With the warm sunny weather set to continue and temperatures of between 22 and 26 degrees forecast for the weekend, it is the perfect time to get out and about. Here is a snapshot of some of the best events this weekend.
Laya Healthcare Street Performance World Championships
If patio chair jugging, sword swallowing and squash racket squeezing sound like fun then a visit to Dublin's Merrion Square may be worthwhile as street performers compete. Organisers of the free festival expects a crowd of 200,000 people to Merrion Square. For some participatory fun there are also custard pie throwing championships . The event continues all weekend om Merrion Square. http://www.spwc.ie/
Galway Film Fleadh
Oscar nominated Irish actor Saoirse Ronan will be one of the highlights of the Galway Film Fleadh this weekend as she takes part in a public interview in the Town Hall Theatre on Sunday. Among the cinematic must-sees are : Plot for Please, the untold story behind Nelson Mandela's release which will be screened on Saturday night and the closing film on Sunday is adaptation of John Banville's Booker prize-winning novel The Sea, starring Ciaran Hinds.
[ http://www.galwayfilmfleadh.com/ Opens in new window ]
Ballina Salmon Festival
Ballina, Co Mayo finishes off its annual salmon festival this weekend with a fireworks display over a backdrop of the River Moy and Ballina Cathedral on Saturday night at 11pm. The River Moy will be central the next day as a Duck Race is held at 1.30pm. http://www.ballinasalmonfestival.ie
Sky Arts Portrait of the Year
Some 21 Irish portrait artists will compete as they paint some famous faces at the RDS this weekend. Actor Pauline McGlynn and Moone Boy star David Rawle will be among those sitting for the portrait of the year competition. There will also be free family arts activities such as sketching classes, mask-making and facepainting. The free event is on at the RDS, Dublin on Sunday from 10am-6pm http://skyarts.sky.com/portrait/dublin
Valentia Island King Scallop Festival
Beautiful Valentia Island in Co Kerry hosts a festival celebrating the area's nastive king scallop. As well as a competition for chefs, there will be a tasting festival , children's triathlon, a display by Valentia Island RNLI Lifeboat and Coastguard helicopter, and a blessing of the boats ceremony. http://www.valentiaisland.ie. Another Co Kerry food festival will be held in Kenmare where taste trails, cookery demonstrations and pop-up restaurants will sit alongside a retro carousel and helter skelter. http://www.kenmarefoodcarnival.com
Bray Family Fiesta
Bray in Co Wicklow is holding a family fiesta as part of its ongoing summer festival. The weekend of shows and workshops includes Glenroe Farm on the seafront and a clown's tea party as well as workshops drumming, kayaking and circus skills which cost €5 per child. Braysummerfest.com
Iveagh Gardens
There's a few big outdoor music events being held in the capital's parks this weekend. Iveagh Gardens hosts Irish band Bell X1 playing on Saturday and while Dublin singer Damien Dempsey plays on Sunday. Over in Phoenix park American rockers The Killers will be supported by Two Door Cinema club. ticketmaster.ie
