Remember

this year the 143rd Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show is jumping ahead to the earlier date of the 20-24 July. The countdown is on for the infamous Fei Nations Cup, where the world’s top showjumpers will compete on behalf of their countries for the Aga Khan trophy. Highlights of the show include the heart-stopping drama of the Land Rover Puissance, featuring the famous “Wall”; the Longines Grand Prix; and over 100 national showing and show-jumping classes. The show is a wonderful day out for horse enthusiasts and families alike, offering something for everyone. From live music, award-winning crafts and art exhibitions, children’s entertainment, fashion, a shopping village with over 200 stands and restaurants. So cheer the teams in the high-speed hunt chase, or simply rest your elbows on the rails of the showing rings and soak up the atmosphere. Tickets from €16 can be found on www.ticketmaster.ie

Sing

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your heart out at the Monaghan country music festival from the 14 to 17 July. The Diamond Monaghan will host the event over the four days with acts such as Jimmy Buckley, Derek Ryan, Michael English, Lisa McHugh and the recently crowned Mike Denver, who won performer of the year at the RTÉ Irish Country Music Awards. This will be the fourth year of the festival, with the main feature being the jiving competition on the Sunday. Tickets are €10 a night, while weekend passes are €35. For more information visit www.monaghancountrymusicfestival.co

Enjoy

the tea, the sandwiches and all of the activities that are being prepared for Craggy Island Festival, taking place on Inis Mór. This festival will either completely baffle you or make you want to up sticks and head for “Craggy Island” for a few days of completely off-the-wall madness! The festival celebrates cult TV series Father Ted and, as anyone familiar with it will know, this means madness, mayhem and total chaos are not just inevitable but desirable. Planned events include fancy-dress competitions, with guest celebrities such as Father Damo (Joe Rooney), Fr Stone (Michael Redmond) and Eoin McLove (Patrick McDonnell). Oh, and of course the annual Lovely Girls Competition. Ah, go on – you know you don’t want to miss it. For more information see www.craggyislandfestival.com

Gather

the family for a fun day out at Ireland’s biggest free summer festival. Laya Healthcare’s City Spectacular comes to Fitzgerald Park in Co Cork from 16 to 17 July. Prepare to be amazed by street performers such as The Lizardman with a wide range of talents, while puppetry royalty Bosco will be hanging around to share a giggle in aid of Laura Lynn. The ESB Spark Your Imagination area is a creative hub for children designed to inspire and feed their imaginations. Crazy scientist Doktor Kaboom will also be making an appearance, mixing safety goggles with giggles. There will be a range of activities such as yoga, arts and crafts, dance and drama, not to forget O’Eggs Fun on the Farm, where children can have hands-on fun playing with immersive farm toys. There’s really an activity for everyone, a festival not to be missed. For more information see www.cityspectacular.com

Attend

the Transatlantic Cable Festival will be taking place on Valentia Island in Co Kerry from 14 to 17 July. The festival will celebrate the first successful transatlantic message to Newfoundland. To mark this historic occasion, there will be a four-day festival of lecturers, tours, fun events and a number of special exhibitions. See www.telegraphcablefestival.ie for more.