CELEBRATE the memory and music of a true Irish musical hero at the Legend of Luke Kelly production. Taking place in the Town Hall Theatre, Galway on 4 May, this show features Dublin singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Chris Kavanagh. Having been raised on Irish music and singing Irish folk songs, Kavanagh’s performances capture the depth and passion of the great man he was so heavily influenced by. Over the past 16 years, he has amazed audiences abroad and sold out prominent Irish venues such as Vicar Street and The Cork Opera House, with the regular attendance of Luke Kelly’s family. He is joined on stage by Hilary Kavanagh, Joe Finn and Michael Howard. Tickets are €20. Click here for more.
ENJOY an evening with Joe Schmidt and guests in Cork’s Everyman Theatre on Saturday 6 May. In what will almost certainly be his last public appearance in Cork before departing for the World Cup and leaving Irish rugby, Joe will reflect on his amazing career to date and discuss Ireland’s performance over the past number of years as well as his hopes for the Rugby World Cup. Asking the questions is Cork’s own Matt Cooper, one of Ireland’s foremost broadcasters with an innate understanding and love of the game of rugby. The event is a fundraiser supporting the third International Mixed Ability Rugby World Cup (IMART) which will be held in Cork next year. Tickets €40. Visit the Everyman Theatre website for more.
VISIT the small, western seaboard town of Louisburgh, for the 25th Féile Chois Cuain. This annual festival takes place from 3 May until 6 May, and celebrates our cultural heritage, with a well-deserved reputation as one of Ireland’s premier traditional arts festivals. Featuring a magical weekend of music, song and dance, an extraordinary atmosphere prevails. The festival takes place in an area of great natural beauty, in western Mayo. The showcase event is Saturday’s Grand Concert, which features the renowned Dylan Foley and Tony DeMarco. For a full programme of events click here.
EXPERIENCE views like no other on the Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway Sea Safari Trip, which takes place this Sunday, 5 May. Setting off from Portstewart, the trip starts off with a safety briefing from the Aquaholics coastguard. Certified boats will bring you over to the Skerries to look out for seals. From here you will cross back to the mainland and see the spectacular Dunluce Castle. From a giant castle to the Giant’s Causeway, visit the beautiful Causeway coast with the view from the sea second to none. After two hours, the safari will leave you back in Portstewart and on your route you are likely to see dolphins, seals and the wide range of seabirds. Adult tickets £35, children £15. Visit their website for more.
CHALLENGE yourself at The Athy Dragon Boat Regatta, which takes place on the River Barrow on Sunday, 5 May. This annual event, run by the IDBA, features teams of between 13 and 20 people who take part in a fun-filled day of dragon boat racing. No previous experience is required. Boats, equipment and helms will be provided, you just provide the paddlers and drummer. If you would like to enter, contact info@dragonboat.ie for further information. This is definitely an event not to be missed for adventure and outdoor fanatics.