Things to do in Dublin, Belfast and Galway
whatsonin.ie is an event guide to venues and events in Dublin, Galway and Belfast. What’s on Today can be seen here the events events can be filtered. See individual categories using the main menu above (under Home). Things to do in Dublin, Things to do in Galway and What’s on in Belfast.
Here’s a selection of what’s coming up:
Irish Famine Museum
Irish Famine Exhibition The Irish Potato Famine was the most catastrophic event in Ireland’s turbulent history. It is also regarded as being one of the worst Famines in history (deaths as a proportion to population). The use of the word ‘Famine’ in this context is controversial, for Ireland at the time was part of the richest Empire in the World (the British Empire). There was sufficient food in the country throughout the ‘Famine’ years, yet over a million people died from starvation and disease, and millions more were forced to flee. Some historians prefer to use the name ‘Great Hunger’ to describe this period of mass death from starvation and disease. This exhibition tells the story of what happened during those horrific years. We use rare 19th century photographs, witness accounts, contemporary sketches as well as maps and statistical information. A 15 minute film with seating is included in the exhibition and the average time spent by visitors is 1 hour. A DVD of the exhibition can also be purchased at the venue. This exhibition is dedicated to all victims of the Irish Potato Famine or The Great Hunger. Please go to Irish Famine Museum for more information
The Abbey Theatre
Following the death of an elderly docker, his friends gather in the local pub, The Dockside, to celebrate his life. Emotions run high and a powder keg of friction comes to a head as a dockland community come to terms with the challenge of building new lives when old ways get swept away. Over the course of an evening awash with songs, sharp Dublin wit and tales of life on the Docks, hidden tensions expose fault lines in their complex relationships. After the success of Ulysses, Dermot Bolger and Graham McLaren reunite to present this Dublin Port Commission as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival 2019. Dates: 23 September – 26 October Free Performance: Monday 21 October Times: Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Wed & Sat Matinees 2pm Tickets: €13 – €45 / Conc. €13 – €30 Running Time: 3 Hours approx. including a 20 minute interval.
Gate Theatre
The Beacon by Nancy Harris is a new play commissioned by Druid in 2016 and marks Nancy Harris’s Druid debut and her welcome return to the Gate Theatre stage after her brilliantly dark comic adaptation of The Red Shoes in 2017. The Beacon will run as part of Dublin Theatre Festival. In The Beacon, Beiv, a celebrated artist, has moved from suburban Dublin to her holiday cottage on an island off the coast of West Cork. But a dark shadow from the past hangs over her. When her estranged son and his new young wife arrive to stay, she is faced with some difficult questions. Preview: Wednesday 2 October 2019 Opening Night: Thursday 3 October 2019 Matinees: Saturday – 2.30pm Evenings: Monday to Saturday – 7.30pm
Dublin Various
Red Line Book Festival 2019 October 7th to 13th Held in October each year, the Red Line Book Festival celebrates the very best in local, national and international writing. The festival takes place in various venues across South Dublin County and is funded by South Dublin County Council and managed by South Dublin Libraries and Arts. Festival Co-ordinators: Bernie Meenaghan, Helen McMahon and Mark Ward.
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
Bill Kenwright’s ‘Amazing’, ’Superb’, ‘Wonderful’ and ‘Brilliant’ production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical comes to Bord Gáis Energy Theatre! Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his 11 brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Go, Go, Go Joseph, Any Dream Will Do, Jacob and Sons, Close Every Door To Me and many more. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was the first of Lloyd Webber and Rice’s musicals to be performed publicly. Seen by an estimated 26 million people, Joseph continues to enthral audiences around the world.
The Abbey Theatre
A bleak and beautiful story, told through the folk music of Ireland and America. 1865 – the end of the US Civil War. Eliza Duane Mooney, daughter of an Irish emigrant, walks across America in search of her brother Jeddo, a child soldier in the Confederate army. As Eliza and Jeddo’s stories unfold, they shine a light on the stark realities of war, its invisible rise, and what is left in its wake. Moonfish Theatre follow their acclaimed adaptation of Joseph O’Connor’s novel Star of the Sea with a unique re-imagining of O’Connor’s sequel, Redemption Falls. Presented as a theatre-gig, Redemption Falls weaves traditional folk song and music, visceral imagery and evocative storytelling in a breathtaking and intense theatrical experience. 9 – 19 October | Peacock Stage Free First Preview: 9 October Times: Mon-Sat 8pm, Sat Matinee 2.30pm Tickets: €18 – €25 / Conc. €16 – €20 Running Time: 1 hour 45 minutes plus interval
The Button Factory
Vanesa Martín llevará en 2019 las canciones de su nuevo disco “Todas las mujeres que habitan en mi” a Dublín, Edimburgo, Londres…entre otras ciudades europeas.
