Greetings from The Third Castle!
Right, where to begin. Half-term is in full swing, Lunar New Year festivities are rolling across the city, and the live music calendar reads like someone dared a promoter to book everything at once. Whether you're after an intimate folk night, a heavy metal double-header, or a Saturday afternoon watching the keeper talks at Dublin Zoo — we've got your week sorted.
Here's what's in store this week:
⚫️ Christy Moore, Franz Ferdinand, Stereolab & a week of live music that doesn't quit
⚫️ Scene + Heard Festival, DIFF, The Crucible & Borderline — four unmissable arts events
⚫️ Lunar New Year spectaculars, half-term camps & family days at the National Gallery
Let's dive in 👇
EVENT SPOTLIGHT
Scene + Heard Festival 2026 Tuesday 17 – Thursday 26 February Smock Alley Theatre
The biggest new writing festival in Ireland returns with 108 brand-new works across theatre, performance, and more. Running all week at Smock Alley, it's the kind of event that throws up genuine surprises every night — new voices, new forms, new ideas. Worth dipping into even if you just catch one show. Check the full programme
Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) Thursday 19 February onwards Light House Cinema, IFI, and other venues
The DIFF is back — premieres, Q&As, retrospectives, and late-night screenings across Dublin's best cinema venues. If you're into film, this is the week to make a plan rather than wing it. Browse the programme
Borderline Festival 2026 Thursday 19 – Saturday 21 February Project Arts Centre & The Workman's Club
Three nights of forward-thinking music and performance art across two of Dublin's best alternative venues. Tickets from €18 for the main events, with some free nights mixed in. Get tickets
LIVE MUSIC
Christy Moore Wednesday 18 February & Thursday 26 February Vicar Street
Two nights of Christy Moore at Vicar Street - both sold out, as they always are. If you're lucky enough to have a ticket, you already know. If not, keep an eye out for returns. Vicar Street
The Paper Kites Wednesday 18 February 3Olympia Theatre
The Australian folk-pop outfit bring their delicate, atmospheric sound to the Olympia. A very different Tuesday night vibe to some of the other options this week. Get tickets
Broadway Sound: The 1960s and 1970s Wednesday 18 February National Concert Hall
A nostalgic trip through the golden era of Broadway - Sondheim, Kander and Ebb, and all the rest. Great for fans of classic musical theatre done properly. Get tickets
Sleaford Mods Thursday 19 February 3Olympia Theatre
Jason Williamson and Andrew Fearn live at the Olympia - brittle, caustic post-punk that sounds nothing like anything else. Get tickets
Kirill Gerstein, piano Thursday 19 February National Concert Hall
Russian-American virtuoso Kirill Gerstein performs at the NCH — a seriously talented pianist doing serious things. Get tickets
Metronome: Homebeat Present: Holden & Zimpel Thursday 19 February National Concert Hall
Homebeat bring their Metronome series to the NCH - producer Holden and saxophonist Zimpel in what promises to be a genuinely adventurous combination. Get tickets
F*ck Yeah Thursdays Presents: REVOLVE ft. Cable Boy, Winemom & Mystery Guest Thursday 19 February The Grand Social, Dublin More info
Florence Road Present: Faoin Solas Thursday 19 February Button Factory
An intimate fundraiser for Médecins Sans Frontières featuring emerging Irish voices. The kind of show that means something, as well as sounding great. Get tickets
Magic of the Musicals Friday 20 February National Concert Hall
NSOI: Celine Byrne sings Four Last Songs Friday 20 February National Concert Hall
Soprano Celine Byrne performs Strauss's deeply moving "Four Last Songs" with the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland. One for a Friday evening that means business. Get tickets
Stomptown Brass Friday 20 February @ Whelans
Dublin's own Stomptown Brass do things with brass and percussion that shouldn't theoretically work as well as they do. Great live. Get tickets
Danny L Harle Friday 20 February Button Factory
Grammy-nominated producer Danny L Harle brings his maximalist, hyper-pop production to the Button Factory. Expect an energetic, slightly surreal, great night. Get tickets
Meduza Friday 20 February INDEX DUBLIN
Italian house trio Meduza - of "Piece of Your Heart" fame - headline INDEX for what should be a proper night out. Get tickets
