What’s happening around the country this weekend

Events of note in Galway, Ennis, Belfast Limerick and other locations

A foam happy face in the sky on Stephens Green earlier this week  for the launch of First Fortnight 2014, Ireland’s mental health arts festival, which runs until January 16th. Photograph: David Sleator/The Irish Times
A foam happy face in the sky on Stephens Green earlier this week for the launch of First Fortnight 2014, Ireland’s mental health arts festival, which runs until January 16th. Photograph: David Sleator/The Irish Times

Waterford 1100, Waterford City

Ireland’s oldest city is planning a fiery start to its 1,100th birthday this Saturday when it will kick off the first of its official birthday celebrations, with 10,000 visitors expected to line the quayside and watch a major outdoor spectacle by the Spraoi theatre company – the recreation of the Viking landing in 914AD.

Mummers festival, New Inn, Co Galway

Musicians and traditional music lovers from all over the country will converge on the East Galway village of New Inn this weekend for the annual Mummers Festival, which takes place on Saturday at 7.30pm and Sunday at 2.30pm in the local leisure centre.

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First Fortnight, various locations

Ireland’s only mental health arts festival kicked off today, runs for two weeks, and aims to “challenge mental health prejudice through music, film, theatre, spoken word, debate and visual art events”.

See firstfortnight.ie

Irish Christmas Tree Throwing Championship, Active Ennis Tim Smyth Park, Ennis, Co Clare

From 1pm-4pm on Sunday, Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council will host the Irish Christmas Tree Throwing Championships, which - surprise! - is a competition to see how far competitors can throw a 1.5m tree.

RaboDirect PRO12: Ulster versus Munster, Ravenhill, Belfast

Two provincial heavyweights clash at 7.30pm tonight in what promises to be a tight and engaging contest.

Limerick on Ice, Arthurs Quay Park, Limerick City

Sunday is the last day of Limerick on Ice, so get your skates on and choose from a range of classes or experience the night life at Limerick on Ice where you can skate the night away to all your favourite music.

See limerickonice.com

Colin Gleeson

Colin Gleeson

Colin Gleeson is an Irish Times reporter