opera nights Opera Ireland perform Puccini's La Bohème at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin tonight.
Be sure to take in the spectacular scenery and costumes - they were designed and made by the detainees of Mountjoy prison in Dublin and Maiano prison in Perugia, Italy. Opera Ireland is having a busy week as from tomorrow it brings Andre Previn's opera version of A Streetcar Named Desire to Irish audiences for the first time. Book on 01-8721122 or see www.operaireland.com.
diva nights Last week it was Paris Hilton; this week's visiting diva is Christina Aguilera, who plays The Point on Tuesday, after Bruce Springsteen's sold out concerts this weekend. Still looking for a gig? 8Ball are in Crawdaddy, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, today, with support from Sickboy. For something a bit more chilled, the Christian Wallumrod Ensemble play St Anne's Church, Dublin on Thursday and the Dublin Gospel Choir are in the Sugar Club, Dublin 2 on Friday.
baroque bonanza On Friday head to Co Louth for the Ardee Baroque Festival to hear the music of the 17th century being played in castles and churches around the historic town. Irish Baroque Orchestra will perform the complete Bach suites, children will have a chance to meet the instruments, and there will be a lecture on the town's monastic buildings. See www.createlouth.ie/ardeebaroque
crafty move Christmas fairs begin in earnest this weekend and are often the best places to get presents and support a good cause at the same time. The annual fair at Leopardstown Racecourse in Co Dublin today from 10am to 8pm is in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust and will have about 50 stalls, with free wine after 6pm. Entrance fee €10; €5 students. Head to Porterhouse North in Glasnevin, Dublin 9 on Monday at 6.30pm for Black Art II, a one-night exhibition of limited edition prints being sold to raise funds for the North Dublin National School Project. The gourmet food and Christmas craft fair in Carlingford, Co Louth starts on Friday. There will be puddings, jams, cards and jewellery on sale at venues across the town from Friday to Sunday.