10 things to do

1. Get active

Take advantage of summer while it lasts! With the longer evenings and brighter weather, we can get out and enjoy the fresh air. Getting off the bus or train one stop earlier is a good way of sneaking some exercise into your day!

2. Archaeology Weekend

Take a journey back in time to the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages by physically exploring some of Sligo's ancient and sacred sites and discovering how our ancient ancestors lived, worked, played and prayed. Runs from Saturday July 15th-Sunday July 16th.

3. Be label-conscious

Reading and comparing food labels can tell you a lot about what’s inside. Getting into the habit of glancing over labels before buying can tell you how much energy, protein, carbohydrate, fat, sugar, saturates, fibre and sodium (salt) are contained. Go for products with less fat, sugar, saturates and sodium if you can.

4. Smithwick's Comedy On Tap Festival

With 18 shows across 3 days and over 48 comedians, this festival in Letterkenny will have a strong international flavour. Each venue will give the audience the chance to experience two international acts and two Irish acts. Runs from Thursday July 27th-Saturday July 29th.

5. On your bike

Cycling is a great way to get in shape and summer is the ideal time to start. You don’t need specialist equipment, just a bike and a helmet. Cycling Ireland run a number of cycles nationwide, some of which raise money for charity. Contact 01 855 1522 for more information.

6. Tinahely Agricultural Show

This one-day agricultural show in Co. Wicklow on August 7th has numerous attractions for a funfilled family day's entertainment. Free car parking plus parking for the disabled, as well as large outdoor trade display areas, exhibitions, horse and pony jumping, showing classes and special attractions for this 70th anniversary show.

7. At one with nature

Take advantage of the cheap and natural remedies in your kitchen. Rinse your hair with beer to give it extra shine, make a face mask using food such as grated carrot in olive oil, place cucumber slices over your eyes to revive them and soften rough skin by rubbing in honey or peaches!

8. Wicklow Gardens Festival

This festival provides a wonderful opportunity to visit some of Ireland's finest heritage properties, such as Avondale House & Gardens, Powerscourt House & Gardens, Killruddery House & Gardens, and Mount Usher, as well as smaller private gardens that are not open to the public at other times of the year. Runs until Monday August 14th.

9. Salsa Bonanza!

Get your salsa fix and your dancing shoes on for one amazing weekend! 50 hours of practically non-stop salsa along with 36 hours of excellent instruction mean you will be an expert when you’re through! 11 Instructors from Europe, UK and Ireland will be coming to Cork, as well as a 8- piece live salsa band. Runs from Saturday August 5th-Monday August 7th. (www.salsa ireland.com)

10. Beach Wise

Go the beach! With Ireland's stunning coastline, we're spoilt for choice with the range range of gorgeous beaches to choose from. Take a daytrip to the seaside and enjoy the benefits of the healthy sea air.