Dublin Various
Open House Dublin (OHD) is Ireland’s largest architecture festival, inviting everyone to explore Dublin city. It works through a simple but powerful idea: showcasing outstanding architecture for everyone to experience. Buildings that aren’t usually accessible to the public and buildings of architectural merit open their doors for one weekend, with architectural tours provided by expert guides. Tips: It’s a busy weekend, with plenty of things to see and do, so to make sure you get the most out of the festival, here are some top tips for your Open House Dublin (OHD) weekend! 1. Study the programme – full details are available on our Open House Dublin website, but if you’re out and about, why not grab a copy of the September Totally Dublin to get the OHD pull-out programme. Alternatively, pick up an OHD map at the Open House Dublin Info Hub in the IAF HQ at 15 Bachelors Walk, Dublin 1 from Monday, 7 October through Sunday, 13 October, 12pm-4pm. Our Open House Dublin volunteers are also on hand to assist with any general queries. Maps will also be available at your local public library in the run up to OHD weekend at key locations across the city. […]
3 Arena
Pop superstars Little Mix return in autumn 2019 with their The LM5 Tour across the UK and Ireland. The arena tour kicks off in Dublin on 10 October, ending in Leeds on 19 November 2018. The girls will also perform three massive nights at The O2 Arena in London as part of the run. The shows will see Little Mix perform songs from their brand new album LM5, alongside their greatest hits including Touch, Shout Out to My Ex, Black Magic and Wings. Last updated: October, 2018
The Button Factory
VAMA, one of Romania’s most beloved indie pop-rock bands, performs for the first time in Dublin. Vibrant music, dancing without constraints, deep lyrics and the unique feeling of being one with the band – in one word – VAMA. Together we bring back the summer, with its sunny days, fine guitar chords and breezy rhythms.VAMA’s music is highly associated with the sea. Sometimes furious, other times calm, yet always completely free – this is the spirit that VAMA embodies. And this made it popular for more than a decade. The band performs for people who speak their minds and then sing aloud about it. Get ready to feel the waves of freedom in a concert that you won’t forget anytime soon. ➡ When? The 11th of October ➡ Where? Dublin – The Button Factory ? Tickets available at: https://www.iabilet.ro/bilete-dublin-concert-vama-41767/ // VAMA, una dintre cele mai iubite trupe din România, concertează pentru prima oară în Dublin. Muzică vibrantă, dans fără constrângeri, versuri profunde și sentimentul unic de a fi unul cu trupa – într-un cuvânt – VAMA. Împreună vom aduce vara înapoi, cu zilele sale însorite, acorduri fine și ritmuri răcoritoare. Muzica trupei VAMA este creată în strânsă conexiune cu marea. […]
Olympia Theatre
Formed in 2016, Le Boom are Irish friends Chris Leech and Aimie Mallon. They’re known for creating carefree electronic-indie music including songs like What We Do, Coma, Don’t Need It Now and latest track Animal. Catch Le Boom live when they come to London this May.
