August 4th-10th
Horse show
The equestrian highlights of Dublin Horse Show, which is at the RDS from next Wednesday until Sunday, are the Nations Cup, for the Aga Khan trophy, on Friday, the Land Rover Puissance - aka the terrifying high-wall jump - on Saturday and Sunday's Longines Grand Prix. In addition, there are more than 300 trade stands and, on Thursday, Evian Ladies' Day. www.dublinhorseshow.com.
Whale watching
Did you know that Irish waters offer some of Europe's best opportunities to spot whales - and that they have been a whale and dolphin sanctuary since 1991? At 2pm tomorrow, to celebrate, Irish Whale and Dolphin Groupis hosting watches at 13 coastal locations, including Galley Head lighthouse, in Co Cork, and Lough Swilly, in Co Donegal. www.iwdg.ie.
Freebie
The Farmleigh Affairinvolves two days of music (tomorrow and bank-holiday Monday) in the estate's grounds. Highlights include cellist Vyvienne Long, the samba-rock outfit Clube do Balanço, the mighty Kilfenora Céilí Band, Julie Fowlis and Damien Dempsey. There's also plenty for the discerning palate, with organic producers serving up tasty treats. The event is free but ticketed. www.farmleigh.ie.
Festivals
Indie Pendence, in Mitchelstown, Co Cork, features Republic of Loose, The Sultans of Ping, Director and Delorentos. www.mitchelstownfest.com.
The line-up at the second World Fleadh, which kicks off in Portlaoise on Monday, includes Katie Melua, Deacon Blue, Sandi Thom, The Proclaimers and Duke Special. www.theworldfleadh.com
Highlights of Kilkenny Arts Festival, which starts next Friday and runs until August 19th, include a lecture by Pulitzer winner Samantha Power, Lee Breuer's A Prelude to A Death in Venice and a performance by Mingus Dynasty. www.kilkennyarts.ie.
Sport
Sixty-eight members of the Irish team will be at this year's World University Games, which start in Thailand on Wednesday and run until August 18th. It's a busy weekend in GAAHQ, with senior football quarter-finals taking place today and senior hurling semi-finals tomorrow. The Umbro Galway Cupis an international underage soccer tournament that takes place in Drom, Co Galway, from Tuesday until next Saturday.
And finally . . .
We love the sound of the Beast of Ballyhouraadventure race, in Ballyhoura, Co Limerick, today and tomorrow. Teams of four take part in mountain biking, orienteering, mountaineering, abseiling, kayaking and shooting in a race that lasts - wait for it - up to 28 hours, which means that at least some of those activities will be done in the dark. The Ballyhoura Blitz, a gentler version suitable for beginners - a 10km hill run and a 20km mountain bike - is on today. www.ballyhourabeast.com.