Events guide: what's on at the weekend

FOLK AND baroque are on the musical menu this weekend as the warm and humid weather experienced in some parts of the country over the past week is set to continue.

However, Met Éireann predicts it will be somewhat cooler in the west and northwest than in other regions over the coming days but that most areas can expect to see some rain, drizzle and mist. Rain is likely in eastern parts of the country today but it will be mainly dry in the northwest with the possibility of some sunshine as the day progresses. For those prepared to brave the elements there’s plenty of activities on around the country including a large number of festivals and sporting events.

The Dublin Theatre Festival, which got under way on Thursday, continues with highlights including Rough Magic's take on Ibsen's Peer Gyntat Belvedere College, Colm Tóibín's Testamentat the Project Arts Centre and Juno and the Paycockat the Abbey Theatre.

The Dingle Peninsula Food and Wine Festival will be the place to go for foodies over the weekend, while the Westport Arts Festival includes drive-in movies, poetry performances, theatre, children’s shows and concerts from Cathy Davey, Ham Sandwich and Glen Hansard.

The 32nd Cork Folk Festival has a packed programme which includes a Gala concert with the Kilfenora Céilí Band on Grand Parade tomorrow, while in Co Galway, the Ballinasloe October Fair is taking place.

The Sligo Festival of Baroque Music includes the Italian/Irish duo Arparla, while the East Cork Early Music Festival has performances from soprano Emma Kirkby and a Hibernian Museprogramme at Fota House.

Back in the capital, Batman Liveis on at the Grand Canal Theatre this evening while comedian David O'Doherty is at Vicar Street. The Answer play Whelan's, with Jape at the Button Factory.

Dublin Contemporary continues at various venues across the city. RB star Rihanna is at the Belfast Odyssey tonight ahead of a sell-out show at the O2 in Dublin on Monday.

On the sporting front, all eyes will be on television sets early tomorrow morning as Ireland take on Italy in New Zealand.

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