National Gallery
At our weekly drop-in workshop, children and their parents/guardians/carers are encouraged to work together on creative projects. Drop-in and stay for as long (or as little!) as you wish. These workshops are suitable for children of all ages, and take place in the Maples and Calder Creative Space in our Atrium. These free workshops take place weekly, every Sunday from 11.30am. Join us for a special tour designed for children and their guardians, parents and carers. Our aim is to make the artworks fun and engaging for kids, and to welcome families and visitors of all ages and encourage them to feel comfortable in the Gallery. All welcome; no booking necessary. 12:30pm
The SSE Arena
Pop superstars Little Mix return in autumn 2019 with their The LM5 Tour across the UK and Ireland. The arena tour kicks off in Dublin on 10 October, ending in Leeds on 19 November 2018. The girls will also perform three massive nights at The O2 Arena in London as part of the run. The shows will see Little Mix perform songs from their brand new album LM5, alongside their greatest hits including Touch, Shout Out to My Ex, Black Magic and Wings. Last updated: October, 2018 SSE 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th October
3 Arena
Country Multi Grammy Award winner Brad Paisley has announced a Dublin concert at 3Arena on 13th October. This is his first Dublin show since he headlined the renowned Country To Country festival two years ago. Special guest is North Carolina’s rising star Chris Lane. Brad Paisley is a critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, guitarist and entertainer whose talents have earned him numerous awards, including three GRAMMYs, two American Music Awards, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards and 14 Country Music Association Awards (including Entertainer of the Year), among many others. He has been a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry since 2001.
Dublin Various
DublinTown Food and Drink Festival is brought to you by DublinTown. From the creators of Dine in Dublin, DublinTown Food and Drink Festival is adding more to the table of contents to give food and drink lovers a bigger festival menu. We are delighted to work with so many of the city centre’s restaurants, bars, cafés, bistros and hotels to make a programme of events that highlight the city’s amazing food and drink offerings. Dublin City itself has a wealth of talent behind the scenes and this festival aims to bring a bigger spotlight to their skills. 2018 marked the inaugural year of the newest festival to hit the streets of Dublin. The 2019 festival promises to be bigger and better and we can’t wait for you all to experience the city through this gastronomic programme. This year’s festival is in partnership with Pallas Foods. Watch some of Dublin’s most influential food and drink industry professionals tell us their thoughts on the DublinTown Food and Drink Festival.
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
Paul Carrack, one of the most revered vocalists in pop music, a legendary singer – songwriter and front man of Mike & The Mechanics, Squeeze & Ace returns to the road with his band and a new album, These Days. It features 11 new songs including 5 co-writes with his old Squeeze bandmate Chris Difford. With a back-catalogue of classic hit songs to his name including “The Living Years”, “Tempted”, “How Long”, “Over My Shoulder”, Paul’s uniquely soulful voice is a must for his million of fans around the world. His songs have been covered by some of the biggest names in pop music….The Eagles, Diana Ross, Tom Jones and he is constantly in demand as a session keyboard player and has recorded and toured with Elton John, Van Morrison, Roger Waters, BB King and most recently Eric Clapton. A recent BBC documentary “The Man With The Golden Voice” has brought Paul Carrack to an even wider audience with a whole new generation of fans discovering the talents of this uniquely gifted musician. Maybe its time you did too.
Dublin Halloween Night Run
Sandymount or ‘Spookymount’ is an ideal location being walking distance from the center of Dublin. And the course is laid out in long straight flat lines making it ‘racer’ friendly. There are two distances to suit all levels of fitness. A 5km single lap or a 10km double lap. The course is a single loop starting and finishing beside Clanna Gael GAA club. Entries are limited so don’t leave it too late to enter! This is an annual SELL OUT race. Tell your friends. There will be a NEW bespoke Halloween Finisher’s Medal to meet you at the finish line along with that sense of satisfaction. Ideal midweek run for October. Fancy dress optional….. Date 15th October 2019 Start time 7.20pm Distance 5km or 10km Halloween Finisher medal for All 5km €15. 10km €20
Vicar Street
Squeeze formed in 1974, shortly after teenage friends Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook began their songwriting partnership, brought together by an ad in a sweetshop window. By 1977 they had made their recording debut and enjoyed a string of hits that lasted until 1982. Over the years there have been solo careers and occasional separations, but the Ivor Novello Award-winning songwriting duo got back together in 2007 to relaunch Squeeze. Cradle to the Grave is the band’s latest and 14th studio album. It features the first collection of new songs from Difford and Tilbrook since 1998. Squeeze are touring the UK in 2017 with their Join the Dots tour.
Olympia Theatre
Following the announcement of their fourth studio album ‘False Alarm’ (out June 21st on Prolifica Inc/ [PIAS]), Two Door Cinema Club have revealed plans for an eight date UK & Ireland headline tour this October. The tour will see the Bangor three piece play The Olympia Theatre, Dublin on 15th October.
