It's the last bank holiday weekend of the summer so gather the gang and plan an action-packed, fun-filled break in a beautiful part of Ireland. Tune into a music festival, set sail on the high seas, get your thrills with some high-octane adventure or work up a thirst on a cycle or marathon.

Here are some suggestions for an awesome August Bank Holiday – but find lots more thrilling ideas at www.discoverireland.ie #thisisLIVING

Enjoy movie magic in Cork!
Top prize to Cork for one of the funkiest ideas of the summer! The Cork Film Festival is teaming up with Cork City Council and Events at Fitzgerald's Park to present Films At Fitzy's, a unique outdoor movie event with screens lighting up from dusk show on the lawn pavilion, (July 29th – August 3rd). So dust off your picnic blankets, foldable chairs and bean bags to enjoy classic films under the stars including Amélie, Good Vibrations, and An American Werewolf in London.

Have the craic in Cahersiveen
Make a bank holiday break for Kerry and see top bands including Hells Bells, the Original Rude Boys and Derek Ryan perform live on the open-air stage during the Cahersiveen Festival of Music and Arts, (August 2nd – 4th). Enjoy seisuins in the local pubs, have a laugh at the bar man's races and slurp down oysters and Guinness! There are also guided walks, sailing, kayaking and late night music sessions in local pubs.

 

Rock ‘n roll in Dublin
Celebrate rock ‘n roll on the double in Dublin over the August Bank Holiday. On August 2nd leg it on the Dublin Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon bringing you past famous Dublin sites including the Ha'Penny Bridge, Christ Church Cathedral, the Brazen Head Pub and the Guinness Brewery. Then celebrate the golden years of music at the Rock ‘n' Roll Conference which takes place all over Dublin's Dame District, (August 1st – 3rd).

Step it out in Donegal
Join the hooley and have the craic at the Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival in Donegal, (July 30th – August 2nd). Step it out for nightly traditional ceili dancing, soak up street entertainment, and join in some workshops. Headline acts include the world-renowned Kilfernora Ceilii Band, Tommy Flemming, and Darren Breslin.

Get your spoke into Mayo
Gather the gang and on your bikes for the Giro De Baile in Ballycastle taking in a spectacularly scenic route along the North Mayo Coast into the heart of Erris. Along the way discover the rugged coastline of North Mayo with Céide and the Staggs of Broadhaven in the distance. Remember this ride is NOT a race - it is a chance to enjoy a challenge with like-minded people. Choose from three challenging routes: 130km, 60km or a 10km family route. The best part is the craic in the pub after!

 

Gallop to Galway!
Bet on a thundering great weekend at the Galway Races Summer Festival, (July 27th – August 2nd), a seven-day feast of superb racing, fun and magnificent fashion. Enjoy superb action on and off the track. Back a winner in one of the high stake races and celebrate your winnings (hopefully!) with great food and a glass or two in one of the many hospitality areas afterwards. Galway city will be buzzing for the entire weekend.

 

Coast it on the Wild Atlantic Way
Custom build an awesome adventure for you and your friends with North West Coasteering along the Wild Atlantic Waywith centres in Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo and Bundoran in Donegal. You will experience a buzz like no other as you clamber through old smugglers' caves, spot incredible marine life, negotiate natural rapids and whirlpools before attempting adrenalin-fuelled sea cliff jumps.

Set sail in the sunny south east
Ahoy there maties! Anchor up and make for the beautiful fishing village of Dunmore East for a memorable adventure with South Coast Sailing. All aboard the classic racing yacht Riptide for a three hour cruise around Waterford Estuary taking in the Saltee islands, Kilmore Quay, The Hook lighthouse and the stunning Wexford and Waterford coast lines. Chill out as you soak up spectacular scenery and back on dry land relax with lunch and bottle of wine or an evening pint in the amazing surroundings of the Waterford Harbour Sailing Club clubhouse.