Daytrippers

Seven things to do this week

TODAY A novel fundraising idea comes to you from the Irish Modern Dance Theatre Company which is organising a contemporary dance and African workshop today in the SFX Theatre, Dublin. The event will be hosted by John Scott, artistic director of the company, with live music from Kila. Funds raised go towards the Special Olympics Go! Athlete recruitment campaign. 2-5pm. (For a more sedate Saturday, head to the May Fair at Raheen Wood Steiner School in Tuamgraney, east Clare. 12-4pm. www.raheenwood.org)

TOMORROW Organised walks around the Slieve Bloom mountains in the midlands, with local guides, are taking place until September. Today, for a walk around the Clodiagh and Gorragh River Valleys, meet walk leader Pat Dunne at the Clonaslee Community Centre, Clonaslee, Co Laois, at 2pm. The walk covers five miles and lasts three hours. www.slievebloom.ie.

MONDAY Jazz enthusiasts won't want to miss this event at the Liberty Hall Theatre in Dublin. Acclaimed pianist Mark Copland and Gary Peacock, a master of the double bass, team up for this chamber jazz concerts. Fans say the duo produce "music of quiet beauty, dark and mysterious". Doors 7.30pm, show 8pm. Contact 01-8721122.

TUESDAY You are what you eat, so get a better understanding of what's actually in your dinner with a free food label reading class run by Kelkin. Register by e-mailing labellingclasses@kelkin.ie. Leave a contact number and preferred date for your class. Today from 6.30pm-8.30pm; July 12th, 6.30pm-8.30pm or August 9th from 6.30pm-8.30pm. Mespil Hotel, Mespil Road, Dublin.

WEDNESDAY Two great bands play tonight in the Ruby Room at the Royal Theatre, Castlebar, Co Mayo. Showing off their latest tunes and new female member, Irish favourites JJ72 headline the gig, with Dublin newcomer Chuzzle, a true original, in support. 8pm. €15. Contact www.jj72.com.

THURSDAY In the run-up to the women's mini-marathon in June, Nike is hosting free, professionally-led training runs from Champion Sports on Grafton Street, Dublin, on Thursdays at 6pm. Changing facilities and refreshments are provided. Special edition Nike T-shirts and vests are also available in Champion Sports stores from €13, with €1 from every purchase going to Irish charities.

FRIDAY To celebrate the centenary of Co Wicklow VEC, Bray Music Centre Choir, Greystones Youth Orchestra and Annette Hynes School of Dance present the first great opera in English - the passionate love story of the shipwrecked Trojan prince Aeneas and Dido (no, not that one) the legendary queen of Carthage. The Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, Co Wicklow. 2pm, 8pm. €15/€12 concessions/€5 schools. Contact 01-2724030.