April Event Guide: Here’s the best of what’s on around Ireland this month

Celebrity Memoir Book Club Live

7 April, The Sugar Club, Dublin

A podcast where New York comedians Claire Parker and Ashley Hamilton read celebrity memoirs so you don’t have to, Celebrity Memoir Book Club sees the duo comb through the pages of celebrity’s lives for the juiciest moments. Experts in analysing celebs and giving unfiltered takes on celebrity gossip using the celebrities’ own words, there’s sure to be many laughs at this live show.

Hangmen by Martin McDonagh

Until 8 April, Gaiety Theatre, South King Street, Dublin

In his small pub in Oldham, Harry is something of a local celebrity. But what’s the second-best hangman in England to do on the day they’ve abolished hanging? Amongst the local reporters and sycophantic pub regulars, dying to hear Harry’s reaction to the news, a peculiar stranger lurks, with a very different motive for his visit…

BEHIND THE SCENES: Collection at Work

Until 10 April, Crawford Art Gallery, Cork

Crawford Art Gallery is home to part of the National Collection, but how well do you know the stories behind it? This exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the collection as it unfolds across two floors and several thematic chapters, including Making, Conservation, Representation, and Research. Offering an experience of the collection with a twist, Behind the Scenes ventures beneath the surface of selected artworks to reveal the process of their making, how they have been collected and cared for, and what questions they may prompt in us.

Clifden Trad Fest 2023

13-16 April, Clifden, Connemara, Galway

Now in its 12th year, the Clifden Trad Festival has gone from strength to strength, and across the weekend, there’s set to be a focus on youth engagement, plenty of instrumental workshops, and a pub session trail that will be sure to have all guests in great spirits. As well as all that, there’s going to be a busking competition, and an open air headline concert with special guests, Tyrone’s Blackwater Ceili Band.

Savour Magnificence at Café en Seine

13 April, Café en Seine, Dublin

Café en Seine are hosting an exceptional and once-off ‘Savour Magnificence’ dining and cocktail experience brought to you by two renowned innovators from the culinary and mixology industries. Luxury Spirits Brand Ambassador and 2021 World Class champion, Cal Byrne is collaborating with Diageo’s Chef in residence, Mark Moriarty to create an incredible four-course cocktail and food pairing menu, showcasing serves from premium spirit brands; Tanqueray, Ketel One and Roe & Co. at Café en Seine.

The IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2023

14 April, The Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin

Now in its 15th year, the annual IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards champion businesswomen’s contributions to the Irish economy and their vital role within the Irish business community, both at home and abroad. These awards demonstrate how talented, enterprising and resilient Irish women are and our winners are richly deserving of recognition. Hosted by Melanie Morris and Richard Chambers, and with live performances on the night from the Irish Women in Harmony (among others!), it’s set to be quite an exceptional event.

studio | b Spring Fair

15 April, Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin

This high-end female-focussed spring fair will bring together a number of predominantly female-founded Irish brands in the affordable luxury space to give shoppers the opportunity to experience these brands, which are typically only available online, in person. Created by women, for women, this is the ultimate girls’ day out. Plus, there’s a goodie bag worth €30, and a chance to win over €400 worth of products on the day!

Greater Than > exhibition by The Louth Craftmark Designers Network

Until 15 April, The Basement Gallery, An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk

This group exhibition from renowned visual arts collective, Louth Craftmark, will see each artist interpret the theme ‘Greater Than >’ in their own unique way, traversing areas that include inequality, gender, and school days gone by. The exhibition will feature 29 members from the extensive Louth Craftmark Designers Network, with a broad range of artistic disciplines on show including ceramics, glass, jewellery, painting, print, mixed media, textiles, and sculpture.

Coco Mademoiselle pop-up at Arnotts

Until 17 April, Arnotts, Henry Street, Dublin

To celebrate the launch of Coco Mademoiselle’s new hair perfume, Arnotts is hosting a very special pop-up site in-store that is guaranteed to lure you in with that incredible signature fragrance. The pop-up will be playing host to a celebrity hairstylist who will be using the Coco Mademoiselle hair perfume and Coco Mademoiselle hair pins to create a full look for clients.

Pups in the Park

22 & 23 in Marlay Park, Dublin, 29 & 30 in the Cork Showgrounds

This year, the paw-ty themed event expects over 12,000 dog lovers and their canine companions to walk the red carpet over the course of both events. Visitors will enjoy a fun-filled line up of doggy-inspired events and attractions including new additions such as ‘Dancing Dogs’ hosted by Crufts favourite Anne Shuker, or returning favourites such as the Puppy Play Pen, the Leader Bark Park, the Hay Bale Race or the Petinsurance.ie Obedience Ring. The hugely popular Chin Wag Talk Stage is also back for 2023, where the dogs as well as the humans can learn some new tips and tricks.

Happy Days Beer & Food Festival 2023

29-30 April, Rascals Brewery & Pizza Restaurant Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore

Taking place over the May bank holiday weekend, this festival celebrates top-notch beer and tasty grub and will feature brews from Black’s of Kinsale, Bullhouse, DOT Brew, Hopfully, Wicklow Wolf, and of course Rascals, among others. There’ll be burgers, tacos, pizzas, and a taste of Trinidad, and DJ sets from a number of incredible names, including Nialler9, Dee Reddy, and Ian Alvey.

SALT as part of Galway Theatre Festival 2023

30 April & 1 May, Trácht Beach, Kinvara and Ladies Beach, Salthill, Galway

As part of Galway Theatre Festival 2023, two multidisciplinary ritual beach performances that celebrate our ocean will take place in Galway. People are invited to the beaches at dusk where they will be immersed in a performative ritual that explores our connection to the sea, through the power of personal story, collective song, poetry, and light art.

Elton John pop-up shop at Kildare Village

Until 3 May, Kildare Village

In celebration of Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, and the eagerly awaited release of his Honky Château 50th Anniversary Edition album, The Bicester Collection is launching a series of exclusive pop-up stores, starting at Kildare Village! Expect iconic eyewear with bold colours and exuberant silhouettes, with 10% of proceeds from sales at The Bicester Collection going to the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Experience museum-worthy memorabilia, highly collectible signed merchandise, exclusive apparel and the new Elton John Eyewear collection, designed by Elton himself.

Feature image via @crawfordartgallery.