Cormac Pres: Polari at Fidelity Studio Friday 20 February Fidelity Bar
Cormac returns to Fidelity with Tender DJs in support - a more intimate option if the big rooms aren't calling you this Friday. More info
I Love Reggaeton — Dublin's Biggest Reggaeton Party Friday 20 February Button Factory
Foggy Notions Presents: Fabio Do Nascimento Friday 20 February The Grand Social, Dublin More info
ELO Again — The Ultimate Jeff Lynne and ELO Tribute Friday 20 February The Helix
All the hits - Mr. Blue Sky, Don't Bring Me Down, Living Thing - done properly. A great night for people who were always secretly an ELO fan. Get tickets
CURVEBALL: Seanie Vaughan Friday 20 February Button Factory
Seanie Vaughan's sound is rooted in the Irish landscape - a quieter, more introspective option amid a hectic Friday night schedule. Get tickets
CURVEBALL Naasty Club: OXER Friday 20 February Button Factory
High-energy hardhouse and speed garage if that's your Friday. Get tickets
Tommy Keyes — with full band and strings Saturday 21 February The Sugar Club
Tommy Keyes with a full band and strings at the Sugar Club — a properly lush live experience from one of Ireland's more interesting young artists. Get tickets
Stereolab Saturday 21 February National Concert Hall
Stereolab at the NCH - one of the most influential bands of the 1990s, back and absolutely vital. Lounge-pop, motorik rhythms, and political wit. Don't sleep on this one. Get tickets
Smokie — All The Hits Saturday 21 February The Helix
Living Next Door to Alice, Oh Carol, and everything else - Smokie doing exactly what it says on the tin. Get tickets
Whitney — Small Talk Tour Saturday 21 February The Academy, Dublin Get tickets
Ciarán Moran Saturday 21 February The Academy, Dublin Get tickets
L.P. Rhythm Saturday 21 February INDEX DUBLIN, 57 Middle Abbey St, Dublin 1 Get tickets
Legss Saturday 21 February The Grand Social, Dublin More info
KPOP & KHIPHOP Night — Lunar New Year Edition Saturday 21 February The Grand Social, Dublin More info
Encore Presents: Thaylo (All Night Long) Saturday 21 February Button Factory
French progressive house artist Thaylo plays all night — if you want to commit to a Saturday, this is a credible option. Get tickets
DISORDER — Indie & Alternative Clubnight Saturday 21 February The Workmans Club More info
Franz Ferdinand Sunday 22 February National Stadium
Take Me Out. Do You Want To. The Dark of the Matinée. Franz Ferdinand live at the National Stadium - this will be loud and excellent. Get tickets
The High Kings — The Rocky Road Tour Sunday 22 February National Concert Hall
The High Kings continue their Rocky Road Tour at the NCH - proper Irish folk delivered with power and warmth. A great Sunday night out. Get tickets
The Four Seasons Chamber Music Series: Uisce agus Oighear Sunday 22 February National Concert Hall
A chamber music programme exploring themes of water and ice - quiet and considered, the perfect Sunday afternoon counterpoint to everything else going on. Get tickets
Huey Morgan — The Fun Lovin' Criminal Sunday 22 February Whelan's
The Fun Lovin' Criminal himself, live at Whelan's - hip-hop, soul, and genuine New York swagger in one of Dublin's best rooms. Get tickets
Maude Latour Sunday 22 February The Grand Social, Dublin More info
Sena Sener Monday 23 February The Grand Social, Dublin More info
Grandbrothers Monday 23 February Vicar Street, Dublin Get tickets
Urbandub & Typecast Monday 23 February Button Factory
Two of the Philippines' biggest rock legends on one stage — a genuine treat for fans of melodic rock and post-grunge. Get tickets
Foggy Notions presents Mark William Lewis Tuesday 24 February The Workmans Club, Dublin €28.15. Get tickets
Heaven Shall Burn + The Black Dahlia Murder & Frozen Soul Tuesday 24 February The Academy, Dublin A heavy night — metalcore, death metal, and doom metal for fans who know what they're in for. Get tickets
Chinchilla — The Bigger Rooms Tour Tuesday 24 February The Green Room at The Academy, Dublin Get tickets
Leith Ross Tuesday 24 February The Grand Social, Dublin More info
FOOD & DRINK
Winter Olympics Pizza & Pint Deal Tuesday 17, Wednesday 18, Monday 23 & Tuesday 24 February The Back Page
€15 pizza and pint while the Winter Olympics plays overhead - practical, affordable, good craic. More info
2 for 1 Cocktails Thursday Thursdays Bloom Brasserie
Two-for-one cocktails on a Thursday - the kind of information you file away and then act on immediately.
