CELEBRATE the Irish language at Féile Traidphicnic in Spiddal, Co Galway, from 6 to 8 July. It will give a taste of the local music, arts and culture in the scenic Gaeltacht area. Live music, sean nós, guided walks and alán craic are planned for the weekend. It is the perfect opportunity to practice your long-forgotten Gaeilge and have a fun weekend out at the same time. All festival events are free to attend, and visitors are just asked to donate what they can to keep the festival running. Visit www.traidphicnic.ie for further details.

DANCE along to Groove festival in Bray, Co Wicklow, for music, food, a live lounge and fun activities for kids on 7 and 8 July. Ham Sandwich, Fun Lovin’ Criminals and the Riptide Movement are just some of the acts taking to the stage over the weekend. There will be a live lounge for the first time holding interviews, acoustic performances and comedy shows. The festival will last from 12.30pm to 10.30pm each day. An adult one-day ticket costs €65.50 and can be purchased online at www.groovefestival.ie/info.

LAUGH and think at An Evening with David Sedaris on 8 July in the National Concert Hall, Co Dublin. Sedaris is an American comedian and author who has many published story collections including Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls and Me Talk Pretty One Day. With his self-deprecating humour and misanthropic views, he often discusses his middle-class upbringing, education, homosexuality and obsessive behaviours. His sharp wit and social critique are not to be missed at this intimate evening of questions and answers. The show starts at 7pm and tickets cost €33. For more information, visit www.nch.ie.

DIVE into the Ballina Salmon Festival in Co Mayo, which takes place from 8 to 15 July. The event has taken place annually for the past 54 years, making it one of the longest-running family festivals in the west of Ireland.

The town is known as the Salmon Capital of Ireland and celebrates this at the festival, through events such as a swim in the River Moy, Ballina Salmon Festival Mardi Gras and a teddy bear’s picnic. Think Outside the Mud on 8 July is set to be a highlight, as teams enter the biggest obstacle course challenge in Ballina. For a full schedule of events visit www.ballinasalmonfestival.ie.

ENJOY a fun-filled day out at Parkfest in The Peace Park, Co Sligo, on 8 July. It is billed as a massive family day out with music, theatre, art and slapstick comedy. Irish percussion band Maracatu Ilha Brilhante and street performer Cillian Rogers will perform at the free event.

Parkfest is a part of the Sligo Arts Festival, which takes place from 7 to 14 July. The event will begin at 12pm and last until 6pm. Both kids and adults will have a great day out in Sligo. Visit www.cairdefestival.ie for further details. CL