7 things to do this week
TODAY It's story-time at Collins Barracks, as the National Museum plays host to more than 30 story-tellers. The modern seanachais will be getting on trains all over the country and making their way to the barracks, telling tales to other passengers as they go. All are scheduled to arrive at their destination by tram at 2pm, when they'll begin an afternoon of story-telling. Admission free. Contact 01-6486453.
TOMORROW If you normally spend your Sunday afternoons slumped in front of a soap omnibus, why not get your dose of drama in a more exciting form. For one day only, Tall Tales Theatre Company is performing Deirdre Kinehan's new play Melody for free in Handel's Courtyard, Fishamble Street, Dublin. A 50-minute comedy about an unusual love affair, Melody will be performed twice today, at 2pm and 4pm.
MONDAY Take part in an open-mic night with a difference in the Mezz, Temple Bar. Fiach and Ro will teach you to play the guitar - in front of a live audience. Well, it's one way of dealing with stage fright. Doors 9pm. For more information, contact Fiach on 086-3005088.
TUESDAY It's a week of big gigs, and they don't get much bigger than today's nostalgia-fest in Lansdowne Road. Headliners The Pixies and Scottish jangle-pop legends Teenage Fanclub will take to the stage, with additional treats from young whippersnappers Kings of Leon. It all kicks off at 4pm and tickets are €59.50
WEDNESDAY Thomas Lynch, the lovable funeral director and lyrical writer, will read from his new book, Booking Passage - We Irish and Americans, tonight at the Sweeney Memorial Library, Kilkee, Co Clare, at 8pm.
THURSDAY Award-winning printmaker Desiree Alvarez, known for her extraordinary prints on silk and chiffon, is visiting Cork as part of the Cork Printmakers' Globalisation-Residency programme. Today she'll give a demonstration of drypoint and woodblock printing in Cork Printmakers' Studio. Admission is free, but advance registration is recommended. For more information go to www.corkprintmakers.ie.
FRIDAY Oh, Lisdoonvarna. . . It's that time of year again, when the small Clare town is besieged by lovelorn singletons from all over the world, hoping to find their perfect match. The Lisdoonvarna Matchingmaking Festival kicks off today, and the high jinks will continue until October 2nd. Check matchmakerireland.com for more information.