A selection of some things to do in Ireland this weekend.
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Clare
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the most important event in the traditional music calendar continues all week until the 21st August.
It's a celebration of, not only Irish traditional music, song and dance, but musicians, singers and dancers also compete for the honour of an All-Ireland title.
This year's National Heritage Week runs from August 19th - August 27th with thousands of events all across the country organised by national and local organisations. Most of the events are free and aim the highlight and promote our cultural heritage. The Natural History Museum is even bringing back the dinosaurs and you can hang out with a life-sized Megalosaurus and get to hold REAL dinosaur fossils in the palm of your hand this Saturday.
The stories behind the built heritage of Cork city are to be celebrated this Saturday, August 19th with more than 40 buildings throwing open their doors free-of-charge for the 13th annual Cork Heritage Open Day.
The popular Wicklow fair is rumoured to be taking a break next year so enjoy it while you can. This year has a 1950s theme which is sure to add some colour to a wonderful lineup of fun activities including ceili/set-dancing, children’s fun and games, a slow-bicycle race, live music, stalls, sheep dog trials and more.
Rose of Tralee International Festival
The Rose of Tralee International Festival is one of Ireland's largest and longest running festivals, celebrating 58 years in 2017.
The heart of the festival is the selection of the Rose of Tralee but there is also a week-long programme of activities and events starting on the 16th August that includes street entertainment, carnival, live concerts, theatre, circus, markets, funfair, fireworks and Rose Parades. Bird's Euroshow and Fosset's Circus will all be back in Tralee entertaining families throughout the week.
The Big Grill Festival, Ballsbridge
Ireland’s first ever international BBQ festival, a celebration of the art of cooking with fire & smoke, comes to the leafy surrounds of Herbert Park from August 17th to 20th. There will be demos & workshops from well-known chefs, a chilli eating challenge, a grand BBQ cook-off and children's play area with entertainment on both Saturday and Sunday.
Carrigaholt Family Festival, Clare
The 24th Carrigaholt Family Festival runs from August 17th - 20th. The festival has something for everyone from young children to adults with loads of fun events including a Bay Swim, Slow Bicycle Race, Car Treasure Hunt, Horse Show Throwing, Fancy Dress Parade, Sheaf Throwing and more.
The Tullow Agricultural Show is one of the most established agricultural shows in the country. The Show, which has something to interest both rural and urban visitors and young and old, takes place on Sunday the 20th of August at the showgrounds in Coppenagh.
There is a Family Day this Sunday at SKYPARK to round off the summer; families can go for free and use their kiddies sandpit and picnic benches.
They are also offering a free activity with any Skypark Aerial and Skypark Junior bookings, so families can choose from free Footgolf, Aeroball, Frisbee Golf and Mini Golf.
Set in Kilruddery Estate it’s billed as a family friendly festival with designated activities for kids. There will be live music from headline acts like The Hot House Flowers, UB40 and Primal Scream but there will also be designated areas for family activities and children Under 12 go FREE!
Celebrate the end of summer with a two-day children’s festival in the popular Rathbeggan Lakes in Meath. Weekend ticket holders can camp overnight. There will be three covered stages with live music and entertainment, giant wooden games, puppet shows, magicians and workshops.
The Super Milk Wild Air Run is an experience with a difference. All ages (7+) and fitness levels can enjoy Ireland’s first inflatable obstacle course.
This year's incredible show features motorbike riders from Brazil, Mexican clowns, Kenyan acrobats, Liberty horses, performing Poodles, High-Speed Juggling and the 5th generation of the Duffy family, Tom & Jamie, with their award winning Wheel of Death!
The Fairy Queen and Elf King are on their way to Brigit's Garden inviting all fairies and elves, young or old, to join them for a day of fairy magic and fun in Ireland's award winning Celtic Gardens, on Sunday from 12.30p.m. – 4.30 p.m.
