MUSIC

Gavin James

20 July: Gavin James plays live at Galway International Arts Festival. At just 27 years old, the singer-songwriter has been selling out venues at home and abroad with releases such as Always and City of Stars. Dublin-born Gavin grew up in a happy, musical household, adoring the sounds of his dad’s favourites: Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens. With a deeply ingrained musical background, his passion draws in audiences of all descriptions. The highly sought-after tickets to see Gavin at Galway International Arts Festival are available on www.ticketmaster.ie.

Summer Fest Carlow

21 & 22 July: Summerfest Carlow is a brand-new music festival coming to Carlow town this July, as Oak Park Rugby Grounds play host to some of Ireland’s biggest country and western stars over the weekend. Liverpool-born Nathan Carter, Carlow native Derek Ryan, Cliona Hagan and Barry Kirwan are just some of the acts on the lineup, making this an unmissable weekend for all country music fans. For tickets and further details visit www.summerfestcarlow.com.

THEATRE

Wicked The Musical

19 July – 1 September: Wicked The Musical takes over Bord Gais Energy Theatre this summer. Casting its spell over international audiences for a decade, it has won over 90 awards and remains a West End sensation. Based on Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel that reinvented the tales of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Wicked fills the stage with dazzling costumes, ingenious wit and stunning vocals. For adults and children alike, this production promises to charm. Read more on show times and ticket details at www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie.

Misterman

25 July: Enda Walsh’s Misterman comes to Theatre Royal in Co Waterford for three nights only. Director Aidan Kelly delves into the true goings-on of small town Ireland, while Michael Quinlan’s success on stage contributes to this production’s popularity with his depiction of one man’s descent into religious mania in small-town Ireland. The play is relatable for audiences of all backgrounds and interests. It promises to be an enlightening production with tickets on sale for only €12. See www.TheatreRoyal.ie

COMEDY

Best of Irish stand-up comedy

19-21 July: The Laughter Lounge, Dublin, prepares to grin at some of Ireland’s top comedians. Funny man Johnny Candon will keep guests laughing in between acts as MC, while headliner Ian Coppinger lifts the spirits. As well as being co-founder of Dublin Comedy Improv, Coppinger is a sell-out favourite – guaranteed to make you howl. Paul Marsh is another favourite on the line-up. The multi-award-winning Tipperary comedian has been described as “a rising star of Irish comedy” by The Laughter Lounge. This is an over-18’s event. Tickets range from €25 to €30. Visit www.laughterlounge.com for more details.

FILM

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

20 July: The long-awaited sequel to the 2008 musical comedy Mamma Mia! is coming to Irish cinemas this Friday 20 July. Directed by Ol Parker, the film is based on the internationally renowned songs of Abba. Irish-born star Pierce Brosnan once again takes on the role of Sam, one of Donna’s past lovers and Sophie’s potential father. The movie is set on the beautiful Greek Island of Kalokairi. With an upbeat romantic feel, audiences could catch themselves singing along to Waterloo. This unconventional story of love, family and music is not to be missed.

Dancing diary

Connacht

Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, 22nd July, Robert Mizzell

Leitrim: Carrick on Shannon, Landmark Hotel, 28th July, Lisa McHugh

Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park,

Big Band Dancing: 24th July, Patrick Feeney

Social Dancing: 22nd July, TR Dallas

Leinster

Dublin: Dublin, The Red Cow, 26th July, Jimmy Buckley

Kilkenny: Slievrue, Rhu Glenn, 21st July, Michael English

Kilkenny: Piltown, Piltown Gaa Complex, 22nd July, Mary Predergast

Louth: Dundalk, The Lisdoo, 21st July, Jimmy Buckley

Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 19th July, Michael Sexton, 21st July, Declan Nerney 22nd July, Andy Feery

Munster

Clare: Ennis, The West County, 29th July, Ciaran Rosney

Cork: Macroom, Riverside Park Hotel, 23rd July, Eddie Lee & James

Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 20th July, Patrick Feeney

Cork: Glanmire, Vienna Woods, 25th July, Michael English

Limerick: Adare, Woodlands Hotel, 22nd July, Derek Ryan

Tipperary: Newport, Ballymackeogh, Aherns, 21st July, Tennessee Two

Tipperary: Thurles, The Premier Ballroom, 22nd July, Checkers

Tipperary: Roscrea, Racket Hall, 28th July, Richie Remo

Ulster

Derry: Coleraine, Bushtown House Hotel, 23rd July, Robert Mizzell

Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, 20th July, Roly Daniels, 21st July, Robert Mizzell, 22nd July, Jimmy Buckley

Down: Newry, The Mourne Country, 21st July, Barry Kirwan

Monaghan: Monaghan, Hillgrove Hotel, 22nd July, Ciaran Rosney

Monaghan: Castleblayney, The Glencarn, 20th July, Robert Mizzell

Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, 21st July, Gerry Guthrie

Tyrone: Omagh, Silverbirch Hotel, 20th July, Mike Denver