A round-up of events countrywide this weekend
LISSADELL CONCERTS
A series of concerts takes place in Lissadell House in Sligo this weekend, with Westlife first up tonight and Leonard Cohen (pictured right) playing tomorrow and Sunday. Gates open at 4pm for all concerts. Westlife start at 8.30pm, with Leonard Cohen at the earlier time of 7.30pm. Tickets for all three, from €80, are still available from ticketmaster.ie
OMEY RACES
Omey Strand, which separates Omey Island from the mainland at Claddaghduff at high tide, is the venue for these annual races this Sunday in Clifden, Co Galway. The tradition was revived in 2001 after a lapse of 38 years and takes in a vibrant one-mile circuit with a stunning backdrop of island and sea. festivalofthesea.net
SCARIFF HARBOUR FESTIVAL
This Co Clare event celebrates both Lough Derg on the Shannon, and cultural links with Northern Ireland. Highlights include a public interview with Edna O’Brien tomorrow, conducted by Prof Declan Kiberd, as well as the Tulla Céilí Band and Beoga. Tonight, Mary Black plays the Sacred Heart Church. Doors are 8pm and tickets are €35. scariff.ie
FAMILY FUN
Every weekend of the summer, the Jervis Shopping Centre has free activities for families. Tomorrow from 1pm to 4pm, juggling workshops and face painting take place and a clown will also be on hand. The event is free and booking is not necessary. See jervis.ie
IRISH KARAOKE FESTIVAL
More than 60 competitors are expected to compete tomorrow and Sunday at the Portlaoise Heritage Hotel, for the chance to represent Ireland at the World Karaoke Championships in September. The event starts at 8.30pm each evening, and over the weekend a fundraiser for the charity To Russia with Love will also be held. See theheritagehotel.com
ARDAL O’HANLON
Star of Father Ted and award-winning comedian in his own right, Ardal O’Hanlon returns to Cork tomorrow for an appearance at City Limits Comedy Club on Coburg Street. Tickets are €20 and doors open at 9pm. thecomedyclub.ie or tickets.ie
BIG WHEEL
Dublin’s answer to the London Eye will open tomorrow and feature panoramic views of Dublin city and bay. It’s located in the Docklands, near the O2 arena, and will operate daily from 10am to 10pm. A 13-minute trip will set you back €9. See pointvillage.ie
LOUISBURGH MUSIC FESTIVAL
A variety of live music is on offer in the Co Mayo town of Louisburgh this weekend, beginning tonight with Lighting Strikes, while well-known singer Mick Flavin takes to the stage tomorrow night. A stage will be erected on Chapel Street every evening, with entertainment beginning at 7.30pm. Tel: 098-66140
CAHIRCIVEEN MUSIC FESTIVAL
This music weekend starts tonight with a large fireworks display, and as well as music and arts, a series of walks will be held over the weekend. Tomorrow, there will be a coastal and hill walk at 10.30am and a sea walk at 2pm, leaving from the festival office. See celticmusicfestival.com
STRADBALLY STEAM RALLY
On Sunday and Monday, steam enthusiasts and families are expected to gather for one of the largest displays of steam and vintage vehicles in the country at the Cosby Estate. Other events include steam threshing, stone cutting and sawing timber, and a free car park and picnic area will be available. See irishsteam.ie
SPRAOI FESTIVAL
Billed as the largest free street festival in the country, this annual Waterford event features a host of national and international acts from Indian circus performers to ska and funk bands. Up to 100,000 people are expected to cram into the city to avail of street entertainment over the weekend, while a nightly festival club at the Forum keeps the party going for over-18s. The festival is free, while the festival club costs €30 for the weekend. See spraoi.com
