A round-up of summer living in your area

GALWAY RACES

The first day of racing in the annual summer meet gets under way today at 5.10pm. The tents may not be as packed, but this is still one of the biggest tourist draws in the west. Admission is €20-30 per day. 091-753870, www.galwayraces. com

SECRET GARDEN

A garden with a difference made by children entirely from paper felt and other materials has sprung up in Dublin’s Ark Cultural Centre. Daily workshops also allow children to take part. Admission is free, with workshops €4. 01-6707788, www.ark.ie

O’CAROLAN SUMMER SCHOOL

This Co Roscommon festival includes harps, concerts, music lectures and sessions as well as tuition in a whole range of instruments. The summer school begins today, with many of the concerts happening this weekend. 071-9647247, www.ocarolanharpfestival.ie

NOVICE FILMMAKERS

This kids’ summer camp in moviemaking includes martial arts, speech and drama and acrobatics. The camp is hosted by a former stuntman and remains in Cork for the rest of the summer in various locations. It runs from Monday to Friday, 10am-3pm and costs €110. 086-1580560, www.actionmoviecamp.ie

WATER SAFETY IN WEXFORD

Keep the kids busy this summer in one of Wexford Water Safety’s summer courses for swimming (for children more than four) or water safety/lifesaving (for children more than 10). These are available at all the major blue-flag resorts in Wexford this summer for as little as €30 per week. 085-1556225, www.wexfordwatersafety.ie

IKEA ARRIVES

The long awaited Ikea superstore in Ballymun opens at 11am today. Family entertainment includes an Abba tribute act, Ballymun Munch marching band and Irish dancers. Children who wear blue and yellow will receive free goodie bags, with other special offers throughout the day. www.ikea.ie