Film

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

4 August: Based on the French science fiction comic series, Valérian and Laureline, the movie is set in the 28th century and centres on special operatives Valérian and Laureline, working together to maintain order throughout the human territories. The duo must race against time to figure out the dark force that threatens the future of the universe. Written and directed by Luc Besson, the film features a star-studded cast. Besson personally funded the film’s budget of $209m and this much-anticipated flick is sure to have people flocking to the cinema.

Theatre

Dancing at Lughnasa

8 August: Experience Brien Friel’s award-winning tale of the Mundy sisters, at the Everyman in Cork this August. Set in 1930s Donegal, the story is told by the sisters’ nephew, Michael, who recalls a summer spent with his aunts when he was seven years old. Brilliantly evocative, the play highlights the family’s struggle living in rural Ireland in a time when change was dawning. Directed by Julie Kelleher, the play runs until 26 August. Tickets cost €28. For more information, contact the box office on 20-1450-1673, see visit the website www.everymancork.com

Comedy

Pat Shortt

4 August: Pat Shortt, one of Ireland’s best-loved comedians, brings his latest show How’s Tings to Ostan Loch Allen, Letterkenny. In a night of music and madness, the popular funny man sketches a whole host of new characters, among them Sister Eucharia, who explains her hilarious outlook on religion in small Irish towns. Pat, a multi-award winning actor for his film, TV and stages roles, is sure to have audiences doubled over with his trademark high-energy performances. Tickets cost €31.20 and are available from www.ticketmaster.ie

Music

Derek Ryan

3 August: Country superstar Derek Ryan will bring his renowned sound to the Tower Hotel in Waterford. Currently touring the country, Derek is sure to treat fans to a whole host of their favourite tracks on the night. A much-loved name on the country music scene, the Carlow singer rose to fame as part of Celtic pop teen band D Side in 2001. Now, having switched to country music, Derek continues to be more popular than ever.

dancing diary

Connacht

Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Hotel,

Big Band: 6th August, Jimmy Buckley. Kavanaghs Bar:4th August, Ciaran Rosney. 5th August, Matt Dillon. 6th August, Ger Long

Social Dancing: (5-8pm) Jason Travers

Galway: Oranmore, Keane’s, 3rd August, Robert Mizzell, 5th August, Mick Flavin

Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, 6th August, Michael English

Leitrim: Carrick-on-Shannon, Landmark Hotel, 5th August, Declan Nerney

Leinster

Kilkenny: Pilltown, Pilltown Gaa, 6th August, Martin Kearney & Art Supple

Kilkenny: Slievrue, Rhu Glenn, 5th August, Patrick O’Sullivan

Louth: Dundalk, The Lisdoo, 5th August, John McNicholl

Westmeath: Ballymore GAA, Ballymote Music Festival, Aug 6th, Guests include, Michael English, Mike Denver & Derek Ryan

Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 5th August, Patrick Feeney, 7th August, Johnny Brady

Munster:

Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 4th August, Jimmy Buckley,6th August, Patrick Feeney

Cork: Glanmire, The Vienna Woods, 9 Aug, Patrick O’Sullivan

Cork: Castletownbere, Beara Coast Hotel, 7th August, Martin Kearney & Art Supple

Cork: Macroom, Riverside Hotel, 7th August, Michael Collins

Tipperary: Newport, Ballymackeogh, Aherns, 5th August, Mary Prendergast

Tipperary: Thurles, The Premier Ballroom, 6th August, Declan Aungier

Ulster

Cavan: Cavan, Hotel Kilmore, 12th August, Shane Owens

Derry: Coleraine, Bushtown Hotel, 7th August, John McNicholl

Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, 4th August, The Indians,5th August, Jimmy Buckley, 6th August, Mike Denver, 7th August, Robert Mizzell

Down: Newry, Mourne Country, 5th August, Gerry Guthrie,

Donegal: Letterkenny, Josies , 4th August, Patrick Feeney

Monaghan: Castleblayney, Glencarn Hotel, 4th August, Johnny Brady

Tyrone: Omagh, Silverbirch Hotel, 4th August, Robert Mizzell & Dominic Kirwan

Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, 5th August, Michael English