Daytrippers

Seven things to do this week.

TODAY Down Royal race course in Downpatrick always attracts crowds from the Republic, and this festival of racing features high-calibre horses including Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kicking King and Beef or Salmon. It's a beautiful course with plenty of distractions for the less horse-mad. Tickets from £15 (€22.17) from 048-92621256 or www.downroyal.com.

TOMORROW Nice day for a white wedding and for popping along to the Point Depot in Dublin to see if a snarling 1980s punk such as Billy Idol still has whatever it was that made him so popular back then. Doors 6.30pm; show 8pm. €39.50/€44.50. www.thepoint.ie.

MONDAY It's "Secretaries Week" at the Vault pub beside Connolly Station, Dublin 1, so all the best bosses in town will be treating their valuable assistants to lunch there if they know which side their filo is faxed. The four-course lunch costs €38.50 per person and includes a glass of bubbly on arrival. Each guest also receives a goody bag. Advance booking is recommended on 01-6054700.

TUESDAY Frozen, a Tall Tales Theatre Company production, is proving a hit at Project, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, where it plays until November 12th. One of Bryony Lavery's most significant successes to date, this touching play was nominated for a Pulitzer prize and went on to become the most nominated new play at the Tony awards last year. Tickets €16/€14. 01-8819613, www.project.ie.

WEDNESDAY Honor Heffernan rarely disappoints, and her silky jazz stylings should suit a venue such as the Bank of Ireland Arts Centre, Foster Place, Dublin 2. Find out more more on www.boi.ie/artscentre or 01-6711488. Tickets €18/€15. 7.30pm.

THURSDAY It's still six weeks away but 'tis the season already, according to some. Today and tomorrow there is a Christmas fair in the Radisson Hotel, Stillorgan, Co Dublin, selling luxury decorations and other yuletide fare. All proceeds from the €10 entrance fee will go to The Children's Sunshine Home. More details from Ann on 087-2433187.

FRIDAY Also at Bank of Ireland Arts Centre, at 7.30pm, is a "celebration of Irish short films". Seven award-winning films will be shown, and writers and directors – including Alan Gilsenan and Bernard MacLaverty – will be there to speak about their films. It costs €100 but proceeds go to Sophia Housing – towards the building of a new project at Cork Street, Dublin 8.