Something for the weekend: Five things you need to check out (28 – 30 June)

The weekend comes at us fast.

Maybe not fast enough for some, but it's here and yet again we've got you covered with suggestions on how to make the most of the coming days.

Cootehill Arts Festival 2019

Cootehill Arts Festival returns this year in its new time slot of 26 June - 1 July. Running over six days and nights, there really is something for everyone. There will be music, theatre, comedy and so much at this wonderful festival in the north east. David Kitt will be amongst those providing the tunes, while the superb Fishamble theatre group will also be performing. There will be poetry and writing workshops from Colm Keegan and Una Mannion, art exhibitions, a smartphone photography workshop, children’s workshops, family fun and loads more to entertain the masses over the weekend.

Kaleidoscope Festival

Kaleidoscope Festival, Ireland's first ever camping festival for families, will take place in the glorious surroundings of Russborough House in Blessington this weekend. Festival goers can expect three days of high energy, full colour, multi-stage entertainment over 16 stages, designed to entice and enthral all in attendance, from babes in arms to those eligible for a bus pass. Launched by the people behind Electric Picnic, Kaleidoscope tailors the overall festival experience to the desires of the festival-going family and brings the essence of Electric Picnic to a brand-new venue.

Buncrana Music Festival

The festival takes place on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 June at Buncrana’s scenic Shore Front, and if the weather is anything like last year, we can expect an amazing atmosphere. We think the weather will be just fine. There will be brilliant music to look forward to from Delorentos, Hudson Taylor, The Hot House Flowers, The Blizzards, Keywest, and Natty Wailer to name but a few. At the end of each night, meanwhile, a spectacular fireworks display will finish off the festivities.

Mid-Summer Festival - Nature and Heritage on the Loop

An excuse is rarely needed to visit Clare and this weekend, people in Kilkee can enjoy a series of events and a truly authentic experience in an unspoiled area, the Loop Head Peninsula, on the Cliff Coast of the Wild Atlantic Way. There are a plethora of events taking place including nature, heritage and history talks and walks, e-bike tours, art and nature workshops, traditional skills workshops and, of course, traditional music sessions.

The Old Fort Quarter Festival

The Old Fort Quarter Festival is a celebration of the heritage of Portlaoise and this will be displayed in abundance throughout the festival with heritage displays, talks, tours, family entertainment and food. The Old Fort will also be getting its own dedicated live music stage, similar to the Electric Ireland stage at Electric Picnic, with music from the likes of King Kong Company, ABBAesque, The Valves, The Dooley Brothers and more.