Get July off to a good start by making the most out of this weekend, from arts and food festivities to yoga and pop-up shops
It’s the start of a new summer month, which means lots of events and outings will follow suit. While the weather hasn’t lived up to its summer expectations just yet, there are plenty of things to be enjoyed this weekend, in rain, hail or shine, or in the comfort of the indoors.
Celebrating the arts
Clonmel Junction Arts Festival in County Tipperary kicks off today for a 10-day arts festival celebrating regional and national talent, from playwrights, comedians, actors, musicians, sound artists to circus performers. The festival celebrates its 21st birthday this year, and after a two-year hiatus, it returns with a dynamic, indispensable platform for artists to showcase their work to a live audience. The festival’s events take place in the Junction Dome in the heart of Clonmel, but the schedule commences today with a host of live musical performances in the nearby Raheen House, with names like Soda Blonde, The Wood of O, John Francis Flynn and Elaine Mai taking to the stage. You can view the full schedule here, where you can also book tickets per event.
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Where nature and yoga meet
Lough Boora Discovery Park, located just outside Tullamore in County Offaly, is a haven for nature, biodiversity and discovering Ireland’s peatlands. While it has become a popular spot for bike hires, fishing, walking trails, birdwatching, fairy trails and sculpture trails, the discovery park has recently added outdoor yoga classes to its list. Join local yoga practitioner Edel Johnson for Embodied Hatha Yoga and meditation classes at the Organic Kitchen café in the woodlands every Tuesday evening at 7pm and every Saturday morning at 8am. You can book a place by contacting Edel on 0861003420. The classes are suitable for beginners.
Food festivities
The Flavours of Fingal County Show returns this Saturday and Sunday for a host of family-fun events, from music, food, shopping to live entertainment. Taking place at Newbridge House and Farm in Donabate, Dublin, you can expect a food village with lots of local produce, crafts and music; equestrian show jumping and kids horse riding classes; dog trials; vintage machinery; and bouncy castles. Entry is free for those who walk, cycle or arrive by public transport, while those who arrive by car will pay a parking fee, which you can pre-book online for a discounted cost of €20. You can also pre-book a shuttle bus to the event to/from Balbriggan, Skerries, Lusk, Swords and Donabate, which costs €10 for up to six people.
Bride-to-be
The ultimate bridal experience for those getting ready to say ‘I do’ is a pop-up collaboration this weekend between Irish fine jewellery designer, Chupi, and contemporary womenswear label Rixo. Taking place in Chupi’s flagship store in Powerscourt Townhouse, the pop-up is running until Saturday, and showcases Rixo’s new bridal collection and Chupi’s timeless jewels. Those attending can expect to discover and try on Rixo’s bridal, bridesmaid and occasion-wear collections accompanied by a Rixo bridal specialist, while jewellery experts will be on hand to walk you through Chupi’s jewellery. You can book a private appointment for the pop-up here, while you can browse Chupi’s wedding jewellery here, and Rixo’s new bridal range here.
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Main image by Julien Behal Photography