8 of the best events happening around Ireland this weekend

No Magic Pill

Until 9 November, Town Hall Theatre, Galway, more info here

A heartfelt, hilarious and irreverent story of an activist and a celebration of love, friendship and the enduring pursuit of freedom, No Magic Pill comes from award-winning writer Christian O’Reilly. Inspired by real-life activist and wheelchair-user, Martin Naughton, leader of the disability rights movement in Ireland (who passed away in 2016), this production breaks new ground in Irish theatre in its casting of disabled actors.

Dublin Book Festival

Until 10 November, Dublin city, more info here

The Dublin Book Festival is one of Ireland’s most successful and dynamic book festivals, running since 2006 in the heart of Ireland’s capital. The festival programmes over 80 events across five days in venues throughout the city, and this year’s lineup includes Aingeala Flannery, Louise Nealon, Kevin Barry, Wendy Erskine, and Sinéad Gleeson.

Leaves Festival of Writing & Music

6-9 November, Laois, more info here

An annual celebration of literature and music, culture and community, Leaves Festival returns to a host of venues throughout Laois with an inspiring and engaging programme of readings, workshops, films, panel discussions and live music. This year, one of the world’s greatest living poets, Paul Muldoon, will perform alongside the masterful musical talents of Caoimhín Ó’Raghallaigh and Brendan Begley. Other festival highlights this year include an evening with the inspirational duo Eleanor Mills and Barbara Scully who chat about empowerment of women in midlife and a wonderful night of words and music with writer Niall Williams and musician Mike Hanrahan.

Cork International Film Festival

7-17 November, Cork, more info here

The 69th annual Cork International Film Festival presents a carefully curated selection of the best films in order to create a unique shared cultural experience, rooted in Cork, open to the world. Highlights include the opening gala screening of Conclave, the Irish gala screening of Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story, Irish shorts, films shot through a Cork lens, and many more.

The Hans Zimmer Experience

8 November, The Lark Dublin, more info here

Experience the magic of cinema brought to life through a mesmerising concert featuring the iconic movie music of Hans Zimmer – the Oscar-winning composer of Dune, Interstellar, The Last Samurai, The Lion King, Gladiator, Inception, The Dark Knight and many, many more. Immerse yourself in the unforgettable melodies that have defined blockbuster films on this evening of transcendent music, where the silver screen comes alive on the stage.

YARN Storytelling Festival

8-21 November, Mermaid Arts Centre, Wicklow, more info here

Now celebrating its 15th year, YARN is a community based non-profit making festival that strives to bring the art-form of storytelling to as many people of all ages in the community as possible. Events include Equinox – Bog Beauty, Pure Bray – Tea & Tales, Solstice – A Strange Annunciation, and Spine Tingling Tales.

Cleo and Friends pop-up shop

9 November, Cleo Prickett Studio, Dublin, more info here

More than just a shopping event, this pop-up is a celebration of friendship, community, and exceptional craftsmanship. Beautiful pieces from both TIDINGS by Niamh Gillespie and DAKIDAKI Design will also be available to shop on the day. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift, something unique for yourself, or just want to browse and enjoy the creative atmosphere, this is your chance to discover beautiful, one-of-a-kind items while supporting local talent.

Tradathon, Blas na Samhna Food Festival

10 November, An Púcán, Galway, more info here

Taking place as part of Blas na Samhna, a celebration of culture, community, this Tradathon features live traditional Irish music all day in the front bar of An Púcán, starting with an Open Session, followed by the talented Byrne Bros. Come evening time, there’ll be an energetic performance by Into the West, and you can pair the tunes with €5 pints of Guinness and €2 oysters for the perfect day of music, food, and fun.

Photo of Donal Ryan used in feature image by Manon Gilbart