Nick Cave

MAKE sure to catch Nick Cave at Cork's Live at the Marquee festival this Wednesday . . . it's the only solo date on his current tour. Never afraid to take risks, Cave has flirted with both brilliance and ridicule throughout his career and is sometimes self-indulgent but always engaging: be prepared for a double helping of deathly maudlin rock 'n' roll cabaret.

Tall Ships

IRELAND is to be graced with the presence of over 90 tall ships from countries including France, Norway and Uruguay.

Ireland has three entrants for the race to Cherbourg . . . the Dunbrody, Jeanie Johnston and Asgard II, as well as Dewaruci, an Indonesian tall ship "adopted" by Waterford City Council following last year's tsunami disaster. For more information log onto www. waterfordtallshiprace. com.

La Traviata

A GLASS of wine, a stunning country house and opera in a glorious garden is one way to enjoy Verdi's La Traviata, presented by the Blackstairs Opera in the grounds of the beautiful Monkgrange House in Enniscorthy on 8 and 9 July. For more information log onto www. blackstairsopera. com.

The Ha'penny Bridge

FANS of tonsil-trembling showstoppers and breast-beating emotional scenes should make a beeline for the Point Theatre from today to catch the last week of The Ha'Penny Bridge, which finishes on Saturday.

Farmers' Markets

FARMERS' markets are springing up everywhere and are an incredible source of tasty fruit, veg and home-cooked food. Find out where your local market can be found by logging onto www. irishfarmersmarkets. ie.

Killarney Summerfest

WE may automatically associate the word 'festival' with grubby portaloos and pools of beer, but for those with kids, this week's Killarney Summerfest should fit the bill perfectly. Events includes soccer camp and workshops in puppet making and circus skills: see www. killarneysummerfest. com for more.