Greetings from The Third Castle!


From sold-out gigs to free library events and theatrical classics, Dublin City Centre is packed this week. Whether you're plotting a night at 3Olympia, catching Imelda May's rockabilly soul at Vicar Street, or exploring free meditation sessions, there's genuinely something for everyone. Let's see what's happening across the city.

Here's what's in store this week:

āš«ļø Of Monsters and Men, The Streets & Imelda May

āš«ļø To Kill a Mockingbird, Fair Deal & Happy Ever After exhibition

āš«ļø Free meditation, sound baths & library events

āš«ļø DJ nights, karaoke & Valentine's parties

Let's dive in šŸ‘‡

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

Of Monsters and Men Wednesday 11 February 19:00 3Olympia Theatre From €50.70

The Icelandic indie folk band brings their anthemic, beautifully layered sound to 3Olympia. Expect soaring vocals, intricate harmonies, and songs like "Little Talks" and "Mountain Sound" that sound even better live. Get tickets

The Streets Sunday 15 February 3Olympia Theatre

Mike Skinner brings The Streets back to Dublin with his sharp observational hip-hop. Original Pirate Material through to new material—expect storytelling that captures British urban life with wit and genuine insight. Book tickets

LIVE MUSIC

Imelda May Wednesday 11 February Vicar Street

Irish rockabilly queen Imelda May brings her powerful voice and infectious energy to Vicar Street. Expect blues, soul, and that distinctive blend of vintage and contemporary sounds she's made her own. Get tickets

Shawn James: Flew Too Close To The Sun Tour Thursday 12 February

The Academy American singer-songwriter Shawn James brings his blues, soul, and folk to The Academy. His powerful voice and dark, atmospheric songs create genuinely gripping live performances. Book tickets

Maria Somerville Friday 13 February Whelan's Main Venue

Atmospheric dream pop from Maria Somerville. Her ethereal vocals and layered production create immersive soundscapes perfect for Whelan's intimate atmosphere. Get tickets

Scustin Saturday 14 February Whelan's Main Venue

Irish indie rock from Scustin. Their energetic live shows and catchy songwriting have built a proper following across the country. Book tickets

DƔithƭ (Live) Friday 13 February Workmans Club

Selective Memory presents DƔithƭ performing live. Irish electronic music blending traditional instruments with contemporary production for something genuinely distinctive. Get tickets

Hayseed Dixie Thursday 12 February Whelan's Main Venue

AC/DC meets bluegrass. Hayseed Dixie's "rockgrass" covers are simultaneously hilarious and genuinely impressive musicianship. Book tickets

Earthquake Hair Wednesday 11 February Whelan's Main Venue

Irish indie rock from Earthquake Hair. Energetic performances and guitar-driven songs delivered with genuine passion. Get tickets

John Blek Friday 13 February Whelan's Upstairs

Intimate singer-songwriter performance from Cork's John Blek. His folk-influenced songs and warm vocals suit Whelan's upstairs room perfectly. Book tickets

Chameleons Monday 16 February The Academy

The legendary Manchester post-punk band brings their atmospheric sound to Dublin. Essential for anyone who appreciates guitar-driven, emotionally intense music. Get tickets

Crowbar Saturday 14 February Opium Live Heavy sludge metal from New Orleans legends Crowbar. For anyone who likes their music slow, heavy, and absolutely crushing. Book tickets

Wavves Saturday 14 February The Grand Social Californian noise pop/garage punk from Wavves. High-energy performances and fuzzy guitar riffs perfect for a Valentine's night alternative. Get tickets

TiLT: Dose, Digdeep & Bulbs Wednesday 11 February 19:30-23:00 Button Factory

Free night of live music featuring Dose, DigDeep & Bulbs. TiLT nights consistently deliver quality emerging acts without the cover charge. Event info

Workmans Karaoke Wednesday 11 & Thursday 12 February Workmans Club Free

Weekly karaoke night at Workmans. No judgment, all welcome—just people who love singing together. Pub details

Classical Guitar Lunchtime Recital Thursday 12 February Central Library

Free lunchtime classical guitar performance at Central Library. Quality music in an accessible community setting. Library info

NSOI: Alexander Shelley conducts Schumann's Paradise and the Peri Friday 13 February National Concert Hall

National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland performs Schumann's rarely heard oratorio. Alexander Shelley conducts this ambitious Romantic work. Get tickets

Trad Sessions at The Cobblestone Every night this week 21:00-late The Cobblestone, Smithfield Free (donations welcome)

Proper Dublin trad sessions in one of the city's most authentic music pubs. Musicians drop in, tunes happen, and you're welcome to listen or join in. Pub info

Valentine for Palestine w/ Wobblin Jude + ArabĆŗ Wednesday 11 February Whelan's Upstairs

Benefit gig for Palestine featuring Wobblin Jude and ArabĆŗ. Music with a message supporting humanitarian causes. Get tickets

FOOD & DRINK

Valentine's Dinner at Chapter One Friday 13 & Saturday 14 February 18:00-22:00 Chapter One, Parnell Square €95 per person

Michelin-starred dining for Valentine's weekend. Chapter One's special menu showcases Irish ingredients with the technical precision and creative flair they're known for. Book table

Valentine's at The Winding Stair Friday 13 & Saturday 14 February Various sittings The Winding Stair, Lower Ormond Quay €75 per person

