A round-up of gigs, festivals and games to keep you busy right through the weekend.
Vintage Fashion and Décor Fair
Lovers of all things vintage will don their retro fashions and gather at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire on Sunday for the Vintage Fashion and Décor Fair.
Over fifty specialists from around the country will be offering clothing, furniture, memorabilia and accessories for sale, with hair and make-up demonstrations, competitions and fashion shows taking place throughout the day. Swing DJ Karl Byrne will be hosting a Speakeasy Club in the cocktail bar, spinning vintage sounds to get everyone in the mood for dancing. Dress to impress.
11.30am-6.30pm, admission €6. vintageireland.eu
Ireland v South Africa
Jamie Heaslip will captain the Irish rugby team for the first time tomorrow, when Ireland takes on South Africa at the Aviva Stadium. In another first, the team will wear a new black jersey, perhaps for the only time in the next two years.
Six key players including Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell are missing through injury, but the South-African born uncapped player Richardt Strauss will make a much anticipated first appearance for Ireland when he lines out in the starting eleven. Jonathan Sexton has urged the new-look side to seize the opportunity to shine and make themselves household names. Here’s hoping.
[ Irishrugby.ieOpens in new window ]
Ennis Trad Festival
The Co Clare town promises “the liveliest and most intense celebration of Irish traditional music, song and dance anywhere” as the 19th annual Ennis Trad Festival concludes this weekend.
Masterclasses in fiddle, flute, banjo, accordion and tin whistle will take place in the afternoons, along with traditional singing, sean-nós and set-dancing lessons.
One highlight of this year’s festival is Ard Ghaisce na mBuíonta, which will see Ireland’s top céilí bands battle it out for a €8,000 prize on Saturday night at the Glór Irish Music Centre. A “traditional disco” will follow at the Auburn Lodge Hotel.
[ ennistradfestival.comOpens in new window ]
Dublin Toy and Train Fair
Those looking for extra special Christmas gifts for the children and collectors in their lives might strike gold at the Clontarf Castle Hotel this Sunday, which hosts the Dublin Toy and Train Fair.
Toy soldiers, antique dolls and teddy bears will be on offer alongside Meccano construction sets, Hornby model railways, and comics, annuals and books from the 1940s to 1980s. A section of the fair will be devoted to miniature furniture for dolls houses.
[ dublintoyandtrainfair.comOpens in new window ]
Cashel Arts Festival
The tenth annual Cashel Arts Festival will open with a fire show in the plaza this evening, kicking off nine days of music, visual art, theatre, comedy, dance, talks and workshops for all ages.
Highlights over the weekend include science demonstrations for children, puppet and jewellery making workshops, live music by Garr Cleary at the Brian Ború on Saturday night and a craft and food fair at the Cashel Palace Hotel on Sunday afternoon.
