Music

Sharon Shannon

25 May: Sharon Shannon, who has been on the scene for over 20 years, performs at the Loughrea Hotel and Spa Co Galway this Thursday. Sharon always takes to the stage with a smile on her face and is relaxed as she launches into music - you can’t help but smile when she performs. She has such a glow about herself on stage. Accordion-extraordinaire and part-time member of The Waterboys, Sharon’s unique style reflects many musical influences including cajun, Scottish, reggae and of course traditional Irish folk. See more at www.loughreahotelandspa.com or call 091-880 088 to book. Tickets €25.

Imelda May

29-31 May: Imelda May will play three dates in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre Dublin starting Monday 29 May. Taking the biggest band line-up she has ever toured, the shows promise to delight both old and new fans of Imelda’s music. The new line-up brings the wonderful new material and old favourites to full colour. If you don’t know Imelda May, prepare to be amazed. If you are already a fan, get ready to hear her as you never have before. Tickets start at €40 and are available from the Ticketmaster website.

Festivals

Wexford Food and Wine Festival

27-28 May: This is the ninth year of the Wexford Food and Wine Festival. Events include an open-air food producers’ market in the heart of Wexford Town, guided foraging, an ale trail and a food demonstration by the Happy Pear twins. Many events are free of charge, with any profits generated donated to charities and worthy local causes. Visit www.wexfordfoodfestival.ie for more.

Conamara Bog Week

28 May-5 June: The Conamara Bog Week in Letterfrack, Co Galway, celebrates the tradition of turf cutting with events that will bring together members of the community and visitors. Activities include a 5km family run/walk and a family fun day in Letterfrack, as well as plenty of pub sessions. Visit www.ceecc.org for more details.

Comedy

David McSavage – A Sacred Cow

26 May: The Spirit Store Dundalk welcomes David McSavage this Friday. Dave is Ireland’s most divisive comedian an on top of that – he’s funny too! A Sacred Cow is another way at looking at all of the institutions and parts of life in Ireland that shape us. The Church, politicians, alcohol and celebrities will come under scrutiny with a level of honesty and caustic wit. Not suitable for clergy, politicians, bankers and economists, but is very suitable for people who want a good night out and a great laugh. Tickets €20 – call 042-935 2697 for booking.

Theatre

The Collector

26 May: At the Source Arts Centre this Friday, Central Arts presents The Collector. Frederick Clegg is a socially awkward young man who collects butterflies. He becomes infatuated with the beautiful, unapproachable art student Miranda Grey. No longer able to watch from afar, Frederick does the unthinkable and resorts to “collecting” her. What unfolds between the captor and the prisoner is a battle of wills and an exploration of privilege that will have the audience second-guessing their inner moral dialogues. This gripping psychological thriller will have you on the edge of your seats. Tickets €10 - call 050-490 340 for more information.

Film

Baywatch

29 May: Baywatch is a reboot of the popular 1990s TV series starring David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson as beach lifeguards. In the big-screen version, Dwayne Johnson is Mitch Buchanan, the head lifeguard who isn’t happy with new recruit Matt Brody (Zac Efron), an arrogant Olympian hired to increase publicity for the Baywatch crew. Even as the two men struggle to get along, they encounter a criminal plot that threatens the safety of the bay. This film has something for older audiences familiar with the original as well as those who have not seen it.

Dancing diary

Connacht

Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park Hotel, Social Dancing Pat McKenna & Glenshane Country (5-8pm) Big Band Tues 30th May (Race Dance) Gerry Guthrie

Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, 28th May, Lisa McHugh

Leinster

Kilkenny: Pilltown, Pilltown Gaa, 28th May, Brian McDermott

Kilkenny: Slievrue, Rhu Glenn, 27th May, Martin Kearney & Art Supple

Louth: Dundalk, The Lisdoo, 27th May, John McNicholl

Meath: Navan, The Ardboyne, 29th May, John McNicholl

Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 27th May, Lisa McHugh

Munster:

Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 26th May, Barry Kirwan

Cork: Macroom, Riverside Park Hotel, 29th May, PJ Murrihy

Cork: Glanmire, The Vienna Woods, 31st May, Liam Mannering & Maria

Clare: Ennis, West County Hotel, 28th May, Jim Devine

Limerick: Caherconlish, Millennium Centre, 3rd June, John McNicholl

Limerick: Adare, Woodlands Hotel, 28th May, Gerry Guthrie, 5th June Afternoon Tea Dance, Dermot Lyons

Tipperary: Tipperary, Times Hotel, 28th May, PJ Murrihy

Tipperary: Newport, Ballymackeogh, Aherns, 27th May, Adrian Ryan

Tipperary: Thurles, The Premier Ballroom, 28th May, Montana

Tipperary: Roscrea, Racket Hall, 27th May, Paddy O’Brien, 3rd June, Declan Nerney

Tipperary: Roundhill, Ballina, 27th May, Tony Bird, 28th May, Seamus Sheehy

Ulster:

Cavan: Cavan, Hotel Kilmore, 27th May, Cliona Hagan

Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, 27th May, Robert Mizzell

Down: Newry, Mourne Country, 27th May, Mick Flavin

Donegal: Letterkenny, Josies , 26th May, Eamon Jackson

Derry: Coleraine, Bushtown Hotel, 29th May, Lisa McHugh

Monaghan: Monaghan, Hillgrove Hotel, 28th May, Robert Mizzell

Monaghan: Castleblayney, The Glencarn, 26th May, Michelle Magee and Guests

Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, 27th May, Gerry Guthrie

Tyrone: Omagh, Silverbirch Hotel, 26th May, Robert Mizzell