Search icon

Life

21st Jun 2019

Something for the weekend: Five things you need to check out (21 – 23 June)

Eric Lalor

weekend

Another weekend of activity beckons.

It stopped raining for a few minutes there and as a result, we reckon summer is here.

When summer arrives, options for things to do at the weekend increase. We’ve had a trawl through some of the events taking place throughout the country and have chosen some highlights to be enjoyed this coming weekend.

Sea Sessions Surf and Music Festival

An annual music festival in Bundoran, it has become one of the most popular festivals in the land.

Sea Sessions is set right on the beach in the Donegal town and is the only event in the country bringing together the unique lifestyle aspects of surfing, music, skating, BMX, beach sports, graffiti, and more, into a three-day festival.

weekend

This year, Sea Sessions returns with international and Irish artists including Sigrid, Clean Bandit, Two Door Cinema Club, Jax Jones, The Magician, Le Boom, Wild Youth, Hermitage Green, Jerry Fish and lots more.

Nenagh Castlefest 2019

Now in its third year, Nenagh Castlefest has grown year on year and brings the Tipperary town alive for midsummer.

weekend

On the grounds of the majestic 12th century keep of Nenagh Castle, festival goers will find live music from across a variety of genres, including Brian Kennedy and ABBA-esque, an open-air barbecue, funfair and activities for the children, castle tours, crafts and much more.

Bring your picnic or enjoy some of the finest foods, all produced locally, while listening to your favourite tunes in a safe environment.

And best of all – it’s all free!

Shandon Street Festival & Food Fair

Taking place this Saturday in the Cork town, this award-winning festival is one for all the family.

Church Street, Bob & Joan’s Walk and Exchange Street will be decorated by local youth groups, creating a colourful setting for family fun.

weekend

Face-painting, clowns, and music from local bands add to the atmosphere, while those who head along can sit back and enjoy performances from local schools and community groups, with historical re-enactments of local characters and stories.

Bia Lover Food Festival

Taking place in the low lying fields of Athenry in Galway, this festival of food will have foodies everywhere salivating in anticipation. The Bia Lover Food Festival will showcase Ireland’s fabulously diverse range of food, irrespective of whether you’re a stick-to-what-you-know type or a culinary adventurist.

Held in the parkland in front of Athenry Castle, it’s a highlight of the calendar for foodies in the west and visitors from out of town alike.

Midsummer’s Eve Bonfire Festival

This summer solstice festival takes place in Clare, or in Newtown Castle, Ballyvaughan to be precise.

Music to get you dancing will be provided by Cúla Búla (trad rock from Galway) and An Tara (Matthew Noone and Tommy Hayes).

weekend

There will also be free craft workshops for all ages and an opportunity to wine and dine on BBQ local pork cooked in the amazing La Caja China roasting box, together with Burren Food Trail members including: Julia’s Lobster Truck; burgers by Neil Hawes, Burren Food & Wine and much more.