WHAT’S ON AROUND COUNTY WICKLOW
WEDNESDAY, JULY 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY PARTY
Wicklow Sailing Club will be marking America’s Independence Day with a party and barbecue from 8 p.m., as part of the Volvo Round Ireland Festival.
THURSDAY, JULY 5 TINAHELY SHOW LAUNCH
The Tinahely Show will be launched at the show offices at Riverside Business Centre in Tinahely at 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, JULY 6 COFFEE MORNING
Come along and raise a cuppa to Molly and Bradley, who are fundraising as they continue their efforts to be crowned the Coláiste Bhríde, Carnew, Strictly Come Dancing champions. Tea, coffee and lots of cake will be on offer between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
VAULTFEST, ARKLOW
VaultFest takes place at the Skate Park, Arklow from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This year takes inspiration from the UN Convention treaty on the Children’s Right to Play which is 25 years old. The free festival is open to all and will showcase the exciting work hap- pening at the Vault – Arklow’s youth centre. Skateboard and contemporary dance demonstrations along with plenty of family fun activities will guarantee a great day out.
SATURDAY, JULY 7 GROOVE FESTIVAL
Groove Festival returns to Killruddery Estate in Bray for two days this summer, with headliners Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Heather Small. Also food, comedy, and activities for children. For tickets go to groovefestival.ie.
MOXIE ADVENTURE RACE
Entry closes at midnight tonight (Wednesday, July 4) for this annual challenge which sets off from Lacken. Registration will be open from 7 a.m. on the morning and there are four routes to chose from: the 25km Mini Moxie (starting 11 a.m.), the 36km Moxie (starting 10 a.m.), the 34.5km Moxie Duathlon (starting 10 a.m.) and the 54km Moxie Pro (starting 9 a.m.). For registration details, visit totalexperience.ie.
CAR BOOT SALE
A car boot sale in aid of Donard National School takes place at Donard Community Hall from 1 a.m. to 2 p.m. The café will be open and indoor tables cost €15 to pitch and outdoor tables cost €10. Contact Carmel for details at 085 7174494.
NATIONAL CPR DAY DEMO
Greystones Community First Responders will be demonstrating CPR, explaining how to use a defibrillator and giving tips on what to do if someone is choking down at Greystones Harbour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of National CPR Day.
5K RUN AND FOUR-MILE RELAY
Ballinacor camogie club is hosting its annual four-mile relay run, 5k run and family walk at the Glenmalure Lodge. Registration opens at 10 a.m. with the 5k run setting off at 11 a.m., the four-mile relay at 11.15 a.m. and the 5k walkers at 11.20 a.m. Entry to the relay event costs €40 and teams must have one male, one female and one over 40 runner. Entry to either 5k is €10 or free with a sponsorship card. Refreshments will be served afterwards.
CHILDREN’S FUN DAY.
Keep Kilcoole Tidy is hosting a free afternoon of fun and games from midday to 5 p.m. at Little Tern Park.
RHSI RUSSBOROUGH FLOWER SHOW
Stunning flower arrangements will be displayed in the opulent surroundings of Russborough House’s Principal Rooms from 3 p.m. to
6 p.m. Tickets for adults are €5 while children go free.
FAMILY CAMPATHON
The sun is due to shine as the annual family Campathon returns to Grangecon Community Field. With a soccer match, tug of war, family challenge, hot dog stall and a singalong all planned, there will be lots of fun for all ages. The field will be open for tents from 4.30 p.m. and the cost of pitching a tent is €20.
GAME BARBECUE
Avonmore Game Club is hosting a game barbecue in the beer garden of Kavanagh’s Vartry House in Roundwood. Food will be served at 6.30 p.m. and music will be provided by Roamin’ Cadillacs and other special guests. Entry is €15.
DRY RAIN PRESENT TO SHORTEN THE ROAD.
Dry Rain Theatre Company presents ‘To Shorten the Road’ at Whale Theatre on Saturday, July 7, at 8 p.m. This will be a candlelit evening of traditional Seancha storytelling, songs, dance, music and poetery, performed by Lorraine O’Brien – storyteller and lilter, singer and actress Emma O’Brien, and singer-musician Mick Heffernan. Tickets are €15 at whaletheatre.ie.
SUNDAY, JULY 8 GROOVE FESTIVAL
Groove Festival returns to Killruddery Estate in Bray for two days this summer, with headliners Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Heather Small. Also food, comedy, and activities for children. For tickets go to groovefestival.ie.
TOM KENNEDY MEMORIAL SHOW
The garden of Ireland Vintage Car Club will host this annual show featuring a selection of vintage and classic cars, motorbikes and commerical vehicles. There will also be a dog show with a range of categories. Admission will be by donation, with all proceeds going to St Anne’s Oncology Ward at St Vincent’s University Hospital. The show takes place in Ashford from midday.
HARBOURMAN TRIATHLON
The National Series Olympic Distance Race takes place in Wicklow Harbour at 1 p.m. and consists of a 1500m swim, 40km cycle followed by a 10km run. 600 athletes are expected to take part. For more details, please visit wicklowtri.com.
