FAIRYHOUSE RACING:The Co Meath venue's three-day Easter festival, starting tomorrow, is a mainstay of the racing calendar.
The showcase events include tomorrow’s Powers Gold Cup and Easter Monday’s Irish Grand National.
Organisers have also laid on a special Easter Sunday family fun day, complete with a shopping village and Easter bonnet competition just for those who need a break from the betting ring.
The first race begins at 1.55pm tomorrow and admission is €15-€20 per adult with under-18s allowed in free.
See fairyhouse.ie
HEINEKEN CUP
Munster and Ulster clash at Thomond Park tomorrow in what many regard as the pick of the Heineken Cup rugby quarter-finals.
The men from the North, containing a strong South African spine, are seeking to emulate the success enjoyed by the other provinces over recent years. Munster make seven changes to their team since losing to Leinster. Forecasts are for stormy scenes, no quarters given nor asked and a full house to roar on both sides. Kick-off is at 1.45pm.
Meanwhile Leinster’s Heineken Cup quarter-final clash against Cardiff kicks off this evening at the Aviva Stadium at 5.45pm.
HOT AIR BALLOONING
It will be up, up and away over the skies of Meath today and tomorrow as the Trim Hot Air Balloon Fiesta gets off the ground in the town’s historic castle.
It promises to be one of the most colourful and exhilarating events over the bank holiday weekend with huge balloons shaped like Sonic the Hedgehog, Darth Vader and the Easter Bunny taking to the sky alongside more traditionally shaped hot air balloons.
Free parking is available adjacent to Trim Castle and admission is €10 per adult, with the under 12s being let in free once they are accompanied by an adult.
See trimfiesta.com
TRINITY REGATTA
Trinity’s seminal boating event, first held in 1898, takes place today at the War Memorial Gardens, Islandbridge, Dublin.
The 12-hour racing schedule from 7am has a big novice and junior entry. Included in the day’s social activities is a regatta luncheon in Trinity’s boathouse, which has photographs of crews stretching back to the 19th century and a fine view of the river.
Participants and spectators might also want to grab a nice perch under one of the TVs in the boathouse to watch the famous university boat race between Oxford and Cambridge in London today at 2.15pm.
DAWN MASSES
Those wishing to do something different to mark Easter morning might consider attending one of the many dawn Masses or ecumenical sunrise celebrations taking place tomorrow. In Dublin, Easter sunrise celebrations will take place on Howth Head and on Killiney Hill at 6.30am.
There will also be a number of dawn Masses taking place at the same time across the country:
Roscommon: Lake O’Flynn, Ballinlough
Clare: behind Doolin Pier, overlooking the Cliffs of Moher
Carlow: Mount Leinster.
Kerry: Teampall Geal, Baile Riabhach (Ballymoreigh)
WALKING FESTIVAL
The annual North Leitrim Glens Walking Festival, now in its 18th year, normally attracts hearty folk from across the country.
There are two main hill walks today and tomorrow that wind through the glens, arguably one of the most unspoilt regions in the country.
Organisers emphasise that a high standard of fitness is required for the hill walks, which can last up to seven hours. Participants can choose to walk one day for €15, or both days for €25. The Sunday ramble, costing €10 for adults (child €5), is ideal for those who like an informative walk and talk but have no desire to go on the hills.