A Busy Irish Weekend

Anybody in Ireland this weekend cannot help but noticing that half the population seems to be on the move, with the other half glued to their TV sets. Ronan O'Gara and the Munster team will be chasing silverware around the rugby pitch (Heineken Cup Final against Toulouse, played in Cardiff). "The Boss" Bruce Springsteen is gracing Dublin with his and the E-Street Band's lively presence. Italian pensioner Giovanni Trapattoni has a first stab at glory days as coach of the Irish soccer squad in a friendly against Serbia (in Croke Park, Dublin). Meanwhile in Serbia, the Eurovision Song Contest will be fought out - and despite Ireland's Dustin already having been plucked from the competition it will be mandatory viewing on RTÉ (with commentary by Marty Whelan) or BBC (where Terry Wogan does his bit).

As it also is a bank holiday weekend in Northern Ireland, the mood is definitely set on partying.

Want to join in? Here are some ideas:

• Dublin City Soul Festival
• 10th Annual International Guinness Blues on the Bay Festival, Warrenpoint (Co. Down)
• Belfast Children's Festival
• Beyond the Lough Festival, Carlingford (Co. Louth)
• Baltimore Wooden Boat Festival in County Cork

For more events, see our comprehensive listing of Irish events and festivals in May.