Festivals, Food and Football: What’s on this weekend

From storytelling and music festivals to football finals and food – there is a lot happening in Ireland this weekend

Before I begin, it’s time for us to mourn summer. It felt like it never really came and on the days where the sun did shine, they went too quickly.

Sunday is September 1, marking the start of a new chapter – but just because summer is over, doesn’t mean all the fun has to stop. It will continue but in different forms. The outdoor events will soon move to cosy corners and you will soon be swapping your Aperol Spritz for a hot port.

Thankfully, to dilute the sadness, there are lots of fun and exciting events taking place across the country this weekend. From football matches to storytelling islands to mega festivals – it is a jam-packed weekend.

So, enjoy the last of the summer wine and get ready for a fresh start.

Cape Clear Island Storytelling Festival, Cork

Now in its 25th year, the Cape Clear Island Storytelling Festival continues to attract revellers. Its popularity has made it one of the most renowned storytelling festivals in the world storytelling calendar.

Some of the most accomplished storytellers in the world make it to the Cork island to celebrate a wonderful tradition – a tradition which is an integral part of Irish culture. Not only this Cape Clear Island is stunning. It is situated eight miles off the coast of Baltimore in West Cork and is Ireland’s southernmost inhabited island. It is packed with unique flora and fauna and has some out of the finest scenic views.

Find out more here.

Electric Picnic

Electric Picnic just keeps getting bigger and better. It’s the end of the festival season and what a way to say goodbye.

Situated in Stradbally, this year’s line-up is one of the best yet. Billie Eilish, The Strokes, The 1975 and Florence and the Machine are just some of the acts taking to the stage over the weekend.

Then there is the array of other areas where you can find fun and inspiration. These include Body & Soul, Casa Bacardi, Theatre of Food and the comedy stage.

All-Ireland Final

The GAA summer is coming into its closing stage (we still have both of the ladies’ finals to go) with this absolute clash of the titans.

Dublin and Kerry have a rivalry which goes far beyond the football pitch, and some of their previous meetings have been pure crackers. With over 82,000 supporters set to attend, Dublin city will be on a high.

If you are lucky enough to get a ticket, make sure to soak up the atmosphere near the stadium, where you will meet old friends and new foes. If you don’t have a golden ticket, then make sure to stay around the city and soak up the buzz and excitement in some of Dublin’s finest bars.

Kick-off time for the final is 3.30pm and will be broadcasted on RTÉ 2.

Feast Cork Food & Drink Festival

Taking place from September 1 to September 8, the Feast Cork Food & Drink Festival Middleton is an actual feast for the senses. Confirming their biggest line-up to date, the festival is blending the area’s foodie heritage with the wide Cork region. It’s a blend of conversations, dinners, produce, markets, foraging, mixology, producers, landscape, heritage and storytelling. This sounds like our dream.

Find out more here.

Kinky Boots

If a musical tickles your fancy this weekend, make sure to catch Kinky Boots for its final weekend in the Bórd Gáis Theatre.

With two shows taking place on Saturday (and available tickets) now is your chance to see this extravaganza.

Starring Emmerdale star Verity Rushworth and Simon-Anthony Rhoden and David Hunter, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos.

It’s pure joy and it is no wonder it has won three Olivier Awards. Get there and see it before it’s too late.

You can purchase your tickets here.

Read more: In an office full of Dubs, my Kerry ‘cuteness’ is shining through ahead of the All-Ireland final

Read more: A love letter to Dublin, from a Kerry girl born and bred

Read more: 7 Netflix series and films we can’t wait for this autumn