Festivals of film, food, writing, music and storytelling are among the (many) fantastic events taking place all across Ireland throughout the month ahead. Here’s the best of what’s on this November…
Blas na Samhna Food Festival
All November, Galway, more info here
At Blas na Samhna, food takes centre stage in a celebration of culture, community, and culinary excellence. From food enthusiasts to families seeking adventure, there’s something for everyone, whether that be cocktail competitions, ramen pop-ups, pasta-making demonstrations, seafood trails, distillery tours, foraging expeditions, beer masterclasses and wine pairings.
Dublin Book Festival
6-10 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 line-up 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 will chat about the 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 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.
Irish Design Week
11-15 November, across Ireland, more info here
From panel discussions and talks with some of the most influential global leaders in design to workshops and exhibitions that will inspire and create, there is something for everyone in this year’s exciting programme. Highlights include the Cut from The Same Cloth: Adapting Fashion for Every Body workshop and of course the Institute of Designers Ireland awards ceremony.
Ireland Independent Fashion Week
11-17 November, Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin, more info here
Returning for its second year, Ireland Independent Fashion Week has expanded its line-up, with a total of 20 Irish designers showcasing their work in the beautiful banquet hall of Dublin’s Smock Alley Theatre. Created by designers, for designers, to provide a platform for both emerging and established talents, those displaying their work this year include Seeking Judy, Laoise Carey, and Mar Knitwear.
Sister Act
12-16 November, Draíocht, Blanchardstown, more info here
Coolmine Musical Society is taking to the stage with Sister Act, the musical based on the 1992 hit movie of the same name. In this story, Deloris witnesses a murder and her life takes a surprising turn as she’s hidden in the most unlikely place for her – a convent. With a little persuasion, she helps the struggling choir to find success and helps her fellow sisters find their true voices.
Pygmalion
12-16 November, Mill Theatre, Dundrum, more info here
When Professor Henry Higgins rises to the challenge of transforming a Cockney flower seller into a lady refined enough to be mistaken for a duchess, he begins to realise that she has a mind of her own and cannot be manipulated as he sees fit. George Bernard Shaw’s humorous and incisive commentary on language and appearance raises complex questions about societal and personal identity, how they define us and how they shape our relationship with the society around us.
Spilt Milk Festival
14-17 November, Sligo, more info here
Returning for its sixth instalment, Spilt Milk Festival is an annual celebration of music, art and film that provides a platform for experimental art across music, sound art, video and film. Presenting national and international artists alongside emerging local acts drawn from the leftfield and fringes of alternative music, this year’s line-up includes Hotgirl, Lolz, Filmore!, and R. Kitt.
Dingle Literature Festival
15-17 November, Dingle Peninsula, more info here
This unique bilingual festival was conceived in 2019 with a twofold mission: to bring some of the best contemporary writers in English to the local audience and to celebrate the rich literary and cultural heritage of the area through an Irish language programme, as well as supporting new writing in Irish. This year’s event line-up includes conversations with Cecelia Ahern, Roddy Doyle, Rónán Hession, and Cauvary Madhavan.
Anxious Preoccupied By Joanne McNally pop-up shop
15-17 November, Sculpted by Aimee store on Grafton Street, more info here
Joanne McNally has expanded her Anxious Preoccupied range of accessories and clothing to include new colourways, standalone clutches and a fab new midsize bag. The brand is also hosting its first-ever pop-up shop at the Sculpted by Aimee flagship store on Grafton Street, giving customers the chance to browse the online collection in person.
Nell, A Celebration
18 November, Mansion House, Dublin, more info here
This powerful event takes place across an evening in the Mansion House in celebration of the work of Nell Mc Cafferty. There will be readings, live performances, and a display of archival media appearances. MC’d by broadcaster Olivia O’Leary, those who will be reading include journalist Una Mullally, writer Martina Devlin, and activist Ailbhe Smyth.
Dolores
19-20 November, Black Box Theatre, Galway, more info here
Inspired by Vladimir Nabokov’s poetic and disturbing novel Lolita, Dolores reveals three facets of the character: the neglected and traumatised orphan, the candy-fed girl filled with American hopes and dreams, and the Dolores who lived, a woman full of fire and retribution. Through darkly cinematic imagery, music, text and movement, DOLORES exposes the unsettling abuse and tragedy of a young girl.
Quiet Lights
21-24 November, Cork city, more info here
Quiet Lights is a well-loved winter festival with a big heart, which aims to shine a light on the new wave of Irish and international folk, traditional, and experimental talent that are quietly forging new paths, recollecting old tales, and creating new stories. For its fifth instalment, the line-up includes Cormac Begley, Lemoncello, Mohammad Syfkhan and Fionn Regan, as well as some exciting new projects such as Ana Palindrome, Morgana, and a fresh collaboration between Cormac McCarthy & Aoife Ní Bhriain.
Lukey Lukey x Maura Culbert: Paint, Create & Cosmos
22 November, Small Changes Wholefoods, Dublin, more info here
Lukey Lukey’s first live event, hosted by founder Luke Nolan and Dublin-based artist Maura Culbert, invites you to create a signature Lukey Lukey dreamy sky painting with the artist behind the beautiful Irish make-up brand’s branding, while sipping a perfectly blush pink cosmo. You will also receive a limited edition print from Maura’s Carried Away collection, and while painting, you can have one-on-one consultations with Luke to decide which Dream Cheeks Blush shade you would like to take home with you as your gift.
Waterford Film Festival
22-29 November, Waterford, more info here
The 18th Waterford International Film Festival will have live screenings and an online programme, networking opportunities and an awards presentation. Award-winning and Waterford-born actor Moe Dunford will be a guest judge at this year’s festival. Though the line-up is yet to be released, we’ve got high hopes for the festivities ahead.
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