Oireachtas na Samhna 2013
The gathering of enthusiasts for traditional arts and mod- ern Irish-language literature runs in Killarney, Co Kerry, until tomorrow. Competitions in sean-nós or old-style sing- ing and dancing, storytelling and music are held as part of the festival, as well as seminars, exhibitions and dramas.
Some of the top sean-nós singers will compete for the coveted Corn Uí Riada while the best of traditional freestyle dancers will take part in the sean-nós dancing finals.
antoireachtas.ie
Knitting and Stitching Show
Up to 25,000 visitors are expected at the four-day show at the RDS in Dublin, which concludes tomorrow and is reporting a record year for ticket sales and exhibitor numbers. One of the feature exhibitions this year is Messages, with creations from American quilter, political activist and Aids campaigner Mary Fisher.
theknittingandstitchingshow. com
Wexford Opera and Fringe
An annual trio of rarely performed operas tops the bill in the unique festival atmosphere of Wexford town.
The programme, which continues until tomorrow, includes Thérèse/La Navarraise by Jules Massenet and Cristina, Regina di Svezia by Jacopo Foroni. There are lunchtime concerts, afternoon short works, recitals and late-night revues. The Wexford Fringe includes art exhibitions, antiques fair, music and drama.
wexfordopera.com
Saints and Scholars,
Co Offaly
Celtic monastic communities from Europe will reconnect with their Irish Heritage at the monastic settlements of Clonmacnoise and Clonfert, adjacent to the river Shannon, this weekend.
"Pilgrims" can reach Clonmacnoise along the Pilgrim's Road from Ballycumber to the Clonmacnoise monastic site, a linear route that runs along the crest of an esker. This walking and bike trail offers a track that was laid down at the end of the last Ice Age, 12,000 years ago.
Contact 086-264 7719
Halloween Fest at Westport
This annual family scare festival continues until tomor- row. Central to the Halloween Fest is the 16th-century "haunted" Westport House. There are new activities and workshops, including the popular story time with the White Witch, colouring competitions, Halloween characters, Jack o' Lantern carving and Thriller dance workshops, along with the annual fireworks show.
The "Haunted House" will be open from 11am to 5pm, with rides and attractions from 1pm to 5pm daily.
westporthouse.ie