Pinbaile Matchplay — Pinball Competition Wednesday 18 February The Back Page
A proper pinball competition - all levels welcome at one of Dublin's best sports pubs. More info
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Bring Along a Baby Tuesday 17 February National Concert Hall
A concert designed specifically for parents and babies — soothing music in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where small humans are entirely the point. Get tickets
Mid-Term Five-Day Illustration Camp Tuesday 17 – Friday 20 February The Ark,
A five-day illustration camp for children aged 8–12, led by Jole and inspired by beloved illustrated stories. Exactly the kind of structured half-term activity that keeps young hands and minds busy all week. Book here
Blackhall's Strictly Come Dancing Thursday 19 February The Helix
Charity ballroom dancing — fun, colourful, and a proper evening out for kids who love a bit of theatrical glitter. Get tickets
One Night of Adele Thursday 19 February The Helix
A tribute to Adele's catalogue — Hello, Someone Like You, Rolling in the Deep — done with full production and a strong voice. Perfect for fans from about age 10 upwards. Get tickets
Mum + Baby Art Class Wednesday 18 February
A five-week art course designed for mothers and babies — creative, therapeutic, and genuinely a lovely thing to do with a small human who has very strong opinions about touching paint. More info
Hugh Lane Gallery Offsite: Lunar New Year Parent and Child Workshop Thursday 19 February Cabra Library, Dublin
A creative Lunar New Year workshop for parents and children — free, fun, and a nice cultural activity during half-term. More info
Dublin Zoo — Keeper Talks Friday 20 February (and most days) Dublin Zoo,
This Friday: Amur Tiger, Orangutan, Zoorassic World, Rothschild Giraffe, Southern White Rhinoceros, and Sea Lions — all with keeper talks. Basically a full day if you time it right. Plan your visit
First Steps in Meditation Wednesday 18 February Raheny Library, Dublin
An introduction to meditation for absolute beginners — free, gentle, and a useful half-term Wednesday if you need an hour's peace from the chaos. More info
OUTDOOR & WELLNESS
Saint Studios Sauna South William Street
A standalone sauna experience on South William Street - perfect if you need a full reset somewhere in the middle of this week. More info.
Run the Night Dublin Wednesday 18 February, 18:00 North Wall Quay
A chip-timed 5-mile community night run/walk along the Liffey — all paces welcome, a great way to see the city at night from a different angle. More info.
