End of summer parties, festivals of walking and documentary making, and plays starring Robert Sheehan are among some of the best events happening across Ireland this weekend.
Molly Sweeney by Brian Friel
Until 28 September, Town Hall Theatre, Galway, more info here
This compelling play by Brian Friel delves into the intricacies of psychological isolation. The story revolves around Molly, who has lived in happy, capable, and independent darkness since she was ten months old. Her restless and unemployed husband, Frank, becomes obsessed with restoring her sight. He enlists the help of Dr. Rice, a once-famous surgeon who agrees to attempt the seemingly impossible task. When the bandages come off, Molly, Frank, and Mr. Rice grapple with the profound differences between seeing and understanding.
Sugar
Until 28 September, Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin, more info here
Written and performed by Michael Patric (An Cailín Ciúin Smother, and Frontier) and directed by Geoff Gould, Sugar is a comedy with a big heart set in Mallow sugar factory prior to its closure. It’s 2006 and Danyl is finding the going tough. His marriage is falling apart, his job is in jeopardy and then there’s a family bereavement. Rather than letting it all defeat him though, he decides to laugh his way through it. Danyl will tell it all to anyone, anywhere, anytime. His fear, his grief, his family and even his sex life.
Reidy’s End Of Summer Bash
28 September, JM Reidy’s, Dublin, more info here
J.M. Reidy’s—with the help of Don Julio and Sing Along Social—are hosting a very special night of fun at their end of summer bash. With live music from the talented Liam O’Connor family band from 7pm, followed by the Sing Along Social event from 10 pm, so whether you’re a shower singer or a karaoke pro, this is your chance to shine with the Craic Mechanics! Oh, and there’s be signature margaritas and palomas to be enjoyed throughout the night.
Wexford Walking Trail Festival
Until 29 September, Wexford, more info here
Celebrating 10 years of Wexford Walking Trails, the festival consists of three walks at three separate venues and is suitable for all grades of walkers. The festival officially launches with a walk to Carrigfoyle, followed by a reception in Barntown Community Centre, and there’s also the opportunity to explore the Three Rocks Trail across Forth Mountain, and the south Wexford coastline as we meander under Tuskar lighthouse. There will also be 10 year anniversary celebrations at The Lighthouse Pub in Carne come evening time.
IFI Documentary Festival
Until 29 September, Irish Film Institute, Dublin, more info here
IFI Documentary Festival returns to bring a bracing crop of long and short-form non-fiction films to audiences. The opening film by Tom Burke provides a wholly engaging primer on documentary ethics; a meticulously choreographed essay by Declan Clarke sits alongside Nick Kelly’s memory-laden road-trip; Mike Sheridan’s urgent interrogation of the far-right is counterpointed by Alessandra Celessi’s haunting portrait of post-conflict trauma in Belfast; television archives provide much food for thought in Roisin Agnew’s study of the British Broadcasting ban and in Ciaran Cassidy’s decades-spanning celebration of Irish women.
Clifden Arts Festival
Until 29 September, various locations in Clifden, more info here
The longest-running community arts festival in Ireland, Clifden Community Arts Festival is heading into its 47th year, promising to have something to excite everyone in this year’s programme. Highlights include a celebration of the creativity of older people, poetry evenings, walking tours, live music, theatre, and more.
Write by the Sea Literary Festival
Until 29 September, Kilmore Quay, Wexford, more info here
A weekend of readings, conversations, workshops and interviews with local, Irish and international performers and authors, Write by the Sea is inspiring, engaging, and thought-provoking. Authors appearing over the weekend include Lucy Caldwell, Colin Walsh, Colin Barrett, Cathay Sweeney, Sinéad Gleeson, and Emilie Pine — to name but a few.
Galway International Oyster Festival
Until 29 September, Nimmo’s Pier, Galway, more info here
Having grown astronomically in size, scope and popularity since its inaugural event was hosted in 1954, Galway International Oyster Festival features live music throughout, a variety of the freshest seafood you will ever taste, oyster shucking competitions, family fun and cookery demos with celebrated national and local chefs.
The TMCD X ARMORLUX product launch
29 September, Dundalk, Louth, more info here
Tony McDonnell Menswear are unveiling their exciting new collaboration with Armor Lux this weekend at their store in Louth. Celebrating 60 years in business, their ‘Celebrating Heritage’ capsule is of incredible quality, and to mark the occasion, they’ll be hosting customers from 5-7pm, with drinks and refreshments from MoChara and Carlingford Oysters.
Franco-Irish Art Exhibition
Until 30 September, St Anne’s Park, Dublin, more info here
Clémence Prosen and Rebecca Fitzsimons, esteemed artists known for their exploration of Irish and French sceneries, bring the third edition of the Franco-Irish Exhibition to The Red Stables in St. Anne’s Park. This year’s exhibition showcases an array of captivating and diverse paintings that offer a glimpse into the shared cultural heritage and natural beauty of both nations.
Dublin Theatre Festival
Until 15 October, various locations in Dublin city, more info here
Dublin city, its people and their stories are at the heart of Dublin Theatre Festival. Presenting a programme of exceptional theatrical experiences in a bid to see more people participating in culture and more artists creating bold new work that challenges and inspires, events to look forward to include Reunion, featuring Robert Sheehan, Lourdes! The Musical!, and the darkly comedic Content.
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