When it comes to deciding how to spend your weekends, you really are spoiled for choice. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Mastercard to bring you the ultimate event guide every weekend.
Dublin
What better excuse for a weekend cinema binge than an entire festival of the most acclaimed documentaries from near and far?
There’ll be full length features, short and Irish premieres as well as a gaggle of guests for Q&A's throughout the weekend, with directors and producers giving a fascinating insight into their film and what goes into making a successful documentary.
Highlights from the shorts screenings on Saturday including Throwline, a portrait of a late-night taxi driver squad whose mission is suicide prevention; Tit for Tatt, a portrait of breast-cancer survivors healing their scars and reclaiming their identity; The Impossible Flight of the Stone a portrait of a Cuban barber and talented oil painter who dreams of flight and No Plan the story of a young Norwegian street musician who find herself immersed in the world of horse-riding youths in the Liberties.
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Free Live Comedy in Accents Lounge
Hands down the cosiest chill out spot in town, Accents Coffee & Tea Lounge hosts a fantastic live comedy event every Saturday night at 9.30pm, and it’s free.
The first alcohol-free comedy night in Ireland, Accents provides entertainment in a cosy, welcoming and inclusive environment.
A mug of their famous hot chocolate (choose from white, milk, or dark chocolate drops to swirl into frothy hot milk) while sitting on one of their plush sofas listening to up and coming Dublin comedians is a no-brainer way to spend an evening.
Established in 1957, Dublin Theatre Festival is Europe’s longest running theatre festival, providing a platform to showcase the best of Irish theatre to the world.
At the heart of the festival is the city of Dublin – its people and its stories – and a commitment to contributing to the vibrant social and cultural life of our capital. This year’s programme is a true delight of engaging and provocative Irish work.
Must-sees for the weekend? Make sure to check out this is a room, a play “performed by young people who will never own houses”, a play about the first eighteen years of your life and all of the things you may or may not learn in that time; CLASS, which explores the complications and comedy when three adults find themselves back in class and The Suppliant Women, one of the world’s oldest plays (written 2,500 years ago by the great playwright Aeschylus) on the plight of refugees and the triumph of love.
Giselle... . . . #DTF17 #DTF60 #DANCE #PERFORMANCE #THEARTS #THEATRE #DRAMA #DUBLINSTAGE
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Temple Bar Food Market is held every Saturday from 10am-4.30pm at Meeting House Square in the heart of Dublin city centre, and is a true foodie’s paradise.
With hot and cold options, as well grab-to-go bites and jars upon jars of various salsas, chutneys and jams, you’re sure to find something here to whet your appetite. Cured meats and cheeses take centre stage, with local producers offering samples of olives and homemade breads that are almost impossible to refuse.
There’s also an oyster stand if you’re feeling fancy, shucked right in front of your eyes and simply dressed with Tabasco sauce and lemon. Bonus: high-top canopies cover the market in poor weather, allowing you to browse without getting rained on.
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Galway
With various events taking place all weekend, this festival offers an exciting opportunity to explore some of the hidden architectural gems of Galway and Mayo, as you join a team of expert guides as they take you on a tour of homes, buildings and spaces that are typically off limits.
Saturday’s tours include a walking tour of Galway Courthouse, which includes the courtrooms and the cells in the basement, as well as the judge’s chambers, which have a wonderful view of the cathedral, and the Overlooked Exhibition, which takes a look at Galway’s modern architecture.
Tours on Sunday will showcase the beauty of building in Connemara, with a coach tour of Legaun House and Kylemore Abbey planned, while kooky folk will love the Edible Architecture display in Galway City Museum where all creations are as delicious as they are creative.
One of Europe’s oldest and largest Horse Fairs, dating back to the 18th century, Ballinasloe horse fair will bring endless excitement over the weekend in the form of live music on the sound stage, the annual tug-a-war competition, the hugely exciting soapbox derby, and fireworks.
On Sunday, the Fairgreen is the place to be, with every breed of horse and pony on display from the beautiful Connemara Pony to trotting ponies and wonderful Irish draughts, while the town itself will be packed with visitors from all over the world.
Local pubs will be buzzing with live traditional music performances, and you’ll have an incredible choice of scenic walks in the nearby Connemara countryside if you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle for an afternoon.
Fair green 2016 #ballinasloehorsefair #ballinasloe #octoberfair #horses #ireland
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Cork
This toe-tapping event has a strong focus on local Cork City, Sliabh Luachra and Irish Traditional and folk musicians and singers, so prepare for plenty of polkas, slides and harrier ballads.
Set in Cork city, this fest has a uniquely intimate atmosphere, despite taking place in 14 of the city’s famous venues, with performances in concert halls, music venues, in 30 bars and of course, on the streets of the city itself.
Whether it’s local foods; tripe and drisheen, or a bodhrán workshop, fiddle concert or trad session that you’re after, the Cork Folk Festival will have something for all culture lovers to enjoy, whilst the trad session trail will see the party continue long into the night and the city pubs full of life.
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