Parachute display

NINE of the world's most skilled pilots take to the skies over the Rock of Cashel today as the Red Bull Air Race World Series flies into town for the fourth of six competitions spanning the globe. The day-long event begins at 11am and includes a parachute display and synchronised flying destined to wow crowds before culminating at 3.30pm with the second of two rounds of racing.

Miller play at the Gate

SURE, he was once married to Marilyn Monroe, but above all, Arthur Miller was a first-rate playwright, and on 28 July, Mark Brokaw brings Miller's A View From the Bridge to life at the Gate Theatre. The story, of familial love that becomes tragic when a New York couple takes relatives into their home in the 1950s, starts at 8pm.

A Splendid Mess

PHYSICAL comedy and slapstick humour abound during Caroline McSweeney's production of A Splendid Mess. Running through 30 July at the Project Arts Centre's Cube, the absurdities of modern life in Dublin are brought to light each evening at 8.15pm, as an ensemble cast portraying misfit characters takes to the stage.

Bluegrass is here

THE homespun sounds of guitars, banjos and fiddles resonate tonight at the Green Room in the Holiday Inn, Dublin City Centre as Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike bring bluegrass to the capital at 8pm. The band is bound to impress with tracks from their new That's What Love Can Do album.

Fiddler's Green festival

THE spotlight shines on traditional Irish culture this week in Down as the 19th annual Fiddler's Green International Festival runs from today until 31 July in Rostrevor. Live music, numerous productions and an angling championship await visitors. There's even a literary pub crawl.

Events are varied, so check out www. fiddlers greenfestival. com for complete listings.

Strings at the NCH

NO guitar? No problem. There will be plenty on stage this week at the National Concert Hall as La Guitarra wraps up its month-long run with two scheduled performances. Music written especially for the stringed instrument is celebrated as the show brings internationally-renowned artists to Dublin.