May 12 - May19
adventure
The Irish National Adventure Challengeis a one-day adventure marathon which takes place today around the McGillycuddy Reeks, in Co Kerry. Stages include orienteering, canoeing, road and mountain running, mountain biking and a 100m abseil from the Hag's Tooth (www.irishadventurechallenge.com).
film
Perhaps the most remote film festival in the world, Guth Gafa, runs until tomorrow in Gortahork, Co Donegal, and includes almost 30 documentaries from around the world. Geoff Gilmore, director of the Sundance Film Festival, will take part in Meet the Expert events and all the directors will attend post-screening debates (www.guthgafa.com).
due north
Stunt sheep, pony club games, falconry displays and livestock competitions will entice an expected 70,000 punters to the Balmoral Showgroundsfrom Wednesday to Friday (www.balmoralshow.co.uk). The Waterfront Hallin Belfast is 10 years old and celebrates with a gala concert this evening with performances by Riverdance, Ray Quinn, Shayne Ward, Andrew Strong (remember him?) and Juliet Turner.
for kids
Racing takes places at Leopardstowntomorrow in tandem with family-friendly activities such as face-painting, bouncy castles, balloon modelling and a performance by the Conor Lambert Puppet Theatre (01-2890500). The Sticky Fingers Festivalis an arts festival hoping to inspire and enthuse children aged 0 to 8 years, Thursday 17th to 24th in Warrenpoint, Co Down and the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, Newry (www.stickyfingersarts.co.uk).
arts
The Slovak Festival Orchestrafeatures performances by 20 Slovakian musicians at six venues around Ireland, including the RDS tonight, 8pm. Also tonight, Sir James and Lady Galwayarrive at the INEC, Killarney, with their solid gold flutes, apparently worth €67,500, for a night of classical entertainment (www.inec.ie). The Dublin Gay Theatre Festivalpresents 35 productions in 10 city-centre venues and culminates with award night on May 20th at the Temple Bar Music Centre (www.gaytheatre.ie).
kings of the risotto
From this Thursday until Sunday 26th, La Dolce Vitasees head chefs from the Merrion Hotel (Ed Cooney) and the Villa D'Este hotel in Lake Como (Luciano Parolari) join forces to deliver a nightly Italian culinary experience at the Cellar in the Merrion Hotel (01-6030600).
god is a dj
Contemporary and evangelical music play a big part in the monthly Second Chance Saturday Masses, a funky collaboration between lay people and local clergy in St Andrew's Westland Row. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin celebrates this evening's Mass at 6.45pm (01-6765517).
sport
Munster take on Glasgow Warriorsin Magner's League action at Musgrave Park. The GAA Senior Football Championship first round kicks off tomorrow with Longford v Westmeathat Pearse Park and Cavan v Downin Breffni Park.
gigs
Tonight, The Frank & Walters (Whelans), The Levellers (The Village). Sunday, Patti Smith (Vicar Street), OMD (The Olympia). Monday, Roger Waters (The Point). Thursday, Fountains of Wayne (The Ambassador). Friday, Republic of Loose (Dolans, Limerick).
and finally
The Rare & Special Plant Fairtakes place at Fota House and Gardens, Co Cork tomorrow (www.rareandspecialplantfair.com).