Harvest is in full swing and, after the first full week in school, my kids won't be the only ones who'll need an active distraction this weekend.
Also, despite the odd shower, the forecast for the weekend is warm and bright; perfect for a fun family day out.
Fortunately, as always, there is plenty of choice around Ireland and we've selected some of our favourites.
Have fun!
1) Athlone Shannon Feastival
No, it's not spelt wrong; the feast is based around an artisan food village and great local food.
Other highlights of the festival in Athlone this weekend include a mix of family-friendly activities, water-based events, chocolate painting workshops, live music and lots more.
2) Lucan Festival
The 10th annual Lucan Festival takes place this weekend with lots of fun events including a Fireworks Display on Friday night, an open day at the Italian residence on Saturday and the popular Family Fun Day on Sunday.
3) Strokestown Show
Celebrating its 152nd year, the show takes place in the grounds of Strokestown Park this weekend with lots of family fun and entertainment and a food fair over both days.
Saturday's highlights include the Sweeney Family Beef Bullock Championship and the Irish Angus All-Ireland Finals while Sunday is Family Day and also hosts the Horse & Pony Show Classes, Dog Show and All Ireland Irish Draught All-Ireland.
4) Feast
Feast food festival concludes this weekend with a blend of conversations, dinners, markets, foraging, mixology, produce, producers, landscape, heritage and storytelling. The 'Food for the Soul' beach day takes place at Inch beach on Sunday from 12pm to 9 pm with food, drink, 10-minute massages, beach sauna, yoga and more.
5) Monaghan Rhythm & Blues
The 23rd Annual Blues festival takes place in Monaghan over the weekend with four days celebrating the blues with an Acoustic Room and a Late Night Marquee hosting international US blues bands.
6) Clonaslee Show
The first 66th Clonaslee show takes place on Sunday celebrating agriculture, livestock, produce and a little bit of culture and tradition with lots of family fun.
7) Waterford Harvest Festival
The 10th Waterford Harvest Festival returns to the city this week with a programme featuring cookery demonstrations and workshops, a health and wellness area, family fun on the Green, exciting chef collaborations, producer’s stalls, country markets and much more.
8) Cabinteely Carnival
The Cabinteely Carnival returns to Cabinteely Park this Sunday with a free family fun day out featuring circus performers, activities and a chance to learn some circus skills as well as bouncy castles, an antique carousel, face painting, and performances from Jack Wise and he Stripey Socks Show.
9) Glenties Harvest Fair
Leading up to the Harvest Fair Day on September 12th, there will be lots of fun events and activities including the competitive Harvest Fair Float Parade on Sunday and the Queen Dance on Sunday.
10) Festival of Food | Airfield Estate
Airifiled Estate has expanded their Festival of Food to include an extended food village, natural beauty area, food demonstrations, music stage, craft brewery, botanical beverages, gardening zone, family foraging and loads more. The event runs on Saturday and Sunday and admission is free!
11) Dingle Trad Fest
The 2018 Dingle Tradfest takes place this weekend with lots of music and craic. Highlights include a performance from Michael McGoldrick, Tony Byrne & Edwina Guckian in St. James' Church and a Session Trail in various pubs in Dingle Town.
12) A Taste of West Cork Food Festival
The Taste of West Cork Food Festival runs until the 16th September with over 230 events taking place from Bandon to Beara. Events this weekend include the Bantry Market Fair Day, Sing for your Supper and Baltimore Whale watching.
13) Terenure Annual Family Fun Day
Taking place on Saturday in Bushy Park, the annual Terenure Family Fun Day starts with the morning market before an afternoon of fun activities including a zip line, bouncy castle, face painting, live music, demonstrations and more.
Three things to do next week:
1) Elemental Festival
'Elemental presents' is a three-day programme of workshops, recitals, pop-up performance and green art installation, featuring Aardman, Cartoon Saloon and the ICO (Irish Chamber Orchestra), amongst others, taking place in Limerick city next weekend.
2) Clifden Arts Festival
One of the longest running community arts festivals in Ireland, the 41st Clifden Arts Festival runs from September 13-23 with an entertaining programme to suit everyone's interests.
3) Dublin Fringe Festival
The 24th Fringe Festival runs through to September 23rd with more than 400 events taking place in over 30 venues - including various buildings and outdoor spaces - featuring music, theatre, live art, comedy, dance, circus and more.
