EXPLORE Waterford city as 36 artists descend on it once again to transform the city into a vibrant open air gallery of colour. Waterford Walls is an international street art festival which runs from 22-25 August and offers a unique programme of activities for all the family. These include guided art trails of the artists in action as well as works from up to five years ago. A bus tour of art on the greenway will take place on 23 August. Another feature of the festival is a bus tour from Cork to Waterford returning on the same day. Waterford Walls also boasts an array of live music and food events over the course of the festival. Booking for these quirky activities is recommended. Visit www.waterfordwalls.ie for more information.

EXPERIENCE the Rose of Tralee International Festival as it celebrates its 60th year. This hugely popular celebration of Irish heritage and culture is held in the Rose Dome in Tralee, Co Kerry. The five-day festival culminates in the crowning of the Rose of Tralee, which is a year-long ambassadorial role. The Rose of Tralee Festival is supported by over 60 Rose Centres globally in Ireland, the UK, Europe, the Middle East, American, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The five days encompass Rose parades and two nights of live television broadcast to the nation by RTÉ. There’s top-class entertainment day and night, most of which is free. This includes live music, two firework displays, talks and day trips, a Gala Rose Ball and a fashion show to name but a few. For more information, see www.roseoftralee.ie.

ENJOY an unforgettable family experience at Killruddery House and Gardens, Co Wicklow starting Saturday 24 August. This recurring Saturday event finishes on Saturday 7 September. These interactive shows introduce audience members to some of Ireland’s most fascinating birds, from owls to hawks and falcons. Attendees can also participate in handling and flying displays. Admission is from €3 to €8.50. See www.killruddery.com for more information.

UNWIND at the 25th Lough Rynn Harvest Festival and Vintage Day on Sunday 25 August. See one of the largest displays of vintage cars and tractors in Ireland and listen to Johnny Brady and his band, all while basking in the sun in the stunning grounds of Lough Rynn Castle, Co Leitrim. There will also be food, children’s amusements, craft demonstrations, a dog show, a pig on a spit, full bar facilities and much much more. For more information, see www.loughrynn.ie.

VISIT the annual the Dualla Show located 5km from Cashel, Co Tipperary. Boasting a wide range of agricultural events from machinery, food stalls and kids entertainment, this is a day out perfect for families. For the livestock lovers, there will be an array of showing classes, including the All-Ireland Aberdeen Angus Championship. If it’s a jive you’re after, stars Declan Nerney, Mick Flavin and Gerry Guthrie will be taking to the stage to entertain spectators throughout the day. The huge Tipperary Truck Show is set to return for a sixth year, alongside the Irish Tractor Pulling Committee with a fantastic display of horsepower for machinery fanatics. There are also a host of showjumping classes and dog shows, so be sure to bring along your canine friend. Gates open to public at 11am and children under 16 go free. Adult tickets cost €15, while student and senior citizen entry is €10. For more information, visit www.duallashow.ie.

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'I hit one tree, I've missed thousands of tress'