What’s on around Ireland this weekend

Waterford Writers Weekend

This year’s Waterford Writers festival embraces the importance of creativity for young people with events for students, children and families to help inspire the imagination.

Events include a celebration of the crime fiction writer, Raymond T Chandler, an exhibition of the life and work of playwright Teresa Deevy, and Viking-themed workshops to give an insight into the city’s founders. The festival runs from 20th to 23rd of March and tickets for all workshops and events are available online or at the Waterford Writer’s Weekend Box Office - 051 849983.

Tickets range up to €25 and some events are free.

[ waterfordcity.ie  ]

John O’Gallagher Trio

New York-based saxophonist John O'Gallagher plays his Irish debut this weekend at Triskel Arts Centre in Cork at 8.30pm on Saturday.

The composer and musician, who has released six albums to date, will be joined by Ronan Guilfoyle on bass and Jeff Williams on drums.

Tickets: €17/€15

[ triskelartscentre.ie/john-ogallagher-trio  ]

Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Walking Festival

This weekend walkers will travel to Mayo for the annual Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Walking Festival. This two-day event gives visitors the chance to enjoy the spectacular views of Croagh Patrick while taking part in guided moderate to hard walks, heritage site visits and local loop walks. The festival has linked up with Croí, the local heart and stroke charity to create awareness of the important of exercise and help raise funds.

Tickets: €20 for day, €40 for weekend

[ clogherheritage.com  ]

Waterford New Music Week

The New Music week, now in its 16th year, is an annual festival presented by the Department of Performing & Creative Arts at the Waterford Institute of Technology and Garter Lane Arts Centre. It celebrates contemporary music in formal and informal settings throughout Waterford city.

All daytime events are free and concerts are held in venues across the city including the central Library, WIT campuses and Garter lane Arts Centre. The festival began on Tuesday and runs to Sunday 23rd March.

Tickets for evening concerts, €8-€10. Tickets can be booked online at garterlane.ie or on 051 855038.

[ issuu.com/waterfordit/new_music_2014_programme_guide  ]

FUAIM Festival 2014

Some of Ireland's best-loved performers come together at the Cork Opera House at 8pm this evening to celebrate 5 years of FUAIM Music at University College Cork. Scullion's Sonny Condell, Philip King and Robbie Overson will take to the stage, followed by music from Julie Feeney, Loudest Whisper and Yurodny. The FUAIM festival brings together scholars, artists, and audiences to reflect and celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of music at UCC.

Tickets: €25/€20 Conc

[ www.music.ucc.ie/index  ]