Those seeking to escape economic uncertainty, the lousy weather and the inevitable Electric Picnic comedown may find solace this weekend in a number of sports and music events.
While a gale force warning is in place for today with northeast winds expected to be strong and gusty along all Irish coasts, Met Éireann is forecasting that the weather will improve over the coming days with tomorrow expected to be dry with winds moderating and sunny spells due on Sunday.
Come rain or shine there will be plenty of music fans heading to Co Antrim for the Planetlove dance festival. Now in its 10th year, the festival is headlined by Dutch trance megastar Tiesto tonight. More than 100 DJs and acts will be performing across nine stages tomorrow with Ferry Corsten, Lisa Lashes and the Utah Saints among them. Camping is free of charge for all weekend ticket holders.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has advised that traffic volumes will be heavy around Shane's Castle on the A6 and that motorists not attending the festival should avoid the area.
Seasick Steve will be the act to watch at Cois Fharraige in Kilkee Co Clare this weekend, which is headlined by
Supergrass and Travis. Others acts on the bill at the music and surf event include The Coral, Futureheads, The Zutons and the Broken Family Band.
With up to 7,500 peoople expected to attend, delays are expected throughout the weekend. Motorists are also advised that in the nearby town of Moyasta (on the N67/Kilrush Road), the Neill Galvin Traditional Music Festival also takes place this weekend which will likely add to traffic volumes in the area.
The Dublin Fringe Festival begins tomorrow offering more than 60 theatre shows, gigs and other events in 16 days. Also in the capital, acclaimed conductor Simon Rattle rolls into town with the Berlin Philharmonic orchestra in tow for a performance at the National Concert Hall (NCH). Although the concert has long sold out, the NCH and Temple Bar Properties have teamed up for a delayed open-air relay of the performance in Meeting House Square at 9.15pm.
Meanwhile, the Anna Livia Dublin International Opera Festival begins on Sunday with a performance of Verdi's Rigoletto at the Gaiety Theatre.
Sports fans across the country are also well served this weekend with rugby, racing and GAA on the agenda.
This evening sees Connacht taking on Ospreys at Galway Sports Ground in the Magners League while Ulster take on Llanelli Scarlets at Ravenhill. Both Munster and Leinster play away this weekend at Murrayfield and Arms Park respectively.
There's also racing at Leopardstown and Dundalk over the weekend.
In Gaelic Games, Kilkenny take on Waterford in the Hurling Senior Championship final at Croke Park on Sunday and motorists are advised to expect delays around the stadium both before and after the match.
