Festivals, flicks and family fun

LOCATION: Irish

DATE: Friday, March 12, 2010

BY: BRIAN O'CONNELL 

Limerick Skyfest

DETAILS: CLIFF OF MOHER 

Special programmes will take place on Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday, including St Patrick and friends raising the Irish flag, set-dancing and music, guided cliff walks, face painting and traditional Irish food. Regular admission applies. Buy tickets online and save 17 per cent. 065-7086141, cliffsofmoher.ie

 

AN AMERICAN WAKE 

On Wednesday, the outdoor Ulster American Folk Park, near Omagh, Co Tyrone, hosts a dramatic re-enactment of the American wake, when family gathered to bid a sad farewell to a departing emigrant. It runs between 10am and 5pm. Family tickets cost €13.20 (£12) with concessions available. 048-82243292, nmni.comval.ie

 

DINGLE FILM FESTIVAL 

Running from Thursday until Sunday, the festival hosts the prestigious Gregory Peck Award and offers a wide selection of film screenings, and workshops in this scenic setting. Irish film Perrier's Bounty opens the festival on Thursday, with one of its stars, Cillian Murphy, in attendance. 085-7788743, dinglefilmfestival.com

 

ST PATRICK'S DAY DIP 

Ballintoy Harbour, Co Antrim is the location on Wednesday for a pursuit known as coasteering. It involves walking, scrambling, jumping, swimming and sometimes crawling around the coast. A wetsuit is needed as well as a helmet and a buoyancy aid. Booking is essential and participation costs €27.50 (£25) per person. 048-81648390 or email info@theadventureteam.co.uk

 

BIG DAY OUT 

Merrion Square in Dublin will host a festival within a festival on Sunday, featuring street theatre, performance and music. The event begins at noon and ends at 6pm and features a solar-powered cinema, toddler's play area, vintage bus and a human jukebox. stpatricksfestival.ie

 

Young Voices 

On Monday at 2pm, The Ark in Temple Bar, Dublin is the site for a forum for young people, who will discuss issues surrounding new media and the internet. Run in conjunction with the ISPCC, tickets are free. stpatricksfestival.ie

 

BALLYMALOE MUSIC 

From Tuesday to Sunday, the Grain Store at Ballymaloe House in east Cork is offering accommodation, music and food packages from €160 per person. 083-3631468, thegrainstoreatballymaloe.com

 

HILL WALKING FESTIVAL 

Running from Tuesday until Sunday, this Achill Island festival features daily walks with Achill native Tomás Mac Lochlainn, a qualified international mountain leader. From megalithic tombs to high sea cliffs, the walks take in the scenic beauty of the island. It's suited more to adults with a certain degree of fitness. Packages, including two nights' hotel BB, one evening meal and two guided walks, cost from €119. 098-45085, achillislandhotel.com

 

POTATO DAY 

The 10th annual potato day takes place in the Organic Centre in Rossinver, Co Leitrim, on Sunday between 11am and 5pm. Admission is €5 or free for centre members. The event features displays, tours and tips on planting. 071-9854338, theorganiccentre.ie

 

LIMERICK SKYFEST 

The National Lottery Skyfest, which last year took place in Waterford, travels to Limerick this year. The show kicks off at 6pm on Saturday in Limerick city, with on-street entertainment from Arcana. The pyrotechnic show begins at 7.30pm and the best views will be from Arthur's Quay and along the river Shannon. limerick.ie