Snake a leg

Ssssssstart next weekend's Chinese New Year with a visit to Chester Beatty Library in Dublin Castle, where the Year of the Snake will be celebrated with a free Chinese calligraphy demonstration. While you're there check out the Chinese collection, including 950 snuff bottles, Jade books, emperors' dragon robes, prints and painted scrolls. Events from 1pm-3pm next Saturday and Sunday. See cbl.ie.

The Chinese New Year festival runs from next Friday to February 20th and includes a carnival at Meeting House Square in Temple Bar (10th) with dragon and lion dances, martial arts displays, Chinese food and craft. Or head to Dublin Zoo for keeper talks on snakes, pandas and other Asian animals. See cny.iefor more details.