Something for the weekend: Five things you need to check out (20 – 22 July)

So much to do, so little time.

The heatwave has been unprecedented, let's be honest. It's subsided a little this week with some people even reporting bits of rain, but we are hearing there is more hot weather on the way. With that in mind, we are encouraging you to get out there and experience what Mother Ireland has to offer in all its splendour.

Earagail Arts Festival

Running for the entire month of July, the Earagail Arts Festival is a bilingual (Irish and English language), multidisciplinary arts festival which takes place on the northernmost part of the Wild Atlantic Way in County Donegal. Included amongst the highlights of the festival is brand new theatre inspired by the Wild Atlantic Way and music from all corners of the globe, including Malian musicians Songhoy Blues, renowned songwriter Duke Special and unique collaborations from the folk group Ulaid.

Wings Food Fest

A festival dedicated to chicken wings. Just take our money, will you? We featured this festival a few weeks back when it was announced and with good reason. Sure, there's music and stuff to do, but at the end of the day, it's wall-to-wall chicken wings. The festival includes more than 15 pop-up wing shops that will each be serving their own variations of the food. That's a lot of chicken wings. Lots and lots of lovely chicken wings and there's even a competition to find out who is mad enough to take on the hottest wings challenge.

Summerfest Carlow

Taking place in Oak Park Rugby club, Summerfest Carlow is a two-day country and western music festival featuring some of the biggest names in the business. Headlining the Summerfest are two of the biggest male singers in Irish country music, Nathan Carter and Derek Ryan. They'll be joined by Cliona Hagan on Saturday and Barry Kirwan on Sunday, making this an unmissable couple of nights for fans of country music.

The Festival of Curiosity 2018

This one of a kind festival in Dublin features a packed programme of arts and science activities, innovative technologies and cultural performances to wow all the family. Enjoy interactive installations, pop-up playgrounds, theatre, art, and even night cycles. There are loads of free events around the city to satisfy the curiosity of young and old with screenings, art installations and a whole lot more.

The Folly

Taking place in the majestic old ruins of Cullahill Castle in Durrow, County Laois, The Folly is the first-ever gender-balanced music and comedy festival in Ireland. Taking place on Friday evening and all day Saturday, tickets are limited for this unique event and will feature music from The Lost Brothers amongst others and also comedy from the likes of Sharon Mannion and Kevin McGahern.