27 August: The 16/17 international concert series opens with one of the world’s greatest orchestras. This will be their first concert in their “Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra meets Europe” tour, in which they visit 28 EU member states between 2016 and 2018. For this concert, members of The National Youth Orchestra of Ireland will have the rare opportunity of performing with this world-class orchestra on the National Concert Hall stage, under the baton of Daniele Gatti. Tickets: range from €50 to €110. For more information, see www.nch.ie.
Festivals
Monivea fair
28 August: Monivea fair provides a relaxing and fun-filled weekend of shows, vintage displays, amusements and events for all the family. The fair has something to suit everyone: an old-time sheep, dog and pet show, funfair, kiddies disco, bonny baby show and a vintage display, as well as artisan foods stalls, with food and beer served on the historic greens in the heart of Monivea Village. For more, visit www.moniveafair.weebly.com
Irish Game and Country Fair
27-28 August: The Irish Game and Country Fair and Fine Food Festival will be taking place at Birr castle. It stages a number of international competitions and displays, including clay pigeon shooting, archery, carriage driving, fly casting, dog shows, and gundog competitions. In addition, the event has wide family appeal – from country living attractions such as the fine food festival with cookery demos by celebrity chefs, a living history village, a huge tented village of trade stands offering great country lifestyle shopping and lots of have-a-go opportunities. Admission for adults is €15 and children’s tickets are €5. For more information, visit www.irishgameandcountryfair.com
Limerick Show
27-28 August: Limerick Show is one of the largest agricultural shows in Ireland. It features the best of horse-showing classes, dairy, beef and commercial cattle classes. There will also be classes in sheep, goats, poultry, horticulture, craft, art, photography and baking. A popular feature on Sunday is the pet dog show. With many trade stands, and entertainment it’s guaranteed to be a great day out for families. For more, see www.limerickshow.com
Film
The Deep Blue Sea
1 September: For one night only, Terence Rattigan’s devastating masterpiece will be playing at Movies@Gorey and Sgc Dungarvan cinema, staring Helen McCroy playing one of the greatest female roles in contemporary drama. When Hester Collyer is found by her neighbours in the aftermath of a failed suicide attempt, the story of her tempestuous affair with a former RAF pilot and the breakdown of her marriage to a high court judge begins to emerge. With it comes a portrait of need, loneliness and long-repressed passion. Behind the fragile veneer of post-war civility burns a brutal sense of loss and longing.
Cell
26 August: Based on Stephen King’s best-selling novel, which is brought to terrifying life in this mind-blowing thriller starring John Cusack and Samuel L Jackson. At the Boston airport, Clay (Cusack) witnesses a scene of chaotic mayhem when an electronic signal turns hundreds of cell phone users into rabid killers. Desperate to find his estranged wife and son, Clay teams with a train driver (Jackson) to battle the horde of murderous “phoners” as the city descends into apocalyptic madness.
Dancing diary
Connacht
Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, Sun 28th August, Gerry Guthrie
Leinster
Dublin: Dublin, Red Cow, Thurs 25th August, Declan Nerney
Kilkenny: Pilltown, Pilltown GAA Complex, Sun 28th August, Teddy & Cathal Barry
Kilkenny: Rhu Glenn, Sat 27th August, Derek Ryan
Westmeath: Moate, The Well, Sat 27th August, Jimmy Buckley
Meath: Navan, Ardboyne Hotel, Mon 29th August, Gerry Guthrie
Louth: Dundalk, The Lisdoo, Sat 27th August, Lisa McHugh
Waterford: Tramore, O’Sheas, Sun 4th September, Martin Carney & Art Supple
Munster
Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, Fri 26th August, Michael English
Cork: Glanmire, The Vienna Woods, Wed 31st August, Patrick O’Sullivan
Limerick: Adare, Woodlands Hotel, Sun 28th August, Jim Devine
Limerick: Kilmallock, Bulgaden Castle, Wed 31st August, Finbar Dennehy
Limerick: Limerick, Greenhills Hotel, Thurs 25th August, Kings of Country night, Ray Lynam, John Hogan & Mick Flavin
Limerick: Gallbally Garden Fete, Sun 28th August, Louise Morrissey & Ryan Turner Band
Tipperary: Newport, Aherns, Sat 27th August, Twice Shy
Ulster
Down: Newry, Mourne Country, Sat 27th August, Eamonn Jackson
Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, Sat 27th August, Jim Devine, Mon 29th August, Lisa McHugh
Cavan: Cavan, Hotel Kilmore, Sat 27th August, Michael English
Monaghan: Monaghan, Four Seasons Hotel, Sun 28th August, Patrick Feeney
Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, Sat 27th August, Robert Mizzell
Derry: Coleraine, The Bushtown, Mon 29th August, Patrick Feeney, Tues 30th, Eamonn Jackson
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