Seven things to do this week
TODAY Ooh la la, it's Bastille weekend at Smithfield, and Dubliners will help celebrate the Revolution with all the sights, sounds and foods of France. There's an authentic French market from 10am to 7pm and historical figures from the era will be spotted wandering around. Meanwhile les enfants can enjoy an inflatable city, the next logical step up from the ubiquitous bouncy castle.
TOMORROW All roads lead to Bray today - there are 45 additional buses on the route from Dublin - for the Bray Summerfest. Take a ride on the Bray Head ferris wheel before strolling along the newly reopened Bray Head cliff walk and then catch a free Mary Black concert, with fireworks, on the seafront this evening at 9pm. Check out the programme at www.braysummerfest.com.
MONDAY More than 100 budding thespians are involved in the European Children's Theatre Encounter which brings together youths and drama facilitators from across Europe. This year the event is called Dreamtime, with children encouraged to be more free in their daydreaming and playacting. The opening ceremony is to be performed by Minister for Youth, Sile de Valera at Glucksman Gallery, Cork, at 6pm. Individual performances take place on July 29th at various sites around UCC.
TUESDAY The Myths & Monster exhibition at the W5 Discovery Centre in Belfast is a travelling exhibition from the National History Museum which includes a sleeping dragon which roars if disturbed, a two-metre yeti, a cyclops and an enchanted unicorn. Entry to the exhibition is free with admission to W5 (£6/£9 per adult, £4/£6per child). For more details log on to www.discovernorthernireland.com or call the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on 1850-230230.
WEDNESDAY Music in the Park continues at the amphitheatre of Dublin's Civic Offices with Ireland's longest running jazz residency, Isotope. Led by sax player Richie Buckley and featuring Irish jazz talent including guitarist Hugh Buckley and pianist Myles Drennan, Music in the Park is part of the Summer in Dublin programme of events by Dublin City Council. 1pm-2pm.
THURSDAY Craft in Action is a must for those interested in craft disciplines such as pottery, jewellery, wood carving, painting, basket-making and ironwork. At the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, Dromore, Co Meath, you'll be able to meet the makers and ask questions about their work. Opening hours are 9am-6.15pm daily and admission is free. Continues until Aug 22nd.
FRIDAY Boyle Arts Festival starts today, and features the best in art, heritage and music. Today Ponydance presents Trousers (exploration in pants, part one), a hilarious dance show where the protagonists lark around with no trousers on. Town Hall, 1pm, €8/46. Find out more about the area with a walking tour of the Co Roscommon town, meeting outside Úna Bán on the grounds of King House, 6pm. Entry fee €5. More details of festival events from www.boylearts.com.
