THE ROUNDSTONESummerfest kicks off this Thursday in Roundstone, Co Galway and runs until Sunday August 17th. The four days are packed with trad music sessions and off-the-wall activities and competitions.
The Summerfest has been running since 2002 in aid of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) combining a charity fundraiser with trad music and "good old-fashioned craic".
Main events this week include the Connemara Culchie Competition, to sort out the "tractor racers" from the "potato peelers" and crown the "Culchie King" (the 2006 winner, Shane Coleman, Ardboe, Co Tyrone, is pictured);
There is also a kiddies' treasure hunt through the streets of Roundstone; the Cow Drop - where punters bet on a square in the cow's field and, well, let nature do the rest; a visit from the Paranormal Research Association of Ireland (the Irish Ghostbusters); and the Atlantic hole-in-one golf competition. Visit www.roundstonesummerfest.comfor details.
TODAY AND TOMORROW THE BEST OF THE SUMMER
TODAY:Strictly The Rat Pack, a tribute to the boys, at the Tivoli Theatre, Dublin tickets €35, call 01-454 4472. The Kilkenny Arts Festival continues with Mercury Rev, with supporting acts Oppenheimer and Alphastates, playing in The Hub, tickets €32.50, call 056-775 2175. Le Grande Cirque performs in the INEC, Killarney, tickets €36.20, call 064-71555. The Dublin Walking Ghost Show, free, in Dublin Castle, call 01-677 7129. Yoga in People's Park, Dún Laoghaire, 1pm, €5, no registration required.
TOMORROW:Riverdance at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin, tickets €55, contact 01-677 1717. Muse play Marlay Park, tickets €69.50, visit www.ticketmaster.ie
The Wicklow Garden Show continues, admission €3-€5, contact 0404-20070. Leaving Cert results out, for party listings www.entertainment.ie/clubbing.
The Hugh Lane Gallery 100 Years exhibition continues, free, visit www.hughlane.ie. Sussical The Musical - Horton Hears A Who at the Galway Town Hall Theatre, tickets €15-€17, call 091-569777. Alex Owens