LOVE is certainly in the Lisdoonvarna air as the annual Matchmaking Festival kicks off this Friday 31 August.

Over 160 years old, the festival attracts over 80,000 people from all over the world. Love, dancing and a bit of craic are central to this authentic Clare festival. The opening of the West Clare Railway in 1887 meant Lisdoonvarna increased in popularity as a tourist destination and the matchmaking tradition grew. With the harvest safely in and September being the peak holiday month, many bachelor farmers began to flock to Lisdoonvarna in search of courtships.

The festival features Ireland’s top country stars with Lisa McHugh and Declan Nerney showcasing this weekend’s events. Check out www.matchmakingireland.com for the whole month’s line up.

STYLE yourself from head to toe at a personal style masterclass in the Kingsley Hotel, Cork on Sunday 2 September with Orla Diffily. Dedicated to women aged 40 and beyond who may feel stuck in a style rut, this masterclass is dedicated to all things fashion, beauty and nutrition related for everyday and special occasions. So, before spending time and money on clothes that might not suit you or skincare that doesn’t deliver results, join top industry experts for an engaging and interactive afternoon

Promising easy to follow, practical advice on what really works for different ages, body shapes and sizes, you can’t miss this Cork style event. Each of the experts are available for Q&A afterwards. Tickets are priced at €75.

For more visit www.orladiffily.eu

SING along to Mike Rosenberg, better known as Passenger, at Dublin’s Vicar Street venue this Saturday 1 September. The Brighton-born singer-songwriter has released 10 hit albums over the past 11 years, winning fans with his unique voice and lasting lyrics.

His most recently released album Runaway will be cenre to this week’s Dublin show. Tickets are just €33 and worth every cent to hear and feel the atmosphere created by this young artist.

Get your tickets by visiting www.ticketmaster.ie.

IMMERSE yourself in culture at the Travellers’ Journey exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, Castlebar, Co Mayo. This Thursday and Friday, 30 and 31 August, are the final two days of this unique exhibition showcasing images and film that explore the rich culture and traditions from the west of Ireland’s traveller community. Crafts and skills, home and nomadism, faith, belief and language and other elements of traveller life and traditions will also be explored.

Find the National Museum of Ireland on Facebook for more information.

ENJOY yourself at the Carlow Golf Classic from 3-5 September. Play at three of the county’s most celebrated golf courses: Carlow Golf Club, Mount Wolseley Golf Resort and Bunclody Golf and Fishing Club.

Over the three days golfers of all levels can take up this unique opportunity to play all the courses for an amazing price, as well as enjoying lunch and a chat. That’s not all though, as there is up to €7,000 in prizes across all the various competitions, which are awarded at a gala dinner.

Tickets range from €150-€185. Get more details at www.CarlowTourism.com.