WHAT’S ON AROUND COUNTY WICKLOW

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9 BEE TALK

Blessington Library will host a beginners level training workshop in bee habitat creation, bee-friendly planting and nest site creation. Taking place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m, the workshop will involve an indoor presentation followed by a short outdoor walk to see local bee habitats. This is a free workshop but places must be booked in advance by emailing the Irish Wildlife Trust at conservation@iwt.ie.

ANNUAL FIREWORKS

The fireworks display will be back with a bang – literally – in Rathdrum. There will be entertainment in Market Square from 9 p.m. with the fireworks following after 10 p.m. in Parnell Memorial Park.

OUTDOOR MOVIES

Dirty Dancing will be screened on the seafront in Bray at 10 p.m. Bring a blanket or chair. No alcohol or pets.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10 BRICKS4KIDZ

Arklow Library welcomes Bricks4Kidz for an exciting Lego-based workshop for children on Friday, August 10, from 11 a.m. to midday. This free workshop is suitable for ages five – 12. Places are limited so booking is essential. Contact Arklow Library to book a place at 0402 39977.

GARDEN OPENING

The ‘Moments in Time: Dementia-Friendly Garden’ featured at this year’s Bloom will be officially unveiled at 12.30 p.m. by Minister Simon Harris at its new home on Seaview Avenue in Arklow.

CHRISTY MOORE

One of Ireland’s most accomplished and celebrated performers, Christy Moore brings his solo show to Bray for one incredible night. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets, costing €40, are available from the Mermaid.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11 PARISH FÊTE.

The Redcross Church Fête takes place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the church grounds. There will be home baking, pony and train rides, pre-loved fashion, country produce, plants and shrubs, books, toys, bric-à-brac, raffle, chocolate fountain, sweets, barbecue and games. Entry is free and there will be free parking.

CLAY PIGEON SHOOT

Ballinacor Community Project will host a clay pigeon shoot from midday to 6 p.m. at Ballinacor Community Park, Kirikee. There will be a barbecue and refreshments. Entry is €20 for two man flush or €5 for pool stand.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12 CLASSIC CAR AND MOTORCYCLE RUN

The West Wicklow Classic and Vintage Vehicle Club presents it’s ninth annual run from Baltinglass at 2 p.m. Participants will be gathering from 10.30 a.m. There will be a range of prizes open to participating cars and motorcycles, including special prizes for Ford Escorts as they celebrate their 50th aniversary. There will also be an indoor and outdoor auto-jumble sale and traders area. Spaces must be booked in advance and the cost is €20, with proceeds in aid of the Solas unit and West Wicklow Day Care. To enter, call Ned at 089 2160673 or Ciara at 087 3595469 or email westwicklowclassics@gmail.com.

GARDA BAND CONCERT

Parnell Park in Rathdrum will be filled with beautiful music as the Garda Band performs from 2 p.m.

FAMILY FUN DAY

Ballinacor Community Project will be hosting its annual family fun day from 2 p.m. in Ballinacor Community Park. There will be lots of fun and games, as well as the usual stalls.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15 CEMETERY MASS

The Mass at the grotto/nun’s cemetery in Baltinglass will take place at 11 a.m.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16 SET DANCING CÉILÍ

A charity céilí takes place in Hollywood GAA Centre at 8 p.m. Admission is €10 and refreshements will be served. All sets called.

OUTDOOR MOVIES

The Greatest Showman will be screened on the seafront in Bray at 9.30 p.m. Bring a blanket or chair. No alcohol or pets.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18 RUN THE RIDGE

Challenge yourself with a 20km mountain and trail run across the Derrybawn Ridge near Laragh or an 8km trail-only run in Derrybawn Woods, all in aid of Laragh GFC and Glendalough Athletic Club. Both events will start and finish at the GAA grounds, with 20km run setting off at 12.30 p.m. and the 8km trail and fun run starting at 1 p.m. To add to the excitement, the local sports day kicks off at 2 p.m., ensuring plenty of hustle and bustle as the first finishers arrive back to cross the line. Early bird tickets are available now online and cost €25 for the 20km and €20 for the 8km. Registration will be open on the day from 11.30 a.m. For registration details, visit runtheridge.ie.

PICNIC ON THE GREEN

The community is invited to come along to a get-together on the green in Kiltegan from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be fun for all the family and people are welcome to bring a picnic. The Hub will have a stall serving hotdogs, sandwiches, ice cream and refreshments. This is a fundraiser for the Hub, Kiltegan Tidy Towns and the senior citizens group.

EXHBITION AND BARBECUE

Donard Glen Local History Group will be celebrating National Heritage Week with an evening of entertainment in Donard Hall from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be an exhibition, traditional music, dancing and a barbecue. Admission is €3.

