I don't know about you but this week has been a hard one to get through. Five days working in a row can be incredibly taxing when you're used to three day weekends.

Despite my great intentions to not waste the weekend just gone I ended up doing not very much at all and missed all of the Giro festivities and I'm sure a lot of you did similar - right? Seriously though, when your body is telling you to sleep, just listen to it already. One weekend off doing stuff once in a while is ok.

But enough with the gentle lectures, there's plenty to do this weekend that you won't want to risk lying in for - and luckily most of them are on in the pm and that's ok.

Friday, May 16

What? Music: Turin Brakes
Where? Cyprus Avenue, Cork
What time? 9pm
How much? €20

'A decade and a half into a career that's inspired artists as diverse as the Staves and Flux Pavilion...Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian along with long time collaborators Rob Allum and Eddie Myer - at their most assertive and consistent with a hypnotic collection of songs that nods to classic releases of the '70s and also to the triggers of existential dread that sit right at the heart of the information age.' Sound tempting? I think so too.
 

What? Comedy: Gift Grub
Where? Olympia Theatre, Dublin
What time? 8pm
How much? €37.50

While I often recommend comedy on Sunday nights so that you can laugh your way into the week ahead, there is no harm at all in starting the weekend off on a funny note. What better way than with the classic and enduring Gift Grub?

What? Dance: Ballet Theatre UK - The Little Mermaid
Where? Wexford Opera House, Wexford
What time? 8pm
How much? €25/30

We just wonder how they're going to dance when mermaids can't even walk. The magic of UK Ballet comes to Wexford for this once in a blue moon date.

Saturday, May 17

What? Music: The Minutes
Where? Fred Zeppelins, Cork
What time? 8pm
How much? €10

If you haven't heard Cherry Bomb yet then - where have you been? What crap have you been listening instead? Get down to Fred Zeppelin's tonight if you're lucky enough to be in Cork and check out the next big thing in Irish music before their tickets don't cost €10 anymore.

What? Family Day
Where? Iveagh Gardens, Dublin
What time? 11am - 5pm

If you've got a family how could you miss Family Day in one of Dublin's loveliest little corners Iveagh Gardens. Of course, there's loads to see and do and obviously, there's something for everyone!

What? Music: Kasabian
Where? Seapoint, Galway
What time? 7.30pm
How much? €34/36

Kasabian and Galway are a match made in hip heaven. Mmm-hmm.

Sunday, May 18

Sunday, May 18

What? Music: The Liffey Banks Festival with The Whileaways and more
Where? Whelan's, Dublin
What time? 5pm
How much? €13/15

Ireland has hundreds and thousands of music festivals (well it seems like that anyway) and it's about time one made its home in Dublin's iconic live venue Whelan's. The first Liffey Banks Festival will showcase some of the most talented musical minds on the scene today - you know it's gonna be good.

What? Arts: Sounds Alive presents The Truth
Where? Odessa, Dublin
What time? 8pm
How much? €10

'Sounds Alive presents an evening with the multiple award winning radio producer Jonathan Mitchell. Audiences will hear a personal selection of Jonathan’s radio work over the years which have been broadcast across the US, on everything from Radiolab to This American Life.'

What? Crawlies: Native Species Weekend
Where? Dublin Zoo

Although you might not notice it very often, Ireland has an amazing wild-life and Dublin Zoo have been celebrating it and encouraging conseration since 2007. With interactive activities, biofacts, mini-aquariums and plenty of experts on hand to answer your questions, it's the perfect time to embrace our native species.