Something for the weekend: Five things you need to check out (29 June – 2 July)

Get up and get out.

The heatwave to beat all heatwaves is currently engulfing Ireland right now and there is no better time to get out and enjoy this wonderful country and all its pleasures. There is plenty of time to watch the World Cup. The World Cup comes once every four years, but heatwaves like this are a once in a lifetime phenomenon! There is a whole load of stuff going on and here is just a selection of some of the things you can get involved in all over the country.

Taste of Wicklow

Already in its sixth year, the Taste of Wicklow is the biggest food festival in the south-east. Taking place in the gorgeously picturesque Wicklow town, this will be a great event to attend. Featuring an array of celebrity chefs including Catherine Fulvio and Paul Kelly, award-winning artisan food and craft producers, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Buncrana Music Festival

The Buncrana Music Festival is back again following a successful outing last year. The revival continues this year as the festival ramps up with another weekend of live performances from some of the best up and coming artists in Ireland. Not forgetting a Ministry of Sound performance, featuring Roger Sanchez among others. All acts will play the main stage on the main street in Buncrana with the backdrop of great food, family activities and a bloody tasty fireworks display for good measure on the seafront each evening.

Seafest

Ireland's maritime festival, Seafest, returns to Galway harbour this weekend and we can't think of anything more perfect. Galway in the sun. Oh and maritime stuff to cool off. There are boats to be boarded, lectures to be heard, information on all things living in the sea; hell they've even got acrobatic fly-boarders doing stunts!

Dublin Pride Parade

One of the most colourful and extravagant parades you will see anywhere in Ireland, the annual Dublin Pride Parade is a whole lot of people having a whole lot of fun. This year's theme is 'We Are Family', so why not listen to speeches and soak in the entertainment, which will begin at midday at Stephen’s Green before the parade embarks on its route at 2pm.

Dublin Ghost Story Festival

For those who fancy a break from the sunshine and heat, fear not, we have you covered too. The Dublin Ghost Story Festival is a biannual festival run by publishing house Swan River Press, a local operation dedicated to literature of the gothic, fantastic, strange and supernatural. There will be talks and readings from some famous authors such as Reggie Oliver and Joyce Carol Oates all over three days at the Grand Masonic Lodge on Molesworth Street.