After the excitement of last week's All-Ireland football finals, I think we all need a calm weekend.
However, Ireland starts their Rugby World Cup campaign on Sunday morning with a game against the Scots.
Come on Ireland!
At least there are plenty of other family events and activities to entertain the family this weekend that won't raise your blood pressure.
Have fun!
1) Culture Night 2019
The 15th Culture Night takes place on Friday with venues and public spaces opening their doors to over 40,000 people with a programme of free late-night entertainment, as part of an all-island celebration of arts, heritage and culture.
In Dublin, the official residence of the 9th President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, and his wife, Sabina Higgins, will open to the public.
In Galway, enjoy some culture night fun at Atlantaquaria - National Aquarium of Ireland, while in Cork you can enjoy a family-friendly night with live astronomy at CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory.
2) Earth Quest Family Fun Science Day
On Sunday afternoon, join Mark Langtry from RTE Jr show "Let Find Out" in Brigit's Garden as your family works as a team to navigate the Garden and solve science-based challenges on your quest. Families must discover, observe, identify and record findings on the special 'Earth Quest' guide, plus loads more science-shows, activities and workshops on the day. Free with admission.
3) Shorelines Festival
Shorelines offers a feast of music, literature, film, theatre, visual art and more on the shores of the Shannon's Lough Derg in Portumna Co.Galway. Events include a Pop-Up Gaeltacht, the Science of Dragons show, Slime workshops, live music from ZoDoMo, Ensemble Revelare and lots more.
4) Car Free Day | Dublin
As part of European Mobility Week's 'Safe Walking and Cycling', Dublin City Council presents Car Free Day in College Green this Sunday from 12 noon to 4pm, with lots of fun activities, including e-bike and cargo bike demos, Spokeswoman cycle tour and a live BMX stunt show. Don't forget to leave the car at home!
5) Bia Bundoran
The inaugural festival this weekend will be a celebration of the food and drink available in the seaside town of Bundoran, County Donegal with special taster menus, weekend discounts as well as some unique food and drink for the events.
6) Investigate Geology | Geology Rocks
During this workshop on Saturday in the Rediscovery Centre, the young investigators will embark on a journey of discovery of the Earth with a mix of presentation, interactive games and hands-on activities.
7) Ballinasloe Horse Agricultural Show
The Ballinasloe Agricultural Horse Show is the oldest Show in Ireland (even older than the RDS in Dublin) and this Sunday host the 180th annual show with classes for InHand & Ridden Horses & Ponies, Cattle & Sheep, Poultry, Art & Vegetables and plenty of family fun.
8) Circus Extreme Cork
Following a successful run in Dublin, this one-of-a-kind performance heads to Cork with extreme stunts, classic clown escapades and show-stopping performances that will have you on the edge of your seat, when not falling off it with laughter.
9) Family Fun Day & Run
Éire Óg Corra Choill Hurling Club host a Fun Run this Sunday with BBQ, Poc Fada, games for all ages, food, music and of course a hurling blitz between three local juvenile teams.
10) Clifden Arts Festival
Running until 29th September, the 42nd Clifden Community Arts Festival continues this weekend with events including talks, readings, film, live music with Green Fields of America on Friday, the Kilfenora Céilí Band on Saturday and the Clifden Elf and Fairy Trail on Saturday morning and lots more.
11) Dublin Fringe Festival
Another fantastic festival comes to a close on Sunday with events over the weekend including Afloat and Dreamgun in Smock Alley Theatre and How to Square a Circle in The Lir Academy.
Three things to do next week:
1) Funderland Belfast
Returning to Belfast from 26th September to 6th October with its usual array of fun attractions and thrill rides to suit all the family.
2) Clonmel Applefest
Clonmel Applefest is a four-day feast for the senses celebrating Clonmel's unique sense of place through its food, heritage and nature with vibrant artistic programme featuring heritage, food, farming, nature and crafts.
3) VegFest
Dublin VegFest is the country's biggest vegan food event with a large outdoor area, speakers area, a vegan food village, chill zone and lots more.
