AS IT’S NATIONAL Heritage Week on 20-28 August, there are quite a few events on this weekend.
If you’re not heading to the Rose of Tralee, the Connemara Pony Show or the Fleadh Cheoil in Clare, then here are a few ways to entertain yourself.
As usual we’ve rounded up the most interesting things going on. Here’s what’s happening this weekend.
Dublin
If you’re into ukulele, Dun Laoghaire is the place to be this weekend. At the Ukulele Hooley there will be a bus busk, workshops, an open mic and concerts, all involving ukulele obviously. Some events, such as the open mic, require an admission fee.
India Day is taking place on Saturday in Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park, with mindfulness workshops, Indian food stalls, henna, and Indian dresses and jewellery.
On Sunday Down Syndrome Ireland is running a fashion show in Clontarf Castle. The event kicks off with a prosecco reception. As well as the show there will be entertainment and a raffle. Tickets cost €20 each or €50 for a family of two adults and two children.
Offaly
The Canal Quarter Festival takes place in Tullamore this weekend, with music acts including Smash Hits, Insterskalactic and Morrissey & Marshall. A roof is built over the street and all acts play for free.
There is a silent disco every night and a tent called The Velvet Lounge featuring burlesque acts. There’s also kids crazy golf on Sunday, featuring face-painting and a Frozen singalong.
Alternatively you can head to Lough Boora Discovery Park for the OurLand Family Festival. There will be four festival areas with the themes of positive energy, air, earth and fire, each featuring their own interactive entertainment and games. There’s an imaginosity area, art zone, ziplining, a silent disco and a bird, bee and butterfly ball.
Meath
Come fair ladies and gentlemen to a weekend of jousting, street theatre and medieval revelry at the Battle of Kells Medieval Fayre.
There will be re-enactments, falconry, storytelling, a petting zoo, archery and a showing of Braveheart (there’s a connection). This is all to celebrate the defeat of the bad old High King of Ireland Edward de Bruce by Sir Roger Mortimer, the Lord of Meath.
Revellers can also try medieval food from Rory Morahan, also known as the Druid Chef.
Ticket prices range from €8 for a one-day pass for children, students and seniors, to a €76 family weekend pass for two adults and four children.
Wexford
If you’re down in the sunny south-east, take a trip to the Hook Lighthouse, the world’s oldest operational lighthouse. This weekend they’re hosting historical tours, kids’ games on the lawns, informational holograms and musical evenings with Maria Doyle Kennedy, best known as Catherine of Aragon on The Tudors and Vera Bates on Downton Abbey.
On Saturday there will be talks from the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group about how to spot humpback whales, porpoises, seals and other sea life. And on Sunday the Pirates of the Peninsula will seize the lighthouse, promising fun antics for the kids.
Maria Doyle Kennedy’s concerts cost €30 and tickets are limited.
If you see any interesting events coming up, email liz@thejournal.ie.
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