Festivals of coffee, literature and food, preloved designer pop-ups, and album launches are among the best events happening around Ireland this month.
Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical
1-5 April, The Gaiety Theatre, Dublin, more info here
Following sell-out seasons in London and New York, the brand-new smash hit musical Cruel Intentions is coming to Dublin. Step siblings Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil engage in a cruel bet: Kathryn goads Sebastian into attempting to seduce Annette Hargrove, the headmaster’s virtuous daughter. Weaving a web of secrets and temptation, their crusade wreaks havoc on the students at their exclusive Manhattan high school. It’s not long before the duo become entangled in their own web of deception and unexpected romance, with explosive results.
Beauty Days at Kildare Village
2-6 April, Kildare Village, more info here
Beauty Days at Kildare Village will focus on offers and promotions from leading luxury wellness and beauty boutiques, as well as must attend masterclasses and events from some of the industry’s best-known wellness and beauty gurus. There will be an array of beauty masterclasses taking place with Sally Foran and Tanya Kidd-Beggs, and Sisterly will host a style event with Jess Colivet and Holly White.
The Story Of John Lennon & Paul McCartney
3 April, The Helix, Dublin, more info here
RTÉ Concert Orchestra celebrates one of the greatest song writing duos in history, Lennon/McCartney. Join the orchestra and artists Mark McGann, Joe Stilgoe and Claire Martin to perform a list of memorable and extraordinary music written by these musical masters. Conducted by David Brophy, this will be an evening to remember.
A Fashionable Afternoon Tea
3 April, The K Club, Kildare, more info here
The K Club’s Fashionable Afternoon Tea returns with another spectacular salon fashion show from Curated by Design Centre, celebrating the arrival of the Spring/Summer season. Combining their flair for fashion and discerning eye-for-detail, Curated By Design Centre and The K Club have joined forces to create this season’s must-have collection of chic treats, dainty delicacies and couture cakes. The bespoke line of fashionable fancies are beautifully accessorised by the unveiling of summer’s trendiest pieces from Ireland’s most-loved designers. Complete your afternoon with an exclusive browse through the Curated By Design Centre’s pop-up shop.
Catalyst International Film Festival
3-5 April, Limerick, more info here
Focussing on films that address under-representation both on screen and behind the camera, Catalyst International Film Festival are committed to creating a more inclusive film industry. Highlights of this year’s programme include the premiere of Nicola Leddy’s Boobs, the winning short documentary Bursary Award 2024, panel discussions, feature screenings, and award ceremonies.
Wander Wild Festival
4-6 April, Killarney, more info here
Swim at sunrise in a crystal-clear lake, conquer Ireland’s highest peak at Carrauntoohil, or kayak through Killarney’s stunning lakes. Whether you run, bike, horse ride, or stroll, there’s no better way to explore the wild heart of Killarney national park and experience its lakes, mountains and park. From adrenaline-pumping thrills to mindful escapes, the Wander Wild Festival offers something for every adventurer.
How to Fail Live with Elizabeth Day
5 April, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin, more info here
Join creator and host Elizabeth Day for an uplifting, hilarious, moving and unforgettable evening. Elizabeth and her very special guest will peel back the layers of pressure and perfectionism and empower us to embrace our flaws. You will learn how to turn setbacks into success, how to make vulnerability your superpower and how even the worst failures will, in time, teach you something meaningful.
Mafia Matcha Pop-Up at Happy Days
5 & 6 April, Happy Days, Dublin, more info here
Mafia Matcha, Ireland’s coolest and most vibrant matcha company, is taking over Dublin’s largest dress rental store, Happy Days, for a special pop-up event. This exciting collaboration offers matcha lovers and fashionistas a chance to sip on free, delicious matchas while browsing an incredible selection of rental dresses, making it the perfect weekend plan for those looking to elevate their style and refresh their energy.
Cúirt International Festival of Literature
8-13 April, Galway, more info here
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Cúirt International Festival of Literature, one of Europe’s oldest book festivals. This year’s edition will showcase a range of stellar writing talent, alongside a special programme of commemorative events and hosting a wide selection of world-class and debut authors. Highlights include Sally Rooney in conversation with John Patrick McHugh, the book launch for Seán Hewitt’s Open, Heaven, and plenty of workshops, readings and talks.
