Thrill yourself by going along to the Gaelforce mountain run, which is being held at Leenane, Connemara, Co Galway, this Saturday 4 March. This event is growing every year as the interest in mountain running increases. There are three distances: a 22km expert mountain run; a 12km intermediate mountain run; and a 12km introductory mountain/trail. Enjoy the stunning views of Killary Fjord as you scale the peaks of Connemara on the east side of the Maamturk Mountains. The scenery alone is worth the admission fee of €30 to €50.

Experience some of the finest contemporary portraiture by going along to the Hennessy Portrait Prize, which is being held in the National Gallery of Ireland until 26 March. The Hennessy Portrait Prize welcomes portraitists from all disciplines, including photography, and the annual celebratory exhibition also serves as a sampling of some of Ireland’s most interesting artists and creatives. A highly regarded judging panel has been assembled for this year, which includes photographer Jackie Nickerson, well-known art critic Gemma Tipton, Peter Murray, director of the Crawford Gallery in Cork, and Dr Adriaan Waiboer, curator of Northern European Art at the National Gallery of Ireland. Admission is free.

Listen to Mike Denver and guests in concert this weekend. Mike Denver will be joined by Ray Lynam and Philomena Begley at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel in Co Carlow at 8pm. Known as the Galway boy, Mike is one of Ireland’s top entertainers, having this year celebrated 13 years on the entertainment scene. He is regarded as the best band for dancing with thanks to his high-energy shows featuring all of his famous hits. A great night of entertainment is certainly guaranteed at one of Mike Denver’s shows. Tickets cost €33.20

Go along to the Ronan Collins showband show, reeling in the showband years, which has been a smash hit for the past eight years. This weekend it will arrive at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone, on Sunday 5 March. There is an exceptional line-up in store for what is sure to be a sell-out gig. RTÉ’s Ronan Collins is host and acts on the night include Red Hurley, Gina from The Champions, Gregory from The Cadets, Keith and Lorraine McDonald, Tommy and Jimmy Swarbrigg and The Conquerors Showband. Tickets cost €25.

Entertain yourself by going along to the INEC this weekend. Dirty Dancing is touring the country this year, bringing its show to the INEC in Killarney, Co Kerry, for six days, running from 28 February to 5 March. The show, which originally opened in September 2011, has wowed audiences across the country, broken box office records and played to many standing ovations. The production features the original dialogue from the film as well as the same charisma and excitement that the characters brought to the story. Tickets start from €39.05.