DISCOVER some of Donegal’s most spectacular scenery and hidden gems with expert local guides at the 2019 Ardara Walking Festival. Starting from Friday 15 March, the festival will feature one easy walk for beginners and one moderate walk for experienced hikers each day. The small town of Ardara prides itself as the festival capital of Donegal and there is always a lively atmosphere with no shortage of cosy pubs to rest tired feet and review the day’s highlights. Registration for this event takes place in the Heritage Centre, Ardara on 15 March. Price is €20 per walk or €30 for two walks.

CHALLENGE yourself and support a great cause as Gráigue Ballycallan Athletics Club host their Bank Holiday Fun Run on 18 March. Kicking off at 11am in Kilmanagh, Co Kilkenny, this event features a 10k road race for competitors and a shorter family fun run/walk for the more leisured participants. Gráigue Ballycallan AC are keen to advocate both the physical and mental health benefits of exercise, and encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to take part on the day - you might even get a medal.

SEE outstanding Irish artwork at the Glór Gallery, Ennis, Co Clare, following the launch of a major crafts exhibition for the month of March. Four east Clare based artists: Vivienne Bogan, Kathryna Cuschieri, Nicola Henley and Jane Seymour will show work in an exhibition entitled Elemental Fusion. The collection features pieces of glasswork, clay sculpts, textiles and paperwork, which capture the imagination and reflects on the theme of unity and resonance. This exhibition runs in the Glór Gallery until 30 March. For further information, please contact Glór at 065 6845 370 or visit www.glor.ie

EXPERIENCE Galway’s rich mix of cultural and ethnic diversity at the 117th edition of Galway’s St Patrick’s Day Festival. Featuring an array of cultural, community, sporting and international groups the inaugural parade kicks off at 11.30am and promises to be a wonderful spectacle of all things Irish. This event has always been associated with the promotion and showcasing of local artists and groups. A great family day out, there is guaranteed to be a carnival atmosphere on the day that the whole city can be part of.

VISIT the 2019 Kanturk Arts Festival as artists, musicians, performers and craftsmen come together to create a vibrant weekend of competitions, exhibitions and shows. Taking place in the market town of Kanturk, Co Cork from 15-19 March, this festival has grown enormously since its debut in 2009. The highlight of the festival is the Flash Fiction Competition, which sees entrants come from all over Ireland, Britain, USA and Europe. For a full list of events see www.kanturkarts.ie.