Batman in Concert, Blindboy Podcast & Six Nations Rugby

Welcome to the very first edition of The Third Castle!
Whether you're plotting a family adventure, sneaking off for a pint, or just need to know if it’s safe to swim this week (spoiler: maybe not), we’ve got you covered. Each week we’ll serve up the best of local news, events, and hidden gems — all in one tidy read so you can get on with planning the good stuff.

Here’s what’s in store this week:

⚫️ Batman in concert, Blindboy Podcast & live music

⚫️ Six Nations rugby, Dublin Comic Arts Festival

⚫️ Zoo keeper talks, theatre & family events

Let’s dive in👇

BATMAN (1989) IN CONCERT

Tuesday, February 4 National Concert Hall Tim Burton's Batman screened with Danny Elfman's iconic score performed live by full orchestra. The combination of Burton's Gothic Gotham and Elfman's soundtrack remains one of cinema's perfect marriages—experiencing it with live music elevates both. For film fans and anyone who grew up with this version of the Dark Knight. Get tickets

The Blindboy Podcast

Tuesday, February 4 Vicar Street, Dublin Blindboy Boatclub brings his podcast to the stage. Expect surreal humor, cultural commentary, and the kind of storytelling that made his podcast essential Irish listening. Vicar Street provides the perfect setting for Blindboy's unique brand of entertainment. Adults only—his humor doesn't pull punches. Book tickets

Heaven Can Wait: The Ultimate Tribute to Meat Loaf

Saturday, February 7 20:00 The Helix, Dublin Vocalist Lee Brady and full live band deliver Meat Loaf's greatest hits. From "Bat Out of Hell" to "I'd Do Anything for Love," expect theatrical rock opera treatment. For fans who want their power ballads delivered with proper conviction. Book tickets

Balkan Party

Friday, February 7 20:00 The Sugar Club, Dublin Balkan brass, folk rhythms, infectious energy that makes sitting still impossible. The Sugar Club hosts a night of Eastern European sounds guaranteed to get feet moving. Bring dancing shoes—this one builds up a sweat. Event details

Sunday Sessions

Sunday, February 8 20:00 Thunder Road Cafe, Temple Bar Live music in Temple Bar without tourist trap vibes. Thunder Road's Sunday sessions bring quality musicians for intimate performances. Small venue, good sound, the kind of night where you remember the band's name. Event details

Irish Chamber Orchestra with Abel Selaocoe

Wednesday, February 5 National Concert Hall South African cellist Abel Selaocoe joins Irish Chamber Orchestra. Selaocoe's approach incorporates singing, beatboxing, and African musical traditions alongside Western classical technique. For anyone who thinks they know what a cello concert sounds like—prepare to be surprised. Concert tickets

Feis Ceoil 130th Anniversary Event

Wednesday, February 5 National Concert Hall Ireland's music competition festival celebrates 130 years with special anniversary concert. Feis Ceoil has shaped Irish musical education for over a century—this celebration brings together talent from across its history. Anniversary event

THE CELTIC SOCIAL CLUB

Tuesday, February 4 Venue TBC Celtic fusion band performing traditional and contemporary sounds. The Celtic Social Club brings Breton, Irish, and broader Celtic musical traditions together. Check venue listings for specific location and ticket details.

HAYDEN CALNIN

Tuesday, February 4 Venue TBC Australian singer-songwriter Hayden Calnin performs in Dublin. Known for atmospheric indie-folk and electronic textures, Calnin creates immersive sonic landscapes. For fans of introspective, carefully crafted songwriting.

Halina Rice

Wednesday, February 5 Venue TBC Irish singer-songwriter Halina Rice brings her distinctive voice and songwriting to Dublin. Rice's music combines folk sensibility with contemporary production. Check Dublin venue listings for specific location.

Kompromat

Wednesday, February 5 Venue TBC Electronic music night or live performance. Kompromat suggests darker electronic sounds and serious sound system vibes. Check listings for venue and lineup details.

National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

Friday, February 7 08:00 Thunder Road Cafe, Temple Bar Because sometimes you need ice cream before noon. Thunder Road celebrates this gloriously unnecessary American holiday with breakfast sundaes. Bring the kids—they'll never forget the day you said yes to dessert first. Event details

Valentine's Sharing Menu

Monday, February 9 17:00 FIRE Steakhouse & Bar, Dublin Special Valentine's menu designed for sharing. FIRE creates multi-course experience centered around quality cuts and seasonal ingredients. For couples who'd rather celebrate with proper steak than prix-fixe mediocrity. Book table

Dragon Lunch Menu

Sunday, February 2 Dragon Restaurant. Special lunar new year or themed lunch menu.

