An amphicat is a plastic moulded boat, originally designed and manufactured in Co Galway. For the last 10 years, the vessel made by ROM Plastics of Glenamaddy has been the focus of one of the county's largest fundraising events, with 20 sturdy types volunteering to row it downriver in aid of charity.
This year's event will take place on a 10-mile stretch of the Clare river, from Corofin to Claregalway, on September 15th. The target is £100,000, and five charities stand to benefit - the Cystic Fibrosis Association, Irish Guide Dogs, Slanu Cancer Support Centre, Tuam Cancer Care and the Cheshire Homes. The co-ordinator is former Galway chamber of commerce chief executive Mr Jarlath Feeney, and he can be contacted at (086) 2308899.
The Victorian walled garden at Enniscoe, near Crossmolina, Co Mayo, is to serve as a stage for an open-air theatre performance next weekend. "Living History" is the title, and the plot involves ancestors of the garden's current owner, Ms Susan Kellett.
A group of "costumed interpreters" - presumably, actors - aim to relay the Enniscoe family history, combining it with the social history of the late 19th century. The dialogue has been adapted from correspondence between Mr Joe and Ms Ina Pratt (ancestors of the current owner), and Mr William Gray, head gardener at the time.
The company involved is Northern Period Productions, and its motto is "to entertain your conceptions and to enlighten your misconceptions". The company specialises in production of period dramas and has earned a respected reputation in Ireland.
Be warned: the audience is invited to "interact" with the characters and to gain a first-hand experience of some of the culture of the day. Enniscoe was restored under the Great Gardens of Ireland Restoration Programme, and some of the original flowers of the Victorian era are still growing there. After the performance Mr Paul Maher, from the National Botanic Gardens, and Ms Annette Harkin, Enniscoe head gardener, will be on hand to explain the restoration initiative.
Admission is £6 per adult, £1 for children over 12 and free to those under 12. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For further information, Enniscoe is at (096) 31112 or website www.enniscoe.com
The annual Claremorris Open Exhibition takes place over three weeks from September 15th. A total of 17 artists have been invited to display their work in the town. This year's adjudicator was Mr Lewis Biggs, director of the Liverpool Biennial.
The works chosen cover a broad range of media, and an "eclectic mix" is promised which will encourage viewers to "ditch any preconceived notions about contemporary art". The itinerary will start at the Railway Station water tower, with Yvonne McGuinness's Sink or Swim, continuing to the Lawn community housing scheme, where Jean Conroy's Protection of What Was will be positioned.
The other venues include Connolly's shop, Mount Street, the Claremorris library entrance, Happy Gardens flower shop, the town hall and the credit union.
For more information, contact Mr Jarlath Burke at (094) 71722 or info@coearts.org