Smock Alley Theatre
We are delighted to present the world debut of a new, original Irish musical with book by Grace O’Malley and music and lyrics by Ross O’Connor. A small fish in a big pond finds her way to Smock Alley’s Main Space October 15th-19th. When Dublin girl Anna graduates from drama school in London and finds herself waiting tables instead of waiting in the wings, she struggles to find her place in the world. A story about young adults and their transition into the real world, the challenges they face and how those challenges affect their mental health. Book by Grace O’Malley Music by Ross O’Connor Produced by Grace O’Malley & Karen Lee
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
The first is his 1986 release, ‘Into The Light’, which Chris had shrewdly envisaged could be the record that might place him fully centre stage as an international artist – and so it proved, thanks to one song in particular: ‘The Lady In Red’. It was the composition which finally established him as a known singer-songwriter around the world and has since become an undeniable evergreen classic. It achieved No. 1 status in 47 countries, including the UK, reached No.2 in America and has now sold in excess of 8 million copies. To this day, it remains one of the most played songs on the planet; in America alone, it has been the recipient of six annual ASCAP (Association of Composers and Publishers) Awards, presented to acknowledge it as among the Top 20 most played records in the United States in a period of 12 months. The second album is ‘Moonfleet & Other Stories’, from 2010, which took Chris on the most ambitious, demanding and evocative journey of his long career which, by then, had resulted in albums sales approaching 50 million worldwide. “I gave myself the biggest challenge in writing and recording that album,” Chris estimates. “It was very […]
Olympia Theatre
First Show Oct 16 Wed 17:30 – Sold Out Second Show Oct 16 Wed 19:00 – Sold Out Third Show Oct 16 Wed 21:45 Television personality, Emmy nominee, and hairstylist to the stars, Jonathan Van Ness has quickly become known in the entertainment industry for his fabulous, unstoppable energy. It is his belief that great hair is best served with a side of witty banter. Jonathan can be seen starring on Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” which premiered in February 2018; the hit reboot of the Emmy Award winning series “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.” The show, which is Netflix’s first foray into non-scripted, follows the ‘Fab Five’ as they forge relationships with men and women from a wide array of backgrounds and beliefs often contrary to their own, touching on everything from LGBTQ rights and social commentary to how to make the best farm-to-table guacamole. Jonathan shines as the show’s groomer, hair guru and self-care advocate. “Queer Eye” is set to return for Season 2 on June 15th.
3 Arena
Breaking through in 2001 with his debut album Room For Squares, John Mayer is one of the most successful recording artists of the past two decades. Mayer has released seven studio albums in total, his most recent being 2017’s The Search for Everything. Some of the musician’s best-known tracks include Daughters, Who Says, Waiting on the World to Change, No Such Thing and Your Body is a Wonderland. A serial award winner, Mayer has been nominated for a total of 19 Grammy Awards, taking home seven. Alongside music, John hosts a weekly show on Instagram Live entitled Current Mood. Guests who have appeared on Current Mood include Thundercat, Charlie Puth and Diplo. Mayer will be bringing his European tour to London and Manchester in October 2019. There will be no support act on these shows, with John instead performing two career-spanning sets.
Instituto Cervantes
On its opening, ISLA (Irish Spanish Latin American) Festival organized by Instituto Cervantes in Dublin will screen music documentary Love and Death. The Story of Enrique Granados tells the intense and turbulent story of composer Enrique Granados in Barcelona at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, his journeys to Madrid, Paris, New York, his life-long struggles and his early successes… The event, celebrated in Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI), will be followed by a Panel discussion with an introduction by flamenco dancer and neuroscientists Researcher in Trinity College, Ana Belén López, who will discuss with author and cinema director, Arantxa Aguirre. Chaired by professional singer and Assistant Professor in Hispanic Studies at Trinity College, Katerina García. Free in and no booking is required!
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
On November 9th 2018, Aled Jones and Russell Watson, two of the world’s greatest classical voices, take to the stage together for their first joint UK and Ireland tour throughout September and October 2019, performing in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on Friday, October 18th 2019. As two of the classical world’s vocal powerhouses, Aled and Russell have received countless prestigious awards, record-breaking sales and chart successes. Over his extraordinary 30 year career, Aled’s outstanding performances have made smash-hit box office history. He is the original crossover star and has sung for the Pope and the Royal Family, received an MBE, released over 30 albums – with over 10 million album sales and counting – and has over 40 silver, gold and platinum discs. After beginning his career at the age of 12, Aled became one of the world’s most successful boy sopranos, releasing 12 hit albums in 4 years with the defining moment being ‘Walking in the Air’, the hit song from the family-favourite, Christmas animated film ‘The Snowman’.