HOLLYWOOD SPORTS DAY
The 49th annual Hollywood Sports Day takes place at the GAA field at 1 p.m. with juvenile football/hurling matches, the wheel of fortune, hamper and White Elephant stall as well as a raffle.
FAMILY FUN DAY
St Peter’s Football Club will host this fabulous fun day at Little Bray Community Centre from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be a barbecue, bouncy castle, football, assault course, bingo, races and competitions and all proceeds will go to the Little Bray After School.
MUSIC TOGETHER SUMMER SHOWCASE
Music Together presents this free concert and raffle at Whale Theatre at 2 p.m. Music Together provides opportunities for people with physical disabilities, alongside non-disabled participants to develop skills and ambitions in music and performing arts. Not only will new instruments – such as the hand pan and an amplified xylophone – and a new song be added to the mix, but technology also gets a look-in with an app that will be played through video, iPad and keyboards.
TENNIS CLUB OPEN DAY
Arklow Lawn Tennis Club will hold its annual open day from 2 p.m. The club will be showcased to the community and new members can sign up on the day.
SUMMER SOUNDS
Summer Sounds will be on the bandstand in Bray with Bray Concert Band. The music will be on the bandstand from 2.30 p.m. till 4 p.m.
KILAVENEY BLESSING OF THE GRAVES.
The blessing of the graves takes place at Kilaveney Cemetery at 2.30 p.m.
RHSI RUSSBOROUGH FLOWER SHOW
Stunning flower arrangements will be displayed in the opulent surroundings of Russborough House’s Principal Rooms from 3 p.m. to
6 p.m. Tickets for adults are €5 while children go free.
CASTLETOWN BLESSING OF THE GRAVES.
The annual blessing of the graves will take place at Castletown graveyard at 3 p.m.
MONDAY, JULY 9 BLESSING OF THE GRAVES
The blesssing of the graves at Ballykine Graveyard, near Ballinaclash, will take place at 7.30 p.m.
ISLE OF DOGS
Mermaid Arts Centre will screen Isle of Dogs (Cert: PG) on Monday, July 9, at 8 p.m. In a futuristic Japan, canine flu has ravaged the population of Megasaki City and dogs have been sent to a remote island off the Japanese coast to prevent the disease from spreading further. Their only hope of avoiding isolation comes in the form of Atari, a boy who has ventured to the island in search of his pet. Tickets cost €8/6.50 and are available from the Mermaid.
THURSDAY, JULY 12 FESTIVAL OF RUNNING
The Wicklow Hospice Foundation Four-Day Festival of Running returns to Avondale Forest Park and, with a choice of five miles, 10 miles, 15 miles, 20 miles or a full marathon to run each day, there is something to suit all levels of runner. The marathon starts at 8 a.m. with all other distances setting off at 9 a.m. Entry is €25 for one day, €40 for two days, €70 for three days and €90 for all four days (any distance). For registration details, visit wicklowhospice.ie.
There will be outdoor movies on Bray beach on the evenings of July 12, August 9, and August 16. The films have yet to be decided, with a public appeal to come to vote for which films will be screened. The screenings will begin at 10 p.m. or when it is dark. You can bring a blanket, camp chair or deck chair, but no pets and no alcohol. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
FRIDAY, JULY 13 FESTIVAL OF RUNNING
The Wicklow Hospice Foundation Four-Day Festival of Running returns to Avondale Forest Park and, with a choice of five miles, 10 miles, 15 miles, 20 miles or a full marathon to run each day, there is something to suit all levels of runner. The marathon starts at 8 a.m. with all other distances setting off at 9 a.m. Entry is €25 for one day, €40 for two days or €70 for three days (any distance). For registration details, visit wicklowhospice.ie.
BRAY INTERNATIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL.
This new festival, hosted by the Cheile Community Choir from Bray, will feature special guests Coro
Sarzanae Concentus from Italy as well as the Wicklow Community Choir and the Avoca Valley Singers. The show starts at 8 p.m. in the Mermaid Arts Centre and tickets, costing €8, are available from the Mermaid. APRÉS MATCH
The Aprés Match trio have been taking the Michael out of the great world of football commentary for 20 years now and pay a visit to Greystones’s Whale Theatre at 8 p.m. on this, the eve of the World Cup Final. Tickets €20 or €18 concession and are available from the Whale.
SATURDAY, JULY 14
FESTIVAL OF RUNNING
The Wicklow Hospice Foundation Four-Day Festival of Running returns to Avondale Forest Park and, with a choice of five miles, 10 miles, 15 miles, 20 miles or a full marathon to run each day, there is something to suit all levels of runner. The marathon starts at 8 a.m. with all other distances setting off at 9 a.m. Entry is €25 for one day or €40 for two days (any distance). For registration details, visit wicklowhospice.ie. RUNLAVIN 5K AND 10K
This 5km and 10km run around the roads of Dunlavin is in aid of development and upkeep at the local GAA club. The runs begin at 10 a.m. from Dunlavin Green. Refreshments will be served in the clubhouse afterwards, where changing and showering facilities will be available. Entry is open now at popupraces.ie or from 8.30 a.m. on the day. Call 085 1274139 for more information. BOB MARLEY TRIBUTE
Buffalo Soul reggae band is a six piece collective of musicians from all over the world based in Dublin. The band pays tribute to the legendary Bob Marley. They visit the Hot Spot Music Club in Greystones and tickets are €10 to €12.
