Tanks and tall ships to the fore

What's on this weekend?

The last few days of our so-called summer are drawing to a close, but there are plenty of events happening around the country this weekend with sport, culture and festivals taking place to ease back-to-school blues.

The weather forecast

Saturday will have scattered outbreaks of rain, and a few of the showers may be heavy with slight risk of thunder in the south. Temperatures will reach between 16 and 19 degrees. Sunday will be a mainly dry day with some sunshine but the southwest and west may have some rain later in the day. Met Éireann

The Tall Ships Festival

The Tall Ships Festival is taking place in Dublin’s Docklands until Sunday, with 50 boats expected to sail into Dublin city.

The main event will be the Parade of Sail on the River Liffey on Sunday from 11am to 2pm. A record-breaking-attempt Rock the Boat charity event will also take place on Sunday from 1pm to 2pm at Sir John Rogersons Quay, with large crowds expected.

A number of street events are being held in the Docklands over the weekend, including a floating cinema just off Hanover Quay and a live music stage at George’s Quay.

Motorists can expect long delays in the city, particularly on the northside, over the weekend, and drivers are advised to use public transport where possible. South city traffic wishing to cross the Liffey at Samuel Beckett bridge will be diverted via Pearse Street, Tara Street and Butt Bridge.

The Samuel Beckett Bridge, Guild Street and Cardiff Lane will be closed from 8am to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday. The East Link bridge will operate a reduced rate for cars during the Tall Ships Festival. South Dock Road is closed until 8pm on Sunday.

From 10.30am until Sunday, Luas red line services will not stop at Connolly Station. However, an otherwise full service will operate with additional services over the weekend. Tall Ships Festival

Merrion Square Open Day

Dublin’s Merrion Square will throw open its doors on Saturday for a free day of events celebrating its rich heritage. The day is an opportunity to explore Georgian Dublin in an informal way, taking in the houses, museums, churches and parks in the heart of the city. Visitors will have the opportunity to see properties not often open to the public and enjoy talks, exhibitions, walks, and music in a programme that aims to offer something for everyone.