IMMERSE yourself in the world of art, at the North Louth Artists' 50th Anniversary Exhibition. This exhibition features over 60 artworks, including paintings, sculptures and ceramics created by leading professional artists living and working in the north-Louth region. With founder members including renowned Irish artists Bea Orpen and Drogheda-born Nano Reid, the North Louth Artists group is a network of 14 professional visual artists who exhibit annually. The exhibition will open in Dundalk's An Táin Arts Centre, running from 10 May to 26 May. For more information see www.northlouthartists.com.
INDULGE in a wide variety of international cuisines, at Fusion Sunday's World Culture Market held in Newmarket Square, Dublin, this on 13 May. This unique market celebrates food culture from around the world. A free event offering an excellent selection of international stalls, as well as live music, workshops and entertainment for all ages, you can sample traditional food from around the globe, with exclusive artisan treats. Alongside the market activities, enjoy ethnic dance performances, yoga workshops for adults and children, and live music to add to the authentic, culturally diverse atmosphere. For further details visit www.fusionsundays.ie.
EXPERIENCE one of the toughest endurance races the Emerald Isle has to offer on Saturday 12 May, as Donegal hosts the Wild Atlantic Adventure Race. Adrenaline junkies will flock from all over Ireland, and further afield, to complete this gruelling course. It starts and finishes at the Banks in Mullaghderg and includes a 10km run, a 42.5km cycle, a 2km hike, and a 1km kayak to finish, with a variety of different race options to choose from. Further details can be found on www.waar.ie.
ABSORB a rich wealth of Irish history, as St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre hosts the Irish Famine Exhibition, which explores the Irish potato famine of 1845 to 1852, also known as the Great Hunger. Beginning on 14 May, this event looks at the causes of the humanitarian disaster that saw so many of our ancestors emigrate or die from starvation and disease. There are rare 19th century photographs, witness accounts, contemporary sketches, as well as maps and statistical information. A 15-minute video presentation will help paint a picture of the life and times for those who were affected by the food shortages. Visit www.theirishpotatofamine.com for further information.
LAUGH yourself silly, as Tommy Tiernan brings his tour entitled Under the Influence to the Newgrange Hotel, Navan on 10 May. A middle-aged father-of-six marvelling at his still-intact libido, Tiernan expresses his views of Ireland, politics, immigration, religion and much more. Cracked, human and joyous, it’s a delight to be able to spend an hour within his howling earshot. Promising to be hilarious and ludicrous, there is nothing that Tiernan isn’t afraid to say. For details and ticket prices visit www.ticketmaster.ie.
Shane Finn, the fitness mad Kerry man who ran 24 marathons in 24 days