Wow, what a summer it's been!
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and the last weekend of summer fun is here.
Although the weather will be mixed - Saturday is forecast to be the best day - there are still plenty of things to do before the kids have to return to school.
Have fun!
1) Heritage Week
This year's National Heritage Week runs until August 26th, 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.
Events during the week include the Youghal Medieval Festival, Sharing Stories at the Dead Zoo, the Totally Terrific Tomato Festival at the National Botanic Gardens, Hi-Jinks & Family Fun at Maynooth Castle, Discover Dublin’s Medieval Story at Dublinia and Old Cork Waterworks Experience presents "Water Heritage Open Day on Sunday.
2) Leisureplex Fundraising Day
Leisureplex Stillorgan host a fun Fundraising Day on Sunday, 26th from 2-6pm, in memory of their much-loved colleague Lucy Dolan.
An afternoon of bowling, pool, Quasar, Zoo playland, food and refreshments is planned, with the aim to raise funds for The Down Syndrome Centre, a charity close to Lucy’s heart. A donation will also be made to CRY, a sudden adult death syndrome screening service for families affected by SADS. All welcome.
3) Oughterard Show
Celebrating the 55th Annual Show on Sunday 26th August with a varied, engaging family fun day. There are numerous classes for horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, dogs and domestic arts section as well asBest Dressed Lady, Best Hat Competition, Bonny Baby, Little Miss/Little Master competitions and a new competition for Junior Miss Oughterard.
4) Fota Wildlife Park Summer Events
Fota Wildlife Park celebrated 35 years all summer with a series of free fun events. This weekend is your last chance toenjoy yoga classes at Cypress Lawn with Bikram Yoga Cork. There are two classes on Sunday suitable for all the family.
The classes are free with your admission but booking in advance in essential as spaces are limited.
5) Oakfest
A top line-up of acts will perform over the weekend, including The 4 Of Us and Hermitage Green, with plenty for the whole family to enjoy, including a mini disco for little music lovers, arts and crafts, face-painting, puppetry, nature walks, train heritage, folklore and storytelling.
6) Dalkey Lobster Festival
The Dalkey Lobster Festival returns from the 23rd to 26th August with a fusion of local seafood with the best of current global jazz musicians and lots of fun events for all the family to enjoy.
7) Westport House Pop Up Restaurant
Your last chance to dine like a Lord or a Lady in the Drawing Room at Westport House where Chef Áine Maguire will serve a tasty menu that reflects Georgian tastes using only the very best local and seasonal products. Very Downtown Abbey!
8) Trim Salmon of Knowledge Festival
On Sunday, 26th August the Trim Salmon of Knowledge Festival takes place. It isa free festival of music, dramatic performances incorporating the mythical story of the Salmon of Knowledge from the River Boyne, arts/crafts, culture, Boyne Valley Food producers and much more.
9) Belfast Mela
An annual celebration of global cultures when tens of thousands of visitors come together to celebrate our people and diversity in Belfast's Botanic Gardens on Sunday 26th August. Music, dance, arts and culture come together to create a heady, good-humoured atmosphere with plenty of fun for all the family.
10) A Taste of Donegal
Running from August 24th - August 26th, you can taste and purchase some of the finest food and drink available from all over the country. There will be live demonstrations from top Irish chefs and a closing fireworks display over Donegal Bay on Sunday evening.
11) Carrickmacross Arts Festival
This year is Carrickmacross Arts Festival’s fifth birthday and to mark this occasion some of the favourite acts from the past four years will be taking to the music stage, as well as some new faces with a programme of events showcases art in all its forms - music, literature, comedy, painting, sculpture, drama, film and so much more.
12) Auld Lammas Fair
One of Ireland’s oldest traditional fair which traditionally takes place on the last Monday and Tuesday of August. The present-day fair provides street entertainment and market stalls with trading, bargaining, busking, amusements and street entertainment competitions to add to the atmosphere in the beautiful seaside resort of Ballycastle.
13) Loughrea Medieval Festival
The 5th Annual Award Winning Loughrea Medieval Festival takes place from the 24th to 26th August and includes the Walled Towns Day in Loughrea on Sunday, food demos, talks, re-enactments, craft demos, children’s activities, music, guided tour, food & crafts market and lots more.
14) Howth Jazz & Blues Festival
End the summer in style with free jazz and blues in scenic Howth village. Acts over the weekend include Hollywood Slim and the Fat Cats, Southern Xpress, The Urban Mojo Blues Band and a pop up Blues Festival.
15) Party in the Park
Donegal Youth Service’s Party in the Park returns to Letterkenny on Friday 24th. Live music, food, face painting, henna, festival hair, games and lots of craic.
Three things to do next week:
1) Milford Hospice Harvest Fair
The annual fundraiser for the Milford Hospice takes place on Sunday, 2nd September in grounds of UCL with entertainment, raffles, kids zone, BBQ, cakes stall, pancakes, pig on a spit, popcorn,the wheel of fortune, many stalls selling lots of goodies, and lots lots more.
2) IFI Film Festival
The IFI Family Festival starts next Friday and includes its usual mix of beautiful short films, features from across the globe, and fun special guests. The festival will open with a special travel-themed event, followed by the Irish première of animation Marnie’s World.
3) Feast
A festival that happens at harvest time Feast Cork, from 2nd - 9th September is a fresh blend of conversations, dinners, markets, foraging, mixology, produce, producers, landscape, heritage and storytelling.
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