Was it as long a week for you as it was for us? If so, you're probably looking forward to the weekend as much as we are but if you've been too busy to figure out what's on this weekend, we're here to help.

With the weekend in sight, here's your entertainment guide for the next three days, whether that involves staying in or going out.

You're welcome.

 

Music

FRIDAY - The Murder Capital - The Button Factory, Dublin

On Friday, The Murder Capital - one of the most hotly-tipped new Irish bands in recent years - launch their debut album with a gig at Dublin's Button Factory. The five-piece have cultivated a reputation for intense live shows, so if brooding indie-rock is your thing, you know what to do.

 

SATURDAY - Love Sensation Festival - Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin

Saturday sees the first Love Sensation festival kick off at Dublin's Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. The LGBT+ friendly two-day event will host a variety of top-class acts; Lily Allen and Kelis are on the impressive bill on Saturday.

 

SUNDAY - Anne-Marie - Custom House Square, Belfast

Meanwhile, English pop star extraordinaire Anne-Marie plays Belfast's Custom House Square on Sunday. With a plethora of hits under her belt, you can expect to hear the likes of 'Rockabye' and 'Ciao Adios', as well as a few new tunes from her forthcoming second album.

 

Cinema

The big movie release this week is 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood', the ninth feature film from Quentin Tarantino. Set in 1969 Hollywood, it follows fading TV actor Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) as he gets an opportunity with his stunt double, Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). Meanwhile, rising star Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) moves into the house next to Dalton. The movie is an absolute must-see for Tarantino fans or anyone who wants to take a nostalgic drive through the Golden Era of Hollywood.

Also in cinemas this week are two family feature offerings in musical animation 'UglyDolls' and 'Dora and the Lost City of Gold'. We recommend the latter which is far more entertaining than its premise - a live-action take on the Nickelodeon children's animated series 'Dora the Explorer' - would suggest. In the movie, a teenage Dora must navigate the tricky landscape of high school, and embark on a daring quest to save her parents and find the lost Inca city of Parapata. It's a fun-filled, humorous adventure from the co-creator of 'Flight of the Concords'.

Also new to cinema is 'Good Boys' and in spite of its title and three young cast leads - one of whom is star of 'The Room', Jacob Temblay - this is not suitable for children. The junior edition of 'Superbad' sees three 12-year-olds head out to their first kissing party and, along the way, accidentally destroy an expensive drone and come into possession of MDMA belonging to two college students. While not the most original comedy, it has its fair share of laugh-out-loud moments.

Still showing in cinemas is Dublin-set 'Animals', the feel-good Bruce Springsteen-inspired 'Blinded By the Light', action romp 'Hobbs & Shaw', funny family animation 'The Angry Birds Movie 2', and tearjerker 'The Art of Racing in the Rain'.

 

 

TV

FRIDAY

It's another summer Friday which means no Graham Norton or Ryan Tubridy to keep us company but if you're looking for some A-list acting, 'Fosse/Verdon' continues on BBC2 at 9pm. Meanwhile, 'Animal Rescue Live: Supervet Special' wraps up its week of shows on Channel 4 at 8pm.

Movies wise, you've got 'Selma' at 9.35pm on RTÉ One, or if you're looking for something a lot lighter you'll find 'The Wedding Planner' with JLo and Matthew McConaughey in his prime on RTÉ2 at 11.45pm.

SATURDAY

Lots of sporting action on Saturday as Kilkenny play Tipperary and Cork play Galway in the Senior Camogie Championship semi-finals, with throw-ins at 5.30pm and 7.15pm, respectively, on RTÉ2. Rugby fans are also in for a treat as Wales take on England in Principality Stadium as both sides continue preparations for the World Cup. Kick-off there is at 2.15pm.

GAA-mania continues on RTÉ One at 10.35pm with 'Up for the Match'. Des Cahill and Jacqui Hurley present an evening of lively chat and music, as they preview the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final between Tipperary and Kilkenny.

Movies on the box include 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' on BBC One at 7.10pm, 'Oz the Great and Powerful' on RTÉ One at 7.35pm, and 'The Fugitive' on RTÉ2 at 10pm.

SUNDAY

It's all about the hurling on Sunday as Kilkenny play Tipperary in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final on RTÉ One at 3.30pm, with plenty of coverage and analysis continuing over the day.

If you're looking for a Sunday movie, you've got 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' on RTÉ2 at 7.05pm and 'Something's Gotta Give' on RTÉ One at 9.30pm.

Meanwhile, 'Poldark' continues on BBC One at 10pm, and if you're looking for something a bit highbrow, the BBC Proms are over on BBC Four at 7pm.

 

Events

The Big Grill 2019

Frank Francone: Jazz Brunch Sunday at The Tram Cafe

Live at the Lounge: Russell Hicks

'Forbidden Planet' Screening With Special Guest George R.R. Martin

Dublin 2019 – An Irish Worldcon. The 77th World Science Fiction Convention