The Nobó Run Series - Tempo Run Friday, February 7 10:00 Free Structured tempo runs with Dublin's running community. Nobó organizes sessions for runners looking to push pace with group support. All levels welcome—the point is challenging yourself, not comparing. Join run

Joe the Magician Live Saturday, February 8 15:00 The Helix, Dublin RTÉjr star brings his comedy magic show to The Helix. Perfect for families with younger children who love theatrical wonder. Expect card tricks, illusions, and Joe's signature humor that keeps kids engaged without driving parents mad. Book tickets

Kids Entertainment with Karl (SUNDAY FUNDAY) Sunday, February 8 14:30 Thunder Road Cafe, Temple Bar Sunday afternoon entertainment for kids at Thunder Road. Musician Karl brings family-friendly performances that work for children and supervising adults. Free entertainment with food and drink available. Event details

Dublin Zoo Keeper Talks Tuesday, February 4 Dublin Zoo Series of keeper talks throughout the day covering Asian Elephants, Gorillas, Red Pandas, Sea Lions, and Sulawesi Crested Macaques. Zoo keepers share insights into animal behavior, conservation, and daily care. Perfect for families wanting more than just animal viewing. Zoo schedule

Dita Von Teese: Nocturnelle

Sunday, February 8 20:00 Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin The queen of burlesque brings her Nocturnelle show to Dublin. Expect vintage glamour, elaborate costumes, and theatrical spectacle that made Dita Von Teese a household name. This is burlesque as high art—elaborate, elegant, genuinely mesmerizing. Adults only. Get tickets

Jason Manford: A Manford all Seasons

Sunday, February 8 20:00 Vicar Street, Dublin British comedian Jason Manford brings his latest tour to Vicar Street. Observational humor and family-friendly material that doesn't sacrifice laughs for clean content. If you've caught him on panel shows, here's the full set. Get tickets

DUBLIN COMIC ARTS FESTIVAL

Tuesday, February 4 Various Dublin venues Annual celebration of comic books, graphic novels, and sequential art. Dublin Comic Arts Festival brings together creators, publishers, and fans for panels, workshops, and exhibitions. For anyone who takes comics seriously as an art form. Festival details

The Night Joe Dolan's Car Broke Down

Tuesday, February 4 Smock Alley Theatre / Project Arts Centre Irish theatre exploring music, memory, and the legendary Joe Dolan. This production examines Irish music culture through the lens of Dolan's career and influence. Expect nostalgia tempered with genuine theatrical craft. ]

Happy Ever After

Tuesday, February 4 & Wednesday, February 5 Abbey Theatre or venue TBC New Irish theatre exploring fairy tale endings and reality. Happy Ever After questions what happens after the credits roll. The Abbey consistently programs challenging Irish work worth investigating.

In Vitro

Tuesday, February 4 Venue TBC Performance exploring conception, creation, and what it means to bring life into being. In Vitro suggests themes of fertility, science, and human reproduction. Check for content warnings and age recommendations.

A Slow Fire

Tuesday, February 4 Venue TBC New theatre exploring gradual change, tension, and building intensity. A Slow Fire's title suggests drama that unfolds deliberately rather than explosively. For audiences who appreciate theatrical patience.

THE ANATOMY OF BURKE AND HARE

Tuesday, February 4 Venue TBC Historical drama about Edinburgh's infamous body snatchers. Burke and Hare's gruesome story gets theatrical treatment examining murder, medical ethics, and 19th-century crime. Expect dark subject matter handled thoughtfully.

Mirandolina

Wednesday, February 5 Venue TBC Classic theatrical comedy brought to Dublin stages. Mirandolina's story of independence and wit remains relevant centuries after Goldoni wrote it. Check production details for specific interpretation.

New Writing Week: Poached

Tuesday, February 4 Venue TBC Alice Malseed and Catherine Rees present new Irish writing. Poached suggests themes of theft, territory, or culinary metaphor. New Writing Week showcases emerging Irish theatrical voices.

Dublin and Art: 1880-1920 with Yseult O'Driscoll

Wednesday, February 5 Venue TBC (likely Hugh Lane or National Gallery) Art history lecture exploring Dublin's cultural golden age. Yseult O'Driscoll examines the artists, movements, and cultural forces that shaped Irish visual arts during this pivotal period.

AIB Portrait Prize Exhibition

Ongoing at National Gallery of Ireland Ireland's premier portrait competition showcases contemporary Irish portraiture. The AIB Prize consistently reveals exceptional talent and diverse approaches to the human face. Public tours available, including hard-of-hearing accessible tour on Feb 5. Gallery details

In Conversation with Cécile Debray

Monday, February 9 13:00 National Gallery of Ireland €5 Art historian and curator Cécile Debray discusses museum practice and curatorial thinking. Rare chance to hear from someone shaping contemporary art world. For anyone interested in the decisions behind exhibitions. Reserve seat

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