The week-long Merriman Summer School in Lisdoonvarna which starts today will intersperse set dancing with an exploration of the knowledge-based society in the 21st century.
The school will examine the relationship between the sciences, the humanities and religion and assess the impact of ethics and values on the new scientific/medical order.
Among the speakers will be Dr William Reville, senior lecturer in biochemistry and director of microscopy at UCC; Prof William Binchy; the poet and philosopher Mr John O'Donohue; and psychologist, Dr Maureen Gaffney.
The Paddy O'Brien Festival in Newtown, outside Nenagh, Co Tipperary, is being held this weekend. Traditional music, singing sessions and a ceili workshop commemorate the life of the late accordian player.
In Kilrush, Co Clare, the annual Eigse Mrs Crotty celebrates the memory of the concertina player with classes for all grades of players of the box instrument, ceilithe, tours of the area and a concert tonight featuring the Clare fiddler Martin Hayes.