IMMERSE yourself in the written word and feed your inner bookworm at the Dublin Book Festival, an annual celebration of Ireland’s authors and publishers. The literary event is now in its 11th year and boasts an exciting programme for book lovers of all ages. The festival caters for every genre: so whether you’re a fiction fanatic or a raving romancer, the Dublin Book Festival has your needs covered. Running to 9 November, there is plenty of time to soak up the amazing atmosphere, public interviews, workshops, and much more. Visit www.dublinbookfestival.com to avail of the programme and other details.

CELEBRATE Cork City Ballet’s 25th anniversary with Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece The Sleeping Beauty at Cork Opera House from Thursday 9 November to Saturday 11 November (with a matinee on Saturday). Directed by CCB’s artistic director Alan Foley, and choreographed by Yury Demakov, The Sleeping Beauty reawakens the magic of the world’s favourite fairy-tale in an enchanted world of castles and curses, forests and fairies with principal dancers from the Moscow State Ballet, joined by soloists and a full corps de ballet from Cork City Ballet. Tickets €25 to €43. For further information, visit www.corkcityballet.com or www.corkoperahouse.ie.

LEARN the important role women played on HMS Caroline at the Wrens of HMS Caroline Travelling Exhibition, which takes place at Ormeau Road Library, Belfast, on 14 November. During the Second World War, many of those who served on board were female Wrens from the Women’s Royal Naval Service. Throughout the project, approximately 20 women will share their memories of serving on board from the 1940s to the 1990s, and the exhibition will feature memories and photographs collected during the war, giving you a vivid insight into the personal experiences of that voyage. For further information see www.whatsonni.com.

DIVE into the spectacular scenery of Co Mayo as you venture on a mountain-bike trail through the Tawnard forest to Aasleagh Falls, around Killary Harbour and through the valleys. This half-day mountain bike excursion is led by Westport Cycle Tours, aiming to highlight the cycle routes less travelled, promising powerful scenery, and picturesque locations – you will not leave disappointed. The route begins at the entrance to Tawnyard Forest, following the downhill trail, which will be sure to get the adrenaline pumping. This is a splendid way to allow the hours to slip by. For more information visit www.westportcycletours.com.

EXPERIENCE the magical story telling of motion pictures at the Waterford Film Festival, running from 3 November to 5 November. Established in 2007 by local filmmaker Stephen Byrne, the event has gone from strength to strength since those early days, screening over 500 films from film-makers around the world, as well as promoting writers with the short screenplay competition. Filmmakers from across Ireland, UK, France, Germany, Holland, Canada and America have attended the festival. Festival-goers will see the films screened on a full-size cinema screen, with Dolby Surround Sound offering an immersive experience. For further details visit www.waterfordfilmfestival.net.