. www.tickets.ie, www.corkxsw.com
