Seven things to do this week
TODAY
Alors mes amis, the Franco-Irish Literary Festival continues this morning, with readings and interviews with authors at the Chester Beatty Library and debates at the Coach House starting at 10.30am. We like the sound of the session devoted to "How to be a Bon Vivant" and Beckett admirers will no doubt enjoy the interview with Anthony Cronin at 3pm. For the full programme and to book for the literary brunch tomorrow, ring 01-6761732 or consult www.francoirishliteraryfestival.com.
TOMORROW Last day to catch the Brahmsfest in the National Concert Hall, always a fine place to go on a Sunday evening when there are no traffic or parking issues. Tonight's programme begins at 8pm with the Concerto for Violin and Cello. Tickets cost from €8.50 to €25.
MONDAY There is great affection and joy in Jacinta Crowley-Long's paintings of domestic settings and animals; she is also well known for her equine paintings. We like the eagerness and attention she captures in the pups (below), generally not known for being good sitters. On show at Gormey's Fine Art, 24 South Frederick Street, Dublin 2 or see www.gormleys.ie.
TUESDAY You might be bowled over by "Tracing the Line", an exhibition of both Irish and international woodturners' work at the National Craft Gallery in Castle Yard, Kilkenny curated by Liam Flynn, who has produced a fine book to go along with it. Ciaran Forbes, Liam O'Neill, Jim Partridge, David Ellsworth, Ray Key and Maria van Kesteren are among those represented. Mon-Sat from 10am to 6pm and on Sundays from 11am to 6pm.
WEDNESDAY Anyone who remembers Pentangle will be following Bert Jansch's tour around the country. Neil Young describes him as the Jimi Hendrix of the acoustic guitar. He lands tonight at Cyprus Avenue in Cork at 9pm (tickets €17.50; www.cyprusavenue.ie) and at Whelans in Dublin tomorrow.
THURSDAY "Are the Humanities threatened by the Increasing commercialisation of universities" is the subject of the DCU Humanities Festival which gets underway today. This is a topic that is vexing academics all over the world as the focus of funding becomes less on the developing Liberal Arts and the well-stocked mind and more on careers that will fuel the economy. Join the debate at 3pm. Open to the public. www.dcu.ie/identities2006/index.shtml.
FRIDAY Riders to the Sea should head for Lahinch today for a weekend of record-breaking attempts to get the most people ever riding one wave. All welcome, as long as you think you can stay standing for 10 seconds. Hector O hEochagain will be on hand with some documentary makers and O'Looney's Bar is the meeting place. Surf's up, dude. Details from www.lahinchsurfschool.com