Something for the weekend: Five things you need to check out (17 – 19 August)

The best of what's going on around this beautiful island.

Okay, so the weather has changed and it's actually more like a normal Irish summer now, but that doesn't mean you should sit at home sulking. There is plenty to see and do all over the country and we've got some highlights right here.

Waterford Walls

Waterford Walls international street art festival is an event where the historic city transforms into an open-air gallery. See how the exciting Waterford Walls re-imagines Waterford City’s public spaces in this unique celebration of street art. Over 50 artists, including Cork-born, Dublin-based Garreth Joyce and the creator of the visual universe Animalitoland, Graciela Gonçalves Da Silva, have been invited to take part in 2018, the fourth year of this successful festival. It runs from 17-26 August.

Kilkenny Arts Festival

Running since 1974, this annual arts extravaganza in the Marble City is one of the biggest and best arts festivals in the country. Taking place in a wide variety of venues across the medieval city, the festival features musicians, actors, performers, writers, poets and artists from Ireland and abroad. There will be a programme of music events curated by Martin Hayes, the legendary trad musician, called The Marble City Sessions, which will feature talents such as Glen Hansard. If you fancy some theatre, Stephen Rea will be performing New York Time at the Watergate Theatre.

The Big Grill Festival

If, like us, you enjoy eating and eating al fresco (this unbelievable summer has given us serious notions), you are going to love this festival. Taking place in Herbert Park in Dublin, it is proudly able to boast of being Europe’s largest barbecue and craft beer festival. That's right lads, it's a massive barbecue. It will be a culinary extravaganza for meat lovers, with barbecue experts from up and down the country bringing their own take of smokey, flame-grilled goodness to the table. The Big Grill Festival is here and it demands your attention.

Another Love Story

Taking place in Killyon Manor in Co. Meath, this festival, running since 2014, has become a firm favourite on the festival circuit. It is a bespoke weekender of music, art, whimsy and fun, nestled in the glorious surrounds of Killyon Manor. There is music from Ships, Mammal Hands, Cloud Castle Lake, Mount Alaska, Pillow Queens and many more. Another Love Story is a really great, laid-back festival and one you should experience if you get the chance.

Youghal Medieval Festival

Get your Princess Bride on and see gorgeous West Cork while you're at it. Taking place this Sunday (19 August) in Youghal, it is the biggest medieval festival bar none in this country. All the action takes place in St Mary's College and offres opportunities to journey through a medieval village to discover what living was like back hundreds and hundreds of years ago. You can also meet an apothecary, a wool spinner, a coin presser, and much more. You can learn how to weave on a loom or cook like in olden times. You can even have your hair braided in a medieval manner. There will be food stalls on site showcasing local cuisine and stuff for all the kids to enjoy too. For more information, check out the festival website.