Waterford Writers' Weekend
Some of Ireland's best writers, speakers and artists will be visiting Waterford city's art venues until Sunday. There will be numerous workshops, performances and chances to meet award winning writers through the weekend. Events include the Create an Island Paradise Workshop with writer Sarah Webb, which is designed for children aged seven and older, at the Central library Saturday, a "Getting Published" class with Vanessa Fox O'Loughlin and advanced fiction writing with Niall Williams on Sunday. The talent of young writers will be celebrated at The Sean Dunne Young Writers' Award. For full details go to: iti.ms/1DWePDZ
International Mayfly Festival
The international event in Galway has a mix of events and performances to celebrate the start of the fishing season in Oughterard and Lough Corrib. The highlight of the extended festival, which will run through the weekend until Sunday, is the international angling competition that kicks off from the pier in the morning. It will also host junior angling competition and a golf tournament. Other activities include hiking, golf, heritage and food tasting. There will be classes on kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, and a range of musical entertainment at different venues. See discoveroughterard.com
Clarinbridge Banjo Gathering
The annual Clarinbridge Banjo Gathering takes place this weekend in the south Galway village more commonly associated with oysters. There will be banjo workshops with Tom Cussen, a "banjo cafe music trail", exhibitions, music sessions in the pubs and a grand finale Sunday night with JigJam playing Americana and Bluegrass. See banjo.ie
Tralee set dancing festival
The Sweets of May Festival kicked off on Friday and will run until Sunday, May 10th in Tralee, Co Kerry. The weekend, organised by Kerry Dancers Set Dancing Club, will have live céilí music, workshops and competitions. kerrydancers.com/sweetsofmay.htm
