Something for the weekend: Five things you need to check out (27 – 29 July)

Loads going on.

This summer of summers shows no sign of abating and our desire to get out there and enjoy it is as strong as ever. The weather for the main still looks good so you know the drill, start planning and get out there. As usual, there are a plethora of things to do and here are some of the events that caught our eye.

Vodafone Comedy Festival

Regarded by many as the number one comedy festival in the country, taking place in the city centre of Dublin in the resplendent surroundings of the Iveagh Gardens. The Vodafone Comedy Festival is back with a dazzling array of homegrown and international talent. Tommy Tiernan, David O'Doherty, Aisling Bea and Jason Byrne are among the big hitters for the Irish and they'll be joined by international heavyweights such as Neil Hamburger, Sara Schaefer, Rory Scovel, Tom Allen and Seann Walsh.

Durrow Scarecrow Festival 2018

Taking place in Laois, the featured event is the All-Ireland Scarecrow Championship, but there is so much more. Now in its ninth year, the Durrow Scarecrow Festival is one of the best festivals anywhere in the country. The Scarecrow Festival is made up of loads of areas. In the centre of the village, you'll find the Scarecrow Village and the food and craft fair. Further away, more sedate areas where you can kick back and chill out include the playground and Scarecrow Electric Picnic.

Skibbereen Arts Festival

Nobody needs to be asked twice to visit the glorious West Cork, but when there's a great festival like this one, there really is no excuse not to visit one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland and have a great time while you're at it! There will be an exhibition exploring the Great Famine at Uillinn Arts Centre, and a Wild West-themed street party, as well as the usual mixture of film screenings, poetry readings, and trad sessions throughout the 11 days of the festival.

Bray Air Display 2018

The skies of Bray will be peppered with air displays of aerial acrobats who perform gravity-defying feats for your entertainment. The Bray Air Display also has food stalls, live music and a funfair to keep everyone happy. Featuring displays from the Red Arrows and the Frecce Tricolori, there's even the chance to book a helicopter ride. Sure what more could you ask for?

Art In The Open

Art In The Open is the largest outdoor painting festival in Europe and it attracts over 200 painters from around the world. Taking place in various Wexford locations, there are stunning settings for protagonists to paint such as country houses, beaches and towns. There are 20 masterclasses and workshops by international tutors including Keike Tanabe from Japan, Haidee-Jo Summers and Nikki Heenan from the UK, and Stuart White from the US.