September 1st - 7th
anna livia
Starting tomorrow and running until next Sunday, the Anna Livia Dublin International Opera Festival 2007centres around Donizetti's Lucia Di Lammermoor and Bizet's The Pearl Fishers at the Gaiety Theatre. At Smithfield Market today from 11am to 7pm the festival hosts Opera Al Fresco and a One-Voice event for kids. There is also a visual arts presentation, Shifting Sands, by Ann Marie Greevy at Alliance Française on Kildare Street, Dublin 2 (www.dublinopera.com).
freebie
From Wednesday until next Sunday, Kids@Dundrum Town Centreis a series of daily child-focused events with food expert Annabel Karmel, Families in Trouble presenter David Coleman, entertainer Emma O'Driscoll and Celebrity Mum of the Year Lorraine Keane. There is also dedicated children's entertainment throughout the week, including a fashion show, face painters and balloon modelling (www.dundrum.ie).
comedy
Highlights of the Bulmers Comedy Festival, which starts on Monday at venues across Dublin and runs for three weeks, include Jerry Sadowitz's magic show, Rich Hall, Ross Noble, Paul Merton's Impro-Chums, Circus of Horrors, Reginald D Hunter and Lenny Henry. A Lunatic Fringe Pass, costing €100, will get you into every show, but you'll be a gibbering wreck by the end of it (www.bulmerscomedy.ie).
life's a beach
Two equestrian beach events take place this week. In Laytown, Co Meath, the annual Strand Racestake place on Thursday (041-9842111). In Co Kerry, Inch Polo Festival 2007sees Irish and overseas teams compete along three miles of sand from tomorrow until Thursday.
rude health
Billed as the ultimate natural health exhibition, Rude Healthtakes place today and tomorrow at the RDS. There are more than 200 exhibitors in areas such as sports and fitness, therapies, environmental issues, food and skincare. Speakers include Dr Mark Hamilton (from How Long Will You Live?), TV chef Clodagh McKenna, Karen Ward (Health Squad), Juicemaster Jason Vale and Jeanette Orrey from Jamie Oliver's school dinner campaign (www.rudehealth.ie).
sport
Favourites Kilkenny take on a resurgent Limerick in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Finalat Croke Park tomorrow. Munster play Saracensin a pre-season friendly in Musgrave Park at 7pm on Friday. The Lost Sheep Half Ironman Distance Triathlontakes place near Kenmare, Co Kerry, today.
and finally . . .
Global Warming: The Last Word on the Best Scienceis a lecture on climate change by Prof Richard CJ Somerville at the RDS Concert Hall, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 at 7pm on Wednesday. This event is free but tickets are required (01-2407217).