HAPPENINGS:

Summer Solstice at Croke Park

The GAA Museum at Croke Park is celebrating the ancient tradition of Summer Solstice with a truly enchanting family-friendly evening and Celtic-themed live performance on June 22.

The interactive family event will include plenty of dance, drama, storytelling, traditional games and audience participation in a mind-blowing hour-long spectacle with the famous ‘Armagh Rhymers’, one of Ireland’s most celebrated traditional music and theatre ensembles.  Visit www.crokepark.ie/midsummer for booking and more information.

Theatre at Botanic Gardens

SHIVA Productions, in association with the OPW and Dublin City Council, is hosting ‘Meet me in the Gardens’, a series of four short plays, in various locations in the picturesque grounds of the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin.

Performance dates and times for the plays, written by Sharon McCoy and directed by Aoibhinn Marie Gilroy, are: Sunday, June 24, 2pm and 4pm; Sunday, July 1, 2pm and 4pm; Saturday, July 7, 2pm and 4pm; and Saturday, July 14, 2pm and 4pm. Duration: 60 minutes. Tickets cost €11.40 and booking is via Eventbrite.

Flavours of Fingal 

The seventh annual Flavours of Fingal County Show will take place in Newbridge House and Farm, Donabate on June 23 and 24. 

Combining the sights and sounds of a traditional agricultural show with an unforgettable food and family fun experience, the Flavours of Fingal County Show is free of charge for all who travel on foot, bike, public transport or avail of the free shuttle bus to the event.

For more information, visit www.flavoursoffingal.ie

Antiques & Vintage Fair

The South Dublin Antiques & Vintage Fair will take place in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, on Sunday, June 24 from 11am-6pm.

A regular event hosted by Vintage Ireland, the fair will feature traditional antique jewellery and silver, along with furniture and other items for the home, plus countless vintage finds, including fashion, and collectables, such as coins, banknotes and books. Admission €3.50 or just €2.50 with the voucher in this week's Southside  People.

Music of Tom Waits

There are songs that have defined our lives through the good times and the bad. When such songs and music are discussed there is one name that is routinely referred to…Tom Waits.

For the past year Irish audiences have witnessed an incendiary show performed by Bone Machine that captures the character and musical genius of Tom Waits. An exhilarating performance that’s playing to packed houses of increasingly adoring fans. Catch them at the Grand Social on Saturday, June 23.

Irish Military Vehicles Group Show

For a fun family day out with a difference, go to Naas Racecourse on Saturday, June 23 and Sunday 24 and join the Irish Military Vehicles Group in a unique interactive display of vehicles, weapons, battle re-enactments and militaria stalls.

The whole family can have fun testing their marksmanship on the outdoor Laser Tag range or learn about light arms from muskets to assault rifles.

History buffs will enjoy debating with authentically-clad re-enactors from various conflicts in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Tickets are €10 for adults, €5 for children and OAPs, or €20 for a family, and they are available at the gate in Naas Racecourse.

For more information, visit the ‘Irish Military Vehicles Group’ page on Facebook,

A Cappella Festival

The Irish International A Cappella Festival returns for the second year taking place across various venues in Dublin city between June 22-24.

Festival hosts Ardú will launch the festival at the Sugar Club with a brand new show on Friday, June 22 while Peregryne, one of Ireland's International vocal ensembles, play on Saturday, June 23. Full programme details are available from www.irishacappella.com.

Dublin Pride

In 1983, the 1st Dublin LGBT Pride Parade took place and has been going ever since, getting bigger every year.

Dublin LGBTQ+ Parade is Ireland's, and now one of Europe's, biggest LGBTQ+ people parades with up to 30,000 plus people marching in 2017.

The 2018 festival kicks off this week from June 21 and events over the weekend include Dublin Pride Run 5K 2018 in Phoenix Park at 7.30pm on Friday June 22 and at later at 8pm there’s The Outing & Dublin Pride Does Rock, Indie and Pop at Whelans, on Wexford Street. More events at dublinpride.ie/events/

Have a heart for Hallie

A League of Ireland Legends team take on the National Garda Team for a brilliant charity match to raise funds for four-year-old Hallie Foley who needs a heart and lung block transplant.

The League of Ireland team features well known players and some have represented the Republic of Ireland while The National Garda Team have qualified for the European Police Cup.

The action takes place at Dalymount Park on Saturday, June 23 at 3pm. Tickets €10 at the gate.