Valentine's menu overlooking the Liffey in one of Dublin's most romantic dining rooms. The Winding Stair combines Irish ingredients, literary atmosphere, and genuinely warm hospitality. Reserve table

Temple Bar Food Market Saturday 14 February 10:00-16:30 Meeting House Square, Temple Bar

Fresh produce, artisan foods, and street food in Temple Bar's weekend market. Perfect for picking up ingredients or grabbing lunch while exploring the city. Market info

Whiskey Tasting at The Palace Bar Thursday 12 February 19:00-21:00 The Palace Bar, Fleet Street €35

Guided tasting of Irish whiskeys in a proper Victorian pub. Learn about Ireland's whiskey renaissance while sampling selections from traditional to innovative distilleries. Book tasting

Craft Beer Night at Against The Grain Every Wednesday 19:00-22:00 Against The Grain, Wexford Street

Weekly celebration of Irish craft brewing with rotating taps and guest brewers. Against The Grain knows their stuff and creates a welcoming atmosphere for beer nerds and casual drinkers alike. Pub details

Brunch at Brother Hubbard Weekend mornings 09:00-16:00 Brother Hubbard, Capel Street €8-15

Middle Eastern-influenced brunch in a bright, welcoming space. Brother Hubbard's weekend brunch menu brings something different to Dublin's brunch scene. Menu & bookings

OUTDOOR & WELLNESS

Outsider Awards 2026 Wednesday 11 February The Helix, DCU Campus

Celebrating excellence in arts and culture at The Helix. The Outsider Awards recognize work that pushes boundaries and challenges conventions. Event details

First Steps in Meditation Wednesday 11 February 18:30-19:30 Finglas Library Free

Learn the basics of meditation and how to incorporate it into your life. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to restart a practice. Library details

Wintering Well: Relaxing Sound Bath Wednesday 11 February 13:00-14:00 Rathmines Library Free

Relax and rejuvenate with a soothing sound bath experience. Bring a mat or blanket and let the vibrations help you unwind midweek. Event info

Wintering Well: From Surviving to Thriving at Wintertime Thursday 12 February Ballyfermot Library Free

Workshop exploring how to not just survive but actually thrive during winter months. Practical strategies for wellbeing when the days are short. Library info

Dublin and Art 1920-1950 with Dr Anne Cormican Thursday 12 February Donaghmede Library Free

Lecture exploring Dublin's art scene between the wars. Dr Anne Cormican brings this fascinating period of cultural history to life. Book place

ARTS & CULTURE

To Kill a Mockingbird Wednesday 11 February Bord GƔis Energy Theatre

Harper Lee's classic novel adapted for the stage. Essential American literature brought to life with powerful themes of justice and racial inequality. Book tickets

Fair Deal Ongoing through 22 February Abbey Theatre, Lower Abbey Street

Explore the complexities of relationships in this thought-provoking play at Ireland's national theatre. Fair Deal tackles contemporary Irish life with the Abbey's signature mix of humor and insight. Get tickets

The King of All Birds Ongoing through 15 February Project Arts Centre

Captivating theatre performance exploring themes of nature and identity. Project Arts Centre's programming consistently pushes boundaries while remaining genuinely engaging. Book tickets

A Slow Fire Wednesday 11 & Thursday 12 February 19:30-21:30 Glass Mask Theatre

World premiere by Simon Stephens exploring hope in a post-apocalyptic world. Glass Mask Theatre brings this intimate production to life with their signature immersive approach. Get tickets

Playhouse Creatures Ongoing through 15 February National Academy of Dramatic Art

Exploring the lives of the first professional actresses in Restoration England. Historical drama that resonates with contemporary questions about women in the arts. Book tickets

Kathy Comes Home Ongoing The New Theatre, Temple Bar

Contemporary Irish theatre at The New Theatre. This production explores themes relevant to modern Dublin life. Get tickets

The Anatomy of Burke and Hare Ongoing Viking Theatre

Dark historical drama about the notorious Edinburgh body snatchers. Gothic horror meets true crime in theatrical form. Book tickets

Happy Ever After Ongoing through 15 February 10:00-17:00 daily Museum of Literature Ireland €10

Explore the history of Irish romance fiction from Lady Morgan to Marian Keyes. This exhibition traces how Irish writers shaped the romance genre from its earliest days to contemporary bestsellers. Visit exhibition

Scene + Heard Festival 2026 Thursday 12 February Smock Alley Theatre

New writing festival at Smock Alley showcasing emerging playwrights and fresh theatrical voices. Essential for anyone interested in where Irish theatre is heading. Festival details

Conor Moore: Me, Myself & Them! Thursday 12 February 3Olympia Theatre

Irish comedian and impressionist Conor Moore brings his character comedy to 3Olympia. Sharp impressions and original characters delivered with energy. Book tickets

Jason Byrne Friday 13 & Saturday 14 February Vicar Street

One of Ireland's most naturally funny comedians. Jason Byrne's anarchic, high-energy shows feel spontaneous even when they're perfectly crafted. Get tickets

UNTIL NEXT WEEK

Thanks for reading The Third Castle

If you enjoy the newsletter or you find it useful here are some ways you can help us:

  • šŸ’Œ Forward it to a friend, neighbour, or your local WhatsApp group

  • šŸ“ If you were sent this and want in on the action, sign up here.

  • šŸ“² Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook

  • šŸ’› Consider supporting the newsletter

See you next week šŸ‘‹

P.S. Not feeling it anymore? No hard feelings. You can unsubscribe from the email footer below

Keep Reading