The long weekend is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your family and friends.

With Met Eireann forecasting dry and sunny weather, why not take the opportunity to enjoy one of the many festivals and fun events taking place across the country. There are lots of great options for families, friends and couples. From exploring a magical fairy trail in Wicklow to a breath-taking picnic spot in Glenveagh National Park in Donegal, we have you covered with our list of the best events to check out this weekend.

 

RiverFest, Limerick
The award-winning Riverfest Limerick festival is returning this May Bank Holiday. The 14th edition of this growing festival promises to be the best yet with a vibrant mix of music, family fun and great food. Highlights of the festival will include Riverfest on the Shannon, Bell X1, King Kong Company, Fashion Friday. For more details, check out www.limerick.ie/riverfest

Aillwee Cave and Birds of Prey Centre, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare
Aillwee Cave and Birds of Prey Centre gives your family a chance to explore its weirdly shaped underworld, enjoy unexpected freedom with majestic Birds of Prey and hone survival skills surrounded by hazel and ash trees for shelter. For more details, check out www.aillweecave.ie

Junior Explorer Tour for Families at GAA Museum, Dublin
The family-friendly tour, created to bring to life the magic of the home of Gaelic games for younger visitors, was a sell-out success last year with the countries littlest GAA fans taking over the iconic stadium. On arrival, your family will be greeted by the Museum’s mascot, Cluasóg the Irish hare, who will pose for photos and get everyone excited about the adventure ahead. For tickets, www.familyfun.ie/gaa-museum-events

Woodland Fairy Trail, Wicklow
Irish Fairy Trails are a great day out in Russborough House, Wicklow with your young family. Pick up a brochure at Reception to learn all about the fairies' forays, learn the fairy language, and enjoy fairy games. You can also discover more about fairy flowers, fauna, and natural materials that the fairies use for their clothing and jewellery. For more details, check out www.russborough.ie

Laois VS Westmeath, O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, Sat 5th May 3pm
Laois take on Westmeath in the Joe McDonagh Cup in what is sure to be a thrilling match. Nothing beats being pitch-side to take in all the action. You can purchase your GAA match tickets in Centra stores. For more details on fixtures, check out www.gaa.ie/fixtures-results

Glenveagh National Park, Donegal
What better way to relax as a family than an exciting hike through one of Ireland’s most breath-taking national parks? The 16,000 hectares of Glenveagh National Park includes most of the Derryveagh Mountains, the Poisoned Glen and part of Errigal Mountain and is a beautiful place to walk the hills and follow trails and you have free access to roam from all points. Why not pack a picnic and enjoy lunch al fresco taking in some of the most stunning views Ireland has to offer. To plan your visit, check out www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie

Belvedere House, Westmeath
Belvedere House is wonderful to visit anytime. On this magnificent 160 acre lakeside estate, you can enjoy 8km lakeside and forest walks, explore the Georgian villa, walled garden and fairy garden. The estate also has 3 playgrounds, a gift shop and a licensed café. For more details, check out www.belvedere-house.ie

Kinsale 7’s, Cork
Kinsale Sevens is famed for being one of the best rugby weekends in the world and this weekend promises to be extra special as the competition celebrates its 30th anniversary. The weekend promises great rugby, socialising and craic as the town hosts the popular competition. For more details, check out www.kinsale7s.com

Kerry VS Carlow, Dr Cullen Park, Carlow, Sunday 6th May 2pm
Bring all the family to watch Kerry take on Carlow at Dr Cullen Park on Sunday May 6th in what promises to be an exciting clash. You can purchase your GAA match tickets in Centra stores. For more details on fixtures www.gaa.ie/fixtures-results

Mayo Day, Ballinrobe Racecourse, Co Mayo
2018 sees the arrival of an incredible new flagship event Made of Mayo, taking place in the beautifully situated Ballinrobe Racecourse, which will be transformed into a hive of Mayo Day celebration and artistic wonderment, with something for all the family. Admission is free and the event will run from 12.00 – 18.00. For more details, check out www.mayo.ie

Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots 2018
Since 1998 the festival has attracted some of the finest names in the Americana/Roots canon, including Calexico, Giant Sand, Ryan Adams, Alejandro Escovedo, Guy Clark, Chuck Prophet, Ray LaMontagne, Richmond Fontaine, Rodney Crowell, Phosphorescent, Sturgill Simpson and Alabama Shakes. Audiences wind their way through the medieval streets sampling the huge range of music in the 30 plus venues, hosting over 40 Irish and international acts, with over 90 ticketed and free shows from early afternoon until late into the night. For more details, check out www.kilkennyroots.com
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