I hope you all enjoyed that marvellous summery weather we've been truly, truly blessed with over the past while because it's going, going...gone. We're not pessimists here so we're still expecting a few sunny spells and the like but we will remind you to wear a jumper and bring your umbrella around with you from now on. You're welcome!
Anyway, it's not the nice weather we're used to, we usually assume that cool, rainy and windy conditions will be the norm in June. Let's just keep calm and get on with it - there are loads of great events going on over the weekend that are indoors anyway so you'll be safe and sound and warm and dry.
Friday, June 27
What? Play: Shur I'll Be Alright Here on Me Own
Where? Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin
What time? 8pm
How much? €10 - 12
We love the Smock Alley Theatre. As well as being such a gorgeous venue, they always host stellar plays and for really great value prices. Shur I'll Be Alright Here on Me Own by Maria Tivnan - a collection of three new monologues; Mrs Pyromaniac, Headfirst and The Sole Collector is 'performed with heart and energy' and promises to 'both move and entertain.'
What? Comedy: Joe Rooney's No Football Comedy Show
Where? The Roundy, Cork (Upstairs)
What time? 9pm
Since the The World Cup group stages finish on June 26th there will be a (much needed) football free day on Friday, so the guys at the Roundy are putting Fr. Damo Joe Rooney centre-stage at their No Football Comedy Show. It's going to be funny.
What? Music Party: Wellington Weekender
Where? The Workman's Club, Dublin
When? Friday - Sunday
The Workman's Club sure are an intuitive bunch. Who wouldn't want to party all weekend long in one, great, indoor venue? Acts playing across the three days include Girls Names, Delorentos and Lisa O'Neill, there will be DJs, karaoke, the Roof Top Market on Saturday and best of all...it's free, all free! Don't go taking stuff from the market stalls, mind, or go pouring yourself a pint - you know how these things work.
Saturday, June 28
What? Gig: Bryan Adams
Where? Live at the Marquee, Cork
What time? 8pm
How much? €65.50 - €70.50
Live at the Marquee is ON! This writer is verrry excited to see Robert Plant on Wednesday (June 25th) but that's not a day of the weekend so I have to mention Bryan instead. There's such a diverse range of genres this year. Cliff Richard, Dolly Parton, The Coronas, Nathan Carter, Bob Dylan, Tom Jones and Imelda May have already played, Elbow, Jason Derulo and Biffy Clyro will play this week and acts following the Everything I Do, I Do It For You singer are Pixies, The Prodigy, Brian Wilson, Christy Moore, Paolo Nutini, Neil Young, Shane Filan, the Gift Grub crew, The National and Lana Del Ray. Why there really is something for everyone!
What? Festival: Enniskerry Food Festival and Mad Hatter Party
Where? Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow
When? Friday and Saturday
I went to Enniskerry for the first time a couple of Saturdays and was won over by its charm. The cute little village is hosting a lovely little festival over the weekend where visitors can definitely expect some good old wholesome fun! There'll be gourmet food stalls, cookery demonstrations and of course the Mad Hatter Party and a nice, happy atmosphere.
What? Fundrasing Music Event: Running in the Hall
Where? Pallas Projects/Studios, Dublin 8
What time? 10pm - late
How much? €10
For kind of the opposite of the family fun to be had in Enniskerry, Pallas Projects/Studios will present the third instalment of their Running in the Hall series of fundraising nights. Old school DJ-sets by Johnny Moy, Phil Boyle and Nic James will be the name of the game to raise funds for this esseential artist-run space in its ongoing endeavours. It's cheap, BYOB, for a good cause...just go and rave the F out of it.
Sunday, June 29
What? Adventure: Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series
Where? Serpent's Lair, Inis Mór
What time? 1pm (also on Saturday at 12.30pm)
How much? €45 - 60
Just to lay it out straight from the get-go, you won't be doing the diving - it's even better than that - you'll be eye-balling 14 incredible divers from nine nationalities, who will be battling it out over two days of competition. Prepare to be amazed by the world’s best cliff divers as they launch from 27 metres without any protection, except their concentration, skill and physical control and do mind-boggling tricks in the air. This is an ideal opportunity to witness extreme sport in it's purest form.
What? Gig: Arcade Fire with Very Special Guests Pixies
Where? Marlay Park
What time? 3pm
How much? €61.50
I can't believe there are tickets left for what I think will be the best gig of the summer (of course I'm going). Do yourself a favour and hit Marlay Park on Sunday. Things kick off as early as three o'clock with Ham Sandwich and Tvvins also performing. That's all I need to say.
What? Comedy: So You Think You're Funny 2014
Where? Ha'penny Bridge Inn, Dublin
What time? 3.00pm or 9.15pm
How much? €5
Ireland and Britain's biggest and best new comedy competition costs only a fiver? It's true! (When you buy online or are a student, otherwise it's €7 at the door - still good.) Past winners include Tommy Tiernan, Dylan Moran and Peter Kay so you know the bar is set high. I've said it before and I'll say it again, laugh your way into the week ahead and be a much nicer person on Monday.
