Something for the weekend...

1. Unplugged

The festival will have a number of activity zones — children from the age of three upwards can chop with an axe and saw wood and build something using recycled products and join fun dance workshops.

They can also get fun tips on using technology in a healthy way. Tickets €30.

2. Vikings Alive

Make a Viking shield and take part in some medieval mayhem at the Wexford Walled Town medieval day out on Sunday.

A host of free events kicks off at 11am and runs until 5pm on the green area behind the Westgate Tower at Westgate in Wexford Town. Guided walking tours of the historic town wall, falconry displays and children can takes take part in some archaeological digs.

www.visitwexford.ie

3. Old Time Fun

Watch horses being shod, learn about vintage farm machinery, cars and tractors at a family fun open day the Old Forge Churchill, in Fenit, Tralee today. There will be traditional music, arts, crafts, dog shows and dancing.

4. Bluegrass Roots

Each August the pretty fishing village of Dunmore East on the Waterford coast becomes a Mecca for music fans the world over to listen to authentic bluegrass music.

The festival uses its winning combination of paid-for and free events, and acts this year include Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, USA, Foghorn String Band, USA, Dr Bluegrass, UK, and Irish acts Rackhouse Pilfer, Mons Wheeler Band, Barefoot, and One Horse Pony.

Find out more online at www.discoverdunmore.com

5. Marching to a Different Beat

Malahide Castle and Gardens is preparing for a huge musical evening on Thursday when marching bands from the USA and Dublin will gather in the castle grounds for a free evening of music, cheerleaders and pom-poms.

Hosted by Fingal County Council, Boston College’s Screaming Eagles and Georgia Tech’s Yellow Jackets will play alongside a number of local bands including the Crumlin Youth Band, Tallaght Youth Band and the Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe Band.

There are 2,000 seats available and these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Gates open at 5pm and the event ends at around 8.30pm.