Ebb + Flow — Meditation Friday 20 February
Yoga, sauna, or meditation — or all three. A genuinely restorative midday option. More info
Qigong at the Rooftop Garden Saturday 21 February Chester Beatty Library
Traditional Chinese wellbeing practice in the outdoor garden of one of Dublin's most underrated cultural gems. Perfect for beginners. More info
ARTS & CULTURE
Joanne McNally — Pinotphile Friday 20 February 3Olympia Theatre
If you missed Joanne McNally's tour the first time around, here's your chance — sharp, warm, brilliantly funny. Sold out but you might get a late resale Get tickets
The Crucible Tuesday 17 Feb (19:30), Wednesday 18 Feb (14:30 & 19:30), Saturday 21 Feb (19:30) Gaiety Theatre
Arthur Miller's masterpiece about the Salem witch trials - a play about mass hysteria, moral courage, and the cost of speaking out that never really dates. Running across multiple performances this week at the Gaiety. Get tickets
The Laureate for Irish Fiction Annual Lecture 2026 Wednesday 18 February Project Arts Centre
A celebration of contemporary Irish literature featuring the Laureate for Irish Fiction — free and worth making time for if you're interested in Irish writing. More info
Queer Georgians: The Ladies of Llangollen Thursday 19 February The Sugar Club
An exploration of the fascinating lives of Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby — the Ladies of Llangollen — two of history's most iconic queer couples. Get tickets
To Kill a Mockingbird Friday 20 February Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
Harper Lee's essential American classic, adapted for the stage — powerful, relevant, and brilliantly produced. Get tickets
Talk and Tea: Artist Conor O'Leary in Conversation Tuesday 17 February National Gallery of Ireland
A relaxed conversation with artist Conor O'Leary over tea - free entry and a lovely way to spend an afternoon. More info
Pop-up Talk: Luca Giordano's Venus, Mars and the Forge of Vulcan Tuesday 17 February National Gallery of Ireland
A free lunchtime talk exploring one of the Gallery's more dramatic Baroque paintings — dramatic, mythological, and well worth 30 minutes of your Tuesday. More info
Ciorcal Comhrá: Ról na bPortráidí sa Saol Comhaimseartha Thursday 19 February National Gallery of Ireland
A conversation in Irish about the role of portraiture in contemporary life — for Irish speakers and learners alike. More info
Audio Described Tour: AIB Portrait Prize Thursday 19 February National Gallery of Ireland
A guided audio described tour of the AIB Portrait Prize exhibition — accessible and illuminating for all visitors. More info
Public Tour: Chinese New Year Friday 20 February National Gallery of Ireland
A special Lunar New Year guided tour through the national collection. More info
Weekend Painting Course: Painting Portraits in Oil Saturday 21 February National Gallery of Ireland
Led by Daniel Nelis, winner of the AIB Portrait Prize 2025 — a hands-on introduction to oil portraiture in a world-class setting. More info
Muicín Tuesday 24 February Project Arts Centre
A theatrical production from LemonSoap Productions — new Irish writing in one of the city's most adventurous arts spaces. Get tickets
BLOOD BROTHERS Tuesday 24 February onwards Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
Willy Russell's classic musical about twin brothers separated at birth — emotionally devastating and brilliantly staged. An iconic show that holds up every time. Get tickets
The Comedy Crunch — Aidan Greene & Rob Nother Sunday 22 February The Comedy Crunch
Live stand-up in an intimate room — the kind of grassroots comedy night that sometimes produces something genuinely special. More info
Historian in Residence Talk: The Beatles' Invasion of Dublin Saturday 21 February Central Library
A talk on the impact of The Beatles' visit to Dublin - for anyone who's ever wanted an excuse to spend a Saturday afternoon in a library, this is a good one. More info
LEGOpress Thursday 19 February National Print Museum
Create designs using LEGO and then print them using a genuine Adana printing press — surprisingly satisfying and genuinely creative. Open to all. More info
Monoprinting with Susan Leen Sunday 22 February National Print Museum
An introduction to monoprinting using a printing press — no experience needed, Susan Leen is a great tutor. More info
The Creator Society — Content Creator Panel & Live Talk Show Wednesday 18 February The Sugar Club
A live panel discussion featuring content creators sharing insights — an interesting window into how people are actually making things online. Get tickets
Ceoltoirí Chluain Tarbh Spring Concert Sunday 22 February The Helix, DCU, Dublin 9 Traditional Irish music at the Helix — a spring concert from one of the country's most accomplished trad groups. Get tickets
Junk Kouture 2025 World Finals Tuesday 24 February The Helix
Young designers presenting fashion created entirely from recycled materials — creative, spectacular, and always inspiring. Get tickets
Chinese New Year Spectacular Sunday 22 February Wolfe Tone Square
Dragon Horse Spirit brings together traditional and contemporary Chinese performance — music, dance, and spectacle at a free outdoor event in the city centre. More info
Lunar New Year: Meet the Artists — Explore the Journey Thursday 19 February Central Library, Dublin More info
Lunar New Year: Of Cobblestones and Jostle Stones with Cathy Scuffil Saturday 21 February Coolock Library, Dublin More info
Positive Psychology Workshop: Boost Your Happiness Wednesday 25 February Phibsboro Library
Practical tools for wellbeing - free at the library, accessible, and exactly the kind of thing February needs. More info
UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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