SUNDAY, JULY 15
FESTIVAL OF RUNNING
The Wicklow Hospice Foundation Four-Day Festival of Running returns to Avondale Forest Park and, with a choice of five miles, 10 miles, 15 miles, 20 miles or a full marathon to run each day, there is something to suit all levels of runner. The marathon starts at 8 a.m. with all other distances setting off at 9 a.m. Entry is €25 for one day (any distance). For registration details, visit wicklowhospice.ie. SANDCASTLE BUILDING COMPETITION.
A family sandcastle building competition will take place at South Beach, Arklow. Come along and show off your sandcastle talents at this family event. Register at Árus Lorcáin. MOTORCYCLE RUN
A 100km motorcycle run will begin at 12.30 p.m. at Coolmoney Camp in the scenic Glen of Imaal. The event is in aid of Davidstown Church Roof Restoration Fund and will be followed by a barbecue and refreshments. Cost of entry is €20 per person. For more information, call 087 9082781 or 087 2588097. RIDE AGAINST SUICIDE
The Warg Riders Motorcycle Club will depart on its third Bikers Ride Against Suicide at 1 p.m. from the Bridgewater Shopping Centre in Arklow. Entry is €10 for a bike and rider and €5 for pillion. ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND.
Take a trip down the rabbit hole with Chapterhouse Theatre Company’s outdoor theatre presentation of this classic tale of Alice’s trip to the magical world of Wonderland. Featuring beautiful Victorian costumes and set in the walled gardens at Powerscourt, this is an event for all the family. The show begins at 2.30 p.m. Tickets, which are non-refundable, are available from Powerscourt and cost €19 for adults, €16 for students, children and seniors or €56 for families (two adults and two children). Children under five go free. PARTY IN THE PARK
Rathdangan Community Council is inviting people of all ages to come along to a whopper of a party in the park from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Hillybilly Porter will be providing music while the playground, jungle bus and a few other surprises will keep the younger guests entertained. People are welcome to bring along a picnic. This event will move to O’Toole Hall in the event of bad weather.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 18
MARATHON TALK
Wicklow Marathon Runners will be hosting its annual marathon evening in the Glenview Hotel from 7.30 p.m. Speakers will include Frank Greally, Brendan O’Shea, Gerry Curtis, Aisling Kirwan and Catherine from East Coast Physio while there will also be some tips from regular DCM pacers, hosted by Billy Porter and covering areas such as training, nutrition, care and pacing advice. Entry will be €2.
THURSDAY, JULY 19
SHELTON ABBEY GARDENS OPEN DAY
Shelton Abbey Open Centre will open its gardens to the public from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a tour of the gardens, historical talks on the house, face painting and refreshments. There is no entry fee, however, any donations will go to the Wicklow Hospice Foundation.
SATURDAY, JULY 21
CARNEW SHOW
Carnew and District Agricultural Show society will be hosting the annual show at Umrigar, with a full programme of classes for horses, ponies, sheep, poultry as well as a dog show, baking, crafts and flowers. For more information, call 087 1429325. WINGS FESTIVAL
Wings Food Fest is back and we have a superb line-up of activities in Bray over the weekend of July 21 and 22 – daily from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m.
The weekend food festival is dedicated to the mighty chicken wing and includes 15 wing pop up shops.
There will be barbecue pitmasters at work cooking meats on the gril, and the search is on to find who can survive the hottest wings challenge, who can eat the most wings but most importantly who has the best wings in Bray. BLESSING OF THE GRAVES
The blessing of the graves will take place at 3 p.m. in Glenealy. Tea and refreshments will be served afterwards in the hall.
SUNDAY, JULY 22
MUSIC IN CALARY
Calary Church will host a performance from.
Lorna Breen (soprano), Andrew Gavin (tenor) and Mairéad Hurley (accompanist) who will perform opera arias, Irish airs and pieces by Gilbert and Sullivan. The concert will follow an optional supper in aid of Sister Mary Killeen’s work in Mukuru slums in Nairobi. The concert starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are €18 or €15 with a concession. CHARITY CYCLE
Bray Wheelers will host their annual Padddy Martin Memorial Randonee, with proceeds going to Aware. There is a choice of three distances: 70km, 90km and 120km. Sign-on will take place in Bray Wheelers CC clubhouse from 8.50 a.m. to 10 a.m. and all routes take in some of Wicklows most beautiful countryside. Admission is €15, including water and food stops. THE ALEXANDRIA SINGERS
The Alexandria Singers from Virginia in America will join Gaudium from Bray for this very special concert at 8 p.m. in St Patrick’s Church, Greystones. This will be an evening of songs from the shows (including the Lion King, Wicked, The Greatest Showman) as well as choral classics, American folk and Irish Trad music. Tickets cost €10 and are available on the door or by calling 087 6250823/01 2867123, with all proceeds going to Open Door.