ENNISKERRY HISTORY LECTURE

Historian Michael Seery will present at talk on Enniskerry’s ‘Archives, Notes, and stories from the Village’ in Enniskerry Library at 11.30 a.m. as part of heritage week. The talk will be about the range of archives available for studying local history. There’ll be a special emphasis on genealogy and highlights of some stories of people who lived in the village. The event will include essays, articles and images telling those stories. Contact smmulligan@wicklowcoco.ie with any queries.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 19 FR WILLIE WALSH WALK

The 34th annual Fr Willie Walsh sponsored African appeal walk will depart at 11 a.m. from Fenton’s pub in the Glen of Imaal. Check-in will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Fenton’s, where refreshments will be served after the walk. Sponsorship cards are available in local shops.

IVVCC POWERSCOURT ESTATE 41ST PICNIC.

The Irish Veteran and Vintage Car Club present this picnic at the walled garden from 11.30 a.m. till 5 p.m.

FAMILY FIELD DAY

A family field day will take place at the GAA pitch in Blessington from midday to 6 p.m. in aid of the campaign to purchase a new Blessington Rescue Boat. Avon Ri Adventure Sports will be present as will the Blessington Rescue Boat and there will be a selection of games, activities and stalls. A cake sale will take place and there will also be a Tiger Ice Cream van, a Moody Cow chipper trailer and a tea or coffee van. DJ Sam will be present to play all your favourite tunes.

BLESSING OF THE GRAVES

The annual blessing of the graves in Kilmacanogue will begin at 3 p.m. in the old graveyard before moving up to the new cemetery.

JIM’S WAY WALK IN AUGHRIM

The renaming of the Upper Aughrim Walk to ‘Jim’s Way’ will take place at 2 p.m., starting at Nursery Way. Come along and join Jim’s family, friends and colleagues for the renaming of his last project, which will honour his contribution to the community of Aughrim. Wear comfortable shoes and enjoy a stroll before having some light refreshments in the Pavilion afterwards.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 21 TEENAGE BOOK CLUB

A Teenage Book Club meets at Arklow Library on Tuesday, August 21, at 5.30 p.m.’ The Hate U Give’ by Angie Thomas is up for discussion and the club is aimed at people attending secondary school. Snacks will be provided on the day and copies of the book can be reserved at the library or by calling 0403 39977.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22 WILD CHILD NATURE WALK

and and A ‘Wild Child Nature Walk’ will take place around Hollywood village, at 11 a.m. hosted by Tidy Towns. The event commences from Hollywood Community Centre and will run for an hour.

Participation is free and to book, email hwoodtidytowns@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 A CELEBRATION OF HARPS

The Bray Harp Ensemble, in association with Bre Comhaltas Ceoltoiri, will present new work composed by Rachel Duffy and the musicians of the ensemble. The composition will celebrate the past and present harpists of Ireland and especially the first Synod of Harpists from Ireland, England and Wales, who gathered in the 11th century in Glendalough. There will also be special guest performers. There will be a reception at 7.30 p.m. followed by the concert at 8 p.m. Tickets are free but places must be booked in advanced on eventbrite.com.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 ANNAMOE BARBECUE

The annual barbecue takes place at Annamoe Centre on Saturday, August 25, at 1 p.m.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26 CLASSIC AND VINTAGE CAR SHOW

East Coast Classics will be exhibiting a range of classic and vintage cars at Arklow Rugby Club from midday to 5 p.m. A great family day out, there will be bouncy castles, live music, ice cream, burgers and hot dogs. Admission is €10 for adults while kids go free.

NEWCASTLE HERITAGE WALK

The annual Newcastle Heritage Walk, as part of Heritage Week, takes place in the magical surroundings of Ballyvolan Wood. Meet at Community Centre at 2.30 to explore this ancient and undiscovered woodland.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 SPORTING PROUD TRIATHLON

The Sporting Proud Triathlon taking place at Brittas Bay offers competitors the chance to challenge themselves while fundraising for a number of national children’s charities, including St Catherine’s Association in Wicklow. The Olympic length event involves a 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run, while the Sprint or fun event involves a 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run. Registration is open now at sportingproud. org/register. Individual entrants are asked for a €100 registration fee with a fundraising target of €250 while teams of three have a €300 registration fee and a target of €600.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 THE RESERVOIR DOG

The Reservoir Cogs Cycling Club in Blessington presents an animal of a challenge around scenic west Wicklow. The Reservoir Dog Sportive offers riders the choice of two distances: the 125km route, with its challenging climbs and scenic spin through the mountains, and the 65km route, which offers a picturesque spin around the reservoir. Online registration is open till Sunday, August 26, and costs €30 – this will rise to €35 on the day (a one-day licence for non-Cycling Ireland members will cost an additional €5). For more information or registration details, visit reservoircogs.ie.