Pop-Up Gaeltacht in aid of Women’s Aid
10 April, Bar Rua, Dublin, more info here
A special edition of the Pop-Up Gaeltacht invites Irish speakers of all levels to come together in a relaxed and social setting to celebrate the language while raising awareness for an important cause. In this edition, attendees will not only enjoy an evening of conversation and community but also contribute to raising awareness and support for Women’s Aid, which has been at the forefront of advocating for survivors of domestic abuse and gender-based violence.
Artform at The Dunmore: A Unique Art Exhibition
10 April, The Dunmore, Dublin, more info here
A vibrant exhibition featuring works by over 80 artists will open on April 10 at The Dunmore, Rathmines, Dublin 6. Curated by Big Look Art and installed by Richard Coghlan, Artform at The Dunmore will feature works by renowned invited artists such as Paul Hallahan, Bernadette Kiely, Mary O’Connor, Lee Welch, Neal Greig, Hanneke van Ryswyk, Aidan Crotty, and Dave West. This exhibition reflects Artform’s broader mission to provide distinctive art experiences.
Granard Booktown Festival
11-13 April, Longford, more info here
Granard Booktown Festival’s 2025 schedule of events includes some of the biggest names in global literature like Claire Keegan and John Banville, ‘Poetry & Pints’ events, an emerging writer’s panel, journalist Carole Cadwalladr in conversation with Bryan Dobson.
Dublin Coffee Festival
12 & 13 April, RDS Dublin, more info here
A celebration of the Irish speciality coffee scene and beyond, Dublin Coffee Festival will be showcasing incredible exhibitors, competitions, entertainment and more. Expect talks and panel discussions, workshops and latte art competitions, and the SCA Irish Cup Tasters competition.
Field Trip Foreign Land Album Launch
19 April, Galway Mechanics Institute, more info here
Field Trip are a garage/jangle-pop band from Galway who released a string of singles and EPs in the late 2010s that garnered a cult following and attracted crowds to gigs all over Ireland and at some of the country’s favourite music festivals such as Electric Picnic, Body & Soul, and Arcadian Fields. They announce their triumphant return with a gig to celebrate the upcoming release of their new album, Foreign Land.
Rachel Galvo: The Shite Feminist
20 & 21 April, Cyprus Avenue, Cork and Róisín Dubh, Galway, more info here
Reflecting on the forces that have shaped her—from an Irish Catholic upbringing to awkward sexual encounters—Rachel considers the choices that threw her South Dublin life drastically off-course. In the wake of the pandemic, Rachel ditched her business degree to pursue her creative dreams at a performing arts college in London. This is a form of radical self-love, a naughty, raucous, thought-provoking and life affirming one woman show from one of Ireland’s most exciting new creative talents.
Waterford Festival of Food
25-27 April, Waterford, more info here
The 16th annual Waterford Festival of Food are currently taking expressions of interest for their markets, which are the highlight of the festival each year, attracting in excess of 30,000 people to the town. The emphasis is on local and artisan producers, so priority will be given to traders from county Waterford.
Beauty MRKT at Dundrum
25-27 April, Dundrum, Dublin, more info here
Beauty MRKT at Dundrum Town Centre is bringing together the best in the beauty industry with fresh ideas across a weekend that will feature panel talks, celebrity ambassador meet and greets, live demos, hands-on masterclasses, market style stalls filled with the latest beauty brands, dedicated male grooming demos, wellness events, and a focus on beauty for all ages.
ReRuns: Preloved Designer Pop-Up
27 & 28 April, David Marshall Hair Salon, Dublin, more info here
Get ready to browse through a curated selection of pre-loved luxury fashion at a fraction of the RRP. Whether you’re looking for unique pieces to add to your wardrobe or simply enjoy the thrill of the hunt, this event is perfect for you. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to find some amazing discounts and uncover hidden gems. All profits are donated to charity.
One Dublin One Book
All April, Dublin, more info here
One Dublin One Book encourages everyone to read a book connected with the capital city during the month of April every year, and is now in its 20th year. This year’s title is Dublin, Written In Our Hearts, an anthology published by The Stinging Fly. The book features work from Kevin Barry, Estelle Birdy, Niamh Campbell, Kevin Curran, Roddy Doyle, Anne Enright, FELISPEAKS, Sarah Gilmartin, Róisín Kiberd, Niamh Mulvey, Nuala O’Connor, Sean O’Reilly, Keith Ridgway, and Karl Whitney — to name a few.
