It's bloody hard to get back into the swing of things after a bank holiday weekend. The four day week drags on strangely but the week after - the full five days - well that's just a killer. So, how jammy for us that our suffering after the Easter Weekend is relieved with yet another bank holiday (but let's not think about how we're going to feel when we have to wait a whole MONTH for the next one.)

Festival season has officially begun and there are loads and loads and loads of them happening around the country this weekend. Take a gander here to see if any of them tickle your fancy - and pray that the one that does is within reasonable distance of where you live.

There's no time for dilly-dallying, let's crack on and take a wee look at what you can do this May Bank Hol Weekend.

Friday, May 2nd

What? Charity Concert: Barretstown Inspirations 2014
Where? The Olympia Theatre, Dublin
What time? 7pm
How much? €36.50

The Barretstown Inspirations gig is set to be a smasher of a night with Paddy Casey, The Stunning, The 4 of Us, the Republic of Loose, The Hot Sprockets, The Riptide Movement and MORE taking the stage for very good cause.

What? Music: Normski
Where? The Twisted Pepper, Dublin
What time? 8pm
How much? €13

The Young Hearts Run Free guys at the Twisted Pepper have a treat in store for fans of music and photography fans and lovers of anything cool with this Q&A sesh with Normski. He'll also be hitting the decks for a dance party after. Brilliantly - DJ Jazzy Jeff (yes, Will Smith's pal) will also be in the vicinity so stick around and be in the presence of not one but TWO legends on the same night.

What? Theatre: Potted Potter
Where? Town Hall Theatre, Galway
What time? 7pm
How much? €22.50/€25

The popular Harry Potter parody hits the City of the Tribes this weekend (it opened on Thursday) and what better way to enter the long weekend than with a few laughs?

Saturday, May 3rd

What? Festival: Zorrofest
Where? Wexford

Once I heard about this festival I simply couldn't leave it out. It's bizarre and brilliant! Did you know the man who inspired the famous swashbuckler was actually from Wexford town?! There's going to be loads of fun stuff happening to celebrate Mexican and Irish culture - don't miss out in you're in the area.

What? Music: Ryan Keen
Where? Cyprus Avenue, Cork
What time? 8pm
How much? €10

Support new Irish talent by heading to the Ryan Keen gig in iconic Cork venue, Cyprus Avenue - and for a lovely small fee too!

What? Music: Kan
Where? Cultúrlann Ui Chanáin, Derry
What time? 8pm
How much? €10

If you're way up at the complete other end of the island, why not check out this other up and coming act Kan (who'll be playing a double-bill with Buille). Their nationwide tour ends Whelan's on May 4th (that's tomorrow.)

Sunday, May 4th

What? Film: BANFF Mountain Film Festival World Tour
Where? The Everyman, Cork
What time? 7.30pm
How much? €11-13

BANFF is the world's most prestigious mountain film festival that lets you travel the world and experience some inspirational, exhilarating, and unforgettable adventures from the comfort of your theatre seat!

What? Music and Food: Bagots Hutton May Bank Holiday - live music & rocking DJs
What time? 8pm

Get thee to one of the now famous basement venues on South William Street for a night of good music, great food and delicious drinks.

Monday, May 5th

What? Theatre: Breaking Dad
Where? The Gaiety Theatre, Dublin
What time? 8pm
How much? €25 - €42.50

I don't know about you but I sure would be up for a laugh at the tail end of the 3-day weekend. The show is running for three weeks but this is a very good opportunity to ease your way back into normality.

What? Music: The Nightingales; Ted Chippington
Where? Roisin Dubh
What time? 9pm
How much? €6

Another good way to ease back into normality is to rock out to an old-school punk band. That's what I would do if I happened upon Galway's old reliable the Roisin. And c'mon - it's only €6!