The Sugar Club
Notes On Rave In Dublin is a roller coaster ride through the birth pangs of dance music in our dirty old town. From the democratic romance of those early loved up dancefloors to how a cold social stratification and commercialisation crept back. Leaving it up to a network of outsider labels, pirates and ravers to establish an indigenous scene that we now call our own. This is a story of how an underground works, mutates and survives. Join Dublin Digital Radio and rabble in the plush surroundings of The Sugar Club as we give Notes on Rave in Dublin another rinse on the big screen. All proceeds go towards Dublin Digital Radio’s upcoming big move ( more details on that to be shared real soon).
Olympia Theatre
The award-winning singer – one of the original cast members of the Olivier Award-winning La Soiree- has stunned audiences around the world with her sell-out performances including Sydney Opera House, London’s Royal Festival Hall, The Roundhouse and a show-stealing appearance on Later with Jools Holland BBC. Recently she sold out her 10 night run at Sydney Festival where she won a prestigious Australian Helpmann Award ‘Best Performance’. Chameleon-like on stage, each song is a different character to inhabit with its story to tell, Dark, light fierce, amusing and mesmerizing, Camille transforms each song into “an intense theatrical experience, drawing her audience into a world illuminated by the dark and the light”. The show has also been described as “an emotional rollercoaster”. “When she sings it’s as though her breath is soaked in paraffin – one spark, and the whole room would ignite” FIVE STARS Daily Telegraph At Wilderness Festival 2015 she performed Radiohead’s music with a forty piece orchestra and performed Brel’s music at Edinburgh Fringe 15 (A masterclass in living a lyric – mesmerising’ ***** – Mail on Sunday) and recently toured David Lynch ‘in Dreams’ music at the Sydney Opera House, dueted with Tim Robbins, Todd Rundgren, Shane McGowan (London 02), […]
3 Arena
Same place, same time next year! Biggest 80’s – 90’s disco is back for the second round! We are preparing an event better night for you in 2019! During the 4hr concert in fabulous 3Arena on 19th of October you will hear all your favourite hits in one night, from: Alphaville Smokie Technotronic 5ive S club East 17 ABBORN – Tribute band to ABBA Dr. Alban Capella C+C Music Factory Vengaboys Captain Hollywood Project Maggie Reilly We promise you will sing your heart out and dance your shoes off! So get your fancy dress ready and prepare for the best party of the year!
Vicar Street
Des Bishop is coming home after spending over a year in China. He has some fun stories to tell about that: from working in a restaurant in the North East for a month to trying to find a wife in a Marriage park; plus some great journeys with Leo his co-worker from the Abrakebabra days. But he also can’t wait to tell you about all the things he missed about home: democracy, milk, sarcasm and so much more. Most importantly though, Des just can’t wait to speak English without being censored. Absence makes the heart grow funnier, so come and check out this unique show.
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
With over 20,000 tickets sold in Ireland plus successful tours of the UK, Holland and Belgium. Ireland’s most successful touring tribute show returns to Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. The show’s creator and promoter Pat Egan says: “The success of the show is down to the outstanding high quality of the production, brilliant band and singers but ever more so the astonishing voice of Toni Lee recreating to perfection the smoky tones of Karen Carpenter. No other Carpenters show comes near”. The show’s Musical Director and arranger is Eugene McCarthy, a highly experienced musician of over 30 years who has worked with top Irish and international acts. Toni Lee is unique, utterly unique in that she recreates the voice of Karen Carpenter like no one else alive. Her touring show “We’ve Only Just Begun” has been on the road now for over 5 years and its simply the best Celebration of the Carpenters music to be heard anywhere in the world. The show features every Carpenter hit with an 8 piece big band and audiovisuals of the Carpenters career highlights. It’s an evening of pure nostalgia where Toni Lee truly becomes Karen Carpenter. Toni grew up in a music business family. […]