PARISH BARBECUE

Wicklow Parish is hosting this fundraising event in aid of the parish and St Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar, from 1 p.m. at Killmullen House in Moneystown. There will be steak, hog roast and a vegetarian option, along with a range of salads. Children will

be entertained with a selection of carnival-style games, activities and a treasure hunt. Tickets, costing €25, are available from eventbrite.ie while children (€8) and family tickets (€55) will be available on the gate or in advance by contacting Brian at 086 3428226.

BACK TO SCHOOL FAMILY FUN RUN

The Back to School Family Fun Run in aid of Carnew LGFA and camogie club takes place at midday – registration from 11.15 a.m. to 11.45 a.m. in the GAA field. Adults €10 and children €5. Wacky hair and glasses are a must. No prizes just sheer enjoyment. All support would be appreciated.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 BAGATELLE

The Enniskerry Festival will begin in fine style as firm-favourites Bagatelle perform in the marquee at Monastery House as part of their 40th anniversary tour. Kicking off at 8 p.m., fans will be treated to a variety of the band’s biggest hits, such as summer in Dublin, Second Violin and Trump Card. Tickets, costing €20, are on sale at enniskerryfestival.ie.

DINNER CONCERT

Aspects of Opera, the trio of classically trained singers, will perform at Wicklow Golf Club at 8 p.m. to raise funds for Wicklow RNLI the experienced singers will perform a mix of popular classics, show songs and ballads as guests enjoy a meal by chef Paul Smith. Tickets cost €25 and are available from Tom at 087 2516940 or 087 2856257.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 THE LAKES 10K AND HALF-MARATHON

Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, the Lakes 10k and half-marathon takes runners and walkers on a scenic route around the Blessington lakes – and there’s muffins at the finish line. Registration is open now on popupraces.ie and costs €22.45 for the 10k and €32 for the half-marathon.

LIAM KELLY MEMORIAL RUN

The garden of Ireland Vintage Car Club will begin it’s weekend of events with the Liam Kelly Memorial Garden of Ireland Run. Registration begins at 9.30 a.m. at the Grove Bar in Delgany. For further information, call the club at 087 8329235 or email goivcc@ gmail.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 CAMINO DE GLENDALOUGH PILGRIMAGE

This annual church of Ireland pilgrimage follows the 30km route along St Kevin’s Way from Hollywood to Glendalough. The full route takes about six hours but people are welcome to join along the way and complete a shorter distance. The day starts will a pilgrims’ blessing in St Kevin’s Church, Hollywood, at 9 a.m.

For those approaching Glendalough from the other side, a service of Holy Communion will be held at St John’s Church in Laragh. The event will finish with a short service of thanksgiving and prayer at the Upper Lake in Glendalough at 5 p.m., after which a bus will bring pilgrims back to Hollywood or Laragh. Further details are available online from dublin.anglican.org.

RUN FOR RUBY AT DONARD HALL

This 7km walk and run will take place in memory of Ruby Lynch and to raise funds for the Foyle Down Syndrome Trust. Registration will be from 10 a.m. in Donard Hall, with participants setting off at 11 a.m. Entry costs €10 (kids go free).

VINTAGE POKER RUN STARTING IN DELGANY

The garden of Ireland Vintage Car Club continue’s it’s weekend in memory of the late Liam Kelly with it’s annual poker run, which leaves from the Grove Bar, Delgany, at 11 a.m. Entry is €10 (free for those who took part in Saturdays run). For further information, call the club at 087 8329235 or email goivcc@gmail.com.

FIRST EVER VINTAGE DAY IN COOLGREANY

Coolgreany Vintage Club will host its first ever vintage day in Coolgreany from midday. All types of exhibits, auto jumble, lots of entertainment and music by Stacey Breen while vintage dress will be optional.

For more information or to register for the show, contact Geraldine at 087 2038213, Alan at 085 7299468 or Seán at 087 2076335.

VICTORIAN FIELD DAY IN ENNISKERRY

Dig the costumes out of the wardrobe for the treat that is the Enniskerry Festival’s annual Victorian field day at Monastery House, Enniskerry.

The day will feature bouncy castles, pony rides, a pet farm, games, kids’ sports and races, dog show, competitions, arts and crafts, music, soapbox race, food festival and much more. Entry is €10 for adults while children go free and there is free parking.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 FIONNUALA MCCORMACK KILOMARATHON.

The popular Fionnuala McCormack Kilomarathon and 10k race returns to raise even more money for Wicklow Hospice Foundation. With the kilomarathon almost 17 miles, it’s a great opportunity for someone to push themselves if they are trying to build up to a full marathon distance.

The race starts at the Beehive Bar at 9 a.m. Entry is open now online at itsplainsailing.com/club/wicklowhospice and it costs €20 to enter the 10k or €30 to enter the kilomarathon.