There are a number of events taking place up and down the country over the weekend, including plenty of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy:
Waterford Festival of Food
Down in the sunny southeast, the Waterford Festival of Food is taking place in Dungarvan and surrounding areas.
The programme includes more than 100 events centred around food, community and family, including outdoor activities ideal for the fine weather.
The Quayside Market opens at Davitt’s Quay at 11am on Saturday, promising a “festival atmosphere” along the quays with plenty of food to enjoy.
On Sunday, the festival’s showpiece event, the Festival Market, will be open from 10am to 5pm, bringing together more than 90 stalls in Grattan Square stocked by artisan food makers and producers.
Family-friendly events will include interactive gardening with horticulturist Malachy Doherty at Dungarvan Castle, pottery painting at Dungarvan Library and a kids bake off at Curran’s Store at Davitt’s Quay.
Cúirt International Festival of Literature
Cúirt
The annual Cúirt International Festival of Literature continues in Galway this weekend with a programme of events for readers and writers including panels, conversations and workshops in venues across the city.
Among the free events taking place on Saturday is the Outset Market in the Cornstore on Middle Street, showcasing works by independent artists, creatives and designers.
Outset is a perfect pitstop before taking the little ones to Children’s Story Time just next door at Charlie Byrne’s bookshop, where author and bookseller Méabh McDonnell will be leading a “Cúirt-ified” edition of the weekly event featuring books by Irish authors and illustrators.
Méabh will be on hand again on Sunday at the Galway Arts Cente in Nun’s Island for the Sunday Breakfast Club, serving up stories and pastries from 10am on Sunday morning, suitable for children aged 10 and over.
Tiny Traders Village
Galway’s beloved market ‘Tiny Traders Village’
Also in Galway city, the popular Tiny Traders Village made its return to Eyre Square this week, bringing a market stocked with crafts, clothing and food from local independent vendors.
The market has something for everybody, including vintage clothing and football shirts, art and crafts, handmade gifts and much more.
Tiny Traders is open from 10am to 6pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
Sensoria
James O’Connor from Drumcondra pictured with performers Moss Russell, Klara McDonnell and Ino Ye getting ready for Dublin City Council Sensoria Festival, Taking place this weekend at Merrion Square Park, Dublin. For more information visit www.dublin.ie/sensoria
A free event in Merrion Square Park in Dublin city centre, Sensoria is a neurodivergent-friendly festival taking place on both Saturday and Sunday.
There will be music, dancing, magic and other performances featured on the main stage, interactive experiences including circus and cabaret, and plenty of sensory and wellbeing spaces providing a comfortable experience for all in attendance.
Families can join in on workshops with art, t-shirt painting, aromatherapy and breadmaking.
Cork World Book Fest
Centred around events in the City Library and Triskel Christchurch Arts Centre, the Cork World Book Fest will be complimented by events at venues from Callanan’s Bar and Paperboy’s Cafe to the River Lee Hotel and UCC throughout the weekend.
Big names making an appearance will include Roddy Doyle, while “cultural streetfair” will bring the best of the festival to the outdoors with book stalls, music, street entertainment and the spoken word and more.