A round-up of upcoming events
Yawl festivalAchill Yawl Festival (Cruinniú Bádóirí Acla) is a series of races involving traditional Achill yawl sailing boats, which have a solid hull and a single mast. The races, which take place along Achill Sound, are keenly contested and exciting for spectators. The festival runs from July to September, with races at weekends and in the evenings when tides allow. For a schedule of races, see www.achill tourism.com.
Coarse anglingDunbrody Coarse Angling Festival takes place next weekend at Oaklands Lake, just outside New Ross, in Co Wexford. The two-hectare man-made lake is stocked with carp, tench, rudd and bream, and catches of up to 35kg are not unknown. The festival takes place next Saturday and Sunday, with fishing from 2pm until 8pm on the first day and from 10am until 3pm on the second. The fee is €30 each day. Check in 90 minutes before fishing. The lake has 60 stands, all wheelchair friendly. Call 051-445348 or see www.oaklands lake.com.
Marine paintingBudding artists have often baulked at the challenge of depicting the sea. Oideas Gael, in Co Donegal, offers beginners and improvers the chance to develop their skills in the dramatic coastal landscape of Slieve League, under the watchful eyes of professional artists Kenneth King and Conal McIntyre. The seven-day course runs from July 11th to 19th and costs €180. Participants will need to bring their preferred media, such as watercolours, acrylics, oils or gouache, and other materials. See www.oideas-gael.com or call 074-9730248.