FESTIVAL WATCH THE SOLAS FESTIVAL:Huntington Castle in Clonegal, Co Carlow, will play host to 3,000 festival lovers, seven stages and dozens of live acts this weekend, as the Solas Festival hits town. The organisers are bringing in some big-name bands and "providing a platform for up-and-coming Irish acts".
The line-up includes God Is An Astronaut, Republic of Loose, Automata and The Holy Shakers. Genres range from Irish trad to rock, while those who just want to chill can take a walk in "nature's nook".
Free camping and car parking, "regularly serviced" toilet and shower facilities, two bars and an off-licence are handy extras thrown in to make sure that a "personal comfortable atmosphere" prevails throughout the weekend, while on-site recycling stations encourage festival-goers to party responsibly.
A day pass will set you back €75, with two-day passes at €120 pre-booked, or €150 on the day. Tickets can be bought at www.ticketmaster.ie. Visit www.solas-festival.comfor more details.
TODAY AND TOMORROW THE BEST OF THE SUMMER
TOMORROW:The Kilkenny Arts Festival continues with Circus Incognitus at the Watergate Theatre. Tickets €10. Call 056-7752175. Neon Flea Circus rock Cyprus Avenue in Cork. Tickets €9.80. Visit www.cyprusavenue.com. Ledz Zepp, a tribute to Led Zeppelin, play at The Quays, Galway. Tickets €10. Call 091-568347. Masks! (left) continues at The Ark children's centre in Dublin. Admission €4.50. Call 01-6707788. Brendan Burke, Ruairi Campbell, John Donelan and Paddy Courtney are at the Laughter Lounge. Tickets €25. Call 01-8783003.
TOMORROW:Dervish play The Button Factory, Dublin. Tickets €20. Call 01-6709202. Jim Xcomet DJs at Bodega Nights Nightclub, Cork. Tickets €10. Call 021-4272878. JUNK continues at the Belltable Arts Centre, Limerick. Tickets €10-€15. Contact 061-319866. Hamell On Trial rock Cyprus Avenue, Cork. Tickets €15 euro. Call 021-4276165. Kilkenny Arts Festival has The Dresden Group in St Canice's Cathedral. Tickets €20. Contact 056-64971.