A look ahead to what's on across the country this weekend:
Bray Air Spectacular
Ireland’s largest free air show takes place this Sunday at 3.30pm on Bray seafront as part of the Bray Summerfest. A Retro Aer Lingus A320 from the 1960s will open the display, followed by beach parachute jumps by the Black Knights Defence Forces and performances by four highly-trained aerobatic pilots from The Blades in the UK.
Irish pilot Dave Bruton will take the high speed Sbach 342 to the air, along with Gerry Humphreys in his BD-5, a homebuilt mini-jet similar to the plane which appeared in the opening sequence of the James Bond film Octopussy.
With a crowd of more than 80,000 expected, spectators are advised to arrive early.
[ www.brayairdisplay.comOpens in new window ]
Galway Arts Festival
Macnas will perform a new show This Thunderous Heart on Sunday evening as part of the ongoing Galway Arts Festival. The parade begins at 8.45pm at the Spanish Arch before winding its way through the city streets and culminating in the Fisheries Field.
A diverse schedule of events spanning theatre, dance, visual arts, music, literature and comedy will continue throughout the weekend. Theatre highlights include the final performances of Northlight Theatre’s production of Bruce Graham’s play The Outgoing Tide tomorrow at 2pm and 8pm in the Town Hall Theatre.
[ www.galwayartsfestival.comOpens in new window ]
Earagail Arts Festival
This year’s Earagail Arts Festival closes with Puja, a LUXe spectacle of processional sculpture and aerial acrobatics incorporating a fire show, music, dance and costume. The event takes place at Fort Dunree at 10pm tomorrow night but capacity is limited so tickets must be booked in advance.
Late Late Show House Band leader Paddy Cullivan will present a lighthearted look at the newspapers over brunch at Rathmullan House Hotel on Sunday, followed by the Leviathan Political Cabaret show discussing Ireland’s diaspora presented by Miriam O’Callaghan.
Cork Cycling Festival
The fifth Cork Cycling Festival begins tomorrow, with themed city cycles, countryside tours, a bike fair and three parades taking place over nine days.
The festival will open at Grand Parade at 1pm with an awards presentation for the winners of the Kids luv Bikes art competition, followed by a free bike maintenance workshop.
Cyclists are invited to dig out their old bike lights and torches for a night time bike parade through Cork City on Saturday, departing from Grand Parade at 8pm.
[ www.corkcyclingfestival.comOpens in new window ]
Irish Oaks Weekend at The Curragh
Europe’s top horses and jockeys take to the course at The Curragh this Sunday for the Group 1 Darley Irish Oaks race at 3.20pm. The Thalgo Ladies Derby for female riders will take place after the main event, as well as 13 other races over the weekend.
Ladies are advised to include a “touch of blue in their outfit” on Sunday to be in with a chance to win the Classic Ladies Race Wear Competition, which will be judged by milliner Louis Mariette.
Tickets cost €15 on Saturday and €20 on Sunday.
