IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING...

Write a novel

Wondering how to pass your time? Aspiring writers should have their pens at the ready as the Irish Writers Centre Novel Fair is about to return. Submissions for Novel Fair 2021 — which aims to introduce up-and-coming writers to top publishers and literary agents — will be opening shortly and will remain open until Friday, September 25. For more information, check out irishwriterscentre.ie

Borrow a bicycle

Or maybe you have your own. With riding a bike to and from work, or for social purposes, set to become a lot more popular as a way to cut down on the risk of catching coronavirus, cycling in Ireland is about to experience a boom. Now might be the time to brush up on your cycling skills, and to get bike-ready.

Answer the call

EPIC Museum is looking for people to share their #EPICIrish stories for a new exhibition that celebrates our response to Covid-19. Whether it’s frontline workers, community volunteers, local entertainers, PPE makers or children putting drawings in their windows, the EPIC team want to hear your submissions. More info at https://epicchq.com/

Fly a virtual balloon

The first annual virtual balloon race to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis will begin on May 30, World MS Day. The aim is to launch 9,000 virtual balloons, for the 9,000 people with MS in Ireland, at €5 per balloon. More info or buy a balloon at https://msi.rentaballoonrace.com/site/index

Get the kids creating

Cruinniú na nÓg is the national day of youthful creativity, and in partnership with the 31 local authorities and supported by RTÉ, thousands of families and young folk will take part in a wide range of fun, free, creative activities — mostly online, of course. From graffiti art workshops to stop-motion animation, robot-making to shieldmaking workshops, Wicklow Co Council has a series of great initiatives, from a bake-off with Catherine Fulvio (right) to animation workshops, story-writing with author Sarah Webb and much more. See crinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie