http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Arts_of_the_BookArts of the Book, a permanent exhibition of almost 600 objects from the Library's collections, opened in the first floor gallery on 1 July 2011. Here visitors can view books from the ancient world, including the world famous Chester Beatty Love Poems (c.1160 BC), Egyptian Books of the Dead and beautifully illuminated European manuscripts. One of the highlights is the display of Western book-bindings (5th-20th century) and Old Master prints. The exhibition also explores the richness of the Islamic manuscript tradition including illustrations and illuminations, calligraphy, and exquisite bindings from across the Middle East and India. Highlights from East Asia include one of the finest collections of Chinese jade books in the world, Japanese picture-scrolls depicting fables and legends, and deluxe woodblock prints. Audio-visual programmes complement the exhibition, helping the visitor to learn more about the arts of the book throughout the world.  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_TreasuryThe exhibition shows the unique treasures of early medieval Ireland, exploring their connections with both the pagan past and the wider Christian culture of the time. The objects on display are of international significance, not just as archaeological evidence but because collectively and often individually, they represent major landmarks in early European culture. The first gallery is arranged chronologically, exploring the development of Irish art from the Iron Age to the twelfth century AD. Developments that sprang from the transition from paganism to Christianity, and the foreign and native influences that produced a Golden Age of Irish art and craftsmanship from the late seventh to early ninth centuries AD are highlighted. The impact of the Vikings from the ninth to the twelfth centuries and their distinctive art styles are also explored, as is the resurgence of ecclesiastical metalworking in the context of church reform during the eleventh and early twelfth centuries. The second gallery is devoted to an early medieval Book of Psalms known as the Faddan More Psalter. This manuscript, which dates to approximately AD 800, was discovered by chance in a Co. Tipperary bog in 2006. The third gallery explores the world of early medieval craftsmen through artefacts associated with the production and decoration of metalwork. Learn about the techniques used with the interactive glossary kiosks, with extreme close up images to explore. Aspects of the museum’s architecture evoke the medieval Cathedral Treasuries that inspired the exhibition. Splendid mosaic floors laid in the nineteenth century by Oppenheimers of Manchester, depicting scenes from classical mythology, have been cleaned, restored and integrated into the exhibition layout. Majolica fireplaces and door surrounds by Burmantofts Pottery, Leeds, have also been cleaned, and richly-carved wooden doors by William Milligan of Dublin and Carlo Cambi of Siena, Italy, have been redisplayed. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Masterpieces_from_the_Collection Masterpieces from the Collection is a special presentation of some of the Gallery’s finest works, now on view in the Beit Wing and Millennium Wing (rooms 1-10). The display includes a stunning selection of European art, from the early Renaissance through to the mid-twentieth century. Highlights of the Irish collection chart the development of Irish art from the eighteenth century onwards and include key works by Hugh Douglas Hamilton, James Barry, William Orpen and John Lavery. In addition, the display features a selection of works from the Gallery’s extensive holding of Prints & Drawings. Among them are pieces by Jean-Antoine Watteau, Edgar Degas and Emil Nolde. Given the nature of the collection of works on paper, this display will be rotated every few months to allow visitors to access more of this collection.   For more information: www.nationalgallery.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Sacred_TraditionsThe Sacred Traditions Gallery on the second floor exhibits the sacred texts, illuminated manuscripts and miniature paintings from the great religions and systems of belief represented in the collections - Christianity, Islam and Buddhism with smaller displays on Confucianism, Daoism, Sikhism and Jainism. The Biblical Papyri, the remarkable collection of Qur'an manuscripts and scrolls and books of Buddhist thought provide the focus for the displays. Audio-visual programmes on Rites of Passage in many faiths, prayer and pilgrimage enhance the displays  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Marvels_of_ScienceMarvels of Science: Books that changed the world is an exhibition at Marsh’s Library in Dublin. It showcases more than 70 rare and important scientific texts produced across Ireland and Europe over the course of the Scientific Revolution. The exhibition runs from June 2012 to June 2013. In order to welcome the ESOF delegates to Dublin, we display some early scientific texts which are so rare that it was not possible to display them in the exhibition. How would you like, for instance, to see a first edition of Isaac Newton’s Principia Mathematica in its original binding? Link for more info: www.marshlibrary.ie Ticketed: The Library charges an entry fee of €2.50 (and €1.50 for concessions) to the exhibition. There is no extra charge for the 11.00 am and 3pm showings in the Seminar Room, but places at each session are limited to 30, and admittance will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact: The Librarian at keeper@marshlibrary.ie or (01) 4543511  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Chester_Beatty_the_PaintingsExhibition featuring thirty 19th century landscape French paintings once owned by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty. For the first time, a selection of thirty paintings that once belonged to Chester Beatty are on display in the Chester Beatty Library. The paintings are among some ninety works presented by Beatty to the Irish nation in 1950, shortly after his move to Ireland from London. Over the following years, he gifted a total of almost 400 paintings, drawings, miniatures and sculptures which today form part of the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.   Beatty concentrated on purchases of Barbizon School painters (like Corot, Jacque and Millet) and their Realist contemporaries (such as Breton). Unsurprisingly, he was also attracted to the work of Orientalist painters such as Gérôme, Fromentin and Berchère.   To accommodate his growing collection, in 1935 Beatty constructed a purpose built suite of galleries at his London home, Baroda House, as a link corridor connecting the main house to his library in the converted stables. From Beatty’s Archives, we know how he arranged and hung his paintings in the years before the outbreak of World War II. During the early years of the war, however, Beatty arranged for many of his pictures to be safely stored, while others - generally smaller and easily portable works - were brought to the apartment he occupied while Baroda House was turned into a Red Cross hospital. The Chester Beatty Library is grateful to the National Gallery of Ireland for their generosity in lending these paintings which will remain on view at the Library for six months. Event times: From 10.0am Mon-Fri; 11am to 5pm Sat; 1-5pm Sun (closed Mondays 1 Oct to 30 April) http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Shackleton_Exhibition Venue: Dun Laoghaire, Ferry Terminal The exhibition is the "Shackleton Endurance" exhibition.  It has 150 photographs and text boards telling the story of the most famous rescue in all maritime history.  The venue is the Ferry Terminal building in Dun Laoghaire beside the DART and Bus terminus The Shackleton Endurance Expedition 1914-1917 Aiming to complete the first sea-to-sea land crossing of Antarctica by foot via the South Pole, in August 1914 Shackleton and his team of 27 scientists and seamen set sail from Plymouth aboard their ship, Endurance, just after the outbreak of World War I.   They wouldn’t be heard from for nearly two years.   This compelling exhibition is the story of the men’s 22-month ordeal:  the eerie beauty of Antarctica, the sinking of their doomed ship after it became locked in pack ice and was slowly crushed, the extreme hardships the men endured as they set up camp after camp on the drifting ice, their transfer to the relative safety of Elephant Island, and the expedition’s miraculous conclusion.   That all 28 men survived their terrible adventure was a triumph of hope in the bleakest circumstances, and of faith in their leader—“The Boss”—an Irish-born doctor’s son whose achievements in polar exploration earned him a knighthood and, much later, cult status as an unparalleled role model for leadership in extreme circumstances:  optimistic, tenacious and brave.  At the heart of the exhibition, accompanied by explanatory wall texts and diary excerpts from the journey, are Hurley’s dramatic black-and-white images of the expedition, some made from negatives retrieved by him from the freezing waters inside the Endurance just before she sank.  Some of Hurley’s most compelling images are of the ship’s break-up.  These are presented along with photographs of the men’s camps and their attempted march over snow and ice to reach open water.  Startling original film-footage by Hurley, enhanced by computer animation, shows Endurance as she disappeared into the Weddell Sea.  A replica of the James Caird confronts visitors with the awesome challenge that Shackleton and his men faced in their rescue mission from Elephant Island, sailing an open boat across 800 miles in towering 60-ft waves and gale-force winds, with only a sextant, some charts, an unreliable chronometer and a few sightings of the sun to guide them to South Georgia.   Today their success in reaching South Georgia—and trekking 32 miles in 36 hours across its uncharted, mountainous interior to reach the whaling station on the other side—is widely recognised as maritime history’s greatest boat journey:  a miracle of navigation, resilience and seamanship.  This part of the story is illustrated beautifully by Hurley’s poignant photographs of Elephant Island, the rocky, inhospitable outcrop where the crew awaited rescue; and of the launching of the James Caird, the crossing and the rescue itself. The exhibition will run for a period of two years , the venue is the Ferry Terminal building in Dun Laoghaire beside the DART and Bus terminus        Adult: €5 Children: €3 family of four: €12 students and OAP: €5 Group rates apply. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Weekly_Sunday_Jazz_Brunch_at_Cafe_en_Seine_with_Stella_Bass"...a talented young singer" (Irish Independent) Stella Bass, one of Ireland’s top young jazz singers continues her weekly residency in the elegant surroundings of Dublin’s top café bar, Café en Seine. Each Sunday, her quartet plays swing and light jazz favourites from the Great American Songbook from 2pm - 4.00pm in the relaxed environment of this stylish and cosmopolitan venue - from Ella Fitzgerald to Louis Armstrong to Frank Sinatra…even Amy Winehouse and U2 have been given a jazz twist by this talented and entertaining quartet! This event occures weekly, every Sunday.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Below_the_Surface_Presents_A_series_of_maritime_storiesBelow the Surface is hosting a special series of maritime monthly storytelling aboard the Jeannie Johnson Tall Ship on Custom House Quay, Dublin 1. All talks will take place on the first Wednesday of each month beginning on 7th November at 8pm. Stories of Ireland’s seafaring past will cover a wide variety of historical themes from 11th century Vikings and the Dublin slave trade to 17th century pirates, 18th century emigration and the doomed 19th century polar expedition. Our sixth and final talk in the series takes place on 3rd April 2013. The Fleet of Norse Dublin around 1000AD by Prof. Poul Holm, Trinity College Dublin.  Poul Holm, Professor of Environmental History at TCD, recounts the tale of the Viking Fleet in Dublin in the middle ages and how their ships ruled the Irish Sea for three centuries. The ships were a terror and fascination to the Irish. How many ships did the King have, how did he afford them, and what could he do with them? The talk gives a fresh view of Norse sea power before and after the battle of Clontarf in 1014. Poul also reveals that thanks to their superior war technology the Norse created an international slave market in Dublin that made the town one of the most important trading centres in the western Viking territory. Doors open 7.15pm. More information from our website: belowthesurfaceireland.wordpress.com These events are generously sponsored by the Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht and Dublin City Council.      http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Pirates_Village_Liffey_Valley_Shopping_Centre Pirates Village is located in our new state of the art marquee which is both covered, heated & indoor which makes it the perfect winter activity for your little shipmates! At only €5 per child for an hour-long session, little pirates get to enjoy all the fun to be had in Pirates Village! Booking not required although space is subject to availability. We are pleased to announce that we have added more fun activities to keep your merry band of pirates entertained! Pirates Village activities include a ship-wrecked Galleon, Pirates’ assault course, palm island, toddler areas and, new for Liffey Valley, the thrilling Winter Toboggan Ride! Pirates Cove includes extra activities such as Bumper boats:€3 Water Walker Zorb Balls €4, New Winter Mega Slide €3. Pirates Village also offer the perfect birthday party experience for your little pirates to celebrate their birthday with friends and families. Birthday packages range from €12 - €15 which include 1 hour play in pirates village, McDonalds Happy Meal, a complimentary costume for the birthday girl or boy, eye-patches for each child and special pirates village invitations. Pirates Village is docked at the Centre Mall, adjacent to the Food Court, right beside Subway. So jump aboard. Click here to watch video of Pirates Village in Dublin   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Wicked_Wolf_Comedy_NightsLocation: Wicked Wolf Bar, Main Street, Blackrock, Co Dublin The Event takes place every Tuesday Fortnight Wicked Wolf Comedy Nights. Six of the best rising stars of the stand-up comedy circuit. Upstairs at Wicked Wolf pub, Main Street, Blackrock. Overlooking sea. Opposite Dart. €5.00 Every Tuesday fortnight. Doors 8.30pm, show 9.00pm http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Loose_Trad_SessionsLoose Trad play every Monday Venue: Mother Reilly's Bar & Restaurant, Rathmines With their infectious rhythms and strong stage presence this 4-piece band offer an unrivalled entertainment experience. Their show is packed with energy and vibrance and their wide repertoire – spanning numerous genres - will impress any audience. Drawing their inspiration from the rhythms and melodies of traditional Irish music, Loose have composed an impressive array of pieces; from haunting airs to punchy reels. Niamh Varian-Barry's spectacular vocals are sensitively accompanied by Peter Staunton on accordion and Antoin Bracken on guitar in American folk songs like 'The Fox' and 'Ain't No Grave' whilst Robbie Walsh holds it all together with his award-winning bodhrán playing and expert percussion skills. Members: Niamh Varian-Barry (fiddle, vocals, keyboard) Peter Staunton (accordion, guitar, vocals) Robbie Walsh (bodhran, percussion, didgeridoo) Antoin Bracken (guitar, bouzouki) Website: http://www.loosetrad.com/ Transport to rathmines includes 14, 14a, 15, 15a, 15b, 15c, 83, 18, 65 and green luas line to beechwood http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Art_for_Arts_Sakes_Dublin_Art_TourCreated to encourage the overall engagement withing the arts between the viewer, artist and gallery. Art for Art's Sake's Walking Art Tours showcase established and commercial galleries, grassroot and artist let spaces, and a variety of studios and alternative exhibition venues. These tours are created to increase grographical knowledge of these spaces and, also, the knowledge of artists and their work. These tours are informal and a great way to spend an afternoon getting to know other people interested in art and the people who make it happen. Founded by Jennette Donnelly in 2012, Art for Art's Sake is dedicated to the promotion of artists and galleries and enabling them to use this platform for self promotion. The Walking Art Tours feature artists and curators/gallerists at each space to introduce the venue and exhibition, thus enabling a greater understanding of the work on show and encouraging a wider audience to absorb and participate in the creativity and knowledge available. The Walking Tours are open to everyone of all ages and disciplines. A knowledge of, and background in art, are not necessary factors in the ability to enjoy and engage with the exhibitions on show. The tours are currently running in Dublin and Limerick, with plans to expand. Tour guides are practicing artists, curators and gallery members with a wealth of knowledge on practices, concepts and the current art scene. The Dublin Art Tour is facilitated by Jennette Donnelly, founder of Art for Art's Sake and co-founder of Avenue Road Gallery, home to Art for Art's Sake (www.avenueroadgallery.com). The Limerick Art Tour will be resuming in the near future. Morning, afternoon and day tours are available. Each tour is different as galleries have continual exhibition turn over and more galleries and artist led spaces are becoming established. Tours can be created to facilitate different needs and interests and are open to groups as well as individuals. Tours are free but donations are welcomed to facilitate the development of Art for Art's Sake. For more information or to book a tour please fill in the contact form on this website or email artforartsake.gallery@gmail.com (Dublin Art Tour) http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Asgard_The_1914_Howth_gun_running_vessel_conservedFrom her building in 1905 by Colin Archer, the celebrated Norwegian naval architect, to her pivotal role in the 1914 Howth gun-running and her later use as Ireland’s first national sail-training vessel, the yacht has had many incarnations. A part of Irish History Her story is intertwined with many of the wider historical events that were to influence and shape the course of Irish history in the 20th century. It also ties in with two other historical exhibitions in Collins Barracks, The Easter Rising: Understanding 1916 and Soldiers and Chiefs: Irish Soldiers at Home and Abroad Since 1500. The exhibition tells the story of the iconic yacht through text panels, contemporary imagery and the display of relevant artefacts mainly from the National Museum of Ireland’s collections. Conservation of the Asgard From 2007 to 2012, a major conservation programme of Asgard was undertaken at Collins Barracks, and this aspect is also fully explored. An expert team, led by Master Shipwright and Ship Conservator John Kearon, set out to conserve Asgard while retaining the structural integrity of the vessel and preserving as much of the existing original material as possible. The historic yacht that is now on exhibition in Collins Barracks is the result of their painstaking work and dedication. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Easter_Rising_Understanding_1916This exhibition examines the decade of disturbance between 1913 and 1923, from the Dublin Lockout, through the Easter Rising to the end of the Civil War. The social, economic and cultural background to the Rising is explored, concentrating on the political dimension and the personalities involved. The exhibition describes the main events of Easter Week, outlining the locations of the garrisons and incorporating biographical details of the leaders. An original copy of the Proclamation of the Republic, as read by Pádraig Pearse outside the General Post Office on Easter Monday, occupies a central position in the exhibition. The change in public opinion to one of support for the Rising, triggered by the execution of 16 of the leaders, is examined. In the immediate aftermath of the Rising, thousands of insurgents were interned in various prisons, and examples of the nationalistic artworks produced by these prisoners are exhibited. The War of Independence (1919 - 1921), culminating in the Anglo-Irish Treaty, and the Civil War (1922 - 1923), are also examined. There is also a unique opportunity to view the beautifully illuminated manuscript Leabhar na hAiséirghe (Book of the Resurrection), created by the artist-scribe Art O’Murnaghan between 1922 and 1951 to commemorate those who had died in the struggle for independence, and to celebrate the 'resurgent spirit of the nation'. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Bedroom_FarceLow Price Previews from Friday 25th January 2013 Opening Night: Thursday 31st January 2013 Three bedrooms, four couples and one hectic night. Bedroom Farce by Alan Ayckbourn Low Price Previews from Friday 25th January 2013 Opening Night: Thursday 31st January 2013 Three bedrooms, four couples and one hectic night. Funny, gripping and acutely-observed, Alan Ayckbourn's sophisticated comedy presents a hilarious view of middle-class marriage. Over the course of one night, one monstrously selfish couple hawk their problems around the bedrooms of three other couples and, in doing so, expose the cracks in other people's marriages as well as their own. With deft skill, Ayckbourn explores the pressures of marital relationships at their different stages to great comical effect, slicing deep into the soul of suburbia. Directed by Alan Stanford Set Design by Eileen Diss Costume Design by Peter O’Brien Lighting Design by Jim McConnell Cast includes: Deirdre Donnelly, Stephen Brennan, Garrett Lombard, Louis Lovett, Rory Nolan, Kathy Rose O’Brien, Aoibheann O’Hara & Lorna Quinn. Ticket Information: Tickets are available online at www.gatetheatre.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/DetouchedDetouched isn’t a word.  As a word that isn’t a word, it exists somewhere between retouched and detached. It’s also fairly close to untouched, which means that it has a lot to do with touch. It might be best understood as describing a detached sense of touch, or an act of touching that doesn’t involve an act of touching, however paradoxical that may sound.  Most mornings, for example, I drink a cup of coffee and touch the New York Times. I don’t hold it in my hands, but I pinch-and-drag it with my fingers. I don’t read it as much as I skim through it, and this involves a fair amount of touching.  It’s an interactive, tactile, and rather comfortable experience.  But no ink rubs off on my fingers, because I’m not actually touching the New York Times. I’m touching the New York Times without touching the New York Times. So perhaps it’s best to say that most mornings, over coffee, I almost touch the New York Times. Part of what’s impressive about the Internet is that it’s infinite, immaterial, and uncontainable—it’s untouchable—but I still touch it many times a day. I’m touching information that exists in the cloud—a cloud that isn’t actually a cloud—and the entire world, as the saying goes, is at my fingertips.  After a century of technology dedicated to inventing tools that replace manual labour, we find ourselves brought back to the hand—the first, oldest, and most basic human tool. It makes sense: the digit and the digital make a natural pair. But today, to touch doesn’t mean the same thing it used to. Touching an object no longer requires being next to it, but involves being far away from it. By merging the hand with the machine, contemporary technology generates a detached sense of proximity, or a sense of detouch—it not only incorporates but also negates, prevents, and replaces one sense of touch with another. Detouched is about the distance of touch. Dennis Oppenheim’s Air Pressure (Hand) (1971) is a film featuring a close-up view of a single hand. From outside the frame, an invisible high-pressure air source directed towards the hand makes the skin on its surface undulate. For her five-channel video installation touch parade (2011), A.K. Burns re-enacts a series of five “plastic love” YouTube clips. Connected across vast distances via the Internet, these object-touchers share their personal and intimate fetishes—crushing eggs underfoot, pumping car pedals, putting on layers of rubber gloves.  Alice Channer’s sculpture rub marble up against metal in floor sculptures that evokes the body as much as the machine. Seth Price’s vacuum formed works are forms of extreme touching—plastic wraps itself around objects in a way that preserves their shape, but separates them from the world behind a synthetic skin. In her large-scale paper works, Sunah Choi revisits the ancient tradition of frottage or rubbing, bringing them into a language of abstraction and urbanity. None of the works included in Detouched can be touched, but all of them evoke the sense of touch. Please feel free to detouch them all you want. Please join us for a floor talk about the exhibition on Thursday 24 January at 5.00pm, as guest curator Anthony Huberman takes us through the ideas and processes involved in Detouched. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Ros_Tapestry_ExhibitionFarmleigh Gallery is hosting the Ros Tapestry Exhibition this week and ongoing till April 1st.  Admission is free, so don’t miss this opportunity to see a unique take on Irish history, - spectacularly large embroidered panels, 15 in all, beautiful to look at, telling the story of the Norman invasion into the South East of Ireland, especially that of William Marshal and New Ross.  These works of art, which are full of fascinating detail, have been painstakingly stitched by over 150 volunteers during the past 14 years.  Suitable for families, - children love the many stories in the borders, -  and lovers of art and craftwork – the colours and the workmanship are awesome. Farmleigh Gallery opening hours are , Tuesday to Sunday (and Bank Holiday Mondays).  The Gallery closes for lunch from 12.45 -1.45pm. The Gallery is part of the Farmleigh House complex at the Castleknock end of the Phoenix Park. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Quiz_Night_and_Mother_ReillysVenue: Mother Reilly's Bar & Restaurant, Rathmines This quiz takes place every Tuesday in Mother Reilly's 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th prizes given One of the things which we pride ourselves is our ability to recreate an entirely new experience with our quizzes. We have taken the old, boring, tried and tested format of quiz nights and brought that to the next level. What it leaves us with is an entertaining, fulfilling and ultimately, fun-filled night for everyone involved! Entry is free of charge - play for fun and win some drinks for you and your quiz craic friends! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Trad_Sessions_and_Mother_ReillysVenue: Mother Reilly's Bar & Restaurant, Rathmines An easy going night of Traditional Irish music. Some of the tunes are well known, and some are more obscure. It's this mixture of the familiar and the new that makes for a good session. Come for a pint or join in!  This event takes place every Thursday and entry is free of charge. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/CoisCeim_Dance_Theatre_presents_PageantCoisCéim Dance Theatre presents Pageant at Project Arts Centre. Have you ever made a spectacle of yourself? Walking the tightrope of life, jumping through hoops, bending over backwards to please, there is pageantry in everything we do. Inspired by life and the extra-ordinary of the everyday, Pageant celebrates the performer in us all. David Bolger and Muirne Bloomer, dance-makers and friends, together have choreographed opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics, the Ryder Cup and the UEFA Europa League Final. Dancing to a powerful score, with music from Bowie to Ravel, the stellar cast of Pageant will delight audiences with their passion and pathos as they weave an exhilarating journey from choreographic mayhem to military precision. Served up with a side order of humour, this show is not to be missed from the award-winning CoisCéim Dance Theatre. Cast: David Bolger, Muirne Bloomer, Jen Fleenor, Robert Jackson, Jonathan Mitchell, Monica Munoz Marin & Emma O' Kane. Costume and set design by Maree Kearns. Lighting: Sinead McKenna, and sound design: Vincent Doherty and Ivan Birthistle. Ticket Information: The show takes place every evening at 8.00pm, with matinees at 3pm on 27 February & 2 March. Tickets are €15.00- €25.00 with all tickets 2 for 1 (€16) on 21st & 22nd February. Book now online! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Alone_It_Stands Written & Directed by John Breen The critically acclaimed Alone It Stands returns to Dublin’s Olympia Theatre for a limited run from Monday 25th February to Saturday 2nd March 2013. This now legendary story set on 31st October in 1978 when Munster Rugby played the mighty All Blacks – in a David v Goliath scenario played out in Thomand Park – Munster served up one of the sporting stories of the century when they played like their lives depended on it and beat the All Blacks 12-0. With mesmeric ensemble playing – 6 actors recreate 62 roles in re-telling this story that inspires and perspires in the same evening! The match was never televised so you will have to take our word for what happened and come along and see for yourself what happens when Munster, the Kiwis, the crowd, the ball, the dog and the pregnant woman all push and shove to create one momentous day. Clever, funny, brilliantly crafted…..a triumph - The Irish Times This is pure theatre: powerful enough to move the soul, to stab your spirit awake…..A tour de force - The Sunday Independent This show supplies a winning formula of comedy and pathos…. the whole evening is a gloriously live experience - The Guardian Ticket Information: Tickets from €20.00 inclusive of booking fee are on sale from Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/PaybackA new play written and performed by Maria McDermottroe and Marion O’Dwyer Directed by Iseult Golden Set Design by Catherine Condell. Lighting Design by Colm Maher. Welcome to the Invisible World of the Middle-aged Woman! Did you ever want to get your own back? Kitty and Mary do. Mary and Kitty have a plan. For... Payback! Kitty and Mary have been hard done by, but they’re not taking it lying down! In the meantime, they’re having a jar, having a laugh, and hatching a plan. Don’t underestimate these two, they mean business. Payback! is a warm comic tale of two ordinary middle-aged women who find a unique way of reacting to the injustice of Ireland’s post-boom economy. ‘a well-paced exploration of revenge that is of our time... an amusing, righteously angry hour’- Irish Times ‘An impish reality that is wholly endearing... the greatest fun’- Sunday Independent ‘McDermottroe and O’Dwyer’s effortless skill as performers’- Irish Theatre Magazine Developed as part of Show in a Bag, an artist development initiative of Dublin Fringe Festival, Fishamble: The New Play Company and Irish Theatre Institute to resource theatre makers and actors. Please Note: We do not post out tickets, but will have a record of your booking at the door. Lunchtime shows start at 1.10pm (doors open from 12.50pm). Please arrive no later than 1pm. Thank you. Credit Card booking prices are show only. Lunch (soup and hearty brown bread) is available for €4.00 http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Home_Short_Play_ReadingsNew short play readings commissioned by the Abbey Theatre. For the sixth year running, the Abbey Theatre has commissioned exciting playwrights to write 20 minute plays for two actors. Following on from the previous short play reading series 20:Love, The Fairer Sex, Gach Áit Eile, Something Borrowed and Into the Woods, we now present you with Home. Home is our opportunity to introduce to you, for the first time, the work of three talented new playwrights: Darren Donohue, Neil Bristow and Eugene O’Hare. Taking inspiration from the upcoming production of King Lear on the Abbey stage, we have invited these writers to respond to the theme of Home. Take a trip Home to enjoy these short play readings on the Peacock stage. Ticket Information: On the Peacock stage, Tickets €6/€4 (conc.) http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Obituaries_in_Irish_provincial_newspapers_1860_1900BiblioFiles Lecture Obituaries in Irish provincial newspapers, 1860-1900 A talk by Dr Ciara Breathnach, University of Limerick. BiblioFiles is a monthly lecture series at the NLI that was launched last year. The series provides a platform for writers, academics and others who have used the NLI's facilities to talk about their research and other work they have carried out at the library. Many of our events are free. If you would like this to continue, you can support our Events Programme by making a donation. Donation boxes are located throughout the NLI buildings. All welcome. No booking required. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Learn_to_use_the_NLI Adult Learners’ Festival 2013 Learn to use the NLI Join us for this free workshop where we will show you how to get a Reader's Ticket, how to search the catalogues, how to order material and much more. Many of our events are free. If you would like this to continue, you can support our Events Programme by making a donation. Donation boxes are located throughout the NLI buildings. All welcome. No booking required. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Super_Troupers_The_Music_of_Benny_and_BjornPresented by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra Andy O’Callaghan – conductor Guest Vocalists Kevin Keeley, Kyle Kennedy, Eoin McNamara, Jennifer Healy, Joanne McGrath & Emma Farrell. Andy O’Callaghan returns by popular demand to conduct the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and superb male and female vocalists in another ‘dancing in the aisles’ 70s evening, with the music of ABBA. Following their 1974 Eurovision win for their native Sweden with the massive hit Waterloo, ABBA dominated the charts with nine number 1s throughout the 70s. Members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus went on to compose music for the phenomenally successful stage show CHESS in the 80s and later MAMMA MIA! in the 90s. The instantly memorable melodies, unmistakable harmonies and insatiably catchy music of Benny and Björn, perfectly executed by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and guest vocalists, will leave the house clicking their fingers and singing Fernando all the way home. Ticket Information: Prices: €38, €33, €27, €22, €11 (Choir Balcony) Concessions: €35, €30, €27, €22, €10 (Choir Balcony) 10% discount for Groups of 10 or more http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Dublin_Group_master_irish_mezzotint_engraversAdult Learners’ Festival 2013 A talk on 18th century mezzotint portraits in the Prints and Drawings collection by Neassa Doherty (PhD candidate National University of Ireland, Galway). Attached image is James McArdell (1728/9-1765), mezzotint engraver. Courtesy of the National Library of Ireland. Many of our events are free. If you would like this to continue, you can support our Events Programme by making a donation. Donation boxes are located throughout the NLI buildings. All welcome. No booking required. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Script Demand for The Script’s 2013 UK and Ireland arena tour has been unprecedented with excess of 100,000 tickets sold within the first hour of going onsale last week. With numerous dates selling out in minutes, the band added four extra dates, including Dublin and Belfast shows, to what’s set to be a definite highlight of next year’s live calendar. With their addictive new single ‘Hall Of Fame’ feat. will.i.am currently at No.1, new album ‘#3’ high in the charts and having played intimate shows at Dublin’s Academy, Corks Opera House and London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire to crowds of screaming girls last week, The Script fever is spreading like wildfire! The Script are: Danny O’Donoghue, Mark Sheehan and Glen Power. Ticket information: Tickets are available from the Ticketmaster desk in the Dublin Discover Ireland Centre, Suffolk Street, Dublin 2 or online at www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. Fri 1st               DUBLIN, The O2 (0818 719 300) SOLD OUT Sat 2nd             DUBLIN, THE O2 (0818 719 300) SOLD OUT http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Satchmo"The next golden trumpet player from Northern Ireland" - Linley Hamilton, BBC Radio 2012 and 2013 have been a busy 2 years for trumpeter Rick Swann. With appearances around the UK, Europe and USA on stages such as London's 'Royal Albert Hall', Belfast's 'Odyssey Arena' and as lead trumpet onboard RMS Queen Mary 2. This March Rick is embarking on a new venture, 'Satchmo' promises to be a sensational Theatre debut showcasing the iconic life and music of world renowned jazz musician Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong. With a line-up to include renowned jazz musicians such as John Trotter (trombone) and Gay Mclntyre (clarinet), as well as a richly talented rythm section, this show promises to be a night to remember. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Singlehood Una McKevitt Productions and Bright Light Productions in association with Aiken Promotions present Singlehood “BECAUSE ANY DOPE CAN BE IN A RELATIONSHIP.” After a sell-out run at the Dublin Fringe Festival, the show that had people queuing down the streets of Temple Bar for return tickets is coming to Vicar Street for two nights only! Singlehood is a funny and uplifting theatre documentary exploring the art of being single. Renowned for her documentary theatre practice, Una McKevitt in collaboration with writer David Coffey (Dan & Becs, Fade St) interviewed over 50 Singletons to bring their raw and revealing stories to the stage to hilarious and devastating effect. With a fantastic ensemble of 8 performers including comedian Eric Lalor, Singlehood is an exclusive look at the personal triumphs and losses we all experience but seldom articulate, framed by a stomping single’s soundtrack by musical comedy duo The Guilty Folk. Singlehood plays Vicar Street on March 1st and 2nd 2013. Singlehood’s review highlights include: "Singlehood really shines in its sheer honesty...ridiculous, heartbreaking, hilarious..." The Irish Times "..funny, warm and thoroughly engaging.." Irish Theatre Magazine "Singlehood is a seriously funny, incredibly engaging and a delightfully entertaining must see..." Examiner.com "..thoughtfully presented in a frank, truthful and engaging manner..entertaining and thought-provoking.." Journal.ie "Honest, funny and at times a little sad, Singlehood will be enjoyed by singletons and smug marrieds alike." MetroHerald “I am thrilled Singlehood will run in Vicar Street. It is the perfect venue for the show. In conceiving Singlehood I considered what it means to be single in a society where romantic relationships have such high status and defined rituals. Are single people just waiting for love to find them or does being single offer it’s own, possibly richer, rewards?” – Una McKevitt Ticket Information: Tickets go on sale Thursday 29th November from www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Urban_Mojo_BluesBand: The Mojo Witnesses Dates: Friday 1st March, Friday 5th April, Friday 10th May & Friday 7th June Paying homage to the legends of blues and classic rock. Live music as it should be. Loud and rockin'... Members: Gerry Atrix - Guitar & vocals / Andy Winneris - Guitar & vocals / Johnnie The Fox – Bass / Keith the beat – Drums Entry is Free of charge   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Aontas_Festival_Explore_a_Viking_Sea_ChestAs part of AONTAS Adult Learners' Week, bring the whole family along to discover a new way of looking at Dublin's Viking Heritage with this object-handling session which includes fossils, textiles and a replica Viking sword! No booking required. Places limited, first come basis. Not wheelchair accessible. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Make_a_Medieval_ShieldDublinia is pleased to announce a series of dedicated events for families happening at Dublinia the first Saturday of every month from March to July. All included in the Dublinia admission price. No booking necessary. Make a Medieval Shield Come along to our Education room and have a go at making your very own medieval shield. Workshops on from 11am – 1.00pm and 1.45pm – 3.00pm. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Working_Abroad_ExpoVenue: Hall 4, RDS A World of Opportunities Abroad! The Working Abroad Expo offers the complete spectrum of information crucial to successfully living, working or starting a business overseas. Regardless of whether it’s moving for life to Australia or Canada, closer to home in Europe or something more temporary such as a working holiday or gap year, the Working Abroad Expo has already assisted thousands of people start new lives abroad. The Working Abroad Expo will connect you with providers of information, products and services including Government Immigration Officials, Employers, Recruiters, Visa Experts, Working Holiday Packages as well as Gap Year & Education Providers. Take the first step towards a new life abroad by visiting the Working Abroad Expo, now in its 8th year, with over 14 individual exhibitions held across the UK & Ireland. Regardless of your personal circumstances or whatever stage in the process you’re at (either fact finding to pre-departure), the Working Abroad Expo is a must attend event. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Break_Away_1st_Annual_Gala_CelebrationsVenue: Brazen Head, 20 Bridge Street Lower, Dublin, Co. Dublin Join the Break-Away Project for this special evening of music, theatre and comedy. In it’s first year, the Break-Away Project have produced ten wonderful events, which comprised of staged readings of new plays, original work and musical theatre showcases. Our Gala Celebration will bring together a collection of these shows' most spectacular moments! With performances from Karen Davidson Perrins, Helena Byrne, Anthony Kinahan, Michael Heavey, David Maine, Josh Johnston and Amy Ryan. All proceeds will go to the Break-Away Project's 2013 productions, which include a full production of the play 'It Came From Mars' by Joseph Zettelmaier in April and an original music theatre piece based on Irish folklore, set for Summer 2013. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Gallery_Tour_Every_Object_tells_a_StoryMarking the launch of the publication, 'A History of Ireland in 100 Objects', join Museum educator Eimir O'Brien on a special tour of some of the objects from the book on display at Collins Barracks. Places are allocated 15 minutes before tour starts. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Irish_Beauty_ShowFollowing a hugely successful 2012 event, Ireland's premier beauty trade show - the Irish Beauty Show - returns to the RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin on Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th March 2013, offering therapists, Salon and Spa Managers / Owners, Nail Technicians, Hairdressers and Students gain access to hundreds of key industry suppliers, gain exclusive show discounts, enter our education zone and see new product launches or innovations. The Irish Beauty Show 2013, held in partnership with Associated Irish Therapists and Irish Beauty magazine, is a refreshing, vibrant and inspirational day out for all professional therapists, salon owners, nail techs and complementary therapists. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Neil_OShea_in_The_Writers_EntertainThe hour-long show will run at the Dublin Writers Museum on the following dates: 4 March, 15 March, 16 March, 18 March, 19 March, 20 March 29 March – 1 April and 7 April at 1.10 pm. Further dates to be announced. "Easy versatility drives this adroitly edited Gaelic sampler ...a testament to O’Shea’s unassuming expertise." - Los Angeles Times "O'Shea is enraptured by his characters... an evening of enjoyment and education; an engaging intermingling of laughter and heightened poetry."- Los Angeles Metro "A superior salon piece..."- The Irish Times The Writers Entertain, Neil O'Shea's one-man show on Irish Writers began its life some 15 years ago and has continued at the Dublin Writers Museum over those years to great acclaim. It consists of extracts from writers such as Swift, Wilde, Shaw, Yeats, Joyce and others with a great emphasis on humour. The show has toured widely, in particular in the USA, receiving excellent reviews from two separate runs of the evening version of the show ("An Evening with Great Irish Writers") in Los Angeles. The hour-long show will run at the Dublin Writers Museum on the following dates: 4 March, 15 March, 16 March, 18 March, 19 March, 20 March and 7 April at 1.10 pm. Further dates to be announced. Ticket Information: Combined Ticket prices (Show and Museum): €10. Tickets available at the door. Performances  may also be arranged on request for groups visiting the museum, subject to timing. Please contact us for further information. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Before_Vanishing_by_Samuel_BeckettPreview: March 4th Just back from their Japanese tour, Mouth on Fire Theatre Company - which was founded in 2010, will perform four of Beckett's short plays: 'Ohio Impromptu','Footfalls', 'That Time' and 'Come and Go'.  Audiences at 'Before Vanishing...' will see 'Come and Go' first in its original English-language version and then as 'Teacht is Imeacht', in the Irish language. The play has been translated by acclaimed author, poet and translator Gabriel Rosenstock. Cast: Geraldine Plunkett Marcus Lamb Melissa Nolan Nick Devlin Jennifer Laverty Director: Cathal Quinn Lighting Design/Stage Manager: Becky Gardiner Producer: Melissa Nolan Other Information: Part of Seachtain na Gaeilge Festival (snag.ie) Supported by Foras na Gaeilge, Axis Ballymun & DCC 'This quartet of Beckett shorts makes what is difficult seem easy with a fluent and passionate ensemble of performers who are devoted to making the works of Beckett accessible to all, an aim that can only be admired and encouraged' (Jennifer Lee, Irish Theatre Magazine) 'Melissa Nolan is the performer here, she is close to faultless' 'Marcus Lamb who, on the evidence, has a fruitful future ahead of him as a Beckett interpreter. And I do not write that lightly' (Emer O'Kelly, The Sunday Independent) 'Mouth on Fire are rapidly establishing themselves as the most respected purveyors of Samuel Beckett's work in Ireland' (Lauren O'Toole, Entertainment.ie) http://www.visitdublin.com/event/I_PeaseblossomA fairy in wellingtons has a dream …. As part of our Shakespeare season at the Abbey we are delighted to introduce the work of The Bard to our young audiences. This one man show, written and performed by multi award winning playwright/actor Tim Crouch, gives an exciting introduction into his work. The magical story of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is re-lived through the fevered nightmares of Shakespeare’s most neglected fairy, Peaseblossom. Funny and heart-breaking I, Peaseblossom is for young theatre goers, and those young at heart! “Crouch enthralled, entertained and stole the hearts of the festival crowd’. Bath Shakespeare Festival, Venue Magazine. A Brighton Festival Commission Suitable for everyone aged 9+ Ticket Information: Monday 4 March – Saturday 24 March On the Peacock stage Time: Monday – Saturday 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 7pm. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Swan_Lake_on_IceSet to Tchaikovsky’s glorious music and with exhilarating new choreography, The Imperial Ice Stars’  dynamic new portrayal of their award-winning masterpiece Swan Lake on Ice,  will take your breath away. ‘Sumptuous…stylish’ THE TIMES The Imperial Ice Stars will transform  the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre stage into a frozen lake  as 25 World, European and National Championship skaters take Ice Dancing to a new level. Creative and powerful storytelling, sumptuous sets, spectacular special effects and opulent new costumes all combine to bring this classic love story to life. The adrenaline-infused Swan Lake on Ice is a spectacular event which will have you and your family on the edge of your seat. The Imperial Ice Stars push the boundaries of what is possible with daring and complex feats created especially for the show; all achieved with graceful skill and commanding athleticism. ‘The Imperial Ice Stars are breathtakingly slick.’ THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH Witness the unforgettable magic of Swan Lake on Ice performed by the world’s leading Ice Dance company. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Bobby_McFerrin_Meets_IrelandRoom: Main Auditorium 'Mr. McFerrin is a musical phenomenon…. Simply listen and be moved.' – New York Times ‘Bobby McFerrin’s greatest gift to his audience may be changing them from spectators into celebrants, and transforming a concert hall into a playground, a village center, a joyous space.’ – Los Angeles Times To celebrate the tenth anniversary year of the Waltons World Masters series, we are delighted to welcome Bobby McFerrin, arguably the greatest vocal innovator and improviser of our time, back to Ireland and the World Masters series for this very special two-day event. Each evening’s performance will be a unique, in-the-moment collaboration between Bobby and a small, very select group of singers, instrumentalists, dancers and small ensembles – chosen to represent the creativity, tradition and spirit of Ireland and selected through an Ireland-wide audition process. Bobby Meets Ireland will celebrate the musical and cultural diversity of modern Ireland, and the magic that happens when artists meet and interact. To view more Information on this event Click here To View more informaion on the Performers Selected Click here  To purchase tickets Click here    Presented by Waltons New School of Music Supported by RTÉ lyric fm, Sunday Independent, Dublin Conrad Hotel http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Elton_Johns_Greatest_Hits_ReworkedThe S.C.O.O.P Foundation are pleased to announce their upcoming fundraiser ‘Elton John’s Greatest Hits - Reworked’ on March 6th from 9:00pm to 11:15pm in the Grand Social beside Dublin’s Ha’penny Bridge. On the night five bands; The Elephant Room, Familiar Creatures, Handsome Handsome, Parade of The Almost and Nella Dwyer will each perform three exclusively reworked versions of Elton’s most popular songs. Prizes are up for grabs on the night for best costumes, including two passes to the Vantastival Festival in May and The Galway Film Fleadh in July. So come dressed in your flashiest and most flamboyant threads! Entry is just €5 and doors open at 8:00p.m The 3rd instalment of the Re-Worked series in the Grand Social sees Dublin based charity SCOOP bring you what promises to be a fun filled night of classic glam rock from the 70s and 80s! With hits such as Bennie and the Jets, Rocket Man and Tiny Dancer, we're sure to have you up on your feet and singing your hearts out! Included on the night are cupcakes, photobooth and graffiti artist ADW will be creating a one off special Elton portrait out on the roof terrace! This one of a kind work will be auctioned off at the end of the night! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Cheltenham_Preview_at_Cafe_en_SeineDue to the phenomenal success of last year’s Cheltenham Preview Evening, Cafe en Seine is delighted to announce that they will host a similar event sponsored by Ireland’s Largest Independent Bookmaker Boylesports on Thursday March 7th at 7pm. Last year’s Cheltenham Festival top jockey Barry Geraghty will join the illustrious racing panel bringing some fresh insight and tips for this year’s Cheltenham Festival. The county Meath born jockey has an excellent book of rides this year including current Gold Cup favourite Bobs Worth and Queen Mother favourite Sprinter Sacre. MC on the night will be Denis Kirwan who will be joined by an expert panel consisting of Barry Geraghty, horse trainer Noel Meade, our own Leon Blanche, Racing journalist Donn McClean, At The Races presenter Kevin O’Ryan, & Dave Keena from the Irish Field & Irish Daily Star. The preview will commence at 7pm sharp.  Guests on the night will have the chance to put questions to the panel throughout the night adding an essential interactive element to the proceedings. There is no cover charge and all are welcome!  This event is proudly supported by Evening Herald and 98FM. Leon Blanche, Head of Communications at Boylesports, commented: “Boylesports are delighted to be the proud sponsors of this excellent Cheltenham Preview Night at Café en Seine in Dublin.” He added “Attendees on the night will have an excellent chance to get some Cheltenham bankers from our expert panel with a great night promised.” Tasty bites, compliments of Cafe en Seine will be on offer during the 15 minute interval.  The event concludes at 9.00pm. “I’d advise attendees to arrive early as we are expecting a full house” added Johnny Melia, Opeartions Manager at Café en Seine. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Reform_and_Rebellion_Irish_Nationalist_Women_1912_1918Reform and Rebellion: Irish Nationalist Women, 1912-1918 BiblioFiles Lecture Join us on the eve of International Women’s Day for a discussion led by Dr Senia Paseta, University of Oxford, on Ireland’s women revolutionaries. All welcome. No booking required. This talk is part of a monthly lecture series called BiblioFiles. The series provides a platform for writers, academics and others who have used the NLI's facilities to talk about their research and other work they have carried out at the library. Senia Paseta is Junior Research Fellow at Merton College, Oxford. She was awarded the prestigious 'J.G. Crawford Prize for Academic Excellence' from the Australian National University in 1995. Her Books include 'Modern Ireland', 'Ireland and the Great War', 'Before the Revolution: Nationalism, Social Change'  'Ireland’s Catholic Elite, 1879 – 1922' and 'Thomas Kettle '. Many of our events are free. If you would like this to continue, you can support our Events Programme by making a donation. Donation boxes are located throughout the NLI buildings. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Western_WayGalway artist Patsy Farrell is holding a two-week solo exhibition in The Doorway Gallery, 24 South Fredrick Street, Dublin 2 from Thursday March 7th 2013. “The Western Way – Reflections of a Connemara Life” is a collection of 26 large watercolour and pastels by the artist Patsy Farrell, who was born and reared in Galway. Patsy’s inspiration stems from his Connemara surrounds, the Western landscape of mountains, rivers, and lakes. Connemara's fascination for artists through the centuries is rooted in one thing: its ever-changing light.  Patsy describes how his surroundings have inspired the colours and Western ambience – evident in this stunning collection of landscapes and reflections of Connemara life: “The sunshine and the clouds are always struggling with each other in Connemara. It's incredible how the play of the light affects the mountains and the land, how reflections in lakes appear and disappear, how bursts of sunshine bring out colours you never would have thought to be there. Stand in one place for an hour and you will see a dozen different scenes”. The guest speaker, Shay Cody, General Secretary of IMPACT Trade Union will be officially opening the exhibition. Cody says: “this exhibition demonstrates the essence of Connemara, and the kaleidoscope of natural changes from sunrise to sunset. Patsy Farrell is dedicated to capturing the moments of precious sunlight and fickle climate”. For this exhibition, Patsy has been out in every kind of condition imaginable, persuading local farmers to let him climb walls and cross ditches to find the perfect composition, and occasionally escaping from those he couldn't persuade. Patsy also photographs and works in stained glass, pottery, wood carving and metal sculpture, and enjoys the process of creating something beautiful from scrap material. He and his brother Gabriel have collaborated on The Poitín Maker sculpture also featured in The Western Way exhibition. A key feature of Farrell’s paintings is their glowing highlights and saturated pastel colours, which can be seen in this solo exhibition in the Doorway Gallery. Patsy's paintings can be found in both national and international collections, among them the collection of the President of Ireland, and many other private collections.  Exhibition details: Exhibition details and gallery of pieces at www.patsyfarrell.com Gallery details at www.thedoorwaygallery.com Opening reception: Thursday March 7, 2013. 6:00 - 8:00PM Exhibition runs: From March 7, 2013 – March 21st, 2013 Gallery Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:30 – 6PM. Thursdays till 7:30PM. Sundays 2:00PM- 5:00PM (excluding Bank Holidays). http://www.visitdublin.com/event/BohemianFC_versus_UCDThe 2013 League of Ireland season gets underway at the Home of Irish Football, Dalymount Park, when these two exciting young teams come head-to-head as they both bid to hit the ground running and begin their league season by collecting all three points. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/From_Russia_with_LoveRTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Hideko Udagawa violin Alan Buribayev conductor   Tchaikovsky  Francesca da Rimini, Op. 32 [22’] Khachaturian  Concerto-Rhapsody for Violin and Orchestra [23’] Prokofiev  Symphony No. 5 in B flat, Op. 100 [46’] From Russia with love Passions, pleasurable and painful, run high in three majestic works that spring from the russian soil and soul. Drawn from Dante’s Inferno, Tchaikovsky’s searingly tragic Francesca da Rimini tells of murdered lovers locked in poignant embrace for all eternity. Prokofiev described his mighty and moving Fifth Symphony as ‘a song of praise of free and happy mankind’, its soaring drama conjuring the moment of victory in World War II. Hideko Udagawa is sure to delight with Khachaturian’s richly characterised love song for violin and orchestra, the Concerto-Rhapsody. Soundings, 7.00pm Guest Talk TCD Head of Music Simon Trezise on the evening’s programme Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Ticket Information: Prices: €35, €30, €24, €18, €10 Concessions €32, €27, €22, €16, €9 10% discount for Groups of 10 or more 5% discount for Groups of 5 or more and RTÉ NSO Season Subscribers   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Ireland_Police_Rugby_Team_versus_French_PoliceIreland Police Rugby Team to take on their French counterparts at the RDS The match will take place on 8th March, the eve of the Irish international rugby teams clash against France in the Six Nations. Made up of serving police officers from An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Ireland Police Rugby Team has been making itself known on the global scene, having previously beaten British and Australian police forces. The French match is to take place at 6.30pm on Friday 8th March in the RDS and it is only the second time these two teams will have met. The Irish team were the victors of their first meeting in Paris last year, winning 16-12 in a hard fought game. On a weekend that will see the French descend upon Dublin, the Ireland Police Rugby Team is hoping for a victory that will kick start a weekend of Irish wins. Damien Broughal, Captain of the Ireland Police Rugby Team said, “Rugby has been a great force for bringing people together and encouraging respect among communities and this is particularly true in Ireland thanks to the international team. We have been playing together for some time now and we are really looking forward to the match against France. Like their professional counterparts, they are strong, skillful and determined but we feel we have a team with the experience and talent to beat them again, particularly at home.” ?The Ireland Police Rugby Team is ten years old this year, having played their first game against the British police force in March 2003. It was re-launched under a new unifying logo last year, which reflects the coming together of the two police forces and the close relationships they have built up. Stanley Security Solutions is the new sponsor of the Ireland Police Rugby Team and Willie Tighe, Managing Director, Stanley Security Solutions said, “The Ireland Police Rugby Team forges positive and close connections between the PSNI and An Garda Síochána. As a security solutions provider, building strong relationships with both of these organisations is vital to what we do, ensuring the security of our customer’s, their employees and premises. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to become a sponsor of the team and we wish them the very best of luck on 8th March. We would encourage everyone to come along to the RDS and support the Irish team and hopefully see them continue their winning streak.” For all Irish and French supporters wishing to attend the game, entrance is free and everyone is welcome. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/American_SpringDublin Symphony Orchestra is proud to present a full American Program on the 9th March 2013. This concert will include 20th Century music from American composers as well as an American soloist, Alexander Bernstein. Program: Jerome Moross: The Big Country George Gershwin: Piano Concerto in F (Soloist: Alexander Bernstein) Aaron Copland: Rodeo Aaron Copland: Billy the Kid All details are available on www.dublinsymphony.org   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Seachtain_na_Gaeilge_at_Glasnevin_MuseumGlasnevin Trust in celebration of Irish language week will offer tours of the cemetery in Irish. Tour will be led by Glasnevin Trust Tour Guide Paddy Gleeson. Tours are to be held at the weekends of Seachtain na Gaeilge at 1pm. Saturday 9th March and Sunday 10th March Saturday 16th March and Sunday 17th March Costs are €12.00 per adult / €8.00 concession. All tickets include entrance into Glasnevin Museum. Booking is advised. For further information please contact our booking team at +35318826550 or email booking@glasnevintrust.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/An_Evening_with_Phil_CoulterPat Egan Sound Ltd presents Up in that Pantheon inhabited by the biggest selling recording artistes of all time in Ireland, rubbing shoulders with Bono and the Boys, you might be surprised to bump into Phil Coulter. You shouldn’t be! He has contributed at least four titles to the list of Great Irish Songs - the anthems ‘The Town I Loved So Well’ and ‘Ireland’s Call’ and the haunting ‘Scorn Not His Simplicity’ and ‘Steal Away’. Join Phil and his special guest Geraldine Branagan for an evening of song to help celebrate his 45 years in music. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/DIT_Ensembles_All_Together_NowDIT Junior Strings, DIT Intermediate Orchestra, DIT Prelude Winds, DIT Concert Band, DIT Percussion Ensemble, DIT Wind Ensemble. Conductors:  Kitty Dalligan, Ronan Grant, Ian Dakin, Jonathan Clifford, Noel Eccles, Kevin Hanafin All Together Now showcases the talented students of DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama in a gala concert, featuring the Conservatory’s instrumental ensembles in a programme of popular classics and contemporary repertoire for film, stage and concert hall. Presented by the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama http://www.visitdublin.com/event/GAA_Allianz_League_Kildare_v_DublinThe Allianz Leagues is an annual competition for both Gaelic Football and Hurling between the counties of Ireland.  Matches take place in GAA venues throughout the country beginning in February and culminating in early May with the Hurling Final.  Visit www.gaa.ie for fixture and ticketing information.  Round 4 of the Allianz Leagues takes place in Croke Park between Kildare and Dublin. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Public_Tour_Bog_Bodies_National_Museum_of_Ireland_ArachaeologyExamine Iron Age finds from Ireland's wetlands including bog butter and the mysterious 2,000 year-old bog bodies. €2.00 euro fee at Museum shop. 16 yrs or under free. No booking required. Wheelchair accessible http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Pageant_Civic_TheatreHave you ever made a spectacle of yourself? Walking the tightrope of life, jumping through hoops, bending over backwards to please, there is pageantry in everything we do. Inspired by life and the extra-ordinary of the everyday, Pageant celebrates the performer in us all. Dancing to a powerful score with music from Bowie to Ravel, Pageant’s stellar cast will delight audiences with their passion and pathos as they weave an exhilarating journey from choreographic mayhem through to military precision. This show is not to be missed from the award-winning CoisCéim Dance Theatre who recently thrilled audiences for Culture Night 2012. “CoisCéim are producing some of the most thought-provoking theatre around” – Scotland on Sunday http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Lyrics_in_two_languages_the_short_Irish_poem_in_the_twentieth_centuryLyrics in two languages: the short Irish poem in the twentieth century. Irish Texts Society – Breandán O’Buachalla Memorial Lecture Wednesday, 13 March at 7.00pm A lecture by Bernard O’Donoghue, Fellow in English, Wadham College, Oxford. Free. No booking required. All welcome. Mr Bernard O'Donoghue, BPhil, MA, born Cullen, Co Cork 1945. Undergraduate and graduate at Lincoln College, Oxford 1965-71. Lecturer at Magdalen College 1971-95. Research Interests Middle English literature, especially poetry: related European literature. 20th-century Irish literature, especially poetry in English Many of our events are free. If you would like this to continue, you can support our Events Programme by making a donation. Donation boxes are located throughout the NLI buildings. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Comedy_Best_of_IrishThe hunt for the funniest person in Ireland is nearly over. On St. Patrick’s weekend we will bring together the 10 best Irish stand-up comedians for what promises to be a craicing final. There will be no celebrity judges for this show, as the winner will be decided by you the audience. Ireland needs you, as this is one of the most important decisions that the country will ever have to make. Only people with a sense of humour should attend! Doors 7pm | Showtime 8.30pm  Tickets - €26.00 from www.laughterlounge.com http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Made_Me_Poems_of_the_CitySt Patrick's Day Event at the National Library Dublin Made Me - Poems of the City In association with St Patrick's Day Festival Exploring our capital city through its poetry and song, poet and broadcaster Pat Boran, and Gerard Smyth, poet and Poetry Editor of The Irish Times, present a selection of poems and lyrics, historical and contemporary, famous and less well known, that tell their own story of our capital city. To book your place, please visit www.stpatricksfestival.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/ExilesA group show curated by Alison Pilkington Rhona Byrne, Mark Garry, James Hanley, Stephen Loughman, Ronan McCrea, Ruby Wallis. As part of the Five Lamps Arts Festival theme commemorating the centenary of the Dublin Lockout of 1913 artist Alison Pilkington has brought together a diverse group of artists to consider the idea of being 'locked out' as a metaphor for the human condition. The title of the show "Exiles" alludes to a form of self imposed "lock out" but also refers to a state of existence apart from ones home or perhaps, oneself. Another curatorial inspiration for the exhibition was the words of the poet Arthur Rimbauld. Rhona Byrne's audio piece explores changing perceptions of self body and personal experience relation to space by listing object or situational phobia. The work addresses the complexities and subjectivity of our special lives and how anxiety and fear can alter perceptions of place.  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Greening_the_CityThroughout the festivities, Dublin will aim to look her best with businesses and venues joining forces with the Festival to Green the City, where buildings will light green and proudly fly the flag to celebrate our National holidays. See many of Dublin’s most iconic buildings illuminated green and celebrating the Festival!  Here is a list of just some of the venues on board for 'Greening the CIty' with many more to follow! • Irish Architectural Archive • Dublinia • The Gibson Hotel • O’Connell Tower at Glasnevin Cemetery • The Odeon Bar • The Custom House • Convention Centre • The Mansion House • Dublin City Council Building, Palace Street • Bank of Ireland, College Green • O’Callaghan’s Hotels • County Hall, Marine Road Dún Laoghaire • Stillorgan Obelisk Tower • National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street • Guinness Store House Click here to view photos of the buildings that took part in 2012 http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Hop_Up_Irish_Dancing_ShowVenue: Powerscourt Townhouse Theatre As the name implies this is the show for all those who want to Hop up, learn to dance and have some fun. This Dublin Irish Dancing show incorporates fantastic performances by our world class dancers who will then invite the audience to join them and dance. Great opportunity to meet new people and have some fun! Fantastic entertainment for families, friends and corporate events. Ticket Information: Adult - €15.00 Child under 12 - €12.00 Student/Senior - €15.00 Family (2 adults & 3 children) - €45.00   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Powerscourt_Townhouse_St_Patricks_FestivalThis year the Powerscourt Townhouse centre will host a Patrick’s Festival for the week of the 14th- 17th. The centre will be themed for the St Patrick’s festival and each of the tenants will dress their windows green. Supporting everything Irish the Centre will run a week long activities including Irish Dancing shows on the steps of the Centre with Jig, tours of the centre to include its history etc, followed by Irish coffee making classes in PYG restaurant.  Irish poetry recitals in the creative space on the Top floor of the Centre.  Lunch & evening time performances to include harp players, Irish folk singers etc. Powerscourt townhouse St Patrick’s festival to link up with to the gathering, to attract tourists to the centre. Facilities: Powerscourt Centre is a popular tourist spot and many people come from around the world to admire the house and its architecture. It is quite common to hear different European languages all around you, as people eat in the Centre’s many restaurants. The Centre prides itself on having a very high-standard in customer service. It is extremely customer friendly with good signage and a panoramic lift to upper floors. The following facilities are available in the Centre to all our patrons: •ATM banking on the ground floor •Baby-changing facilities •Internet Kiosk •Disabled entrance (at the Coppinger Row entrance) •Toilets   Thursday 14th: 3pm: Hop Up- Irish Dancing Show, Powerscourt Theatre.  6pm: Jig, the Story of Irish Dance, Powerscourt Theatre.   Friday 15th 1.30-5pm: Magic Turtles - Art Workshop for families, Top floor, Children €5 & Adults go free. 2pm -4pm: Traditional Irish music, Courtyard. 3pm: Hop Up- Irish Dancing show, Powerscourt Theatre.   Saturday 16th: 1.30-5pm: The Magic Turtles - Art Workshop for families, Top floor, Children €5 & adults go free. 2pm: Harp Ocrchestra, Powerscourt Centre, Ground Floor. 3pm & 4pm: Live Traditional Irish Music & Dancing, Ground Floor. 4pm: Hop Up- Irish Dancing show, Powerscourt Theatre. 5pm: Emer Dunner (Singer) accompanied by Drua, Ground Floor. 6pm: Jig, the Story of Irish Dance, Powerscourt Theatre.   Sunday 17th: 2.30-2.45pm:Live Trad Music & Dancing, Ground Floor. 2pm-4pm: Childrens Balloon sculpturing & Facepainting, Ground Floor. 3pm-4pm: Live Traditional Irish Music & Dancing, Ground Floor. 4pm: Hop Up -Irish Dancing Show, Powerscourt Theatre.   History: Powerscourt Centre is a speciality shopping centre set in an elegant Georgian house centrally located just off Grafton Street.Formally, 59 South William Street was home to Richard Wingfield 3rd Viscount Powerscourt (1730-1788) and his wife Lady Amelia, who bought the Townhouse to entertain guests during Parliament season. Back then, the building was a house for parties, and very much lives up to that reputation nowadays! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Trad_StageThree of Ireland’s most recognised names in traditional Irish music join forces for a special live stage show, during this year’s St. Patrick’s Festival. Creating an intimate atmosphere in Dublin’s bustling city centre. Trad Stage will feature the band Guidewires, with their high-energy performances, breath-taking arrangements and infectious melodies; Liam Ó Maonlaí, one of Ireland’s best Sean Nós (traditional Irish) singers on piano, tin whistle, bodhrán and vocals; and Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, traditional Irish singer, pianist and composer, who is considered to be one of the most influential female Irish vocalists. This is an evening not to be missed! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/willy_masonMCD Presents WILLY MASON + guests Following what will be a very special evening playing with Ben Howard at the Olympia Theatre next week, WILLY MASON will return to Dublin for his own headline show in the new year. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/A_history_of_Ireland_in_100_objectsA history of Ireland in 100 objects celebrates Ireland’s history as told through objects which are on display in museums and cultural institutions throughout the country.  There is a great variety of objects to visit for a great day or two out.  Extend your enjoyment by following the trail all over the country and recording the objects you have visited on the ‘My 100 objects trail’ page in the book. A trail map will be inserted in The Irish Times on Thursday 21stMarch.  It will guide you to all the 100 objects in museums around the country. Learn more at www.100objects.ie The Royal Irish Academy, the National Museum of Ireland and The Irish Times are collaborating with the EU Presidency, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Adobe to bring you a gift of A History of Ireland in 100 objects ‘from the people of Ireland to the people of the world’ for St Patrick’s Day 2013. Download your gift from the Irish government on www.eu2013.ie until 31st March Locations: Dublin: National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street. National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks. Trinity College Dublin. Christ Church Cathedral, Christchurch Place. National Library, Kildare Street. Royal Irish Academy, Dawson Street. National Archives of Ireland, Bishop Street. GAA Museum, Croke Park. Countrywide: National Science Museum, Maynooth College. Carlow County Museum. Irish Agricultural Museum, Wexford. Medieval Museum, Waterford Museum of Treasures. Derrynane House, Kerry. National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar. Monasterboice, Co. Louth. Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh. Ulster Museum, Belfast. Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. Museum of Free Derry, Derry. Tullaghoge Fort, Tyrone. Clonca Graveyard, Donegal. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/EelsPlease note, Friday 15th March is sold out. Approximate stage times as follows: doors open 7pm, support act Nicole Atkins on stage around 8.15pm, with Eels due on at 9pm to about 10.45pm. Please note these times are appoximate, and subject to change as always. Following the announcement of their highly anticipated new album ‘Wonderful, Glorious’ - out on 4th February through E Works/Vagrant Records - EELS release details of an extensive March UK & Ireland tour including two dates at The Olympia Theatre, Dublin on Friday 15th & Saturday 16th March 2013. Mark Oliver Everett and his band, guitarists The Chet and P-Boo, bass player Honest Al and drummer Knuckles, will kick off proceedings at The Limelight in Belfast on 14th March before taking in Dublin, Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Bournemouth, Brighton, Norwich, Nottingham and Bristol, finishing up at Birmingham Academy on 30th March. It will be the band’s first UK tour since their critically acclaimed 2011 shows which included a Glastonbury set heralded by many as one of the performances of the festival. The Telegraph called the appearance "a witty, energetic and musically stunning set" in their list of top 10 highlights, while The Independent says it was "a soulful, funny, crowd-winning show" in their list of top 5 highlights. New album ‘Wonderful, Glorious’, recorded in Everett’s new Los Feliz, CA studio dubbed “The Compound”, is his first album since 2010’s ‘Tomorrow Morning’ - the final part of a trilogy of albums including ‘End Times’ and ‘Hombre Lobo’. Listen to ‘Peach Blossom’, the first track revealed from Wonderful,Glorious’, here. Ticket Information: Tickets for the March 16th show are priced from €35.00 inclusive of booking fee and are on sale via Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.ie & eelstheband.com. Please note, limited unreserved Upper Circle seats only left now. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Festival_CeiliLocation: St. Stephan's Green You don’t have to be Jean Butler or Michael Flatley to be part of the Festival’s outdoor celebration of traditional Irish dancing. Our expert callers, dancers and musicians will guide you along the way.  Learn the steps, enjoy live traditional music and soak up the atmosphere on the streets of Dublin.  Dance the evening away and enjoy the jigs and reels, even if you do have two left feet! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Guinness_Storehouse_St_Patricks_Festival_2013This St. Patrick's weekend, live entertainment, music, food sampling, dancing and "craic" are just a few of the exciting things on offer at the Guinness Storehouse! Live Entertainment From trad, bluegrass, dance and samba to rock – we've got it covered. This year the Guinness Storehouse will bring you 16 superb Irish music actsincluding Hermitage Green, The Kapitals, Legends of Irish Rock, The Eskies, Four Men & A Dog and the legendaryElectric Céilí. Fun at the Home of Guinness As well as music there is plenty to discover at the Guinness Storehouse this St. Patrick's weekend. As you tour through the building, you'll meet face paintersand caricaturists or why not join in our Irish dance showcase and Céilí! Guinness Food Tastings To keep you energized we'll be serving complimentary tastings of Guinness® infused food – we guarantee it's delicious! And while you're here why not sample tastings of the different Guinness® variants –  Guinness® Original and Foreign Extra Stout. VIP Paddy's Calling all Patricks, Patricias, Patryks, Patricios... We're inviting everyone by the first name Patrick or variants of the name (see full list) to join us on March 17th for our festivities. All Patricks receive complimentary admission Prices: Adult:  €16.50 Student over 18: €13 Student under 18:  €10.5 Senior citizen:  €13 Group (over 15 pax):  €14.85 Children between 6 - 12 yrs:  €6.50 Children under 6 yrs: Free Family (2 adults+4children):  €40 Enjoy a 10% discount off adult admission - only available if you book online. Terms and Conditions of  VIP Paddy's Promotion: 1. Patricks must present official photo ID, e.g. passport, driver's license, National Identity Card, at the point of purchase to gain free admission on March 17 2013. 2. No cash will be given in lieu of this offer. 3. The promoter is Guinness Storehouse Ltd, St. James's Gate, Dublin 8 4. Admission to Guinness Storehouse® is subject to the Terms and Conditions of Sale as set out on www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/TermsAndConditions 5. Capacity limited – offer available on a first come first served basis. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Guns_2_RosesGuns 2 roses - the UK's longest running, world’s biggest & most successful Gn'R tribute band Guns 2 Roses, established in 2002, are the UK's longest-running Guns N Roses tribute. Over the past 10 years they have officially become the biggest GNR tribute in history and have appeared many times in the newspapers and television. The band return to play a special midnight show at The Academy on Friday 15th March. Tickets €15 incl. booking fee are on sale this Friday. Other GNR tributes still try to match and even copy the band's popularity and reputation, but not one has or will come close to what they have done in the last 10 years. Amazingly they have been linked to everyone from original Guns N Roses drummer Steven Adler to the current line-up of Guns N Roses and even more recently the likes of Lady Gaga and Lil Wayne. Guns 2 Roses are the only tribute to play live with members of the former and current GNR line-up - something which has given G2'R worldwide exposure and international tours. Guns 2 Roses have played - and continue to play to - thousands throughout the world and deliver the most accurate emulation of a Guns N Roses from the look, the sound and especially the attitude. Ticket Information: Tickets €15.00 incl. booking fee  are available online from www.ticketmaster.ie and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/just_noJUST NO plus guests Just No are a Tallaght based band who formed in early 2011. Their energetic live performance and catalogue of impressive original songs have seen them play some of Dublin’s most established live music venues http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Major_St_Patricks_Weekend_Exhibition_and_Sale_of_Irish_Art_Works_by_Adrian_MargeyOpening Night: Fri 15th March 6pm - 9pm.  Continues Sat 16th & Sun 17th March 11am - 8pm.  Mon 18th:  11am - 6pm Adrian Margey is one of Northern Ireland’s most collectable young artistic talents.  His contemporary depictions of Irish landscape, iconic Irish landmarks and musical traditions are winning him a fan base both nationally and internationally.  Self-taught and working from his County Derry studio, Margey cites the Fauves, the Irish Impressionists and the indigenous artists of South America among his key influences.  Margey combines a kaleidoscope palette with lazy brushstrokes and expressive knife work to create his stunning work. Although the artist has held a string of successful exhibitions across Northern Ireland in recent years, the St Patrick’s Weekend Exhibition will be Margey’s debut show in the Republic of Ireland.  From nostalgic depictions of Donegal, Dingle and Connemara to vivid portrayals of the Wicklow hills, North Antrim Coast and the Ring of Kerry, this exhibition will act as a veritable whistle-stop tour of Ireland.  Dramatic Belfast and Dublin cityscapes will be juxtaposed with softer portrayals of Irish traditional music sessions and dancers.  The exhibition opens on the evening of Friday 15th March from 6pm – 9pm at the Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel, located on the N11 Stillorgan dual carriageway, the main arterial route from Dublin City Centre to the southern suburbs and the southeast of Ireland. The exhibition continues Sat 16th & Sun 17th: 11am – 8pm and Mon 18th: 11am – 6pm.  Admission to this much anticipated show is free.  Visit  www.adrianmargey.com where you can find out more information and access an online preview of the exhibition or telephone the Kilrea Studio on +44 (0)7841593762. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Padraig_Pearse_Oration_Re_enactment“The Fools, the Fools, the Fools! – they have left us our Fenian dead – And while Ireland holds these graves, Ireland unfree shall never be at peace.” In 2013 Glasnevin Trust are launching their series of re-enactments and orations of famous Irish Patriots. The now famous speech delivered by Padraig Henry Pearse at the grave of Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa on 1st August, 1915, will be re-enacted daily at 2.30pm by an actor dressed as Pearse in full uniform. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/St_Patricks_Weekend_The_Music_of_Shaun_DaveySt Patrick’s Weekend RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra presents   The Music of Shaun Davey The Brendan Voyage and The Relief of Derry Symphony with soloists including Liam O’Flynn, Rita Connolly and bagpipers from the Neilston and District Pipe Band On the weekend celebrating St Patrick’s Day, the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra will, on Friday 15 March 2013, perform two major works by the award-winning Irish composer Shaun Davey at the National Concert Hall. Thirty years after its Irish premiere, the orchestra will perform the epic and groundbreaking musical drama that is The Brendan Voyage, a powerful musical narrative for uilleann pipes and symphony orchestra based on Tim Severin’s Atlantic crossing in a medieval leather-skinned boat, featuring uilleann piper Liam O’Flynn for whom the piece was written in 1980. With this, The Relief of Derry Symphony, the work which has come to be known as the Symphony of Peace, with soloists including Rita Connolly, Liam O’Flynn, Gerard McChrystal and four bagpipers from the Glaswegian Neilston and District Pipe Band led by Pipe Major Iain MacDonald. The Brendan Voyage, vividly depicting St Brendan’s journey from Ireland to the New World in a tiny leather boat, continues to attract audiences worldwide. With the bellows-powered uilleann pipes depicting the voice of the boat and the orchestra the natural elements, birds and fish, the suite in ten sections powerfully portrays the voyage from the West of Ireland via the Faroes, Iceland, through Greenland gales, ice flows off Labrador and the eventual safe arrival on the coast of Newfoundland. Commissioned by Derry City council to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Siege of Derry in 1689, The Relief of Derry Symphony is a theatrical work of great tenderness and power. The performance with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra will be led by the original team of musicians from the first performance in the Guildhall in Derry in 1990: conductor Gearóid Grant, soloists Liam O’Flynn, uilleann pipes, Rita Connolly, vocalist, Gerard McChrystal, saxophone, and Pipe Major Iain MacDonald of Glasgow, now leading 3 generations of Scottish bagpipers - his daughter Fiona, son Finlay and his grandson Joe – from the Neilston and District Pipe Band, Glasgow. The Dublin performance is one of two on the island this year; in December The Relief of Derry Symphony will close the Derry City of Culture celebrations on 20 December. Shaun Davey: Originally an art historian, Belfast born composer Shaun Davey’s varied and distinguished career includes large scale concert works as well as music for theatre, TV and film. Recent work has involved theatre in the UK, USA and Romania and includes the score for Gulliver with Romanian director Silviu Paracerete (2012 Edinburgh International Festival and the Sibiu International Theatre), the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award 2011 for Tempest (The Old Globe, San Diego), As you like it (2012) and King Lear (2010) at The Old Globe, San Diego and Tempest at Theatre Royal Haymarket (2011). In 2011, his setting of St Patricks’ prayer The Deers’ Cry was performed at the inauguration of President Michael D. Higgins. His theatre work includes several scores for the Royal Shakespeare Company where he worked with directors Trevor Nunn, Adrian Noble and Sam Mendez, and work both on and off Broadway including a New York Critics Award and a Tony nomination for best musical score (James Joyces’ The Dead). His work in TV and Film (The Hanging Gale, Ballykissangel, Twelfth Night, Waking Ned, David Copperfield, The Tailor of Panama) has been recognized with an Ivor Novello Award, a Golden Reel Award, a TRIC Award for best UK TV signature theme, two BAFTA Nominations and an additional Ivor Novello nomination. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Legend_of_Luke_Kelly_Civic_Theatre Having just returned from an 11 date tour of Germany with folk legends, The Dubliners, Chris Kavanagh will bring his acclaimed ‘Legend of Luke Kelly' show back to the Civic Theatre. Lead singer Chris bears a remarkable resemblance to Luke while his singing talent captures the depth and passion of the great man. He is joined onstage by the accomplished musicians that make up The Patriots, all of whom consider it an honour to bring Luke’s memory back to the live stage. Over the past ten years they have amazed audiences following powerful sell-out performances in prominent Irish venues with the regular attendance of the Kelly family. In 2009 to mark Luke's 25th anniversary, Chris and co-writer (Hilary Kavanagh) composed a song entitled 'Voice of the people' to celebrate his life and a full album of original songs will be now available at their Civic Theatre concert. Early booking is recommended. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Walking_in_the_Footsteps_of_Your_AncestorsGenealogy workshop One-day immersion course The course, which is aimed at helping you research your family history, will be conducted by a team from Eneclann, the largest historical and genealogical research and consultancy service in Ireland.  The morning session will cover civil registration records, the 1901 and 1911 Census, Internet sources and newspapers. The afternoon session will focus on Valuation Office records, and customs and traditions around life events in nineteenth century Ireland. Participants will be provided with take-home materials, including the speakers' notes, CD-ROMs, and a trial subscription to www.findmypast.ie Cost: €45 (including tea/coffee and buffet lunch). Places are limited so booking is essential. For further information on the workshop and speakers please see our website. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Allianz_Football_League_round_5_Dublin_vs_TyroneThe Allianz Leagues is an annual competition for both Gaelic Football and Hurling between the counties of Ireland.  Matches take place in GAA venues throughout the country beginning in February and culminating in early May with the Hurling Final.  Visit www.gaa.ie for fixture and ticketing information. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Big_Day_Out_2013 Location: Merrion Square A street carnival like no other, Big Day Out is bursting with colour, street performances, theatrics, Irish language events, workshops, fun zones, music, open air shows and more. Big Day Out will feature workshops, dancing fun for kids and mesmerizing musical performances. Set in stunning Georgian Dublin there are treats in store for all ages and tastes! Drop by the GaelSpraoi area ‘An Puball Gaeilge’ which presents a jam-packed programme for the whole family! Bain sult as an teanga agus as an fhéile! Come along and join in the fun! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Ceili_House_LiveSt. Patrick’s Festival & RTE Radio 1 present Céilí House Live in Concert on Saturday 16th March, 8pm Room: Main Auditorium Prices: €35, €30, €25, €18 (Choir Balcony) 15% discount for Friends of the National Concert Hall 15% discount for Groups of 10 or more On the eve of St. Patrick’s Day, St. Patrick’s Festival and RTÉ Radio One’s Céilí House will present a gala concert of the best of traditional music, song and dance with the finest players, singers and dancers, all in the spectacular setting of the National Concert Hall. This will be a night to remember, full of atmosphere, headlined by Irish fiddle virtuoso Martin Hayes and guitarist Dennis Cahill and a superb All-Star Céilí Band from Co. Mayo brought together specially for the evening, as well as other top class traditional exponents. The presenter on stage will be Céilí House’s regular host, Kieran Hanrahan, and the concert will be broadcast live on RTÉ Radio One. Tickets available at www.nch.ie Presented by St. Patrick’s Festival and RTÉ Radio 1 http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Paddyland_Featuring_David_MoorePaddyland is the hilarious new live comedy show from the award winning comedy writer and radio host Dave O'Connor. Be a part of this world class comedy production as it makes it's live stage debut at Dublin's Vicar Street on Saturday March the 16th. It is Ireland's first live variety comedy show with hilarious pranks, laugh out loud games and is full of everything that is brilliantly funny about Ireland. Don't miss Dave as he brings his uniquely funny and edgy humor to the live stage! If you love Ireland and you love a laugh,... then take a trip to Paddyland! Ticket Information: Tickets priced €22.50 on sale from online at www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. +353818719300 - Republic of Ireland customers. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/St_Patricks_Festival_5km_Road_Race Now in its eight year, the race is one of the highlights of the annual St. Patrick’s Festival programme. The first of only three city street races being held in Dublin this year, it is open to families and fun runners as well as dedicated athletes. Adding to the festive atmosphere will be an entertainment programme that features a live band, jugglers, clowns, face painters, balloon artists, stilt walkers, fire eaters and a parade of motorbikes! The race will take place on Satuday, 16th March, beginning at 12.00 noon from the Mansion House on Dawson Street, where runners will follow a route through Georgian Dublin before returning again to the finish line at the Mansion House. Registration Open Soon! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Biking_BlitzFeel the adrenaline pumping through your body as you whistle down the trail, anticipating the dips twists and turns at the Wicklow Biking Blitz - the beginner friendly mountain bike event series. The final round of the 2013 edition of the exciting Biking Blitz plays out in Ticknock Mountain Bike Trail, overlooking Dublin City. Choose from a 14km or 28km loop of some of the best mountain bike trails in Ireland. This year the Annual Biking Blitz Series kicked off in February 2013 and saw events take place Wicklow, Limerick, Galway and now Dublin. The Biking Blitz is a mass start cross country mountain bike event, aimed primarily at beginners but with something for everyone. There are series points up for grabs at each event, with an overall series devised from your best three results from any four events. There are two categories, "Baggy Shorts" for beginners or "Super Pro" for more experienced riders, plus youth categories from U8 to U18. Mountain bike trail centres are used exclusively for these events to ensure a fast flowing course in all weather conditions. So saddle up for the first time or put your training to the test at the 2013 Biking Blitz.    http://www.visitdublin.com/event/frontier_ruckusThe band has played a thousand-some-odd shows in the past half-decade—across the States and Europe, as well as behind venues, after-hours, aside dumpsters till all requests have been met—but it is possible that this will be your first introduction. http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/av/2012/03/video-premiere-frontier-ruckus—mona-and-emmy.html Poised to release their third full-length record on January 29th, 2013 (US, Jan 28th ’13 EU), Frontier Ruckus’ Eternity of Dimming—is a 20-song double-album, roughly an hour-and-a-half in duration and over 5,500 words in lyrical length. A helluva time to enter their world, but you’re invited even if you’ve not previously wrapped yourself in the continents of The Orion Songbook (2008) or Deadmalls and Nightfalls (2010). Welcome to the expansive language of songwriter Matthew Milia. Welcome to a raw and unharnessed musicality. Welcome to the snowy television sets and plastic teenage trophies of suburban Detroit. Eternity of Dimming, the closing chapter of their suburban memory landscape series, is the embodiment of real things, real objects—a realness full of sad gladness and expiration dates. A catalogue so thorough in its literary scope of brutally tender pathos—a candid opening-up of a bottomless domestic junk-drawer, without omission or censor.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Hop_Up_Irish_Dancing_Show_St_Patricks_DayVenue: Powerscourt Townhouse Theatre As the name implies this is the show for all those who want to Hop up, learn to dance and have some fun. This Dublin Irish Dancing show incorporates fantastic performances by our world class dancers who will then invite the audience to join them and dance. Great opportunity to meet new people and have some fun! Fantastic entertainment for families, friends and corporate events. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/st_patricks_day_party_at_the_village    Button Factory : Temple Bar : Dublin 2           Show Information: POD are delighted to announce a stellar electronic all-Irish line-up for this year’s Paddy’s Day party at THE BUTTON FACTORY.   Sunday March 17th will see The Button Factory overrun with home grown talent, as electronica masters LE GALAXIE play the headline slot, with supporting performances from SHIPS, WHITE COLLAR BOY, SLEEP THIEVES, and ACID FUTURE.   Particularly loved for their exhilarating live shows, LE GALAXIE garnered rave reviews for their festival appearances last year, closing the Electric Picnic's Little Big Tent with a festival-stealing performance. Last year also saw the foursome on the shortlist for Irish Times best band of the year, with their critically and publically beloved 2011 album “Laserdiscs Night 2” a party staple by now.   We recommend you pick up your tickets in advance for this one- Le Galaxie’s two nights in The Workmans in December sold out months in advance.     There are types of music to suit all moods, and there's Le Galaxie, the band to suit any mood. From elation and euphoria at hyper heartspeed to the quiet yearning of being left alone on the dancefloor, this four-piece Dublin band have earned a five-star reputation for getting it right, time and again. An album, Laserdisc Nights 2, that sounded out with an iridescent salute of synths and guitar boosted by beating rhythms and rousing vocals, went straight to the core of Irish music on its release in 2011, voted #1 Irish Album of the year by Entertainment.ie   In 2012 alone Le Galaxie delivered to high expectations with stunning sets at the Berlin Music Festival, Electric Picnic, Forbidden Fruit and Heineken's Live Project along with a headline show at the renowned industry showcase HWCH. As well as releasing an acclaimed new EP, Fade 2 Forever, and selling out venues close to lightspeed, Le Galaxie were shortlisted as the Irish Times' best Irish band of 2012. Fans and critics alike flock to be a part of the high intensity experience of the band's shows that can be termed a type of new nostalgia: making music memories that never truly fade.     'Over the past two years, Le Galaxie have transformed themselves into a juggernaut of a party band, jack knifing into crowds who are only too happy to take the hit. Without question, one of the best sets of the weekend...' IRISH TIMES, ELECTRIC PICNIC 2012 '[Le Galaxie] showed once again why they are the best live dance act in Ireland right now... the 2am slot feel like a late-night celebration of a band who are only getting better...' NIALLER9'Even better are Le Galaxie, who have graduated from a 2011 lunchtime slot to the show that everybody wants to see late tonight. They are simply fantastic, faultless from start to a finish...' HEINEKEN MUSIC 'For sheer exuberance on stage no one came close to Le Galaxie over the whole weekend. Their set began at 2am and one hour later everyone inside the Little Big Tent was a mess of glee and exhaustion. Lethal...' ENTERTAINMENT.IE 'Le Galaxie have upped their game to match their profile...But it is the music, above all else, that make this performance one of the biggest hits of the weekend...[They] depart stage-left safe in the knowledge that they’ve just conquered Stradbally. Stay tuned as they continue get bigger and better...'STATE.IE 'The most danceable thing we’ve come across from an Irish band since Jape hit his heights...' AU MAGAZINE'Merging all the delirious wonderment of Daft Punk with Kraftwerk, Le Galaxie are that and so much more...' HARMLESS NOISE 'With theatrical vocal quips and their brand-new debut album Laserdisc Nights 2 clutched in glittering gloves of synthesizers and guitars, pegged on rhythms that stomp like stilettos on glass...' LE COOL 'The high-tide mark in Irish electronica thus far, in 2011...' ALTERNATIVE IRISH REVIEW '...an album that glitters with eleven slabs of solid gold dancefloor fillers...' THE SUN '[Laserdisc Nights 2 is] an 11-song journey through neon dreams, big beats and 1980s Miami beach parties…' HOTPRESS MAGAZINE         http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Public_Tour_St_Patricks_Day_SpecialExplore the story of early Christian Ireland through a tour of the artefacts in the Museum connected to Saint Patrick and the early Irish church. Free of charge. No booking required. Places limited, first come basis. Partially wheelchair accessible. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Public_Tour_Treasures_of_the_National_Museum_of_IrelandCelebrate St. Patrick's Day with a tour of the iconic treasures in the National Museum, including the 'Tara' Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice. Free of charge. No booking required. Places limited, first come basis. Wheelchair accessible. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Rhythms_of_the_SeaMembers of folk band NoCrows will join forces with two Spanish musicians: lute virtuoso Jordi Tugores and singer Miquela Lladó. This unique performance will explore the folklore of the Mediterranean as well as the traditions of Irish music, offering us a repertoire of traditional and original compositions from several European countries.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Peoples_Parade As part of ‘The Gathering Ireland 2013’ for the first time ever, St. Patrick’s Festival are inviting up to 8,000 people around the world to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin on 17 March 2013 - The People’s Parade is a once in a lifetime opportunity and applications are now open! As a participant in The People’s Parade you will march in procession through the streets of Dublin, passing many historic landmarks along the way including the GPO, Trinity College, Dublin Castle and City Hall.  You will soak up the vibrant atmosphere; feel the energy, wave to the audience along the 2.5km route and best of all once you have finished you can marvel at the spectacular performance section of the parade that follows. Build lifelong memories, display your Irish pride, celebrate all that is good about Ireland and being Irish (even if you are just an honorary Irish person for one day!) and savour your unique journey through the heart of Dublin City- the journey of a lifetime! The Parade will start from Parnell Square, Dublin 1. St. Patrick’s Festival 2013 takes place from Thursday 14th to Monday 18th March, we hope to see you there! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Traditional_RhythmsTraditional Rhythms Sunday 17th March, 8.30pm Room: Kevin Barry Room Tickets for this event are free but places are limited so advanced booking is advised Zoe Conway, John McIntyre & Siobhan Manson With an exciting blend of eclectic fiddle and guitar music, Zoë Conway and John McIntyre bring to the stage sympathetic arrangements of traditional Irish music, compositions and songs, old and new. The duo possesses a rare facility to draw pieces into their repertoire from other genres such as classical, jazz and world music and express this material in way which not only displays the sheer range and knowledge of both instrumentalists but also exhibits the wonderful versatility of their instruments. For this special St. Patrick’s Day concert, Zoe & John are delighted to invite lead Irish dancer with Riverdance, Siobhan Manson. Presented St Patrick's Festival http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Festival_Treasure_Hunt_2013The Festival Treasure Hunt is a free, fun-filled and novel trail through a collection of Dublin city’s landmark buildings and venues. Plot your route, solve the clues and race back to base at Dublin’s City Hall to finish and record your adventure! This is an exciting event for all ages and a great way to discover the city, or to see it through different eyes. Registration at City Hall, Dame Street, Dublin 2 Pre-register here or register on the day from 10.00am - 1.00pm Finish time: 5.00pm Prizes up for grabs include: - Family Adventure for 4 people for 2 nights at Delphi Mountain Resort - 3 day Tour of West & South of Ireland with Shamrocker Adventures for 4 people - 4 Family passes for Dublinia - Family Wildlife Cruise and 18hole Crazy Golf from Stars Outdoor Kenmere - Family passes for Dublin Zoo - Adventure Day for 4 people with Lunch at Carlingford Adventure Centre - Tickets for Dublin City Bike Tour - 1 day Tour for 4 people to the Cliffs of Moher with Xtreme Ireland - 20 minute Karting session for a family of 4 at The Zone Activity Centre - Family Passes for Viking Splash Tours - Family passes into the National Aquatic Centre - Family ticket for 5 pax for Zoe’s Play in The Ark http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Found_Footage_FestivalThe Found Footage Festival, the acclaimed touring showcase of odd and hilarious found videos from America, will make its triumphant return to Dublin in March with a brand-new show. Hosts Nick Prueher and Joe Pickett, whose credits include The Onion and the Late Show with David Letterman, are excited to show off their new lineup of found video clips and live comedy to The Sugar Club, Dublin. The Found Footage Festival is a one-of-a-kind event showcasing videos found at garage sales and thrift stores and in warehouses and dumpsters throughout North America. Curators Pickett and Prueher host each screening in-person and provide their unique observations and commentary on these found video obscurities. From the curiously-produced industrial training video to the forsaken home movie donated to Goodwill, the Found Footage Festival resurrects these forgotten treasures and serves them up in a lively celebration of all things found. Among the new clips featured in the 2013 program: An exercise video found in Ireland last year called "Jig Don't Jog" An “opening act” of found classroom films from the ‘60s and ‘70s,curated especially for the show by renowned collector Skip Elsheimer of A.V. Geeks Never-before-seen clips from the Kenny “K-Strass” Strasser yo-yo pranks that the FFF hosts pulled on news stations in the Midwest last year Highlights from a 1986 video about how to care for your ferret. For more information click here http://www.visitdublin.com/event/BohemianFC_versus_Shamrock_RoversIrish football's biggest rivalry is back as Shamrock Rovers make the short trip North-side to take on Bohemians. Rovers are out for revenge as it is Bohemians who currently have bragging rights over their South-side rivals. Bohs won two out of last season's three meeting between the sides. One of these wins was a 4-0 hammering at a rocking Dalymount Park, as well as their first ever win away at Tallaght Stadium. A match, and atmosphere, not to be missed! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dance_Across_Dublin19th, 26th March 2nd, 9th April  Open to everyone aged 50+. CoisCe´im choreographers will host weekly drop-in dance classes in centres across Dublin over March – April 2013. We invite you to join us to dance, relax, keep fit and stay active. Dance to your favourite tracks and discover a few new moves. No registration, no booking just drop-in and dance. Come on your own or bring a friend – No experience necessary, all welcome! At the end of the four weeks, participants may wish to join an ensemble to create a new dance theatre performance which will tour to venues in Dublin during Bealtaine Festival 2013. For the full schedule visit: www.coisceim.com/dance-across-dublin http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Kerry_in_the_17th_CenturyThe Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society The Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society present a lecture entitled  ‘Kerry in the 17th Century’ by Dr Marc Caball, University College Dublin. Admission free. All welcome. No Booking required. Many of our events are free. If you would like this to continue, you can support our Events Programme by making a donation. Donation boxes are located throughout the NLI buildings. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Brahms_Requiem_and_Mendelssohns_Die_erste_WalpurgisnachtVenue: Public Theatre, Trinity College Dublin Join the University of Dublin Choral Society in our upcoming performance of Brahms' Ein deutsches Requiem and Mendelssohn's Die erste Walpurgisnacht. Brahms' Requiem is one of the most loved masterworks in the choral repertoire. In contrast to the great Requiems of Mozart and Verdi, it is a non-liturgical work of mourning and is imbued with a great sense of emotional intensity. UDCS performed the Irish premiere of the piece in 1911. The contrast with Mendelssohn's Die erste Walpurgisnacht could hardly be more great. It is a secular work concerning a conflict between Christians and pagans in the Harz mountains, based on a text written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Conducted by David Leigh Soloists: Gyula Nagy (bass), Stuart Kinsella (Tenor) http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dance_Across_Dublin_at_Carleton_Hall_Marino20th, 27th March 3rd, 10th April Location: Carleton Hall, Marino Open to everyone aged 50+. CoisCe´im choreographers will host weekly drop-in dance classes in centres across Dublin over March – April 2013. We invite you to join us to dance, relax, keep fit and stay active. Dance to your favourite tracks and discover a few new moves. No registration, no booking just drop-in and dance. Come on your own or bring a friend – No experience necessary, all welcome! At the end of the four weeks, participants may wish to join an ensemble to create a new dance theatre performance which will tour to venues in Dublin during Bealtaine Festival 2013. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dance_Across_Dublin_at_St_Teresas_Church20th, 27th March 3rd, 10th April  Location: St Teresa’s Church, Edith Stein Room Open to everyone aged 50+. CoisCe´im choreographers will host weekly drop-in dance classes in centres across Dublin over March – April 2013. We invite you to join us to dance, relax, keep fit and stay active. Dance to your favourite tracks and discover a few new moves. No registration, no booking just drop-in and dance. Come on your own or bring a friend – No experience necessary, all welcome! At the end of the four weeks, participants may wish to join an ensemble to create a new dance theatre performance which will tour to venues in Dublin during Bealtaine Festival 2013. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/European_MasterworksCarol McGonnell, clarinet Elizabeth Cooney, violin Finghin Collins, piano Cello tbc                 Bartok  Contrasts,  Sz 111   Enescu  Prelude, Op 9    Kimmo Hakola  Capriole for bass clarinet and cello   Sibelius  Impromptu, Op 78 No 1                      Romance, Op 78 No 2                    Mazurka, Op 81 No 1 Thomas Ades  Catch, Op 4     Brahms  Clarinet Trio in A minor, Op 114 As Ireland enters its Presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2013, the occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate the magnificent body of chamber music that has emerged from all across the Union.  While many famous pillars of this repertoire are associated with France, Germany and Austria, in fact this rich pool of music, in all its diversity, has had many other sources too, in the Mediterranean, Slavic and Nordic countries, not to mention the two islands on the North-West tip!  This series straddles these diverse regions in a survey of some of the great chamber music from the past five centuries and our own. Contrasts are a feature of the second concert, and not just in the work of that name by Bartok, written for clarinettist Benny Goodman.  Short, lyrical pieces of Sibelius are juxtaposed with the virtuosic, roller-coaster Capriole for bass clarinet and cello by Sibelius’ compatriot Kimmo Hakola.  Thomas Ades’ quirky Catch, which features a game between musicians trying to snare and lure each other, makes way for Brahms’ late masterpiece, his Clarinet Trio, of which a musicologist friend of the composer wrote to him: "It is as though the instruments were in love with each other."  Ticket Information: Prices: €20.00 Concessions: €15.00 20% dicsount for Friends of the National Concert Hall Presented by the National Concert Hall http://www.visitdublin.com/event/krapps_last_tapeSold Out – Returns only – Call Box office on 01 874 4045 By Samuel Beckett Starring John Hurt For10 Performances 'MAGNIFICENT… not to be missed' Los Angeles Times 'John Hurt's definitive turn as Krapp … directed with crackling intelligence by the Gate Theatre of Dublin’s Michael Colgan' Washington Post 'Achingly fine performance... Mr. Hurt has the crusty Krapp thoroughly in his well-versed actor’s bones… unforgettable' The New York Times Opening Night: Wednesday 20th March 2013 Preview: Tuesday 19th March 2013 Following sold-out runs in Los Angeles (2012), Washington D.C. and New York (2011), the critically acclaimed Gate Theatre production of Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape starring John Hurt returns to the Gate stage for just 10 performances from Tuesday 19th March. Directed by Gate Theatre Director Michael Colgan, the production received rave reviews in the U.S. with Charles Isherwood of the New York Times citing it as The Solo Performance of 2011. The Gate is delighted to welcome veteran actor John Hurt back to the Dublin stage. For the Gate Theatre, Hurt has previously appeared in Krapp’s Last Tape as well as in Afterplay (Dublin, London, US tour) and London Vertigo (Dublin). Over an impressive career spanning six decades, Hurt has received six BAFTA nominations and three BAFTAs, two Oscar nominations, an Evening Standard Award, and a Golden Globe. In 2012, he received a special BAFTA Award for his Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema. Originally entitled Magee Monologue, Krapp’s Last Tape was inspired by playwright Samuel Beckett’s experience of listening to Irish actor Patrick Magee read extracts from Molloy and From an Abandoned Work on the radio. Hurt plays the titular Krapp, who marks the occasion of his 69th birthday by revisiting his 39-year-old self by listening to a previous birthday tape recording. This is one of Beckett’s most personal works for the stage—a feat of great precision and tense economy. Featuring discreet details from the playwright’s own life, the piece illuminates the predicament we face when we become strangers to our former selves, examining themes of mortality, creativity, and memory. Director Michael Colgan Lighting Design Jim McConnell Ticket Information: All Tickets €25.00 | Evening performances at 8.00pm | Matinee Saturday 23rd March at 3pm 10 Performances Only   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Someone_Wholl_Watch_Over_MePreview: March 18th Someone Who'll Watch Over Me is a powerful emotional story about three strangers; an Irishman, an Englishman and an American, who were abducted, tortured and forced to live together in a tiny cell in Beirut in 1986.  As the three men strive for survival, they try to overcome their own personal demons and nationalistic differences, whilst attempting to maintain their sanity under the watchful eye of both captors and supposed allies. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Robert_Emmet_ExperienceLocation: Arthur's Pub, 28 Thomas Street, Dublin 8 The Robert Emmet Experience is enacted in the actual surroundings where the great Irish romantic revolutionary breathed his last. This is a theatrical presentation of the circumstances and context of his ideals, his legendary love of Sarah Curran and the bravery and courage of Ann Devlin, in a new high-octane, site-specific production overlooking the actual place of execution, performed by a dynamic team of actors and presented by new production company Creative Spirit. Arthur's is the nearest pub to the Guinness Storehouse, one of the city's foremost tourist attractions, and its elegant interior and friendly staff are popular with both locals and tourists. Full-price tickets are €18 and include a sumptuous Irish meal, with a choice of Seafood Chowder, Beef and Guinness Casserole, or Traditional Irish Stew. Other ticket options are €15 for show and a pint, or €12 for show only. Patrons should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the performance to enjoy the meal. There is only one evening performance per week, on Wednesdays at 8pm. Afternoon shows are Thursday to Sunday at 3pm. Special additional performance times can be arranged for group bookings of 15 plus. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dance_Across_Dublin_at_Clogher_Hall_Sports_HallVenue: Clogher Hall Sports Hall Crumlin 21th, 28th March 4th, 11th April Open to everyone aged 50+. CoisCe´im choreographers will host weekly drop-in dance classes in centres across Dublin over March – April 2013. We invite you to join us to dance, relax, keep fit and stay active. Dance to your favourite tracks and discover a few new moves. No registration, no booking just drop-in and dance. Come on your own or bring a friend – No experience necessary, all welcome! At the end of the four weeks, participants may wish to join an ensemble to create a new dance theatre performance which will tour to venues in Dublin during Bealtaine Festival 2013. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/the_laundry_shopFull credit where and when it’s due to Dublin-based rock band, The Laundry Shop: they get knocked down but they get up again. They get knocked down some more, and they get up again even stronger, even more resilient and committed. We know everyone loves to hear a story such as this – it has the heady tang of a boxing movie, where everyone roots for the downtrodden and misunderstood hero figure – but who’d want to live it except those committed types who make music that moves your heart and head? The Laundry Shop’s 2009 debut album, Grandstanding, may be an artefact of the past but it remains a notably underrated Irish rock album by virtue of the brazen approach it takes: it delivers the kind of sandblasted, widescreen rock music Irish bands just don’t offer anymore. “I’ve always thought that we had a very American rock sound,” says lead singer and main songwriter Stephen Robinson, “and that we should get over there as soon as possible. On the basis of the critical reception to Grandstanding we got a lot of acclaim, and as result of that we got a performance visa to America.” First stop? Los Angeles. The city of angels, however, proved a tough nut to crack; the band gigged around, people became disillusioned, the line-up chopped and changed. Demo recordings were sent out to various industry bigwigs and producers, and within a short period of time, Robinson got a call from Dan Korneff, co-owner of House of Loud studios in New Jersey, and one of the producers behind Paramore’s 2007 Riot album, as well records by the likes of Papa Roach, Taking Back Sunday and Blondie. The immediate response from the band? “We packed up the van and drove across America for six days, landing in House of Loud studios, where we did the album with Dan.” In 2011, new tracks from The Laundry Shop’s forthcoming album, Exit At Salvation, was showcased to some major record labels, but, says Stephen, “the line-up live wasn’t as good as it was on the record, and so we didn’t sell it well enough.” Where once The Laundry Shop might have been perceived as a band in flux, there is now no doubt as to their composure. The songs on Exit At Salvation – enveloped and underpinned by a keen understanding of what makes contemporary rock music well and truly rock – are borne out of emotional conflict, at the core of which is the fragmentation of a love affair from which no one comes out smelling sweet. Human, emotional connection is why bands such as The Laundry Shop are still involved in the often frustrating but ultimately incredibly fulfilling process of making great music. “I want to strip it right down to that,” says Stephen. “I want to totally embrace performing. Just get in a van and play and play and play for as many people as possible… Involvement in the music industry, the nature of record companies sniffing around, is great, but you can end up in a kind of purgatory. You stop being a band, which means you don’t connect with people.” There is little doubt that Exit At Salvation will establish The Laundry Shop (which also includes bassist/co-vocalist Tanya O’Calaghan and drummer Geoffrey French) as a type of rock band from Dublin that almost doesn’t exist anymore. “It has become almost comical that the perception of Dublin and Ireland is of singer-songwriters,” notes Stephen. “There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, but Ireland needs a rock band, and that‘s where The Laundry Shop comes in. Hopefully, Irish radio will get in behind us and give us some love. It’s time. It needs to be done.” http://www.visitdublin.com/event/World_War_One_Family_History_DayDo you have a box hidden deep in the attic or under the bed that holds your great-grandfather’s diaries? Maybe a letter from the front line? Or a photo taken at the time? Is there a special story behind it? If so, the National Library of Ireland wants to see it. The Library in conjunction with Oxford University and Europeana (Europe’s digital library, museum and archive) is building the first ever online European archive of private stories and documents from World War One in time for the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the war in 1914 – and it is looking for your help in order to achieve this. We are inviting you to bring your World War One memorabilia to the NLI, where it will be digitised and added to the Europeana online archive, along with the stories that bring these objects to life. Places on the roadshow day are limited. To book your place email: europeana1914-1918@nli.ie Many of our events are free. If you would like this to continue, you can support our Events Programme by making a donation. Donation boxes are located throughout the NLI buildings. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Gavin_JamesDublin sensation Gavin James has just announced details of an exclusive headline performance at Whelan’s on Friday, March 22nd 2013 Hotpress – One To Watch – “the fresh-faced soul machine possesses the power to hush a room purely with the sound of his voice” Entertainment.ie – “Stand out voice, that falsetto just dazzles. One to watch, for sure” State.ie – “His voice is absolutely astounding” 21 year old Dublin singer songwriter Gavin James began to play guitar aged eight. After leaving secondary school, James gigged around Dublin’s Temple Bar and quickly began getting himself heard, an audience was growing. While working on his live technique, his confidence was growing also, ultimately leading him to write his own tracks. “When I started some were quite funny, in a not particularly good way!”, says Gavin. “However, after trial and error I became more comfortable with the process and my life experiences growing also meant I had more to write about.” Gavin’s talent comes from his mother side of the family. His great, grandparents were both famous Irish opera singers and had their own album released in the early 1900′s. Since signing his record deal on his 21st Birthday, Gavin has been busy! Selling out his first headline show at The Grand Social Dublin was followed by guesting for Ryan Sheridan at The Olympia. Gavin supported Ingrid Michaelson at her sell out Irish & UK tour in November, supported Nouvelle Vague on their Irish tour in August and in December was invited to guest open for Marina & the Diamonds at the Olympia Theatre. In the spring of 2012, Gavin was invited to perform at this years Worldwide Radio Summit in LA, which ultimately led to him signing his record deal with Believe Recordings, Gavin now joins Believe’s growing roster including fellow Irish singer/songwriter James Vincent McMorrow. He also performed at Indiependence Festival & Electric Picnic together with performing at the Hard Working Class Hero Festival, with State.ie reviewing his performance as………..”His voice is absolutely astounding”….”One of the highlights of the weekend by a mile”. His “Say Hello” EP was released on Nov 2nd and entered the Irish iTunes album chart at No.1! “Say Hello” continues to climb the Irish radio charts top 30 making him the most played new Irish artist on Irish radio. Already Gavin is highlighted as one to watch by Other Voices, State.ie and Hotpress Magazine! 2013 will see the focus outside of Ireland as his EP will be released in the UK during the first quarter of the year and the completion of his debut album which will be released later in the year. He has already started this year by selling out his headline Whelan’s headline show on Friday Feb 8th in record time! Gavin is also looking forward to opening for John Murry at The Borderline, London on 29th January. Ticket Information: Ticket’s priced €10.00 inclusive of booking fee are available from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and www.ticketmaster.ie After the gig Whelan’s Indie Club w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm or check out the bands playing The Midnight Hour in the upstairs venue (Free Entry, 12.00am). http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Road_to_Rio_Katie_Taylor_March_2013Olympic Champion Katie Taylor will return to the ring for two dates on Sunday, Friday 22nd March at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. The bout swill see Taylor start on “The Road to Rio”, a journey she hopes will end with a second Olympic Gold at the 2016 games in Brazil. Katie will take on a top-class international opponent as she puts the London Olympics behind her and sets her sights on future goals following her decision to remain an amateur boxer and target further Olympic, World and European titles. Promoter Brian Peters says he’s honoured to be working with Taylor. “Katie will be immortalised for what she has achieved in her career. Even before London her achievements were extraordinary while the role she played in having women’s boxing included as an Olympic sport should never be forgotten. She lifted the whole nation during the summer and in an age of fleeting celebrity she is truly a sporting icon and a national treasure. I’m delighted that people will have a chance to witness her talent first hand at a venue like the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. We want to make this a family event for young and old because Katie is such an inspirational figure and as a nation we could not ask for a better role model for the next generation.” Discounts available for children under 14 (ID required. Under 14s will not be admitted unaccompanied). http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Allianz_Football_League_Dublin_vs_Down The Allianz Leagues is an annual competition for both Gaelic Football and Hurling between the counties of Ireland.  Matches take place in GAA venues throughout the country beginning in February and culminating in early May with the Hurling Final.  Visit www.gaa.ie for fixture and ticketing information.  Round 6 of the Allianz Leagues takes place in Croke Park between Down and Dublin. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Family_Tour_Egg_traordinary_FactsFamily Tour: 'Egg-traordinary' Facts! This Easter learn some 'egg-traordinary' facts about the Museum collection, including the eel that choked on a frog and the bird that flew into a lighthouse. No booking required. Not wheelchair accessible. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Jack_Lukeman_presents_The_27_ClubFollowing on from his sold out show at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre Jack Lukeman announces a very special show: his first appearance here at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on March 23rd 2013. The work of iconic artists such as Janis Joplin, The Doors, Robert Johnson, The Rolling Stones, Amy Winehouse, Echo and the Bunnymen, Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana (to name a few) are interpreted by Jack Lukeman. He interweaves their legacy in a rip roaring musical celebration, a dramatic and unforgettable explosion of song. “…more of a musical than a concert and one you could go to again and again and still enjoy it…” (Goldenplec.com) The 27 Club show premiered this year with six shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and received 5 star reviews. Jack went on to perform two sold out shows at the National Concert Hall which were recorded and filmed for the album and DVD featuring eighteen classic songs. Ticket Information: Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.ie and from all usual outlets natiowide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Leinster_Rugby_versus_Glasgow_Warriors_in_the_RaboDirectWatch Leinster Rugby play their exciting brand of rugby as they challenge for the RaboDirect Pro 12 League. Leinster was finalists in 2012. Rugby weekends in Dublin are always a brilliant experience. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/policaAfter two smashing sold out shows at Camp last month, after which the Evening Standard wrote that they could “easily become a national obsession” in their 4/5 live review, and a stand out performance at Latitude, POLIÇA announce the release of their third single, ‘Wandering Star’, taken from one of the “best albums of the year so far” (The Guardian, Drowned In Sound), the addictive Give You The Ghost. POLIÇA have rapidly become one of the years most talked about bands after a whirlwind SXSW. Drowned In Sound named them band of the festival and they were favourites for many others including The Times and The Telegraph. Recent single ‘Dark Star’ was a radio hit, not only playlisted at Radio 1 but getting ‘Record Of The Week’ accolades from Huw Stephens and Fearne Cotton (as well as Zane Lowe’s ‘Album of the Week’), A listed at 6 Music and playlisted at Xfm. The dreamy ‘Wandering Star’, already one of the NME’s 20 best songs of the year so far, features Mike Noyce of Bon Iver on backing vocals and is as deliciously funk laden as it is hypnotic, with their now signature ratatat drums, propelling the lush arrangements and slinky bass. The moving video features magical dance sequences (choreographed by Yemi AD who works with Kanye West) with strange fairy-like characters, as they seemingly bring a frail woman back to life: http://youtu.be/yX4iIPlwS5c Having received glowing reviews all round for their recent sojourn in the UK, POLIÇA will be supporting Bon Iver on his European tour and have announced a full headline tour for November. “You could waste days trying to define the genre in which POLIÇA operate, but actually it’s just pop – Incredibly beautiful – pop” The Sunday Times “9/10” – Drowned In Sound “Give You The Ghost makes pop sound emotive and alien, shimmering with spine-tingling yearning” – The Independent “Something special” - 4/5 The Times “Pick of the festival (SXSW) were POLIÇA… they sound like the future: understated, ethereal space age pop that explodes into furious groove” - The Telegraph “This is digitised R&B filtered through a thick gauze of xx-esque atmospherics… a bewitching, urgent, magical debut” - 4/5 Q “Brilliantly arresting and unique” - The Guardian “Beautifully poignant record” - 8/10 NME “Truly special” 4/5 Evening Standard “A whirling mass of auto-tuned, R&B flecked electro-pop” - 4.5/5 The Fly “Groove-led slow-burner full of synths and ghostly hooks” - 4/5 Stool Pigeon “This dub-infused electronica somehow merges perfectly with the glistening, warped and deeply effected vocals” - 8/10 Loud & Quiet “Truly captivating” - Notion “8/10” - Clash “8/10” - Vice “This is a stunning record” - Music Week “sparklingly funky synth-rock supernova” - Metro “POLIÇA have created something that is both unique and universal. Something very pop” - BBC Music http://www.visitdublin.com/event/rebel_rebelRebel Rebel” is a 5 piece (six piece for larger gigs) David Bowie tribute faithfully recreating the most popular songs from Bowie’s extensive back catalogue. The band themselves are fans and have a deep respect for the man and his music. The set for this show is built on Bowies most loved and enduring songs and the band have worked hard at re-creating the sound and look of a David Bowie concert. The bands first gig at the Sunday Roast at the Mercantile Hotel Dublin (Oct 2010) resulted in a very positive review; “As tribute bands go, the idea is to do two things. Sound like the band when you play, and sound like the act when you sing. So they do exactly what it says on the tin.” 10/10/2010 review by Phillip Ó’Baoighealláin. Lead singer Peter Quinn has always had his voice compared to Bowie’s. “I released and album of original material and it was instantly compared to Bowie. It was something I had been told from the time I cut my first demo tape, so when I was looking for a new project a Bowie tribute was the obvious direction.” “Sounds uncannily like David Bowie in good form.” Tony Clayton Lea, the Irish Times. The band members have all been working in the music industry for many years and are all accomplished and experienced musicians, which allows the band to competently take on any of the diverse and complex songs from Bowie’s back catalogue. Ticket Information: Tickets €10.00 available online from WAV Tickets, by phone 1890200078 (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone or creditcard bookings)   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Vintage_Car_and_Family_Fun_FestivalLocation - Smithfield Market Square, Dublin 7 One of the best and largest Vintage, Veteran and Classic Car Festivals held in Dublin this year. Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day and raising awareness and funds for The Down Syndrome Centre. Family Fun Day Free to the public Open from 10am to 5.00pm http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Cadbury_Ireland_Easter_Egg_Trail_at_GAA_MuseumMonday 25th March- Monday 1st April (excluding Friday 29th) Museum patrons can take part in special guided tours of Croke Park where younger visitors must follow the clues and find the tokens to collect their Cadbury Easter Eggs! The tours will take a look behind the scenes at Croke Park and will include a visit to the Players Lounge, dressing rooms, warm-up area and pitch-side as well as a trip to the top level of the stadium to enjoy a birds’-eye view of the stadium. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Mangans_Last_GaspBewley’s Cafe Theatre is proud to present the World Premiere of... Mangan’s Last Gasp By Gerard Lee Starring Gerard Lee as James Clarence Mangan and Michael James Ford as Dr. William Wilde 1849 Dublin. A squalid hovel in Bride Street. Dr. William Wilde, on his rounds, stumbles upon the apparently dead body of the destitute poet, James Clarence Mangan. Attempting the routine completion of a Death Certificate, Dr. Wilde quickly discovers that the corpse he is dealing with is far from ready to be consigned to medical or literary history. The doctor is quickly drawn into Mangan’s strange and fantastical world, as the poet unravels in fits and starts the bizarre riddle of his life. Mangan’s Last Gasp is a surreal and darkly comic imagining of a death-bed encounter almost entirely related in Mangan’s own words. Mangan has been described as “Ireland’s greatest poet before Yeats” and was a troubled alcoholic best remembered for such great lyric poems as My Dark Rosaleen, Siberia and The Nameless One as well as for his highly eccentric image as ‘The Man in the Cloak’. Doctor William Wilde was a leading opthalmic surgeon, polymath and society figure. He was the founder of Dublin’s Eye and Ear Hospital, and father of Oscar. An humourous, affectionate and moving portrait of one of our greatest poets. Directed by Iseult Golden. Set Design by Andrew Murray. Costume Design by Eimear Farrell. Lighting Design by Colm Maher. Booking & Listing Information: Opens March 28th  (previews 26th and 27th) and plays until April 27th, 2013 Mon-Sat at 1.10pm (doors open at 12.50pm) Tickets: Low-price Mondays €8, Tues – Thurs €10, Fri – Sat €12. Light Lunch available €4.00 http://www.visitdublin.com/event/maria_muldaurMaria Muldaur is best known world wide for her '74 mega-hit "Midnight at the Oasis," which received several Grammy nominations, and enshrined her forever in the hearts of Baby Boomers everywhere; but despite her considerable Pop Music success, her 39-year career could best be described as a long and adventurous odyssey through the various forms of American Roots Music. During the folk revival of the early '60s, she began exploring and singing early Blues, Bluegrass, Appalachian "Old Timey" music, beginning her recording career in 1963 with the Even Dozen Jug Band and shortly thereafter, joining the very popular Jim Kweskin Jug Band, touring, and recording with them throughout the '60s. In the 39 years since MIDNIGHT AT THE OASIS Maria has toured extensively worldwide, and has recorded 39 solo albums covering all kinds of American Roots music, including Gospel, R&B, Jazz and Big Band (not to mention several award-winning children's albums), before settling comfortably into her favorite idiom, the Blues, in recent years. Often joining forces with some of the top names in the business, Maria has recorded and produced on-average an album per year, several of which have been nominated for Grammy and other awards. Her critically acclaimed 2001 release, RICHLAND WOMAN BLUES, was nominated for a Grammy and by the Blues Foundation as Best Traditional Blues Album of the Year, as was the follow up to that album, SWEET LOVIN' OL' SOUL. Her timely 2008 album, YES WE CAN!, featured songs from some of the most socially conscious songwriters of the past half century: Bob Dylan, Marvin Gaye, Allen Toussaint, Garth Brooks and others, and featured her "Women's Voices for Peace Choir," which included: Bonnie Raitt, Joan, Baez, Jane Fonda, Odetta, Phoebe Snow, Holly Near and others. For her 2009 release, Maria revisited her original Jug Band roots, teaming up with John Sebastian, David Grisman and Dan Hicks. MARIA MULDAUR & HER GARDEN OF JOY was nominated for Best Traditional Blues Album of the Year by the Blues Foundation, and garnered Maria her 6th Grammy nomination as well. In 2011, detouring from her ongoing exploration of vintage blues - for her latest release, STEADY LOVE, Maria returned to her much-beloved New Orleans (the place she calls her "musical and spiritual home") to record a contemporary electric blues album that reflects the kind of music she loves to perform live - what she calls "Bluesiana Music" - her own brand of New Orleans-flavored Blues, R& B and "swamp funk." STEADY LOVE reached the # 1 position on the Living Blues Radio Charts. Maria is currently nominated for a Koko Taylor Award - Best Traditional Female Blues Artist, in the Blues Foundation Music Awards. Maria continues to enjoy creative collaborations with some of the finest artists in her field, tours regularly world wide, and is available for festivals, concerts, club dates, workshops and residencies. mpmedia@bellsouth.net For more information, visit the following web sites: www.stonyplainrecords.com www.markpuccimedia.com --> http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_DealCowslip Productions Presents Written by Thomas Clare The Deal is a black comedy/rural farce based around the lives of the McQuirk brothers and the problems surrounding the death of their dominant elderly mother. Mickey Moe as the eldest stands to inherit the house and farm, however apple of the mother's eye, Andy has other ideas. A spanner is thrown into the works when local solicitor and undertaker Mr. Downey shows up with words from beyond the grave. A powerful cast led by Aisling O'Neill (aka Carol from Fair City) provide a great night's entertainment, full of fun and laughter. Not to be missed! “This charming comedy combines old style humour with sharp modern wit. Think J.B. Keane meets Fr. Ted!” – Liz Lloyd (Director) Ticket Informaiton: Admission: €20 & €16 concession, Super Saver: €10 Tuesday, 26th March 2013 Tuesday 26th – Saturday, 30th March 2013 @ 8.00pm http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Benjamin_Grosvenor_piano as part of the Piano Masters Series in The International Concert Series 2012/2013 Bach Selection of Bach Transcriptions written by other composers Chopin Polonaise in F sharp minor, Op. 44 Chopin Andante spianato et Grande polonaise brillante, Op. 22 Scriabin Selection of Mazurkas Op. 3 Scriabin Valse in A flat major, Op. 38 Granados Valses Poéticos Strauss/Schulz-Evler Blue Danube Waltz 'That boy seems to have a sonic variety of liquid gold in his fingers. He's a natural romantic, sensing exzactly how to shape an ecstatic arc and pace a rubato.' The Independent, 2011 Nineteen year old British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor is internationally recognized for his electrifying performances and penetrating interpretations. An exquisite technique and ingenious flair for tonal colour are the hallmarks which make Benjamin Grosvenor one of the most sought-after young pianists in the world. The youngest of five brothers, Benjamin Grosvenor began playing the piano aged 6. He currently studies with Christopher Elton at the Royal Academy of Music on an affiliated scholarship and has also studied with Leif Ove Andsnes, Stephen Hough, and Arnaldo Cohen amongst others. Benjamin first came to prominence as the outstanding winner of the Keyboard Final of the 2004 BBC Young Musician Competition at the age of eleven. Since then, Benjamin has become an internationally regarded pianist performing concerti with orchestras including the London Philharmonic, Tokyo Symphony, and Brazilian Symphony in venues such as the Royal Festival Hall, Barbican, Muza Kawasaki and Carnegie Hall (at the age of thirteen). In 2011 Benjamin signed to Decca Classics, and in doing so has become the youngest British musician ever to sign to the label, and the first British pianist to sign to the label in almost 60 years. His first recording for Decca includes Chopin’s Four Scherzi and Ravel’s Gaspard de la Nuit. Critics have marvelled at Benjamin’s musical character as displayed in this recording; ‘Grosvenor, you can tell, is a Romantic pianist, almost from another age. He doesn't deconstruct, or stand at a distance. He jumps inside the music's soul’ (The Times) and ‘Grosvenor's balance of oratory and ornament, gesture and poetry – evident, too, in Ravel's Gaspard de la nuit – are moving as well as impressive’ (The Observer). Presented by The National Concert Hall http://www.visitdublin.com/event/t_williamsT.WILLIAMS:   Whilst he may appear new to the house scene, Tesfa Williams is far from a newcomer to dance music with a decade of experience behind him in the grime scene as Dread D. Signed at the tender age of 17 to Jon E Cash’s Black Op’s with ‘Invasion’, Williams went on to have mass success in the grime and bass world selling thousands of singles worldwide. Whilst 2010 yielded the industry to sit up and take notice with productions such as the hit record ‘Heartbeat’ featuring vocalist Terri Walker played extensively worldwide and reaching no.2 as iTunes best dance tracks of the year, it was throughout 2011 that T.Williams defined himself as one of the most successful breakthrough artists to be seen of late. Releasing solo works on his own Deep Teknologi imprint, Local Action and Pattern, Williams remixes for Maya Jane Coles, Ben Westbeech and Skream were also received with high regard. Not stopping at pricking the ears of fellow artists and those of the dancefloor, the end of 2011 saw T.Williams nominated as ‘Best Breakthrough DJ’ by DJ Mag, named as one of the ‘DJ Stars of 2012’ by Time Out and picked by The Guardian for his Fact Magazine mix as one of their favourites of the year. Ahead of the game with his productions, T.Williams also defies the conventions of deep house with his DJ sets seen across the UK and Europe as well as his weekly Rinse FM show. With a DJ schedule that spans London, Manchester and Bristol to Amsterdam, Cologne and Lisbon at clubs such as fabric, Mint, Ministry Of Sound, Studio K and The Cosmic Ballroom; T.Williams’ mature and infectious DJing confronts genre limitation whilst never faltering to move the dance floor. With plans for a new label project alongside upcoming releases for Buraka Som Sistema’s Enchufada label and Hypercolour; as well as remixes of Mexican pop startlet Ximena Sarinana, Universal album signed Javeon McCarthy and of Cubenx for Agoria’s Infine imprint, it would seem that 2012 will see T.Williams propel to even further heights.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Biffy_Clyro “Gold-medal poise and passion.” – The Guardian at Rockness. “Few bands of any musical stripe are as pulverising as this, and virtually no band is more adept at straddling the divide that separates alternative music and the mainstream.” – Kerrang! at the Roundhouse “Their ferocious set is lit by jets of blue flame, burning red teardrops falling from the rigging and, most importantly, three new tracks.” – NME at Isle of Wight Fresh from a triumphant return to the live arena with festival dates which included iTunes, Download, the Isle of Wight and Rockness (see above for some of the praise that they received), Biffy Clyro will follow the January 25th 2013 release of their eagerly anticipated new double-album ‘Opposites’ with their biggest arena tour to date. Team Biffy members have access to a pre-sale that commences on Wednesday, October 24th. Again produced by GGGarth Richardson in Los Angeles, ‘Opposites’ signals the band’s growing ambition with twenty-two tracks spread across two discs:  ‘The Sand at the Core of Our Bones’ and ‘The Land at the End of Our Toes’. Biffy Clyro’s touring in support of ‘Only Revolutions’ – which earned a Mercury Prize nomination and sold in excess of 600,000 copies – saw them elevated to arena and festival headlining status as they played three sold-out UK tours which included a landmark show at Wembley Arena. Their status as one of Britain’s most exciting bands was reflected with Best Live Band awards from both NME and Q in 2011. Ticket Information: Tickets from €36.50, On-sale This Friday 26th  October at 9am From Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide and  By Telephone (24 Hour):ROL:+353818 719300 or Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/the_saturdaysBord Gáis Energy is giving talent from across Ireland the chance to support chart-topping girl band The Saturdays at a once-off charity concert at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. This special concert marks Bord Gáis Energy’s second annual event in aid of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and all proceeds from the ticket sales will be donated to the charity. Bord Gáis Energy will also match the amount for every ticket sold. Commenting on the show, Una Healy of The Saturdays said: “We are very excited about performing at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre for this special event. It’s fantastic that Bord Gáis Energy is supporting the Society of the St Vincent de Paul which does really great work in communities throughout Ireland. I always love performing at home and to know that this concert is for such a good cause will make the night extra special. We can’t wait to be a part of it.” The concert will also mark the one year anniversary of Bord Gáis Energy’s sponsorship of the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and to celebrate there will be lots of spectacular pre-theatre entertainment for passers-by to enjoy before the show. Dave Kirwan, managing director, Bord Gáis Energy said: “We are delighted to confirm The Saturdays show in aid of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Last year’s Bill Bailey event was a great success, raising €200,000, and we are confident that we’ll raise a similar donation this year. “Our sponsorship of the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre is really important to us not only for enabling us to reward our customers but it allows us to give something back to the communities in which we operate. We’re delighted also to celebrate our one year anniversary of the sponsorship this year and we hope that music and theatre fans alike will join us for what promises to be a memorable occasion on 28th March”, he continued. Geoff Meagher, National President, Society of St. Vincent de Paul said: “We are delighted to work with Bord Gáis Energy on this fantastic event. All monies raised will be used to directly assist the many individuals and families who request our help in communities all over Ireland.” http://www.visitdublin.com/event/the_young_folkThe Dublin five piece have been touring parts of Ireland, Scandinavia and North America over the past 9 months whiles performing at some of Irelands well known festival such as Electric Picnic, Sea Sessions, Valentia Isle Festival and The Spirit of Folk Festival. The Young Folk’s powerful self-titled ep (which is out now) has the anticipated balance of seamless harmonies, classic folk progression that continues their journey through dynamic soundscapes. With shades of alt-county heroes in evidence, the bands orchestration nods to home grown and North American folk traditions that artfully build melodies that feel as though they have existed for many years. Dubliner Magazine labelled them as “a unique prospect” “one of the most promising young Irish bands of recent years” (Eamon Carr), not because of their impressive resume, but because of the raw energy and passion they bring to the stage. The Young Folk were a revelation. part Fleet Foxes, the sterling vocals were the pinnacle of a set bursting with a rousing underbelly that demanded attention – this is a band more than capable of making a big breakthrough.” Bryan O’Hanlon (Stop The Lights) The Young Folk is not a typical folk band, but instead display an interesting interplay between traditional instruments and modern musicality that has drawn the support of RTE DJ’s Pat Kenny, Cathal Murray and John Creedon, 2FM’S Jenny Huston, Paddy McKenna and Ruth Scott and TV3′s Ireland AM show of which all featured The Young Folk in 2012.– http://www.visitdublin.com/event/CarmenInternational soloists and the full Chisinau National Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus Produced and Directed by Ellen Kent Starring international mezzo soprano Nadia Stoianova A dazzling new production, set in Seville, and reflecting a Goya painting, with fountains, flowers and orange trees, guarantees an evening of passion and romance with unforgettable melodies and perhaps the best known baritone aria of all, “The Toreador’s Song”. Sung in French with English surtitles. Presented by Ellen Kent Opera International Ticket Information: Prices €40.00, €34.00, €25.00 20% discount for Friends of the National Concert Hall http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Public_Service_BroadcastingTickets on sale this Wednesday 19th December 2012 Public Service Broadcasting is the corduroy-clad brainchild of London-based J. Willgoose, Esq. who, along with his drumming companion, Wrigglesworth, is on a quest to inform, educate and entertain audiences around the globe. Through their uniquely spell-binding live AV Transmissions, audiences will witness the band weave samples from old public information films, archive footage, and propaganda material around live drums, guitar, banjo, and electronics, as they teach the lessons of the past through the music of the future - beaming our past back at us through vintage TV sets and state of the art modern video projection devices.   The band's debut album will be released in Spring 2013. PSB released their debut single, ROYGBIV, to the masses in March 2012. The single won the Rebel Playlist on BBC 6 Music (the first of the band's unprecedented four public-voted Rebel Playlist triumphs in 2012) and was on the receiving end of a 5* review in Artrocker magazine. Next came The War Room EP in May 2012. The EP included BBC 6 Music favourites Spitfire and London Can Take It, both of which became mainstays on the daytime playlist, as well as receiving multiple plays on Xfm, BBC Radio 2, & Absolute Music. Live sessions with Gideon Coe (6 Music) & John Kennedy (Xfm) followed. The War Room received 'CD of the Week' in the Independent on Sunday and has sold over 12,000 copies to date.   Fresh from the success of The War Room, PSB set their sights on the summit of Everest, adapting the 1953 feature-length documentary ‘The Conquest of Everest'. The stunning film was shot by expedition member George Lowe, and recounts Hillary, Tenzing et al’s successful ascent of the tallest mountain in the world. The single won (yet again) the Rebel Playlist on 6 Music and also received airplay on Xfm, Radio 2, Amazing Radio and more, and led to appearances for the band in Q, MOJO, Loud and Quiet, Wire and numerous other publications.   In support of the release of Everest, PSB took their live AV show on tour around the UK, selling out multiple dates including their headline London show at XOYO. The band are now preparing to release their debut album in Spring 2013, in what is shaping up to be a very busy year indeed. Ticket Information: Tickets priced  €12.00 (inc. booking fee) available from Ticketmaster and usual outlets and online at www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/ToscaInternational soloists and the full Chisinau National Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus Produced and Directed by Ellen Kent Starring the international soprano Elena Dee Set against the backdrop of Rome with spectacular sets and costumes, with two of the best roles for tenor and soprano, plus a truly blood curdling villain Sung in Italian with English surtitles Presented by Ellen Kent Opera & Ballet International Ticket Information: Prices: €40.00 €34.00 €25.00 20% discount for Friends of the National Concert Hall http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Big_Bad_Wolf_Theatre_Workshops_Easter_HolidaysChildren aged 5-7 can join actor Niamh McGrath for an active workshop packed with creative theatre and storytelling games. The workshops will be a fun and enjoyable activity for any child, introducing them to new ways of exploring their own imagination, while also building confidence and communication skills. Each workshop will finish with the children’s own scratch performances of the Little Red Riding Hood fairytale. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/One_Man_Star_Wars_Trilogy_Gaiety_TheatreCanadian actor Charles Ross spent much of his childhood in a galaxy far, far away, watching Star Wars videos over - and over - and over again. The result of this misspent youth is his hilarious show, One-Man Star Wars™ Trilogy, where he single-handedly plays all the characters, sings the music, flies the ships, fights the battles and condenses the plots of the original first three Star Wars™ movies! Written and performed by Ross and directed by TJ Dawe, One-Man Star Wars™ Trilogy has been bringing countless audiences, large and small, to their feet since its first performance in Toronto, Ontario, in January 2001. Its early success in North America led to appearances on popular TV programmes such as The Today Show and Late Night with Conan O’Brien and an off-Broadway run in New York in 2005. This was followed by its European debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe the following year, where every single show of its four-week run sold out. Since then, Ross has toured the world with the show, performing it over 1,200 times in more than 180 cities across four continents. He has appeared at numerous theatres around the globe, from Dubai and Sydney to New York and London’s West End, entertained muddy festival goers at Glastonbury, been the highlight of official Star Wars Celebration events and most recently made his third successful return to the Edinburgh Fringe last August. After touring Ireland for the first time last year, Ross is bringing his hilarious show to the Gaiety Theatre for a limited one-week engagement beginning Easter Monday 1st April. Whether you’re a committed Star Wars fan or simply want to enjoy a fast-paced, side-splitting evening that’s out of this world, make sure you don’t miss it! Ticket Information: Tickets on sale from Gaiety Box Office. No service charge for transactions in person at the Gaiety Box Office. Service charges apply to online and telephone bookings. Tickets are also on sale from online at www.ticketmaster.ie and all usual ticketmaster outlets nationwide.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Edge_of_Our_Bodies_Smock_Alley_TheatreThe Edge of Our Bodies is a bold and innovative coming of age play, aiming to bring the audience on a poetic journey pushing boundaries "beyond the edge of what we know". 'The Edge of Our Bodies' takes place on the setting for a stage production of Jean Genet's "The Maids," a school play in which Bernadette, a 16 year old Connecticut boarding school student, has been cast as the lead. An aspiring short story writer, Bernadette has returned to school after recently running away to New York, boarding a train on her own carrying her notebook and important news for her boyfriend... She intimately shares with the audience her writings from these formative few days of her life, narrating a series of encounters she engages in with various characters that shape her journey in explicit, yet articulate detail. Adam Rapp is an American playwright, screenwriter and film director. His work 'Red Light Winter' was a Pulitzer Prize finalist; he also directed 'Winter Passing' with Zooey Deschanel & Will Ferrell and wrote for 'In Treatment' and 'The L Word'. Jimmy Fay is a freelance director, Associate Artist with The Abbey Theatre and co-founder and first director of the Dublin Fringe Festival. PenKnife Productions is a new theatre company, with a mission to produce bold, authentic and innovative contemporary plays http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Swapping_Stories_Irish_and_Australian_childrens_literature_laureates_in_conversationSwapping Stories – Irish and Australian children’s literature laureates in conversation Join us for a fascinating glimpse into the world of children’s literature Ireland’s Laureate na nÓg, Niamh Sharkey, and Australia’s Children’s Laureates, Alison Lester and Boori Monty Pryor discuss the latest developments in children’s literature. Dr. Pádraic Whyte, of TCD is the host. This event is free, and open to all, but booking is advised. Reserve your space by emailing info@childrenslaureate.ie.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Bodhran_ExperienceTMVenue: 32 Belgrave Square, Monkstown, Dublin The Bodhrán Experience™ is a unique opportunity for everyone to learn to play the Irish Drum, The Bodhrán, from master teacher, Helen McLoughlin. After teaching the Bodhrán for 28 years, Helen developed the unique concept of easy rhythms to traditional music which means anyone can learn to play the Bodhrán, with her guidance, in minutes.  Helen’s novel idea has given great joy to people worldwide, young and old. Helen offers a highly entertaining "hands on" experience for everyone, it’s a blast! You join in a circle for this exciting, interactive experience and you will discover rhythmic talent. With Helen's guidance, community building and great sense of humour this creates a very enjoyable experience.  Every Thursday Night you can be part of The Bodhrán Experience™ at Comhaltas Cultúrlann na hÉireann, 32 Belgrave Square, Monkstown, Dublin.  This is the headquarters of Comhaltas, which is the largest group worldwide involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music.  Helen is the reason why everyone wants to play the Irish Drum and to pick up the Bodhrán and join the music. Helen has developed her own novel teaching technique, with the emphasis on having fun in a relaxed atmosphere.  It’s intergenerational, from 2 to 92 years young and for all nationalities. Even if English is not a first language, just; watch, listen, play and have fun! Everyone loves the Bodhrán.  “Thank you for your part in helping our students truly have a cross-cultural experience here in Ireland. For over ten years, you have been teaching the basics of Bodhrán drumming in a fun and engaging manner. You have an incredible talent and an obvious love for what you do. We will continue to use The Bodhrán Experience™ for our university level students because they absolutely love it and look forward to each lesson”  The Bodhrán Experience™ is also available for all gatherings or private bookings. Booking is essential -  Please e-mail helenbodhran@hotmail.com  to book your place. Bodhráns are supplied for the experience. Cost €12 p.p., under 12 years (accompanied) €6. Special rates for groups.  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Bodhran_ExperienceTMVenue: 32 Belgrave Square, Monkstown, Dublin The Bodhrán Experience™ is a unique opportunity for everyone to learn to play the Irish Drum, The Bodhrán, from master teacher, Helen McLoughlin. After teaching the Bodhrán for 28 years, Helen developed the unique concept of easy rhythms to traditional music which means anyone can learn to play the Bodhrán, with her guidance, in minutes.  Helen’s novel idea has given great joy to people worldwide, young and old. Helen offers a highly entertaining "hands on" experience for everyone, it’s a blast! You join in a circle for this exciting, interactive experience and you will discover rhythmic talent. With Helen's guidance, community building and great sense of humour this creates a very enjoyable experience.  Every Thursday Night you can be part of The Bodhrán Experience™ at Comhaltas Cultúrlann na hÉireann, 32 Belgrave Square, Monkstown, Dublin.  This is the headquarters of Comhaltas, which is the largest group worldwide involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music.  Helen is the reason why everyone wants to play the Irish Drum and to pick up the Bodhrán and join the music. Helen has developed her own novel teaching technique, with the emphasis on having fun in a relaxed atmosphere.  It’s intergenerational, from 2 to 92 years young and for all nationalities. Even if English is not a first language, just; watch, listen, play and have fun! Everyone loves the Bodhrán.  “Thank you for your part in helping our students truly have a cross-cultural experience here in Ireland. For over ten years, you have been teaching the basics of Bodhrán drumming in a fun and engaging manner. You have an incredible talent and an obvious love for what you do. We will continue to use The Bodhrán Experience™ for our university level students because they absolutely love it and look forward to each lesson”  The Bodhrán Experience™ is also available for all gatherings or private bookings. Booking is essential -  Please e-mail helenbodhran@hotmail.com  to book your place. Bodhráns are supplied for the experience. Cost €12 p.p., under 12 years (accompanied) €6. Special rates for groups.  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Bodhran_ExperienceTMVenue: 32 Belgrave Square, Monkstown, Dublin The Bodhrán Experience™ is a unique opportunity for everyone to learn to play the Irish Drum, The Bodhrán, from master teacher, Helen McLoughlin. After teaching the Bodhrán for 28 years, Helen developed the unique concept of easy rhythms to traditional music which means anyone can learn to play the Bodhrán, with her guidance, in minutes.  Helen’s novel idea has given great joy to people worldwide, young and old. Helen offers a highly entertaining "hands on" experience for everyone, it’s a blast! You join in a circle for this exciting, interactive experience and you will discover rhythmic talent. With Helen's guidance, community building and great sense of humour this creates a very enjoyable experience.  Every Thursday Night you can be part of The Bodhrán Experience™ at Comhaltas Cultúrlann na hÉireann, 32 Belgrave Square, Monkstown, Dublin.  This is the headquarters of Comhaltas, which is the largest group worldwide involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music.  Helen is the reason why everyone wants to play the Irish Drum and to pick up the Bodhrán and join the music. Helen has developed her own novel teaching technique, with the emphasis on having fun in a relaxed atmosphere.  It’s intergenerational, from 2 to 92 years young and for all nationalities. Even if English is not a first language, just; watch, listen, play and have fun! Everyone loves the Bodhrán.  “Thank you for your part in helping our students truly have a cross-cultural experience here in Ireland. For over ten years, you have been teaching the basics of Bodhrán drumming in a fun and engaging manner. You have an incredible talent and an obvious love for what you do. We will continue to use The Bodhrán Experience™ for our university level students because they absolutely love it and look forward to each lesson”  The Bodhrán Experience™ is also available for all gatherings or private bookings. Booking is essential -  Please e-mail helenbodhran@hotmail.com  to book your place. Bodhráns are supplied for the experience. Cost €12 p.p., under 12 years (accompanied) €6. Special rates for groups.  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Bodhran_ExperienceTMVenue: 32 Belgrave Square, Monkstown, Dublin The Bodhrán Experience™ is a unique opportunity for everyone to learn to play the Irish Drum, The Bodhrán, from master teacher, Helen McLoughlin. After teaching the Bodhrán for 28 years, Helen developed the unique concept of easy rhythms to traditional music which means anyone can learn to play the Bodhrán, with her guidance, in minutes.  Helen’s novel idea has given great joy to people worldwide, young and old. Helen offers a highly entertaining "hands on" experience for everyone, it’s a blast! You join in a circle for this exciting, interactive experience and you will discover rhythmic talent. With Helen's guidance, community building and great sense of humour this creates a very enjoyable experience.  Every Thursday Night you can be part of The Bodhrán Experience™ at Comhaltas Cultúrlann na hÉireann, 32 Belgrave Square, Monkstown, Dublin.  This is the headquarters of Comhaltas, which is the largest group worldwide involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music.  Helen is the reason why everyone wants to play the Irish Drum and to pick up the Bodhrán and join the music. Helen has developed her own novel teaching technique, with the emphasis on having fun in a relaxed atmosphere.  It’s intergenerational, from 2 to 92 years young and for all nationalities. Even if English is not a first language, just; watch, listen, play and have fun! Everyone loves the Bodhrán.  “Thank you for your part in helping our students truly have a cross-cultural experience here in Ireland. For over ten years, you have been teaching the basics of Bodhrán drumming in a fun and engaging manner. You have an incredible talent and an obvious love for what you do. We will continue to use The Bodhrán Experience™ for our university level students because they absolutely love it and look forward to each lesson”  The Bodhrán Experience™ is also available for all gatherings or private bookings. Booking is essential -  Please e-mail helenbodhran@hotmail.com  to book your place. Bodhráns are supplied for the experience. Cost €12 p.p., under 12 years (accompanied) €6. Special rates for groups.  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/First_Thursdays_Dublin First Thursdays offers you an extra opportunity to visit exhibitions, attend cultural events and experience some light-night culture on the first Thursday of every month, when art galleries, cultural and creative spaces extend their opening hours into the night. Fancy a bit of company while you gallery hop across the city? Hitting a different gallery hub every month, Thursday April 4th tour is meeting at Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) at 6.00pm The Little Museum of Dublin (FREE entry!) & Alliance Francaise At RHA, Ruth Carroll (Exhibitions Curator) will walk through several shows exhibiting currently including ‘Skin, an artistic atlas’, ‘Recent Paintings’ by Billy Foley and Richter and Polke’s ‘Works on Paper’. The tour then moves on to The Little Museum of Dublin where the First Thursday’s Tour group is generously being given FREE entry! We are finishing up in Alliance Francaise on Kildare Street for the last opportunity (closes April 4th) to view Shane Lynam’s photography exhibition ‘Contours’. This show explores residential landscapes in Paris and will be introduced by Director, Philip Milloux. As always, the tour is free of charge! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Tall_Tales_and_Deadly_Drawings_EasterBring your children to the National Library for a family visit this Easter. Storytelling session followed by an art activity. Suitable for children aged 5 – 8 years. Admission Free, no booking required Tall Tales and Deadly Drawings is an Exhibition that was hosted in the Library  in 2011. Ireland is a country of stories and storytellers. Over the years the stories that have been written down have made their home in the National Library. Many of our events are free. If you would like this to continue, you can support our Events Programme by making a donation. Donation boxes are located throughout the NLI buildings. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/We_Will_Rock_You_The_O2Queen and ben elton’s ‘we will rock you’ 10th anniversary world arena tour to rock  the o2 Tickets on sale now The smash hit Queen and Ben Elton musical, ‘We Will Rock You’ will embark on its first ever world arena tour which includes Irish dates at The O2 Dublin in April With 24 of Queen’s biggest hits delivered in a show that boasts the scale and spectacle that marked the bands’ legendary live performances, this will be one of the most spectacular musicals to tour the world. Unprecedented success in theatres around the world has paved the way for ‘We Will Rock You’ to make the step into arenas, where the Rock Theatrical will be performed in front of thousands of rock fans every night. The world tour will see the show visit arenas in Finland, Denmark, Holland, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Turkey, Bulgaria and the UK and Ireland in 2013. Further dates in Japan, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia will be announced shortly. On announcing the Arena tour, Queen’s Brian May said: “After our first 10 years in Rock Theatricality, this is the next giant step for WWRY - and the show will feature a brand new arena-size design - a big night out for all!” The last WWRY UK tour visited six cities across 13 months. The tour sold over half a million tickets, setting and smashing box office records and was crowned the UK’s favourite show at the prestigious Olivier awards. The London production of the show has just celebrated its 10th birthday and it is the longest running musical ever staged at the West End’s Dominion Theatre, booking until October 2012. The show has thrilled over seven million people in the UK, and close on 15 million people in 17 countries worldwide. The production is directed by Ben Elton, with Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor as music supervisors, Arlene Phillips oversees the musical staging and choreography. Writer Ben Elton has fashioned a hilarious futuristic comedy around more than 24 of Queen’s biggest hit songs delivered in a show that boasts the scale and spectacle that marked Queen’s live performances. “This show is all about legend,” says Ben Elton. “We take the legend of Queen and create our own fantastical story of young kids battling the might corporations who want to suppress their individuality and their love of music. They need a hero who can help them in their struggle, and we have two – the dreamer Galileo and the sassy rock chick Scaramouche. Guess who ends up winning?” Brian May adds: “The amazing bonus is that Ben's script subtly works as a metaphor too. People definitely come out of the theatre feeling that in a strange way they now know us, Queen, and our struggle, our journey.” Says producer Phil McIntyre: “We are looking forward to taking this true Rock Theatrical out on the road again. We had standing ovations night after night around the UK last time and we can’t wait to see that happen again.” The touring production reaches worldwide arenas carrying with it an impressive legacy: when it first became news that one of Britain’s most phenomenally successful comedy writers Ben Elton was teaming up with legends of rock, Queen, for a musical there was much speculation on what such a unique collaboration would turn out. So impressed after attending the original workshop, screen icon Robert De Niro and his company Tribeca came on board as American partners. De Niro continues to support the show, even making a special visit to London in May this year to help celebrate the 10th anniversary in style. The audience erupted with thunderous applause, as he joined the cast on stage after the landmark performance. ‘One Dream, One Vision, One Smash Hit!’ Ticket Information: Tickets are on sale from online at www.ticketmaster.ie and all usual Ticketmaster outlets nationwide http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Drum_Belly_Abbey_TheatreBlood. Honour your blood. Be true to it. Be true to them. Be true to yourself. Hold tight as you are thrown into New York City’s deep and dark underworld, in this exciting new play on the Abbey stage. Man has just set foot on the moon. The streets of Brooklyn are tense. The Irish Mafia is desperately trying to hold on to their power and more importantly their identity. After all, THEY built these streets. In this edgy new story, relationships between family, friends and enemies are ultimately challenged. This world premiere continues our commitment to present new writing to Irish audiences. Drum Belly brings together two international theatre artists, each making their Abbey Theatre debut. Writer Richard Dormer, well known for his performance in Hurricane, which he wrote and starred in, is joined by Sean Holmes, Artistic Director of the Lyric Hammersmith. Ticket Information: Friday 5 April – Saturday 11 May Previews: Friday 5 April – Tuesday 9 April Assisted performance details Sign Language Interpreted Performance: Thursday 9 May 7.30pm Captioned & Audio Described Performance: Saturday 11 May 2pm On the Abbey stage http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Joseph_Calleja_tenor_Claudia_Boyle_soprano_rte_National_Symphony_Orchestra_Proinnsias_O_Duinn_conduc As part of the Great Artists Series in The International Concert Series 2012/2013 Programme to be announced Blessed with a golden age voice that routinely inspires comparisons to “legendary singers from earlier eras: Jussi Björling, Beniamino Gigli, even Enrico Caruso” (Associated Press), the Maltese-born Joseph Calleja has become one of the most sought-after tenors on both sides of the Atlantic. At only 33 years of age, he has sung 28 principal roles and performed on most of the world’s leading opera stages, including New York’s Metropolitan Opera, London’s Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, and the Vienna Staatsoper. Calleja made his Covent Garden debut as the Duke of Mantua, and soon returned to sing Alfredo, Macduff, and Adorno, and sang in a concert performance as Nicias in Massenet’s Thaïs. Calleja made his U.S. debut as Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi at the Spoleto Festival. He appeared as Macduff with the Seattle Opera; debuted with both the Los Angeles Opera and the Lyric Opera of Chicago as Alfredo in La traviata; and has sung numerous roles at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. The National Concert Hall Rising Star 2012 Claudia Boyle was an Opera Theatre Company young artist and later went on to take part on the prestigious Young Singers Project at the Salzburg Opera Festival where she understudied the role of ‘Lulu’. She recently made her debut at the Wexford Opera Festival where she sang the role of ‘La Comtesse’ (La Cour de Célimène) to critical acclaim. A Dublin native, Claudia graduated from the Masters course at the Royal Irish Academy of Music with first class honors. She studied with Mary Brennan, Suzanne Murphy and Mairead Hurley. From its foundation in 1948 as the Radio Éireann Symphony Orchestra, and first concert under the celebrated French conductor Jean Martinon, the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra has been at the forefront of symphonic music in Ireland providing an unbroken stream of concerts over a sixty-year period. Proinnsías Ó Duinn was born in Dublin. He studied cello, piano and orchestration privately and at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and the College of Music in Dublin. In his extensive career, Proinnsias has worked with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional del Ecuador, the Irish Chamber Orchestra, the BBC, Our Lady’s Choral Society and many more. In 1978, he became Principal Conductor of the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and held that position until 2003. He is founder, Director & first musical Director of Opera Theatre Company and was appointed to the Board of Directors of Cork City Opera & the Contemporary Music Centre of Ireland. Presented by The National Concert Hall      http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Kopek_The_Workmans_Club“An energetic blend of good old fashioned rock n’ roll in a pop saturated music scene. A pounding playlist includes more than a few hints of AC/DC, ZZ Top and Stone Temple Pilots A feverishly hectic album”- The Sunday Times album review (June ‘12) “A band who mean business. ‘White Collar Lies’ holds the attention from start to finish” – The Irish Times “A refined display of power” – Kerrang magazine Kopek are an Irish rock pop band from Dublin. Kopek’s history stretches back to over a decade. Paying their dues with early gigs in and around Dublin included many a ‘battle of the bands contest’, which they won in regularity. From 2002 to 2009 Kopek toured relentlessly and continued to win competitions around the globe. It wasn’t too long until their powerhouse performances became one of their best word of mouth endorsements and in 2005 Kopek won the ‘Best Live Act at the Global Battle Of The Bands’, garnering them $100,000 and a world tour. In 2009 Dublin Kopek signed to Religion Music for a large multi-album deal. Their debut album, titled ‘White Collar Lies’, has since been released and has received international acclaim. The Album mixed by one of the most sought after Grammy award winning mix engineers; Tom Lord-Alge (Green Day, Manic Street Preachers, Marilyn Manson, U2, Blink182, The Rolling Stones…), Mastered by Grammy Winner Ted Jensen (Sterling Sound- Madonna, Creed, Santana etc..) and Produced By Glenn Herlihy & Kopek @ Religion Music Studios. Various tracks from the album have been synced across TV and Film; such as the new American Pie film “American Reunion”, “Saw 3d” and in Various MTV shows like “Punk’d, The Real World, Jersey Shore and The Challenge” to name a few. KOPEK have been touring the U.S for the past year in support of ‘White Collar Lies’ US Release. Their US released single “Cocaine Chest Pains” reached #25 in the American Active Rock Charts and went Top 10 in Canada in Active Rock Station for ten weeks. “Love Is Dead” reached the Top 5 in Ireland iTunes Rock Chart and the album came in at a top 10 position upon it’s release also. Having released the album in Ireland, Uk and Europe in May 2012, the band are currently touring Internationally along with releasing multiple radio singles taken from their album White Collar Lies. See www.kopekofficial.com for all upcoming gig dates http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Medieval_Puppet_Show_at_DubliniaDublinia is pleased to announce a series of dedicated events for families happening at Dublinia the first Saturday of every month from March to July. All included in the Dublinia admission price. No booking necessary. 6th of April – Medieval Puppet Show Hear and see the story of how Lambert Simnell Almost  became King of Ireland. Running from 11.00am to 3.00pm http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Mevas_GardenLocation: Broadcast Gallery, DIT, Portland Row, Dublin 1 Meva's Garden is a new film work shot by Aoife Desmond, shot on super 8 with a audio soundtrack made collaboratively with Karl Burke. This film documents Meva a Bosnian woman and her garden on a piece of vacant land opposite her house in north inner city Dublin. The audio uses recorded conversations with Meva, site recordings and fragments of narrative to tell Meva's story but also the artist's own relationship with gardening and the wasteland site. The film documents the garden in Spring time. The adjacent vacant plot of land was used for the temporary garden project ''flowers for the alter" by Aoife Desmond as part of the "Five Lamps Festival 2012". Both gardens are situated at the corner of Dunne St and North William Street next to St Agatha's church in the heart of the five lamps Dublin 1.The Garden at Dunne Street will be open to the public during the festival on Tuesday’s and Fridays 10.00am-5.00pm. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Community_Art_ExhibitionLocation: Marino College of Further Education Connolly House, North Strand Rd The Charleville Mall Art group led by Maureen Maguire will be exhibiting their work with the St Laurence O'Toole Art Group in Connolly House Student Canteen. The Back to Education students from the After School project in Sheriff will also display some of their art work. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/the_picture_of_dorian_gray1“An exquisite adaptation” The Sunday Times “A fascinating, civilised night at the theatre” Irish Theatre Magazine "flawlessly executed, commanding performances” The Dubliner This theatrical adaptation of Wilde’s classic novel has already played to great acclaim countrywide and returns to Bewley’s Cafe this April for another run in the intimate surroundings of the James Joyce Room. The story is set in the decadent world of Victorian London, where the socialite Lord Henry Wotton seduces the beautifully boyish Dorian Gray into a hedonistic life of indulgence, vice and dissipation. Infatuated by Basil Hallward’s portrait, Dorian makes a Faustian pact that he will remain forever young while the picture charts his decline into sin and ultimate self-destruction. The Picture of Dorian Gray combines drawing room comedy and Gothic horror, and is a compelling and hugely entertaining theatrical event. It is directed by Alice Coghlan, whose previous credits for Wonderland include Pagliacci and La Locandiera, and it features Gate Theatre regulars Michael James Ford and Michael Winder, alongside Simon Coury, a veteran of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Early Booking is Recommended http://www.visitdublin.com/event/All_That_Fall_by_Pan_PanA life of unending misery in a world devoid of God, now that’s funny. All That Fall is a multi-layered composition of voices that can be experienced as a black comedy, a murder mystery, a cryptic literary riddle, or a quasi-musical score, but that gains from being experienced in Pan Pan's uniquely atmospheric, theatrically tuned listening chamber. Cast of Voices: Andrew Bennett, Phelim Drew, John Kavanagh, Nell Klemencic, Aine Ni Mhuiri, Robbie O'Connor, Joey O'Sullivan, David Pearse, Daniel Reardon, Judith Roddy Designer Aedin Cosgrove Sound Design Jimmy Eadie Producer Aoife White All That Fall - winner of Best Lighting Design and Best Sound Design, nominated for Best Production at the Irish Times Theatre Awards 2011. 'Gavin Quinn’s radical production goes further in honoring the spirit of Beckett’s wish, situating the play in the realm of pure imagination.' The New York Times 'The tension is perfectly judged - it is not enough to distract from the fine performances and Beckett’s bleakly funny text, but it is enough to justify the whole idea of listening to them inside a controlled and designed environment.' Fintan O’Toole, The Irish Times 'Pan Pan provide an experience that is genuinely different from anything you'll have encountered in the theatre before ... Under Gavin Quinn's direction, the company also provides an excellent performance of the play - perhaps even an exemplary one.' Irish Theatre Magazine 'Pan Pan’s production of Samuel Beckett's 1957 radio play, All That Fall, is a refreshingly disconcerting experience.' The Irish Independent 'Pan Pan under its director Gavin Quinn has given the play a masterly production ... Designer Aedin Cosgrove has provided a deeply unsettling ambience.' Emer O’Kelly, The Sunday Independent http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Poetry_Reading_with_Rita_Ann_Higgins_and_Paula_MeehanIreland Is Changing Mother is the latest collection from Rita Ann Higgins: provocative and heart-warming poems of high jinx, jittery grief and telling social comment by a gutsy, anarchic chronicler of the Irish dispossessed. “A brilliantly spiky, surreal blend of humour and social issues.” Ruth Padel, The Independent on Sunday “Higgins’s voice, forged over 25 years…has a unique fusion of wry, deadpan humour on the one side and absolute sincerity on the other... Now the bubble’s burst, we’re left with our real treasures, and Rita Ann Higgins is one of them.” Fintan O'Toole, The Irish Times Rita Ann Higgins was born in 1955 in Galway, where she still lives.  She left school at 14, and was in her late 20s when she started writing poetry. She has since published nine books of poetry, including Sunny Side Plucked (1996), which was a Poetry Book Society Recommendation, and An Awful Racket (2001), both published by Bloodaxe, and Hurting God: Part Essay Part Rhyme (2010) from Salmon Poetry. First published in 2005, her Bloodaxe retrospective Throw in the Vowels: New & Selected Poems was reissued in 2010 with an audio CD of her reading her poems. Meehan’s Wounded Streets of Dublin -  "Few poets have engaged so convincingly with the complexity of city life, as Paula Meehan". writes Pat Boran Home: It is not always a charmed place in Meehan's poetry but it is where a great deal of her best work has its originated. From the title poem of her first book in 1984, Return and No Blame, Meehan has been journeying out and back, increasingly aware of the interplay of cosmic forces in her life (her second book was entitled Reading the Sky)but so often returning to a place where happiness eluded her first-time round as if the orbit of her journey were somehow fated and, therefore, a thing to be accepted. If the Irish word for poem, dán, also means gift, many aspects of the making of poetry are simply givens and the best poets accept them as such. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Billy_Fury_YearsMichael King & His Musicians After a sell-out show in 2012 Michael King brings his Billy Fury Years show back to the National Concert Hall in 2013. Billy Fury had more hits than any other recording artist and he equalled The Beatles 24 chart hits with an incredible 332 weeks in the UK charts. Now in this sensational show, Michael King, who portrayed Billy in the “Buddy Holly Story” relives “The Billy Fury Years”  with a performance that has been hailed by critics as “The Best Fury since Fury”…….. Sponsored by The Evening Herald Presented by Pat Egan Sound Ltd & Joe Gallagher Entertainments      Ticket Information: Prices: €32.50, €27.50 & €22.50 (Choir Balcony) 10% discount for Groups of 10 or more http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Daft_as_Punk_The_Workmans_ClubLets face it, we are not going to see Daft Punk play on these shores any time soon so two DJs, tired of waiting for their reclusive heroes to hit the road decided it was time to bring back the FUNK and created Daft as Punk, the world’s first Daft Punk Tribute act. Daft as Punk create an experience that is as close to the real thing as is robotically possible. Having played to over 10,000 people since they started doing live shows in 2009 (including sell out tours in Ireland and the UK), Daft as Punk guarantee an unforgettable night with a superb live Daft Punk set with effects, custom-made costumes and amazing live visuals. The duo’s Daft Punk replica helmets are custom designed and chrome-plated by the very establishment that finished the authentic Daft Punk helmets in LA! So fasten your robot helmets and hang on tight! One more time…..we’re gonna celebrate. Ticket Information: Daft as Punk play LIVE at The Workman’s Club, Dublin on Friday 12th April. The gig is a late gig with doors at 9.30pm. Daft as Punk are live on stage at midnight to 2.00am. Tickets are available on the door on the night for €10. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/GoldieThe first superstar produced by the breakbeat jungle movement, Goldie popularized drum'n'bass as a form of musical expression. Goldie became one of the first big personalities in British dance music. His gold teeth and b-boy attitude placing him leagues away from the faceless bedroom boffins that had become the norm in intelligent dance music. The UK had a beat maestro and tough-guy head who could match the scores of larger-than-life hip-hop stars America had produced. The high profile of drum'n'bass as the first indigenously British dance music made Goldie a figure of prime importance. After spending several years working on his production skills at Reinforced Records, he founded Metalheadz Records. In 1995, Goldie released Timeless, one of jungle's first and best full-length works of art. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Lumiere_Live_in_ConcertTwo distinct voices one unique sound. Lumiere is Éilís Kennedy and Pauline Scanlon; two exceptional vocalists from Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland.  Éilís Kennedy's sound has ready access to the soul without need for fanfare or spotlight. Éilís performs regularly in County Kerry and is much sought after for her natural and genuine interpretations of songs, both old and new, sung in her native Gaelic and in English. Pauline Scanlon is an award-winning singer from the same Kerry town of Dingle. She is part of a tradition of Irish female voices from Sinead O'Connor to Enya; all personal interpreters of their physical and spiritual landscape. Scanlon has two critically acclaimed albums to her credit as well as extensive touring experience.  In the current global economy, songs of excess and materialism ring hollow. Lumiere offers something more holistic and true. This is real music by real singers communicating real emotions. Lumiere takes something that is sacred and age old and re-imagines it simply and beautifully, reclaiming truth and trust for the modern age. Lumiere though is not about big statements. It is about the intimate act of singing, the emotional core of that act and how that relates to the familiar echoes in our lives. The songs concern themselves with themes of love and loss, of places and people. They are mainly drawn from the Irish tradition but also touch on the great American songbook. 'The Poor Wayfaring Stranger' sits easily alongside 'The West's Awake' while the Gaelic song 'Óró mo Bháidín' compliments 'Spencer the Rover'. Tickets available online at: http://www.jeaniejohnston.ie/the-jeanie-sessions-page.html http://www.visitdublin.com/event/P!nk P!NK, Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter and pop culture icon, announced that she will tour Europe for the first time in two years, beginning on Friday 12 April, 2013 in Dublin. P!nk is known around the world as one of the most captivating live performers of her generation. Across her Funhouse and Summer Carnival tours in 2009 and 2010 respectively, P!nk performed to 2.9 million people over 194 dates. This global superstar has confirmed 26 European dates following on from her announcement last week of 25 dates across the US and Canada. The Truth About Love Tour supports the release of her new album, The Truth About Love, which entered the iTunes charts at #1 Globally upon its release. Since her debut in 2000, P!nk has released 7 albums (Can’t Take Me Home, M!ssundaztood, Try This, I’m Not Dead, Funhouse, Greatest Hits So Far!!!, The Truth About Love), sold over 40 million albums, 65 million singles (nearly 20 million digital tracks) as well as over 1 million DVDs worldwide. In addition, 15 of P!nk’s singles have reached #1 in at least 1 or more countries. She is the recipient of 3 Grammy Awards, 2 Billboard Music Awards, 5 MTV Video Music Awards, 2 MTV Europe Awards, 2 People’s Choice Awards, and many more. P!nk’s last studio album Funhouse debuted at #1 in the UK, Australia, Netherlands, New Zealand and Switzerland and #2 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Her latest album, Greatest Hits So Far… debuted in the Top 10 in over 13 countries and spawned the hit singles, “F**ckin Perfect” and “Raise Your Glass”. P!nk released her 6th studio album last week, The Truth About Love, which has garnered fantastic reviews worldwide. The first single “Blow Me (One Last Kiss)” has topped the radio airplay charts and sold more copies here in its first week than any of her previous hits. The album sees P!nk joining forces with producer Greg Kurstin (Lily Allen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foster The People & The Shins) for the very first time, along with long time collaborators Max Martin, Shellback, Billy Mann and Butch Walker. She has also worked with songwriter/producer Dan Wilson (Adele’s Someone Like You and Dixie Chicks). The album is P!nk’s unique take on the different shades of love – the dark, the light, the happy and the sad. TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 28 SEPTEMBER at 9.00am Ticket information: Tickets are available from the Ticketmaster desk in the Dublin Discover Ireland Centre, Suffolk Street, Dublin 2 or online at www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Acting_Workshops_with_Nikoli_Veprew_from_KracowLocation: Marino College of Further Education Teatr Nikoli workshops combine elements of pantomime, acrobatic, theatre del’Arte, juggling, dance improvisation, improvisation with partner and object/prop. They are accompanied by different kind of music from classical, through to contemporary, jazz, up to ethnic sounds. A variety of elements, are used by me during the workshops to give the actors the opportunity to develop body awarness and wake up its creative potential. Nikolai Veprew is a renowned theatre practitioner in Eastern Europe. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Behind_the_Mask_WorkshopVenue: Marino College of FE, Connolly House, 171 North Strand Road, Dublin 1 Behind the Mask with Orchard Theatre Company. Working with the neutral mask, larval mask and character mask we will explore play and the spontanety of creativity, eliminating and questioning or doubt.. The workshop will be very physical and attendees should wear loose comfortable clothes and ideally be prepared to work in bare foot. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Bonnie_and_ClydeOn Saturday April 13th, Film Fatale, Ireland’s most glamorous film event, will celebrate the 1930s with a screening of the cult classic heist film Bonnie and Clyde followed by a Dirty Thirties-themed vintage party in The Sugar Club, Dublin. A screening of the dark and provocative Bonnie and Clyde will be followed by a Dirty Thirties-themed party in the style of the film with live performance from Fanny and The Johns singing songs from the era and Film Fatale’s resident DJs, The Andrews Sisters’ Brothers, playing your favourite vintage dance floor fillers from the 1920s to 1960s. The audience is invited to help set the scene by dressing up in their vintage finest, paying homage to the 1930s or mirroring the films stars, the beautiful Faye Dunaway and the handsome Warren Beatty. They're young... they're in love... and they kill people. Bonnie and Clyde, Arthur Penn’s groundbreaking heist film, a brilliantly executed brew of lust, larceny, and lethal intentions, stars Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty as a hot-blooded couple on a rampage across 1930s America. Based on the true-life exploits of notorious Depression-era bank robbers Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, the film chronicles the short lives of America's most infamous criminals. Bored with life Bonnie is liberated when she meets charming young drifter Clyde Barrow. Bonnie falls for Clyde and his dreams of a life of crime that will free him from the hardships of the Depression and the two begin a crime spree that extends from Oklahoma to Texas. They rob small banks with skill and panache, soon becoming minor celebrities known across the country. Join Film Fatale for a night of cinema nostalgia and old–style Hollywood glamour that will transport you back to the 1930s for a night of film, vintage music, cocktails, dancing and good old-fashioned fun. Sit back in the sumptuous surroundings of the Sugar Club, enjoy a cocktail a bespoke 1930s cocktail and have the Film Fatale usherettes serve you popcorn while watching one of the greatest heist films unfold. Then dance the night away to the sounds of the 30s. Ticket Information: Tickets €14/€15 available from entertainment.ie/tickets Doors 8pm Dirty 30s vintage party from 11.00pm with tickets €5 on the door http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dave_Hardy_and_the_Blue_Clavon_OrchestraDave Hardy and The Blue Clavon Orchestra with special guests: The Dublin Concert Band & The King’s Hospital Jazz Band Dave Hardy and the Blue Clavon Orchestra return to the National Concert Hall with their blend of pop, swing, rock ‘n roll, Latin-American and Irish all-time favourites, including classic hits such as Mama Mia, New York New York, You Can’t Hurry Love, Sway, Good Looking Woman and many many more Further information and DVD clips available on www.davehardyorchestra.com Presented by Dave Hardy Ticket Information: Prices: €20.00/ Concessions: €16.00 20% Discount for Groups of 10 or more 20% Discount for Friends of the National Concert Hall http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Banners_Ballads_and_BanterLocation: Sean O'Casey Theatre, St Mary's Road, East Wall, Dublin 3 Dublin’s best balladeers, Fergus Whelan, Jimmy Kelly and Fergus Russell sing rousing ballads of the time. Jer O’Leary is an actor and banner – maker, living in the North Strand.  Mick O’Reilly, President of the Dublin Council of Trade Unions talks with Jer, as a slide show of his banners depict how he was influenced by Larkin’s writings. Extracts read by drama students, Marino College. This adaptation of the book, by Mary Enright, presents vignettes of dramatic tensions encountered by the characters, yet retains all the descriptive language of the author. This is married skilfully with factual accounts of many strikes of the time. Even the ballads echo the experience of the tough life of bosses and the labour force at the end of the 19th century. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/SidetrackedJosie McMorrin trained in Edinburgh College of Art and then taught art at secondary school level in Scotland before moving to Dublin in 1999. She then continued her teaching Career in Marino College. She has always drawn, painted and displayed her work, by contributing to group shows and exhibitions. However has never focused on producing a show. Her collection of work entitled "sidetracked" stems from a realisation that her time to achieve this ambition is not limitless. The subject matter developed from her cycling activities such as exploring canal paths cycle ways and track thereby discovering the city landscape on an alternative route. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/MaruzcellaVenue: Sean O' Casey Theatre, East Wall - Dublin 3 Directed by Nikolai Veprev Maruczella" is a perfomance that links humour, the atmosphere of silent movies and the Federico Fellini's cinema. It creates an amazing spectacle, which, from the very beginning snatches the audience's attention. A combination of nostalgia and comedy steal the audiance's attention until the last second of the perfomance. Losing sense of time and presence, we are moved along with the actors to the Old Railway Station, on a romantic journey through the smoke of forgotten steam locomotives. A Journey, which, the actors portray so delicately weaving and painting amorous scenes of wooing, courtship and flirtation. It is the perfect mixture of pantomime, dance and comedy. "Maruczella" not only amuses but stimulates the senses for a completly unique experience. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/51_Shades_of_Maggie Is the story of lovable Maggie Muff an ordinary Dublin girl with attitude, looking for love, who thinks she knows what she wants in a man . Unfulfilled after a number of failed relationships she is called in by the dole and meets the man of her dreams …….. Mr Big and his private room of pain . But, Is he really the man of her dreams, will all the pain be worth it, will he whisk her off to a fairy tale ending or, will it all end in tears? “Went to see 51 shades on last night. Sides still sore with laughter! Three words sum this play up-Fun , Filth and FABULOUS! ….. highly recommend. “Cant” wait to see it again!” -Dianne Crawford “All I can say is brilliant,brilliant,brilliant” “The funniest play i have ever seen!! ‘This is the funniest play i have ever seen. If you get a chance to go, you have to. It is just too funny to miss .” Kim Turner WARNING…..This show contains strong language from the outset and throughout and discussions of a sexual nature Please note due to the strong language and themes of an adult nature this show is unsuitable for anyone under the age of 16. Ticket Information: To Book Tickets online Click Here  or Call the Box Office: +35314544472 http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Billy_Connolly_The_Man_Live_TourTickets on sale Friday 15th February The greatest stand-up comedian of his generation, brings his “The Man Live Tour” to Dublin this April. Billy Connolly is a stand-up comedian, actor, musician, TV presenter and artist. After an apprenticeship as a welder in his hometown of Glasgow, he became a professional performer in 1962, forming “The Humblebums” band with Gerry Rafferty, before pursuing a solo career as a comedian. Aside from starring in numerous films and TV series, Billy has toured worldwide continuously for the last 50 years, performing to an audience of over 10,000,000. Billy was awarded a CBE in 2003, was given the Freedom of the City of Glasgow in 2010 and received the BAFTA in Scotland Outstanding Contribution to Television and Film Award in 2012. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/D_Gathering_presents_Coopers_UncoveredVenue: Sean O'Casey Theatre The Gathering is a David Attenborough - style study of the ‘mating rituals of the Irish’ told from a well known Harcourt Street nightclub, known for its ‘primal’ activity. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Drama_at_the_National_Library_of_IrelandSix Tuesdays (16 April – 21 May) UCD Adult Education Course Run in conjunction with UCD Adult Education This course will explore the canon of 20th century Irish drama from the experimentalism of the early Abbey plays to the internationally recognised work of contemporary playwrights. The work of Synge, O’Casey, Beckett, Friel, Murphy and McPherson will be examined.    http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Terminator_at_The_Sugar_Club In the Year of Darkness, 2029, the rulers of the planet have devised the ultimate plan. They will reshape the future by changing the past. The plan requires something that feels no pity. No pain. No fear. And something unstoppable: they created 'THE TERMINATOR'. Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as The Terminator, the machine that won't die, in the nightmare that won't end. On Tuesday 16 April, The Producers will be screening the 1980s sci-fi hit The Terminator in The Sugar Club, Dublin. The movie begins in a post-apocalyptic 2029, when Los Angeles has been largely reduced to rubble and is under the thumb of all-powerful ruling machines. Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), a member of the human resistance movement, is teleported back to 1984. His purpose: to rescue Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), the mother of the man who will lead the 21st-century rebels against the tyrannical machines, from being assassinated before she can give birth. Likewise thrust back to 1984 is The Terminator (Schwarzenegger), a grim, well-armed, virtually indestructable cyborg who has been programmed to eliminate Sarah Connor. Sit back with a pizza and a cold beer and join Linda Hamilton and Kyle Reese as they battle against The Terminator in this explosive action/sci-fi spectacle. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/A_Wine_Goose_ChaseVenue: Mitchell's Wine Shop, CHQ Building, IFSC, Dublin 1 Susan Boyle loves wine. What's more she knows what she's drinking and talking about. She's got 2,000 years of Irish wine history to back her up! So, sit back let her pour you a glass of wine while she takes you on a trip with the tenacious Irish people who transformed the wine world and didnt let coming from a grape-free land stop them. This one-woman theatrical performance fuses interactive wine tasting with storytelling in a warm intimate setting. Audience members will have the opportunity to put their senses to use and hopefully leave with a  new insight to drink that has been part of Ireland's history for much longer than we might think. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Awakening_WonderLocation: The Capuchin Friary, Church Street, Dublin 7 The Mindfulness event, 'Awakening Wonder', is a special Sanctuary event that will take place on the evening of Wednesday the 17 April 2013, in lieu of the Sanctuary Wednesday night meditation. This special event will be an evening of Stillness, Creativity and Spirituality. Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, Brother Richard OFM Cap, Korko Moses SJ, Fionnuala Gill and Anna Fiona Keogh will be participating on this night of meditation, mindfulness, music and dance. There will be no cost for this special event; the Sanctuary would simply ask for a donation on the night. Booking is not essential but to be sure of a place for this event please call The Sanctuary on +35316705419, log onto the website or email enquiries@sanctuary.ie. Event takes place from 8pm to 9.30pm. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/European_Masterworks_National_Chamber_Choir  National Chamber Choir Paul Hillier, conductor   Gibbons  The Cries of London – (England) Rytis Mazulis  The dazzled eye lost its speech – (Lithuania) Peteris Vasks  love song – (Latvia) Arvo Pärt  The Deer’s Cry – (Estonia) Richard Dering  The Country Cries – (England) Einojuhani Rautavaara  Galgenlieder – (Finland) Louis Andriessen  Un beau baiser – (Holland) Clément Janequin  Cris de Paris – (France) Lopes Graca  Love Song – (Portugal) Siobhan Cleary  Theophilus Thistle – (Ireland) As Ireland enters its Presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2013, the occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate the magnificent body of chamber music that has emerged from all across the Union.  While many famous pillars of this repertoire are associated with France, Germany and Austria, in fact this rich pool of music, in all its diversity, has had many other sources too, in the Mediterranean, Slavic and Nordic countries, not to mention the two islands on the North-West tip!  This series straddles these diverse regions in a survey of some of the great chamber music from the past five centuries and our own. The third programme, “A Eurocry”, from the National Chamber Choir of Ireland, emphasizes the light and the humorous, from Orlando Gibbons’ The Cryes of London and Clément Janequin’s Les Cris de Paris to Siobhán Cleary’s very international and multi-lingual study of tongue-twisters Theophilus Thistle and the Myth of Miss Muffet. Presented by the National Concert Hall Ticket Information: €20.00/ Concessions: €15.00 20% dicsount for Friends of the National Concert Hall http://www.visitdublin.com/event/For_Club_and_CountyHilarious comedy from the writer of Ride On! and Victor’s Dung For Club and County, has been delighting audiences up and down the country. Described by the Anglo-Celt as ‘a sure-fire hit’ Seamus O’Rourke’s latest play follows a desperate manager’s efforts to win the county football final and end their 23-year run of bad form. Their only hope lies with their dual star player Ritchie Brown, but when he busts his knee dipping sheep, they have no choice but to call on their Polish groundsman, Arthur Polanski, who just happens to be a dead ringer for Ritchie and a great footballer to boot. He dosen’t have to speak English he just needs to talk GAA! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Pat_Liddy_Lets_Walk_and_Talk_A_1913_Lockout_WalkPat Liddy, Let's Walk and Talk, A 1913 Lockout Walk Meeting at the Five Lamps, Amiens Street,  7.00pm a 2 hour walk An historical walking tour into the culture and history of Dublin, the people and mysteries of the city followed by music in Kennedy's pub on Georges Quay with Dayo and the Swingfolk http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Richard_IIThe breath of worldly men cannot depose the deputy elected by the Lord. The Abbey Theatre is proud to present Ouroboros Theatre Company with Richard II, as part of the company’s exploration of Shakespeare’s history plays. A timely examination of the nature of kingship, power and corruption, Richard II draws us into a world of Machiavellian deceit in which the effects of power have devastating consequences. Artistic director of Ouroboros Theatre and well known actor Denis Conway brings a fresh perspective to Shakespeare’s classic tale, alongside founding company member and director Michael Barker-Caven. Ticket Informaiton: Tickets from €25.00 are available online at www.abbeytheatre.ie On the Peacock stage Wednesday 17 April – Saturday 4 May Previews: Wednesday 17 – Monday 22 April Times: Monday – Saturday 8pm, Saturday matinee 2.30pm http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Two_Faces_of_a_Winding_Clock_Moore_Street_and_the_Dublin_of_Strumpet_CityDublin: One City One Book Event, Bibliofiles Lecture Series The author Barry Kennerk speaks on his latest book Moore Street: The story of Dublin’s Market District. Followed by a discussion on Dublin Markets. This talk is part of a monthly lecture series called BiblioFiles. The series provides a platform for writers, academics and others who have used the NLI's facilities to talk about their research and other work they have carried out at the library. Many of our events are free. If you would like this to continue, you can support our Events Programme by making a donation. Donation boxes are located throughout the NLI buildings. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/An_evening_from_Arena_di_Verona2013 marks a double Anniversary with the Arena di Verona's centenary and Verdi's bicentenary. Be part of this celebration and look forward to the greatest arias and duets of Giussepe Verdi's magnificent Belcanto operas, performed by the talented singers of the Arena di Verona accompanied by Arena di Verona pianist Patrizia Quarta. Presented by KCP       Ticket Information: Prices: €45, €40, €35, €20 (Choir Balcony) Concessions: €40.50, €36, €31.50, €18 (Choir Balcony) 10% Discount for Friends of the National Concert Hall http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Down_by_the_RiverVenue: Marino College of Further Education Written and Directed by Paul Kennedy. Performed by Michael Bates. Matt’s marriage is teetering on the brink of collapse. His wife is restless and has enrolled in a night class which leads to a bizarre sequence of events that threaten to push their marriage over the edge. As events unfold Matt is lead into a realm of darkness and deceit in search of a love that may already be lost. Down By The River is a fast and furious play, familiar and yet strange, comic and yet tinged with a soulful sense of loss. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Father_Ted_Table_QuizCome join this fundraising event for UCD and have a bit of a laugh. (Just dont get lost in the lingerie section!) Lots of great things to be won for the biggest Ted geeks while helping a great cause. We would definitely encourage you all to come dressed as your favourite Father Ted character for a chance at winning some marvellous spot prizes and, for the sheer hilarity. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Music_HallLocation: Charleville Mall Library, Charleville Mall, Dublin 1 Carnation Theatre's new show "Music Hall" combines high farce, popular traditional and not so traditional live music, as well as exploring the time and attitudes to childbirth in the early part of the last century. The year is 1916. The war is on the continent is in full swing and trouble is brewing closer to home. Jeremiah Styles, a strapping young colt of 47, has finally convinced his loving mother to loosen the maternal apron strings and allow him to accompany her to a meeting of Cuman na mBan. In his excitement he has downed 5 pints of TK Lemonade, followed by another 5 pints of Ovaltine, three measures of sweetened Cocoa and two tins of Carnation's Evaporated Milk. Suddenly our hero, Jermiah, finds himself cut short. The Emergency was nothing compared to this. As part of the Five Lamps Arts Festival. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Silver_Linings_by_Lisa_Tyrell_Whynot_Dance_CompanyExciting performances of dance and song, from ballet to jazz with music from Daft Punk to Etta James.Preformed by nine dancers and four singers, Whynot Dance Company under the artistic direction of Lisa Tyrell present their latest production "Silver Linings", a dance showcase with an array of lyrical and percussive Jazz choreography. Call the Mill Theatre Dundrum, Box Office on 01-2969340 or go to www.milltheatre.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/A_Postcard_From_The_New_World_and_The_OldDue to ill-health Gilbert Varga, conductor, has withdrawn from this Friday’s performance with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and violinist Eldbjørg Hemsing. He will be replaced by the British/Italian conductor Damian Iorio, making his RTÉ NSO debut. The programme will remain as advertised with Lalo’s Symphonie espagnole and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor ‘From the New World’. The 8pm performance will be followed by a Late Night recital by Eldbjørg Hemsing playing both violin and Hardanger fiddle and also making her RTÉ NSO debut. Her programme includes traditional folk tunes from Valdres, Hemsing’s home area, followed by what Hemsing calls ‘virtuoso music at its best’ with the Bach Largo and Allegro Assai from Sonata No. 3, Sommerfeldt’s Sonata Saxifraga, an atmospheric piece honouring the delicate yet enduring Norwegian mountain plant Saxifraga cotyledon and Ysaÿe's piece ‘Ballade’ dedicated to George Enescu. Full details below. Eldbjørg Hemsing violin Damian Iorio conductor, replacing Gilbert Varga A musical journey between the Old World of Europe – in Lalo’s rhapsodic celebration of Spanish folk songs – and the New World of America in Dvorak’s stirring Ninth Symphony, with its unforgettably stirring blend of Native American and African- American melodies and tunes from his native Bohemia. Heard in countless television adverts and films, it remains a work of epic dimensions, with music that is gloriously fresh, vital, and alive to the ear. The acclaimed young Norwegian violinist Eldbjørg Hemsing is our soloist. Soundings, 7pm: Damian Iorio in conversation Late Night, 9.45pm (30 minutes) Norwegian folk music and more with Eldbjørg Hemsing, violin/Hardanger fiddle Norwegian folk tunes J. S. Bach Largo and Allegro Assai from Sonata No. 3 in C major Øistein Sommerfeldt Sonata Saxifraga Eugene Ysaye Sonata No. 3 ’Ballade’ A 30 minute recital featuring traditional folk tunes from Valdres, Eldbjorg Hemsing’s home area, followed by, what Hemsing calls ‘virtuoso music at its best’ with the Bach, Sommerfeldt’s Sonata Saxifraga, an atmospheric piece honouring the delicate yet enduring Norwegian mountain plant Saxifraga cotyledon and, to finish, Ysaÿe's piece ‘Ballade’ dedicated to George Enescu. Ticekt Information: 8pm concert: €10, €18, €24, €30, €35 (concessions €9, €16, €22, €27, €32) Late Night concert: €5 (unreserved seating) | Free if attending 8pm concert Booking (no fees): +35314170000 | www.nch.ie | www.rte.ie/nso http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Aidan_Bishop_How_You_Doin‘Aidan Bishop’s Fringe debut impresses with the New Yorker’s command of an audience.’ Jay Richardson, The Scotsman ‘A bright future ahead no doubt … a solid presence well worth catching.’ The Irish Times Native New Yorker Aidan Bishop began his comedy career in his hometown however since relocating to Dublin he has become one of the top comics working today. As organizer and resident MC of the now famous International Comedy Club, he has honed his craft in the same room as some of Ireland’s most famous comedians. However his ambitions have not been confined to the small borders of the International. In the past two years Aidan has appeared in all major Irish festivals, including the Kilkenny Cat Laughs and the Carlsberg Comedy Carnival. In 2008 Aidan made his Edinburgh Fringe Festival Debut with his solo show, ‘Bachelor Pad’ to critical acclaim. His television debut came withRTE 2’s Savage Eye as part of ‘Project Ha Ha’. He returns to Edinburgh this year with ‘Mispelled’, a show that was born out of his experiences of dyslexia. Ticket Information: Tickets priced €14.00 available online from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone or creditcard bookings). €12 concession available on the night for Unwaged/Students. Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required After the gig: Whelan’s Indie Club w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm or check out the bands playing The Midnight Hour in the upstairs venue (Free Entry, 12am). http://www.visitdublin.com/event/gael_winds_musicVourneen Ryan (flute) Rebecca Halliday (oboe) Conor Shiel (clarinet) Cliona Warren (bassoon) Enda Collins (french horn) Fionnuala Moynihan (piano)   Works by Poulenc, Ibert, Milhaud and Dave Fennessy Gael Winds have been performing together as a Wind Quintet since 2010 and are delighted to welcome pianist, Fionnuala Moynihan, to perform with them. This concert will celebrate the two art forms of music and poetry on the same platform with performances of evocative and impressionistic pieces alongside some carefully selected prose which will be chosen by Niall MacMonagle for the occasion. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/I_Know_You A dynamic exhibition, by a new generation of some 40 young European artists, examining the idea of cultural capital, what it means to be European, and ideas at the core of the financial heart of Europe, opens to the public at the Irish Museum of Modern Art’s temporary off-site exhibition spaces in Earlsfort Terrace on Friday 19 April 2013. I knOw yoU takes a fresh look at contemporary art in Europe as a reflection of the exchange and openness that exists between artists working today. The exhibition represents the exciting diversity of approach in current contemporary art practice. I knOw yoU is curated by artist, Tobias Rehberger; Nikolaus Hirsch, Director of Städelschule and Rachael Thomas, Senior Curator, Head of Exhibitions, IMMA. I knOw yoU focuses on the central points of Europe and harnesses its context to address European notions and questions of power and that of economic dominance within the banking industry as a prominent debate in contemporary society. The exhibition seeks to further expand this debate by examining concepts of symbolic and cultural capital alongside the role of art and creative innovation, its particular questions on the production of meaning and value. The current discourse of capital in Europe is overwhelmingly dominated by the discourse of economic power and structure. The particular symbol for this, especially within the media, is the Euro and the European Central Bank, located in Frankfurt. I knOw yoU aims at an alternative model of capital that explores a new set of relations between knowing and owing. The artists in I knOw yoU have been selected from graduates of the Städelschule academy in Frankfurt am Main, and reflect the ambitious undertaking made by the school in its development as a leading centre for experimental art practice. The exhibition has an open curatorial approach that allows each artist to nominate another practitioner of their choosing. Uniquely, this can be from any discipline they connect with (ie. a poet, philosopher, musician, scientist, chef, gardener, artist etc.), either on a collaborative or stand-alone basis, thereby extending the connection point for each artists work. The invitation to this core group of artists to nominate another practitioner encompasses the school and the city as a prism through which international debate can be explored. Artists in the exhibition include Simon Denny, Simon Fujiwara, Jeppe Hein, Jay & Q, Sergej Jensen, Maria Loboda, Michaela Meise, Tris Vonna-Michell, Nora Schultz, Danh Vo Haegue Yang and Thomas Zipp. To See a Full list of contributors & Events Programme Click Here http://www.visitdublin.com/event/MacBeth_by_A_plus_PerformersLocation: Marino College of Further Education, Connolly House, North Strand, Dublin 1 A+Performances is a theatre company in its second year of operation . It was launched in August 2011 with the objective of delivering a truly unique and unforgettable experience for students preparing for their English Leaving Certificate. We produce the main play on the curriculum and bring the production to the school itself with the agenda of making the entire production as hassle free as possible from a schools point of view. Last year our company launched with ‘Hamlet’ and staged the play to a handful of schools across the country. We deliver a truly unique and effective learning tool to the students through our clever incorporation of multi-media techniques and interaction with the students. Aside from private educational shows, we also stage many public performances across Dublin with emphasis on our productions take on the play by our talented director's vision and our collective input of creativity. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Paper_DollsLocation: D-Light Studios, 46 North Great Clarence Street Dublin 1 Aerial performance company PaperDolls present a night of music and aerial performance with special guests to be confirmed. The event will showcase works in progress by individuals in the company as well as segments from previous productions. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/WWE_Raw_WrestleMania_Revenge_Tour_2013WWE Championship Tables Match John Cena vs. Ryback - - - Kane vs. Big E Langston - - - Daniel Bryan vs. World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler - - - And all of your favorite Superstars including: Antonio Cesaro R-Truth Cody Rhodes Damien Sandow AJ Lee Kaitlyn And many more! Lineup subject to change   Tickets available from all Ticketmaster outlets Nationwide Book online at www.ticketmaster.ie Charge By Phone: Ireland: +353818 719 300 (Telephone & Internet Bookings subject to service charge) http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Carol_Ann_Flanagan_at_Cobalt_CafeLocation: Cobalt Cafe, 16 North Great george's St, Drumcondra, Dublin Carol-Ann Flanagan has extensive international experience performing as a singer and organising shows throughout most European countries including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Gibraltar, Spain and Dublin,Ireland. She has spent most of her years in Germany where she was very fortunate to be trained by some of the best teachers in Jazz and classical music.Since returning to Ireland four years ago,she has been actively performing and organising shows in Dublin. She has worked with many great musicians, Orchestras and in Broadway musicals over the years. Her style has been compared to artists such as Diana Krall, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan who have been an additional influence on her own unique style. Ranging from smoky to a clearly colorful voice combined with a wide range and disciplined technique in which she improvises, scatting through versions of some of the most well- known and loved Jazz songs adding a quality and edge all her own, ensuring never a dull moment in her lively performance. She is currently working on original composition and playing at various festivals this year http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Coppers_UncoveredA Laugh a minute tale of a typical night out in Harcourt Street. Newly single Conor is looking for that rose beneath the weeds but will his judgement be clouded by the allure of a one night stand? And is Coppers the place to look for love? While Conor desperately seeks romance 'David Attenborough' presents a detailed guide on the mating rituals of the Irish. "We've come to a common Dublin dwelling where hundreds gather in the dark hours with one simple goal: to find a mate. The male looks for simple companionship while the female's motives are less obvious." All the awkwardness, fumbling chat up lines and hook ups are exploded during this laugh a minute tale of a typical night out. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Dockworkers_Preservation_Societly_Photographic_ExhibitionLocation: St Laurence O'Toole's Church & Sheriff St Youth Club On the 20th April at 7.45pm there will be a procession from the Five Lamps to the church of St Laurence O'Toole in Seville Place. There will be an ecumenical service for deceased dock workers at 8.15pm with the Artane band and the St Laurence O'Toole folk group and afterwards the exhibition of photographs’ will be opened to the public in Sheriff Youth Club. The Dublin Dock Workers Preservation Society was set up just over a year ago. The group is made up of ex-dock workers and people interested in preserving the history of Dublin Port. They started by collecting old photographs and are delighted to report that their collection has broken through the 1,000 mark. The Five Lamps Arts Festival are hosting this wonderful exhibition which will bring back memories to many local people of the Docks where they or their families worked for generations. The festival would like to support the Dockers in their search for a permanent museum in the area to document the history of the life of the Docks in times past. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Fairview_Fling_an_Urban_FleadhLocation: The Bandstand, Fairview Park Five Lamps festival presents An Urban Fleadh in association with Ceoltóirí Chluain Tarbh. Enjoy the atmosphere of a mini fleadh in the heart of Fairview. Traditional music sessions will take place on the bandstand. The sessions will run from 2.00pm. This event is part of the festival: Five Lamps Arts Festival http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Fred_CookeTickets on sale Thursday February 14th "Elevated to Hilarity" The Scotsman “High octane, manic brand of surreal genius” The Munster Express “I love Fred, I think he has the real spirit of the clown in him” Tommy Tiernan Ireland’s latest brilliant and original new comedy talent is set to headline his first Vicar Street show. Ready Freddie Cooke! Fred realized at a young age that he would never become a professional footballer. In his teen years it was becoming more unlikely of Radiohead accepting him in as their sixth member. It was this moment that he became a multi-award winning stand-up comedian (even before his first gig). Since that moment he has rapidly become a unique stand-up delivering a style of comedy that simply cannot be imitated. He has just made his BBC TV debut in the Sit-Com ‘Vexed’. He has already contributed to a variety of successful Irish TV shows, both as a writer and performer, including RTE’s Republic of Telly and The Savage Eye. Ticket Information: Tickets on sale Thursday Feb 14th priced €23.00 (including booking fee) from www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. +353818719300 - Republic of Ireland customers http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Take_a_TripCheck-in for this relaxed, self-guided Saturday activity for children and parents. Choose a suitcase packed with inspiration on an adventurous travel destination, then use the instructions and materials provided to make your own piece of art in response. Ages 4-12 & participating adult Tickets €6 per child, no advance booking http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_FumballinasLocation: Marino College of Further Education The Fumballinas. The Healthy Lovely Ladies Studio for Maximum Sex Attraction They are the group of four independent dancers/movers who have found a home for themselves. Fumbally Court Studio is a teaching space, but also a practice space where the four of them can each develop new ideas, have studio showings, and generally allow themselves time to explore their own artistry. Do you feel like you need to make a life change but find your foot wedged firmly up your base chakra? Did you know that a true Yogi can breathe through any orifice or that your ethereal body has the power to access the universal for wealth through vibrational chanting? It is with intense and pulsing pleasure that the Healthy Lovely Ladies offer a special master class in deep pudendum release, through the WHALE for Wellness Technique. Familiarize yourself with your own Blowhole by learning our specialized, super-hybrid, totally 100% effective formula for health. They have carefully crafted this method through amplified skill and advertising expertise at the Studio for Maximum Sex Attraction.It's almost amazing!! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Walking_Tour_of_the_North_Docklands_with_Pauline_ByrneLocation: IFSC from Georges Dock Luas Stop to the Point Village From Georges Dock to the Point Village - The Docklands Regeneration Project - Past Present & Future The walking tour with Pauline Byrne (Urban Planner) will focus on recent changes in the North Docklands long history. This event is part of the festival: Five Lamps Arts Festival http://www.visitdublin.com/event/La_Fiesta_at_DtwoVenue: Dtwo Night Club, Harcourt St, Dublin Real Events presents La Fiesta on the 21st of April in Dtwo on Harcourt St. This event will showcase the best of Spanish and Latin culture worldwide incorporating different types of food, drink, music, performance, dance, and fun! Line-up For La Fiesta (Party starts 1pm and finishes 3.00am) Latin Party Dublin DJ's: - DJ Antonio Olé  - DJ Renny Cardenas - DJ Rennis Quijada "The Bongos Man" The Flamen Killers (ww.facebook.com/FlamenKillers) Flamenco performance by Marina Garcia Flamenco Salsa Workshop by SalsaDublin.com (www.facebook.com/SalsaDublin) Salsa/Bachata Performance by Azael Salazar Tango Milonga with Tango Fiesta Dublin (www.facebook.com/tangofiesta) Sinead Mulvey Zumba (www.facebook.com/sineadmulveyzumba) (www.facebook.com/ZumbaFitnesswithLove2Dance) Spanglish - Spanish/English Language Exchange by Language Exchange Ireland Food: Argentinian BBQ & snacks by Buenos Aires Grill (www.buenosairesgrill.ie/) Venezuelan Arepas by Mr. Arepa's Paella and Tapas by Paddy Paella Drinks: The best of Spanish and Latin beers, cocktails, wines, and spirits! Excellent promotions available on the day! This is Real Events 5th cultural event and promises to be a massive party and success (Click here to view Our last event) http://www.visitdublin.com/event/O_Connell_Street_Walking_Tour_with_Carly_KeeganStart at the monument to Daniel O'Connell, O'Connell Street ,Dublin 1 Part of the Five Lamps Arts Festival a walking tour with Carly Keegan of all the monuments in O'Connell Street. Significant works on the tour will be the Spire, The Daniel O'Connell monument, the Jim Larkin monument. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Digging_For_Fire “A funny, revealing and important work…go see it. Tomorrow” - Irish Independent “Funny and fierce...compulsive viewing” - Daily Telegraph [UK] Rough Magic Theatre Company presents Digging For Fire by award-winning writer Declan Hughes. Directed by Rough Magic Associate Director Matt Torney, Digging for Fire is a bleakly optimistic comedy about love, friendship and growing up. The production opens later this spring at Project Arts Centre, Dublin on April 22nd running until May 4th 2013.   Hailed by the critics as “wickedly funny, stylish, clever and relevant”, Digging for Fire explores the dreams and ambitions of seven college friends on the brink of turning 30. Set in 1991, the play takes place over the course of a night as they meet for a reunion and to talk about old times. But nostalgia is gradually eroded as the drink loosens tongues and the true events of the past emerge with savage and humorous consequences.   An original Rough Magic commission, Digging for Fire was instantly a major hit when it first opened at Project Arts Centre in 1991.  The show then toured to Cork and Belfast before transferring to the Bush Theatre, London, where it won a coveted Time Out Award. Digging for Fire identifies a point in history when Ireland had everything to play for and a new identity to forge.  In it Hughes brilliantly captures the mood of a generation on the cusp of the Celtic Tiger.  With this new production, 22 years after the play was first staged, Rough Magic looks at how reality has measured up to the aspiration of that time.  In its themes of emigration and social and political struggle, there is much in the play that echoes the country today and to which a younger audience can easily relate.   With a cast which includes The Wind That Shakes the Barley actress Orla Fitzgerald and some of Ireland’s best young emerging acting talents - John Cronin, Will Irvine, Paul Mallon, Mags McAuliffe, Jody O’Neill and Raymond Scannell. Rough Magic Associate Director Matt Torney directs this engaging piece of theatre, which runs at Project Arts Centre from 22 April to 4 May. About: Declan Hughes Declan is an award-winning playwright and novelist, and the co-founder of Rough Magic Theatre Company. His plays include I Can't Get Started, Digging for Fire, New Morning, Twenty Grand, Shiver and The Last Summer. He is also the author of five novels: The Wrong Kind of Blood, The Colour of Blood, The Dying (US: The Price of Blood), All The Dead Voices and City of Lost Girls.  His books have been nominated for the Edgar, CWA New Blood Dagger, Shamus, Theakstons and Macavity Awards, and The Wrong Kind of Blood won the Shamus Award for Best First PI Novel, and in France, the Le Point Magazine Award for Best European Crime Novel.   About: Rough Magic Rough Magic Theatre Company was founded in 1984 and has established itself as one of the leading theatre companies in Ireland.  Rough Magic’s policy has three strands: commissioning new Irish work from both leading and emerging playwrights, producing the best of contemporary international writing and presenting innovative productions from the classical repertoire.  Rough Magic’s broad spectrum of work includes over 50 Irish premieres and the professional debuts of many Irish theatre-makers.  Productions have garnered many awards, both at home and abroad.   In addition, Rough Magic is highly active in the development of new theatre artists. Its pioneering seeds programme, now in its twelfth year, is the benchmark for professional development in Irish theatre and remains the only one of its kind.  In 2011, the company launched a parallel programme for established artists, advance, and have recently announced the participants in its second phase.  Rough Magic is also an enabler for the work of many individual artists and emerging companies through its Production Support programme, which provides participants with a range of practical assistance, mentoring and resource-sharing opportunities. Roughly Speaking: A Public Conversation Rough Magic will present a series of talks and discussions to address the themes and issues of “Digging for Fire”. All events are free but ticketed. (note: there will be additional speakers, those listed are confirmed as of 12 March 2013).   1. Near Wild Heaven  - The Music Scene 1991 - 2013 Saturday 20 April  6:00 – 7:00pm   With: Paul Brady, Dave Fanning 2. Beauty, Beauty Everywhere, and Plenty More to Drink – The Heyday of the Irish Advertising Industry Wednesday 24 April 6:30 – 7:30pm With: Catherine Donnelly, John Fanning   3. A Great Little Country – Economic and Social History 1991 - 2013 Saturday 27 April 6:00 – 7:00pm With: Catriona Crowe, Diarmuid Ferriter, Roy Foster, Niamh Hardiman 4. Embracing the Chaos -  RTÉ and the Cultural Perspective Wednesday 1 May  6:30pm – 7:30pm With: Myles Dungan, Anne Enright, Áine Lawlor 5. Generation Emigration Saturday 4 May 6:00pm – 7:00pm With: Shaun Dunne, Declan Hughes, Ciara Kenny, Ann Marie Hourihane See www.roughmagic.ie for more information Ticket Information: Previews Thursday 18 -  Saturday 20 April | 8.00pm | €15 Opens Monday 22 April  – Saturday 4 May | 8.00pm | €20 - €25 Matinees Saturday 27 April & Saturday 4 May | 3.00pm | €18 Under 30s Tickets: €10 tickets available - limited to 20 per show (proof of age required) http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Gonzalez_Walsh_Duo_at_Sean_O_Casey_TheatreLocation: Sean O'Casey Theatre, Dublin 3 The Gonzalez Walsh guitar duo is a unique presence on the Irish Live music scene. A collaboration between Irish guitarist John Walsh and Argentinean guitarist and percussionist Lucas Gonzalez, the duo is a melting pot for a diverse range of world music. Both Flamenco guitarists with a background in Classical guitar, they met on the Dublin Flamenco scene in 2008 and after sharing a stage at various events they decide to combine their talents and shared love of Flamenco, Jazz and Classical music. From the intensity and passion of Flamenco, to the reflective music of Egberto Gismonti and Chick Corea, the Gonzalez Walsh duo fuses vibrant rhythms, virtuosic guitar playing and a maturity of interpretation to create a uniquely memorable live performance. See more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49L00hjP7Qw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-RxOYcv7Y4 http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Merchant_of_VeniceLocation: Sean O'Casey Theatre The Merchant of Venice by Theatre Performance students at Marion College of Further Education http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Are_There_More_of_YouCritically acclaimed actress Alison Skilbeck brings her one woman show Are There More of You? to Ireland for the first time on a three week tour, beginning 23 April. Described by playwright Alan Ayckbourn as “brilliantly observed, richly comic characters, all played to painful perfection, a wonderful evening'”, Are There More of You? received 4 and 5 star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe, and, after seeing it during its residency at the King's Head Theatre, London, former Times Chief Theatre Critic Irving Wardle compared Skilbeck's performance to that of the great Ruth Draper. In her own one-woman comedy drama Alison Skilbeck tells the linked tales of four women reaching out in the dark, revealing what lies behind the brave faces of Claire, Sophia, Sara and Sam. Painful, scary and hilarious by turns, with only a postcode in common, the stories chart each wildly different character’s search for love and happiness. The tour begins at Draiocht on 23 April, and continues on to Wexford, Bray, Kenmare, Waterville, Listowel and Kilmallock. At Dingle it visits the Feile na Bealtaine festival on 3 May, and continues on to Birr and Rush, before ending in a residency at the Viking Theatre in Dublin from 5 May. The tour is promoted in Ireland by Richard Ryan Promotions. The late great Alan Plater described Are There More of You? as “a lovely piece of work: four diverse, original characters, telling their highly original stories. Funny, painful, and surreal - very like life.” Skilbeck's enormously varied stage career has taken her to the West End and all over the UK, and on tour to the USA and Europe: early on she created roles in no fewer than six Ayckbourn premieres at Scarborough. On radio she was 'Polly Perks' in the Archers until the character's tragic death; while television credits include Sherlock Holmes, Miss Marple, The Beiderbecke Affair, Dr Who, New Tricks, Law and Order UK, and  Midsomer Murders. Her TV career began when she presented the Spanish Language Programme 'Zarabanda' for BBC 2. Directed by Jeremy Stockwell (The Speaker, for BBC2), Are There More of You? played to 4 star reviews at the Brighton Fringe Festival, and sold out performances at the Oxford Playhouse and Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. “..the script and  performance that brings these four women to vivid life are sharply funny, often poignant and always engaging.” Oxford Times http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Brooks_Loves_Books_Free_World_Book_Night_eventWorld Book Night aims to encourage people to discover the joy of reading a good book, and Brooks Hotel is supporting this worldwide initiative by hosting a  free literary event - Brooks Loves Books - in the hotel. The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry is Brooks' book of choice for World Book Night on April 23rd, and there will be readings from the book by actor Jim Roche as well a selection of music from Brooks’ pianist in the Café Lounge from 6.30pm that evening. There is no charge for this event and it is open to all lovers of literature. We will have a limited number of copies of The Secret Scripture to offer participants who would like to reconnect with the pleasure of reading. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Eternal_Rising_of_the_Sun_Civic_Theatre"Shows us how to our transform our own private dances into public dances" - The Irish Times Meet Gina Devine. She’s a hopeless dreamer. Dreaming of fame, fortune, and water fights with Michael Jackson – a chance to flee her formidable past. She wants to soar… to fly… to dance. But Gina is hopeless, as everyone knows. This is the compelling journey of Gina’s transformation: a poignant account of redemption and release. On the heels of multiple awards and the international success of I Heart Alice Heart I, HotForTheatre brings you an inspiring story of salvation and deliverance. Nothing is impossible… well maybe the moonwalk, but Gina’s gotta dance. Presented by HotForTheatre http://www.visitdublin.com/event/It_Came_From_MarsLocation: The Pearse Centre (The Ireland Institute), 27 Pearse Street  Dublin 2 The Break-Away Project presents It Came From Mars by Joseph Zettelmaier. The Play: It’s October 30th 1938. In New York a troupe of radio actors attempt to rehearse their own show the night that Orson Welles delivers his famous War of the Worlds broadcast. The actors fly into hysterics, believing they're about to be obliterated by aliens. Honesty and hilarity ensue when the dramatic dramatists are faced with true drama. Cast include: Karen Davidson Perrins, Michael Heavey, Helena Byrne, Stephen Gorman, Ciarán McGlynn, Sue Barrett.  Directed by Anthony Kinahan. Ticket Information: Tickets available online at www.thebreakawayproject.com/tickets Or alternatively support the production’s Fund it campaign and receive rewards including tickets to the show at http://www.fundit.ie/project/it-came-from-mars-1 http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Matt_CardleFollowing a sold-out 23 date tour with his band earlier this year, Matt Cardle will hit the road in a different guise in 2013 – ‘unplugged’. Cardle will be performing acoustic versions of songs from his two Top 10 albums in some beautiful, more intimate venues, including a date at Whelan’s on Wednesday 24th April. Cardle returns to Dublin following two sold out shows in the Olympia Theatre earlier in 2012. Matt Cardle is the happiest he has ever been – don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. He’s got a platinum selling debut album – ‘Letters’ – under his belt and a sold out arena tour to his name. The enthusiasm for his craft is shining through. He has a passion for the new songs that only comes from a man who is proud of what he is delivering. His second album ‘The Fire’ was released in October. This isn’t a teenager who has found fame overnight. This is a man approaching the big 3-0 and he’s not struggling for rock’n’roll anecdotes about his twenties. He’s more in control of his musical destiny than ever before. With a new deal with independent label So What? Recordings, he’s taking a forensic interest in every step of the process this time around. An experienced live performer with a sold-out 23 date tour behind him, this album has been written with the live performances very much in mind. “It won’t be a plod. This will have shape and a dynamic – I can’t wait to get out and give it a go live.” Ticket Information: Tickets priced €25.00 incl. booking fee are available online from WAV Tickets   and all usual ticketmaster outlets nationwide. Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required After The Gig Whelan’s Indie/Electro Club w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Strumpet_City_the_TV_seriesStrumpet City – the TV series Bryan Murray (Fitz), John Kelleher (executive producer) and Tony Barry (producer) tell the story of the making of the iconic TV series. Other cast and crew members will be in the audience. Admission free, no booking required. Many of our events are free. If you would like this to continue, you can support our Events Programme by making a donation. Donation boxes are located throughout the NLI buildings. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Academy_of_Ancient_Music_Richard_Egarr_conductor_forte_piano_Angelika_Kirchschlager_mezzo_soprano As part of the Great Artists Series in The International Concert Series 2012-2013 Mozart Symphony No. 31 in D major, K297 Paris Mozart Liederen Haydn Scena di Berenice Haydn Arianna a Naxos Haydn Piano Concerto in D major Mozart Alma grande e nobil core, K578 Mozart Al desio di chi t'adora, K577 Austrian mezzo-soprano Angelika Kirchschlager enjoys an international career as one of the most important vocal artists before the public today dividing her time between recitals and opera in Europe, North America and the Far East. She is internationally recognized as one of the foremost interpreters of Richard Strauss and Mozart. Born in Salzburg, Angelika Kirchschlager studied piano at the Mozarteum. Upon graduation from the ‘Musisches Gymnasium” in Salzburg, she enrolled at the Vienna Music Academy in 1984 where she studied voice with Professor Gerhard Kahry and the late Viennese baritone Walter Berry. Highlights of her 2011-2012 season included various concert and recital engagements in Europe, North and South America and a new production of Weill’s Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny at the Vienna State Opera. Back in 1973, most orchestras played old music in a modern style. Centuries of change had eroded the sound-worlds known to Bach, Handel, Haydn and Mozart: the instruments were different; the pitch was different; the number of players was different; the very essence and spirit of performances was different. But change was in the air. Wouldn’t it be great, people asked, if we could turn the clock back; if we could find out more about composers’ original intentions and get closer to the style in which music was originally performed. This was the spirit in which Christopher Hogwood founded the AAM. Centuries of convention were cut away as baroque and classical masterworks were heard anew. Music lovers worldwide were electrified. Ancient music got a thrilling new lease of life. The stringed instruments in Hogwood’s new orchestra had strings made of animal gut, not steel. The trumpets had no valves. The violins and violas didn’t have chin rests, and the cellists gripped their instruments between their legs rather than resting them on the floor. The AAM's Music Director Richard Egarr is a brilliant harpsichordist and equally skilled on the organ, fortepiano and modern piano. He is also an accomplished conductor, and relishes the chance to talk about music at every opportunity. Since being appointed Music Director of the AAM in 2006, Richard has directed the orchestra in concerts around the world and in a number of acclaimed recordings. Richard is also involved with numerous other period ensembles in America and the UK. Presented by The National Concert Hall            http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Cinderella_After_the_BallEver wondered what happened to Cinderella and Prince Charming after they got married? Well Ballet Ireland takes up the story when the pair return from their honeymoon! Our Ballet starts after the Ball and the most famous incident of a lost shoe in history. We meet the not quite so 'happily ever after' Cinderella and Prince Charming. The ballet opens with hilarious scenes as Buttons and the 'Ugly Sisters' prepare for the homecoming of the couple. Home come the ultimate fairytale couple, struggling to overcome their different backgrounds and Cinderella's humble beginnings as she settles in to being a ‘Princess’. What Cinderella doesn't realise is that the Prince is bankrupted and he plans may to auction off The Glass Slippers! Her fairy Godmother comes to the rescue once again and needless to say all's well that ends well and the pair truly are on the road to happily ever after. Enjoy a video snippet Here  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Oliver_Reed_Wild_Thing_Civic_TheatreDON’T MISS Mike Davis and Rob Crouch’s new play Oliver Reed – Wild Thing during its Irish Tour this April and May – at a theatre near you!! Written by Mike Davis & Rob Crouch Performed by Rob Crouch Tours: April 24 – May 25, 2013 “One hell of a performance from Rob Crouch” - Lyn Gardner, The Guardian (UK) “Great fun” - The Telegraph (UK) “Everything a biopic should be...highly entertaining” - Edinburgh Evening News (Scotland/UK) Following its premiere at Edinburgh Fringe in 2012 & a successful UK tour earlier this year, Oliver Reed - Wild Thing; tours 20 venues throughout Ireland this summer: One-man theatre shows have become ever popular on the touring circuit offering some of the best nights out in live theatre and this new play to tour Ireland, Oliver Reed – Wild Thing, by Mike Davis and Rob Crouch is no exception. Having garnered four and five star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe and continuing its success during its UK tour, the play is the blistering true life story of the hellraiser actor, Oliver Reed. In an outstanding performance by Rob Crouch this extensive 20 stop Irish tour premieres at Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire, April 24 before touring the country until May 25. This superb homage to renowned actor Oliver Reed, makes for a mind boggling solo show about the legendary hell-raiser as he knocks back a few drinks and shares his incredible life story told by Rob Crouch. From the boyhood excitement of learning he was a descendant of Peter the Great, through the success the movie Oliver, boozy adventures with Keith Moon and disastrous chat show appearances - this was a life well lived. Though Ollie (as he was fondly called) may appear an unstoppable force of nature, in Mike Davis and Rob Crouch's monologue, Oliver Reed – Wild Thing, we meet Reed on the last day of his life, in a pub in Malta in 1999 where he was filming Ridley Scott’s Gladiator. Time is fast running out for the ‘Wild Thing’ and Rob Crouch brings Reed back to vivid life in this swaggering and brilliant evening of entertainment. More on Oliver Reed: Actor Oliver Reed is known for many roles in television and film but it is his personal life that eventually overshadowed his working life. As an actor Reed wrestled naked with Alan Bates in Ken Russell's film Women in Love (1969) and was, of course, a champion of the species of ‘bad boy’. He is said to have once consumed four cases of wine, followed by a bottle of Chanel No 5 as a chaser. On another “night out” he was said to have drank 141 pints, although he said himself later that this was “greatly exaggerated – it was only 127”. He got drunk and behaved outrageously on television chat shows to the delight of TV executives, whose eyes gleamed as the ratings soared. He dismissed Jack Nicholson as a "balding midget"…. and he threw up all over Steve McQueen. Reed’s father, despairing of him as the class dunce, predicted that he would become either a burglar or an actor. In the end he was an actor who famously played a burglar, Bill Sikes, in Carol Reed's film of Oliver! As the decades passed, the acting gave way to everything else. He was a celebrity before the era of the celebrity had truly begun. In one hell of a performance from Rob Crouch, the show celebrates Reed's lust for life (sometimes in all its rampant ugliness) and suggesting the tragedy of this great man. In playing the role of hellraiser so consummately, Reed knew he had made a spectacle of himself from which there was no escape. About: Rob Crouch Writer and Performer Rob Crouch is co-Artistic Director of Brute Farce and Donkey Work. Recent acting credits include Around the World in 80 Days, Moll Flanders (Perth Festival Theatre and tour), Table Manners, Homeland, Apple Pie, Pa Ubu in Ubu Disco, A Fan’s Club (New Wimbledon Theatre), Burke in Burke and Hare, Officer Klein in Arsenic and Old Lace (Strand Theatre, West End). He is approximately one half of sketch duo Clarkson and Crouch and co-creator of the comedy drama podcast The Paranormalists. Mike Davis Writer Mike Davis is an Emmy-nominated film and television producer specialising in animation who has worked for some of the UK's leading production companies and Europe’s largest visual effects studio. His credits include Dragons: A Fantasy Made Real, Stephen Hawking's Universe for Channel 4 and ITV1's recent March of the Dinosaurs. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Pat_Coldrick_Promenade_Cafe “A Maestro of the Classical Guitar” Paulo Tullio “A freshness and immediacy to what he plays” The Irish Times At The Promenade cafe (beside Teddy’s Ice Cream) on Friday the 5th & Saturday the 6th of April You get a great dinner and a show for €35.00 Bookings required The Promenade Café is an Art Deco cafe with a bit of Style in Dun Laoghaire and runs three or four nights per month Parisian café Theatre  events. Please review our shows mentioned on our web site:-  www.promenadecafe.ie Shows at €35.00 pp and paid in advance refunds available if ticket can be resold http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Sunday_Times_Outdoor_Film_Festival_2013Tickets are now sold out on Entertainment.ie The Sunday Times Outdoor Film Festival is back! Running every Thursday from April 25th to May 30th in Dublin’s only purpose-built open-air cinema, Meeting House Square. Enjoy an amazing line up of movies with hot chocolate, popcorn and blankets to keep you toasty, all for FREE! April 25th @ 9.45pm: Up May 2nd @ 10.00pm Back to the Future May 9th @ 10.00pm Cinema Paradiso May 16th @ 10.15pm: Goodfellas May 23rd @ 10.15pm: Citizen Kane May 30th @ 10.30pm: The Rocky Horror Picture Show Note: Doors open 30 mins before start time, so get there early to get a good seat! Pick up a copy of The Sunday Times for more chances to get tickets. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Abie_Philbin_Bowman_The_IMF_versus_Jedward "A wonderful exhibition of satire" - Richard Dawkins "A Rising Star" - TIME Magazine The IMF vs Jedward" Ireland should get Jedward to renegotiate our EU/IMF bailout. After half an hour with Jedward, the IMF will give us whatever we want. After half an hour with Jedward, Bono and Bob Geldof, Ireland will own Germany." Satirical stand up from the star of Irish Pictorial Weekly, Newsnight, Would You Believe, Des Bishop's Under The Influence, Celebrity Mastermind, 'Jesus: The Guantanamo Years' and 'Pope Benedict: Bond Villain'.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Cinderella_After_The_Ball_at_Civic_TheatreBallet Ireland presents Cinderella ­- After The Ball Choreography by Morgann Runacre-Temple Ever wondered what happened to Cinderella and Prince Charming after they got married? Well Ballet Ireland takes up the story when the pair return from their honeymoon!?Our Ballet starts after the Ball and the most famous incident of a lost shoe in history. We meet the not quite so 'happily ever after' Cinderella and Prince Charming. The ballet opens with hilarious scenes as Buttons and the 'Ugly Sisters' prepare for the homecoming of the couple. Home come the ultimate fairytale couple, struggling to overcome their different backgrounds and Cinderella's humble beginnings as she settles in to being a ‘Princess’. What Cinderella doesn't realise is that the Prince is bankrupted and he plans may to auction off The Glass Slippers! Her fairy Godmother comes to the rescue once again and needless to say all's well that ends well and the pair truly are on the road to happily ever after. “Together with librettist Stuart Price, Runacre-Temple has created a clever and witty sequel that is full of snappy set pieces. There’s plenty of fizzle throughout. Cinderella, although new, will still appeal to audiences used to the classics.”- Irish Times “This is a very attractive production, with lots of fast-paced choreography” - Irish Daily Mail http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Freak_Out_For_The_New_Music_GenerationAnother night of Freakaliciously satisfying music hosted in the Czech Inn. Genre will range from everything to everything else. Acts from all over Dublin will be throwing sounds into the ears of unsuspecting listeners, be prepared to Freak Out! Free In €12 Pitchers Burger + Chips & a Pint €12.90 Superb Music Lovely Bar Staff Bands: Ben Prevo - Click Here to find out more information Beach - Click Here to find out more information Deuce (A Tribute to Rory Gallagher) - Click Here to find out more informaion Times: TBC http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Garden_by_Niamh_O_MalleyGarden is a newly commissioned exhibition by Dublin-based artist Niamh O’Malley. Known for her painting and sculptural interventions, and more recently for her explorations of monumental sites, O’Malley will take us into a personal landscape using video and sculpture – the garden which she and her family shape and create with the changing seasons. Featuring a new video installation and a large painting on glass, this landscape will be revealed through screens, mirrors and windows. The video work will show a mirror panning and tilting, reversing the normal flow of light and camera movement, slowly and silently illuminating the garden in an elusive dance. Accompanying the video work and set into a wooden seating platform, a large glass plane will have textures and marks painted on both sides, creating a painting which is visible from both the front and back – a limitless image which complicates ideas of reverse, background, and negative space. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Rewind_at_Howl_at_the_MoonRewind, launches Friday 26th of April and will continue every Friday thereafter. Those of us who lived out our late teens and early twenties dancing to some of the biggest 90’s floor anthems, now in our mid thirties and early forties can head to Howl at the Moon for our new club night, Rewind. Playing all the best in 90s House music. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/RTE_NSO_Heat_Holiness_and_Left_Hand_PianoRTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Jean Frédéric Neuburger piano Pascal Rophé conductor   Messiaen  L’Ascension – 4 méditations symphoniques [27’] Ravel  Piano Concerto for the Left Hand [19’] Ibert  Escales (Ports of Call) [14’] HEAT, HOLINESS AND LEFT-HAND PIANO FRENCH MUSIC SPECIALIST PASCAL ROPHÉ CONDUCTS A COLOURFUL PROGRAMME OF MUSIC FROM HIS HOMELAND with Messiaen’s moving, devout and joyous setting of Catholic liturgy and Biblical texts, L’Ascension, Ravel’s effervescent Piano Concerto for the Left Hand – featuring Jean-Frederic Neuburger at the piano – looks west towards America to dazzlingly embrace the improvisatory brilliance of jazz. Ibert’s magical ‘Ports of Call’, meanwhile, revels in the captivating colour and exotic heat of Italian, Spanish and Arabic influences on a musical tour around the Mediterranean. Soundings, 7.00pm: In Conversation Eugene Downes with Pascal Rophé Late Night 9.45pm Free to ticket holders attending the 8pm concert Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Ticket Information: Prices: €35, €30, €24, €18, €10 Concessions €32, €27, €22, €16, €9 10% discount for Groups of 10 or more 5% discount for Groups of 5 or more and RTÉ NSO Season Subscribers http://www.visitdublin.com/event/honor_heffernanIrelands First Lady of Jazz! Returning to Bewleys Cafe Theatre with one of her favourite trios led by pianist Phil Ware. Honor Heffernan brings her own unique voice to some wonderful songs. Renowned for her interpretation and soulful take on the music of some of the greatest songwriters in the world, Honor delights and excites her audience. She loves the intimate setting of Bewleys Cafe Theatre so book early and don’t miss this enchanting performer.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Lion_King“If you go to only one musical this lifetime, make sure it’s this one.” - Sunday Independent THE LION KING will play the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from Saturday 27th April 2013 as part of the show’s first tour of UK & Republic of Ireland. The legendary musical will visit Dublin for a two-month season, giving Irish audiences the opportunity to experience this global phenomenon. Four years in the making, this truly international production brings together a cast of over 50 actors, singers and dancers, from 17 different countries, supported by a backstage team of over 100 people. THE LION KING will be the largest musical production ever to tour Ireland and the UK. Disney’s THE LION KING is based on the beloved Academy award-winning animated film which was entrusted to Director and Co-Designer Julie Taymor to adapt the film for the stage. Taymor brought a vast array of disciplines to THE LION KING which draws upon her immeasurable experience of various theatrical styles and cultures to tell the compelling tale of Simba, the young lion cub, as he journeys through life and struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destined role of King. Ticket information: Tickets are available online at www.thelionking.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Break_a_Leg‘We’re going to make a play out of our own lives and we’re putting it on in three weeks. Now let’s get started…’ Peter Sheridan tells the story of his life from his early teens through to adulthood and his decision to move to the USA. Along the way Peter grows up, explores his sexuality, finds love and has children, makes theatre, gains and loses friends and he speaks openly, honestly and movingly about it all. BREAK A LEG is Peter Sheridan’s new one-man show based on his recently published memoir by the same name. Exploring the story of his life in the theatre, it also touches on so much more. An insightful work which illuminates the wider culture and politics of Ireland in 1960s and 1970s.  BREAK A LEG is a wonderful evocation of Ireland in that era through the prism of one man’s unique experience. The theatre, seen through Sheridan’s eyes, can do much more than entertain: it can itself be a vehicle of social change. If you enjoyed 47 Roses you will love Break A Leg. “a witty, incisive one-man show...a tour de force” Joe Duffy, Mail on Sunday ‘a provocation disguised as a treat... It is essential viewing’ Irish Times. Ticket Information: Opens April 30th (previews 29th) and plays until May 25th, 2013 Mon-Sat at 1.10pm (doors open at 12.50pm) Tickets: Low-price Mondays €8, Tues – Thurs €10, Fri – Sat €12. Light Lunch available €4. Bewley’s Café Theatre would like to acknowledge the support of The Arts Council in making this production possible. Supported by Dublin City Council. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/New_York_Stories_at_Mill_TheatreNew York stories is a selection of quirky, comic plays reflecting life in the Big Apple and features a cast of characters that could only live in that crazy metropolis written by Jason Milligan. Zany, funny and even a little bit sad, come and visit New York and hear our stories. Jason’s many plays have been staged across Europe, Canada and the United States. For television, Jason served as co-creator and Supervising Producer of the family drama Hope Island. He currently works as a writer with the Walt Disney Company. Presented by Shaken Not Stirred Theatre Company Directed By Jim Martini. With: Dermot Byrne, Eugene Duffy, Aoibhinn Finnegan, Ed Jackson and Brian Molloy http://www.visitdublin.com/event/BankersThe Focus Theatre is delighted to present Bankers, written and directed Brian McAvera. From the writer that brought you the internationally acclaimed Picasso’s Women, comes this modern take on the financial crisis. What happens if you have lost everything? If you have nothing more to lose? What happens if you are a decent man, an ex- teacher, who has been destroyed by the banks? What would you do to change the system? A well-known banker, a CEO, wakes up to find himself blindfolded and bound. His wife and his sixteen year old daughter are in the same position. Then the kidnapper enters: quiet, determined, organised. This is no spur-of-the-moment action. They are in a small disused theatre which he has soundproofed. And he has a plan... And no, this man isn’t a psychopath, but he is motivated, terminally, and as such he is very, very dangerous… The cast are Tara Breathnach, Michael Bates, Evelyn Lockley & Cathal Quinn. Ticket Information: Tickets: €15/€12/€10* (*Previews, Mondays, Groups) Previews 29th& 30th April http://www.visitdublin.com/event/BealtaineGrow Happy with Bealtaine 2013 May belongs to the Bealtaine Festival which celebrates creativity as we age. Last year about 115,000 people attended over 3,500 performances, concerts, workshops, dance classes, films and creative events across Ireland. Taking place from 1-31 May Bealtaine gives you the opportunity to get involved, try something new and discover new or forgotten talents. You can attend art workshops, learn new dances, see interesting performances, and even sing with the “Dawn Chorus”. Bealtaine takes place in Museums, Galleries, Cinemas, Libraries, Care Centres, Active Retirement Associations and other venues all across the country. To check what’s happening in your area in May 2013 please go to www.bealtaine.com. Bealtaine has been coordinated by Age & Opportunity since the first festival in 1996. Bealtaine is supported by the Arts Council  To see full programme of Bealtine 2013 events Click Here   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Capucon_Trio_Renaud_Capucon_violin_Gautier_Capucon_cello_Michel_Dalberto_piano As part of the Great Artists Series in The International Concert Series 2012-2013 Fauré Sonata No. 1 for violin and piano, in A major, Op. 13 Fauré Nocturne No. 7 in C sharp minor, Op. 74 Fauré Nocturne No. 6 in D flat major, Op. 63 for piano solo Fauré Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op. 117 for cello and piano Fauré Piano Trio in D minor, Op. 120 Born in Chambéry in 1976, Renaud Capuçon began his studies at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris at the age of fourteen, winning numerous awards during his five years there. Following this, Capuçon moved to Berlin to study with Thomas Brandis and Isaac Stern, and was awarded the Prize of the Berlin Academy of Arts. In 1997, Capuçon was invited by Claudio Abbado to become concertmaster of the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester, which he led for three summers, working with conductors such as Pierre Boulez, Seiji Ozawa, Daniel Barenboim, Franz Welser-Moest and Abbado himself. Capuçon has a great commitment to performing chamber music and has worked with Argerich, Barenboim, Bronfman, Grimaud, Kovacevich, Pires, Pletnev, Repin, Bashmet and Mørk, as well as with his brother and regular collaborator cellist Gautier Capuçon. Gautier Capuçon is widely recognised as one of the foremost cellists of his generation and has received consistently high critical praise for his recordings and performances. Born in 1981, Gautier Capuçon began playing the cello at the age of five. He studied at the Conservatoire National Supérieur in Paris with Philippe Muller and Annie Cochet-Zakine, and later with Heinrich Schiff in Vienna. The winner of various first prizes in many leading international competitions, including the International André Navarra Prize, Capuçon was named ‘New Talent of the Year’ by Victoires de la Musique (the French equivalent of a Grammy) in 2001. Michel Dalberto first came to prominence when, between 1975 and 1978, he won the 1st Mozart Competition in Salzburg, the Clara Haskil Prize and 1st Prize at the Leeds International Piano Competition. Born in Paris in a non-musical family which take roots in Dauphiné and Italian Piemonte, he began the piano at the age of three and a half. When he was twelve, he was introduced to Vlado Perlemuter, a favourite pupil of the late Alfred Cortot, and entered his class at the Paris Conservatoire where he completed his studies during nine years. Another influent teacher was Jean Hubeau in the chamber music field. He has performed under the baton of some of the most distinguished conductors including Sawallish, Colin Davis, Yuri Temirkanov & Kurt Masur. Presented by The National Concert Hall http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Eternal_Rising_of_The_Sun_Axis_BallymunInspiring Story of Salvation and Deliverance Meet Gina Devine. She’s hopeless… a hopeless dreamer: fame, fortune, and water fights with Michael Jackson – a chance to flee her formidable past. She wants to soar…to fly… to dance. But Gina is hopeless, as everyone knows. This is the compelling journey of Gina’s transformation: a poignant account of redemption and release. On the heels of multiple awards and international success at the Perth Fringe, HotForTheatre brings you an inspiring story of salvation and deliverance. Nothing is impossible… well maybe the moonwalk, but Gina’s gotta dance. “One of the most powerful and lingering performances...” The Irish Times Running time: 80 mins http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Oliver_Reed_Wild_Thing_at_DraiochtDON’T MISS Mike Davis and Rob Crouch’s new play Oliver Reed – Wild Thing during its Irish Tour this April and May – at a theatre near you!! Written by Mike Davis & Rob Crouch Performed by Rob Crouch Tours: April 24 – May 25, 2013 “One hell of a performance from Rob Crouch” - Lyn Gardner, The Guardian (UK) “Great fun” - The Telegraph (UK) “Everything a biopic should be...highly entertaining” - Edinburgh Evening News (Scotland/UK) Following its premiere at Edinburgh Fringe in 2012 & a successful UK tour earlier this year, Oliver Reed - Wild Thing; tours 20 venues throughout Ireland this summer: One-man theatre shows have become ever popular on the touring circuit offering some of the best nights out in live theatre and this new play to tour Ireland, Oliver Reed – Wild Thing, by Mike Davis and Rob Crouch is no exception. Having garnered four and five star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe and continuing its success during its UK tour, the play is the blistering true life story of the hellraiser actor, Oliver Reed. In an outstanding performance by Rob Crouch this extensive 20 stop Irish tour premieres at Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire, April 24 before touring the country until May 25. This superb homage to renowned actor Oliver Reed, makes for a mind boggling solo show about the legendary hell-raiser as he knocks back a few drinks and shares his incredible life story told by Rob Crouch. From the boyhood excitement of learning he was a descendant of Peter the Great, through the success the movie Oliver, boozy adventures with Keith Moon and disastrous chat show appearances - this was a life well lived. Though Ollie (as he was fondly called) may appear an unstoppable force of nature, in Mike Davis and Rob Crouch's monologue, Oliver Reed – Wild Thing, we meet Reed on the last day of his life, in a pub in Malta in 1999 where he was filming Ridley Scott’s Gladiator. Time is fast running out for the ‘Wild Thing’ and Rob Crouch brings Reed back to vivid life in this swaggering and brilliant evening of entertainment. More on Oliver Reed: Actor Oliver Reed is known for many roles in television and film but it is his personal life that eventually overshadowed his working life. As an actor Reed wrestled naked with Alan Bates in Ken Russell's film Women in Love (1969) and was, of course, a champion of the species of ‘bad boy’. He is said to have once consumed four cases of wine, followed by a bottle of Chanel No 5 as a chaser. On another “night out” he was said to have drank 141 pints, although he said himself later that this was “greatly exaggerated – it was only 127”. He got drunk and behaved outrageously on television chat shows to the delight of TV executives, whose eyes gleamed as the ratings soared. He dismissed Jack Nicholson as a "balding midget"…. and he threw up all over Steve McQueen. Reed’s father, despairing of him as the class dunce, predicted that he would become either a burglar or an actor. In the end he was an actor who famously played a burglar, Bill Sikes, in Carol Reed's film of Oliver! As the decades passed, the acting gave way to everything else. He was a celebrity before the era of the celebrity had truly begun. In one hell of a performance from Rob Crouch, the show celebrates Reed's lust for life (sometimes in all its rampant ugliness) and suggesting the tragedy of this great man. In playing the role of hellraiser so consummately, Reed knew he had made a spectacle of himself from which there was no escape. About: Rob Crouch Writer and Performer Rob Crouch is co-Artistic Director of Brute Farce and Donkey Work. Recent acting credits include Around the World in 80 Days, Moll Flanders (Perth Festival Theatre and tour), Table Manners, Homeland, Apple Pie, Pa Ubu in Ubu Disco, A Fan’s Club (New Wimbledon Theatre), Burke in Burke and Hare, Officer Klein in Arsenic and Old Lace (Strand Theatre, West End). He is approximately one half of sketch duo Clarkson and Crouch and co-creator of the comedy drama podcast The Paranormalists. Mike Davis Writer Mike Davis is an Emmy-nominated film and television producer specialising in animation who has worked for some of the UK's leading production companies and Europe’s largest visual effects studio. His credits include Dragons: A Fantasy Made Real, Stephen Hawking's Universe for Channel 4 and ITV1's recent March of the Dinosaurs. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Lights_Camera_MusicMusic & Film workshops Tickets €11/€8 conc. Come to The Ark and create your own musical soundtracks inspired by silent cartoons, early film comedies, science fiction movies and more. You don’t need any previous musical experience to take part - just pack your imagination and your ability to make some noise! Choose from a selection of workshops for 2-12 year olds at www.ark.ie. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Camden_Crawl_Dublin_2013There will be over 150 acts playing various Dublin City Centre venues over the course of the festival - 3rd to 5th May - and entertainment.ie are happy to be back to curate one of the stages, after playing host in The Mercantile during last year's debut festival. New additions to the festival will include a cutting edge live comedy showcase, an afternoon fringe programme and a launch event on the eve of the festival. Camden Crawl Dublin 2013 will continue to be a fantastic opportunity for music fans to discover tomorrow’s emerging talent with its very affordable one pass system. Tickets, which are exchanged for wristbands, allow unlimited access to all venues, outdoor stages and after show parties and include a free programme guide and album featuring the acts scheduled to perform. Tickets will be available as single day or weekend passes. Wristbands and programmes announcing the full line ups and timings for the event are obtainable from 5pm – 10pm each day at the ticket exchange points located at Whelans, Wexford Street, Dublin 2 and Film Base in Temple Bar. With a fair bit homegrown talent already announced earlier this month, it is with great pleasure that we can unveil the International artists joining the line up of amazing Irish acts gracing the Meteor Camden Crawl Dublin stages this year Meteor Camden Crawl Dublin pops its comedy cherry at The Bankers (Dame Lane) and The Swan (Aungier St) this year with two fantastic shows at each venue commencing 7:00 & 9:00pm on Sunday 5th May. Unlimited entrance to all comedy shows in included upon presentation of Meteor Camden Crawl festival wristband. Hosted by Bankers Comedy Club, theirs is a top comedy line up showcasing  Ireland’s rising stars including Chortle Student Comedy Awards nominee Colm Tyrell, regular Des Bishop support Christiane O’Mahoney and Marcus O’Laoire fresh from the Jim Jeffries comedy tour, with “Mr Comedy Smackdown” himself Chris Kent  closing the early set.  The 9pm gig turns the volume right up with the outrageous headliner Niamh Marron (finalist Funny Women 2012) supported by the comedy genius of Tom ‘The Bear’ O’Mahoney (Republic of Telly), the flamboyant Al Porter, and the intelligent one, Darren Maher. Both sets are hosted by resident MC Peter O’Byrne. Danny Dowling (TV3’s Come Dine With Me) brings the late night hit of the Galway Comedy Festival BOOM! Live Comedy For Dead People to The Swan for a one off outing. With dark comedy to match his dark hair, Ronan Grace launches the early show followed by sketch from Giles Brody and Colin Chadwick. Alison Spittle (Republic of Telly) and the storytelling Tommie James lead the way to crescendo in a cornucopia of one liners from Trevor Browne. All is held together by MC Danny Dowling and mixed up with big tunes and good times. ‘Uncurable Laughter’ sweeps over The Swan when the creator of ComedyDoctors.ie, MC Greg Marks presents the late night set. Star of the Love/Hate series and former boxer, Padser Murray, proves why he is one of Ireland’s one’s to watch. Whilst the country’s busiest improviser and Edinburgh record holder, Gary Lynch supports the evening’s closer Tommy Nicholson, godfather of the Irish comedy circuit.   ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN will take to the stage in Dublin for the first time in almost 2 years to exclusively perform at the 2013 May Bank Holiday festival. THE BLACK LIPS / HOLY OTHER  DIRTY BEACHES / FIONN REGAN / FIGHT LIKE APES ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… AMATEUR BEST / BANTUM / BIG DEAL / CLOUD CASTLE LAKE  CONCRETE KNIVES / DARKSTAR / FORRESTS / GALLOPS / HEATHERS  KOOL THING / LANTERNS ON THE LAKE / LE GALAXIE (DJ SET) NANU NANU /  NO CEREMONY/// / O EMPEROR / PAWS THE PICTISH TRAIL / PRINCE RAMA / PVT / SHIPS / SLEEP THIEVES SQUAREHEAD / THE  SPOOK OF THE THIRTEENTH LOCK / STUBBORN HEART  THREE TRAPPED TIGERS / TOBY KAAR / TROPICS / WE CUT CORNERS VERSECHORUSVERSE  / WE WERE EVERGREEN /  WIFE /  WINDINGS ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… THE ALTERED HOURS / AMATEUR HISTORIANS / ARROWS OF LOVE / BOUTS / THE CASANOVA WAVE  CIAN NUGENT & THE COSMOS / CROUPIER / DAITHI / DOGS / DOTT / ELAINE MAI / FAUNE      GIRL BAND / GROUSE / HIDDEN HIGHWAYS / THE HOLY ROMAN ARMY / :HOUNDS: / INNI-K       KID CANAVERAL / KID KARATE / LEMONADA / LOW SEA / MARGIE LEWIS / MIRACLE BELL      MOSSY NOLAN / THE NOTAS / ORLA GARTLAND / ORQUESTA / OVERHEAD, THE ALBATROSS        OWENSIE / PETER DELANEY / SCHOOL TOUR / SKELOCRATS / SO COW / SOIL CREEP / SWORDS UNWINDING CABLES /  WHITE COLLAR BOY / YAWNING CHASM Late additions to the full line up include Manchester’s Josephine who brings the ambitious gospel tinged folk and afro pop from her highly acclaimed debut album to Dublin Unitarian Church on Saturday. On the opposite end of the sonic spectrum Leeds’ finest punk band, Eagulls, join the party Upstairs at Whelan for a must-see live experience. Hotly tipped Leanne Harte and the melodic and uplifting I'm Your Vinyl have also been added to State.ie's 4 Dame Lane stage on Saturday night. With only two weeks until the festival opens its doors, we can now unveil the full individual venues and the hosts who picked them. Visit www.camdencrawldublin.com/line-up individual stage listings. Full event timetables available from 19th May by liking the festival Facebook page and joining our event. www.facebook.com/camdencrawldublin Ticket Information: Launch Night Event Only - €20.00 Friday 3rd May 2013 (7pm – late). Entrance only to opening night event at The Village/Whelan’s  featuring 6 live acts, DJs and Special Guests TBA. On Sale 21 January 2013 Early Bird Weekend - €40.00 Saturday 5th - Sunday 6th May 2013 Weekend Tickets (25% off weekend tickets for a very limited period/while quantities last). On Sale 1st February 2013 Standard Weekend - €55.00 Saturday 5th - Sunday 6th May 2013 Weekend Tickets. On Sale 1st February 2013 Standard Day Ticket - €35.00 Saturday 5th May 2013 Single Day Ticket / Sunday 6th May 2013 Single Day Ticket. On Sale 1st February 2013 For more information on tickets visit: http://camdencrawldublin.com/tickets Follow and Like us: http://twitter.com/thedublincrawl & http://facebook.com/camdencrawldublin http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Glory_to_God_and_RugbyRoom: Main Auditorium RTEnational symphony orchestra ailish tynan soprano (replacing mairéad buicke) rté philharmonic choir (mark hindley chorus master) celso antunes conductor (replacing pascal rophé) franck  symphony in d minor [37’] honegger  rugby [8’] poulenc  gloria [28’]   With its compelling blend of french and german influences, franck’s only symphony contributed to a revival of the form in his native france in the late 19th century. and no wonder: it brims over with drama, emotion and rich, ripe melodies that catch the ear and the imagination. celso antunes, replacing the previously advertised pascal rophé, makes his rté nso debut conducting it, together with honegger’s spirited rugby, which offers all the thrills and spills of a game in full flow, and poulenc’s celebratory, gloriously ebullient and joyous gloria, with the rté philharmonic choir and mullingar-born soprano ailish tynan replacing mairéad buicke. Soundings, 7pm: guest talk Organist mark duley on franck’s symphony and legacy for organists Ticket Information: prices: €35, €30, €24, €18, €10 concessions €32, €27, €22, €16, €9 10% discount for groups of 10 or more 5% discount for groups of 5 or more and rté nso season subscribers book your meal deal for this concert by adding the promo code mealdeal in the promo code box provided. Presented by the RTE National Symphony Orchestra http://www.visitdublin.com/event/RISK_LAB From bad driving to the lotto, from real estate to smoking, humans find it tricky to evaluate risk. Why does the house always win? Is it better to do business with a bookie or a banker? How do emotions, scenarios, or media skew our assessment of the odds? And is it possible to recalibrate our perceptions of risk? These are just some of the questions posed by RISK LAB, the latest experiment-based ‘Lab InThe Gallery’ show by Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin, which opens to the public 3rd May and runs until the 23rd of June. RISK LAB has been co-curated by Winton Professor for the Public Understanding of Risk at University of Cambridge, David Spiegelhalter and Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, Maths Researcher and Presenter of RTÉ’s The Science Squad and Getaways on RTÉ 1 and BBC. Aoibhinn has taught maths, physics, applied mathematics and science and she is passionately committed to promoting mathematics and science to people of all ages. Aoibhinn commenting on her involvement with RISK LAB this morning said: “I'm delighted to be involved with this LAB IN THE GALLERY exhibition. RISK LAB brings to life all of the chances and possibilities we may meet in our everyday lives while simultaneously exploring the mathematics and psychology behind them. Being involved in scientific research will hopefully encourage young people to pursue science in their careers but should also be entertaining and interesting for all Science Gallery visitors. I've already had great fun trying out some of the exhibits.” David Spiegelhalter echoed his co-curator saying: “Risk Lab gives everyone a chance to see risk in a new light, with upsides such as coincidences and excitement, and downsides such as loss and regret. The exhibits are really engaging, and with luck will make people appreciate the wonders of uncertainty.” Opening hours and more information can be found at sciencegallery.com/risklab RISK LAB is kindly supported by Deloitte, Winton and the European Commission Seventh Framework Programme.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Doors_Alive Tickets go on sale on sale Friday 14th December at  9:00am The Doors Alive return to Dublin in May 2013. The Doors Alive is the No.1 tribute band to the legendary 60's Californian rock guru's The Doors. They re-create the sound, look, presence and feel of a real 1960s Doors concert perfectly and effortlessly, transporting the crowd back in time with such classic hits as Light My Fire, When The Music's Over, Riders On The Storm, The End and many more. Tickets Information: Tickets go on sale on sale Friday 14th December at  9:00am, ticket prices to be confirmed. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Make_a_Medieval_Shoe_at_DubliniaArchaeologist Mark Kelly shows you how to make a Nike runner medieval style! Workshops on at 11.00am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm and 3.00pm. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Poetry_Tree_Exhibition_at_The_ArkSaturdays 4th  May – 8th Jun / Bank Holiday Mondays 6th May & 3rd June 10am - 5pm, Last entry 4.30pm Ages All the family Tickets Free entry Featuring poetry by acclaimed poets including Seamus Heaney, these sculptural trees take on the shape and nature of the poems they bear as leaves, and offer children a dynamic encounter with poetry. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Latvian_Culture_DayLocation: East Essex St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 The inaugural Latvain Culture Day will feature a parade from Fleet Street followed by a day of fun with Lativan Choirs, singers and dancers, along with a market and face painting. The fun starts on Sunday, 5 May with 170 folk dancers and choirs celebrating Latvia Culture Day with a programme of lively music and dance on the outdoor stage, East Essex Street, 12.30pm to 4pm. In anticipation of the 25th Latvian Nation-Wide Song and 15th Dance Celebration to be held in Riga from 30 June to 7 July 2013 the Latvian Society's in Ireland choir 'eLV?' in cooperation with the Latvian Embassy in Ireland, Temple Bar Company and Dublin City Council organize Latvian Culture Day in Ireland on 5 May 2013. The programme includes live song and dance performances by Latvian groups from Ireland, England, Germany, Latvia, and Switzerland. Dublin has the biggest population of Latvian people in Ireland and The Temple Bar Company wants to extend its links across Europe especially in 2013, Ireland's the EU Presidency year. Temple Bar, being Dublin's cultural quarter, is the perfect place for events like this. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Shout_The_Mod_MusicalLocation: Powerscourt Theatre, 59 Sth William St, Dublin 2 (upstairs in Powerscourt Townhouse) A nostalgic nod to London’s Swinging Sixties takes to the Dublin stage this coming May with the Irish première of Shout! The Mod Musical. Since the original production – created by Phillip George and David Lowenstein – debuted off-Broadway in the mid-noughties, this hip musical comedy revue has sold out all over the US and UK; this Irish production, featuring an all-Irish cast, finally lands in Dublin’s new brand new Powerscourt Theatre in the heart of the city. The musical follows five young female subscribers to a fictional magazine called Shout! - "the magazine for the modern woman" - as they come of age during the liberating 1960s that made England swing. From cover to cover, Shout! unfolds like a musical magazine and travels in time through the decade, chronicling the dawn of liberation of women. Just as Dusty Springfield, Petula Clark, Cilla Black and Lulu were independent women with major careers, English (and indeed Irish!) women were redefining themselves in the face of changing attitudes about women. Shout! and its all-female cast reflects that change through the unforgettable music of the era. Described by a US newspaper as “a musical episode of Sex and the City”, Shout! contains showstopping new arrangements of classic pop anthems of the decade, including, “Downtown”, “Son of a Preacher Man”, “Goldfinger”, “I Only Wanna Be With You”, “To Sir With Love” and of course, the titular “Shout!”. The songs, and each girl's own unfolding story, are tied together by hilarious soundbytes from the period - from 60s advertisements for anything and everything - to lonely hearts letters answered by Shout! Magazine's advice columnist, who thinks each girl's problem can be solved with a "fetching new hairstyle and a new shade of lipstick". Each of the five girls is denoted by a colour rather than a name - Yellow (loud, fun-loving and obsessed with Paul McCartney), Orange (married, with seemingly the perfect life and husband), Blue (posh, wealthy but on a voyage of self-discovery), Red (naive, geeky and totally lacking in confidence) and Green (a good-time girl, in possession of questionable morals!). Though Shout! wears its heart on its sleeve, it also has its tongue firmly planted in its cheek. The groovy blend of foot-stomping songs, eye-popping fashions, bouffant hairstyles, hilarious stories and mod musings, will make you want to throw your head back.....and SHOUT! Shout! The Mod Musical runs from Monday 6th to Saturday 11th May nightly at 7.30pm in the Powerscourt Theatre, on the top floor of the Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin 2 and is presented by Dublin's Do R Die Productions as part of the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival and by kind permission of Josef Weinberger. Ticket Information: Click here to book tickets online From April 29th, tickets can be also booked from the Festival Box Office on +353879355449 http://www.visitdublin.com/event/WHYNipping at the ragged heels of their eagerly devoured Sod in the Seed EP, WHY? at last unleash their fifth long-player, a meticulous work of morbid fascination and offbeat romanticism dubbed Mumps, etc. Though there is a mysterious sickness (perhaps of the mind) that lurks about these thirteen songs, one might also imagine the title as describing the musically swole state of these three Midwestern men as they bring their sound into glisteningly buff focus. Yoni Wolf, brother Josiah and Doug McDiarmid are in the pocket, the unbreakable rock core at the center of a spinning ball of sonic kaleidoscopie. And all the things we love about them are still true: the grinning sun-warped choruses, that jangly Western lope, those confessionals cut with wry wit and crude details, set dancing down the odd knots of complex poetic daisy chains. It's just that ... well, all of it sounds better than ever this time around. Part of that is due to how Mumps, etc. was made. Far from their native Cincinnati, the fellas spent a month and a half in the Denton, Texas based studio, The Echo Lab. They showed up with a pile of demos suspected to be nearly done—some five years in the making—but their aspirations evolved in the shadow of the great University of North Texas music school. Reaching out to a professor therein, they wrangled an ace crew of green-and-white gunslingers to exact their wild schemes: a string quartet, an eight-person choir, woodwinds, horns. The whole set was recorded to two-inch tape (no loops), produced by the Wolf brothers, and mixed in Atlanta by Graham Marsh (Cee Lo Green, Katy Perry) with Yoni. Thus every song pops exactly as it should, smearing genre with pointed intent until the end result became an articulated work of unusual artistry and catchiness—a WHY? record, naturally. We're not here to tell you what to like; the highlights are many. There's the opener "Jonathan's Hope," rattling forth over a pile of cooing ladies and crunching percussion, its measured optimism leveled at the songs that follow. There's "Waterlines," which folds idyllic harps figures into a darkly shimmering beat while Yoni drops backwards brags—"Rocking soccer socks with sandals like, 'Yeah, bro.'"—and dissects his public persona. "White English" bounces over some kind of mutant mariachi dub, a continuation of the coiled grooves WHY? devised for Serengeti's Family & Friends (2011). "Thirst" bends Mumps' spare chamber-pop into a desert-worthy drawl, bullwhips cracking and spurs jingling under a tale about black cowboys and failing faith. And "Kevin's Cancer"—written for an afflicted fan—hits upon a moment of WHY?-style clarity: "I know with no uncertainty, that I'm uncertain and I don't know." Still, we are fairly certain that "Paper Hearts" is something extra special. Offering but a single two-and-a-half minute verse, the song is gorgeously detailed and surprisingly uncoded, unspooling as it goes a gut-wrenching end to an important relationship, and shining harsh light on a narrator who often likes to hide his truths in acts of on-album villainy. ("Bitter Thoughts," featuring Liz Wolf, being a perfect example.) So when Mumps, etc. ends one track later, with Yoni promising providence over his own death while pizzicato strings brighten the closing corners, we understand both the sad futility and the unabashed hope wrapped up in that statement. And, along with the taut arrangements and imaginative musicianship, it's that skewed but forever winking eye on the human condition that keeps us wrapped up in WHY? Ticket Infomraion: Tickets on sale now priced €18.50 (including booking fee) from www.whelanslive.com www.tickets.ie & www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Buff_your_Brain_Boosting_your_Cognitive_ReserveCognitive reserve is a theory that has been put forward to explain why certain individuals with full Alzheimer's disease pathology can live normal lives while others with the same amount of plaques and tangles are totally debilitated by severe symptoms. A growing body of research indicates that lifetime experiences can influence whether we develop symptoms and stimulating activities can help build cognitive reserve. With May being the European Month of the Brain, the Alchemist Cafe have put together a panel in association with the NEIL Programme at Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience. The talk is FREE for all to attend. The panel for the evening will consist of Professor Brian Lawlor, Consultant Psychiatrist at St James Hospital and Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at TCD, Dr Sabina Brennan, a research psychologist specializing in cognitive ageing at TCIN and Yaakov Stern, professor of clinical neuropsychology at Columbia University New York and leading proponent of the theory of cognitive reserve. This event is hosted by the Alchemist Café Dublin: http://www.alchemistcafedublin.com/ http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Moscow_State_Symphony_Orchestra_Pavel_Kogan_conductor_Nina_Kotova_celloAs part of the International Orchestras Series in The International Concert Series 2012/2013 Rimsky Korsakov Introduction & Three Miracles from Tsar Saltan Shostakovich Cello Concerto No.1, Op. 107 Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74 Pathétique The Moscow State Symphony Orchestra (MSSO) was founded in 1943 by the Kremlin and is one of the five oldest concert orchestras in Russia. Leo Steinberg, the Peoples Artist of USSR and conductor of the Bolshoi Theatre, was MSSO’s first Chief Conductor, a post he held until his death in 1945. He was succeeded by a series of distinguished Soviet musical giants that has included Nicolay Anosov (1945 – 1950), Leo Ginsburg (1950 – 1954), Mikhail Terian (1954 – 1960), Veronica Dudarova (1960 – 1989). Owing to the collaboration with such figures the orchestra became one of most prominent national symphonic ensembles, but in the first place it was known by the performances of Russian and Soviet classical music, involving many premieres of Myaskovsky, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Glier. The MSSO plays some 100 concerts each year and regularly takes its place on the international stage under the leadership of Pavel Kogan. Kogan became Music Director and Chief Conductor in 1989 and immediately enriched the orchestra’s repertoire by the works of European and American musical literature. The orchestra’s wide-ranging programmess balance great orchestral, operatic, and choral classics with equally significant music of the 21st century, including lots of many forgotten and neglected pieces. Pavel Kogan’s career has spanned over 40 years and five continents and has led him to becoming one of the most respected and widely known Russian conductors of our time. In 1970 eighteen-year-old Kogan, studying under Yuri Yankelevich at the Moscow Conservatory, won 1st prize in the Sibelius Violin Competition in Helsinki. Thereafter he appeared regularly as a violinist in concerts around the world. As a conducting pupil of Ilya Musin and Leo Ginsburg, in 1972 the young Maestro gave his debut with the USSR State Symphony Orchestra and subsequently focused more on conducting. In the years that followed he conducted the leading Soviet orchestras both at home and on tour abroad at the invitation of Mravinsky, Kondrashin, Svetlanov and Rozhdestvensky. Kogan has appeared with many prominent orchestras including the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, USSR State Radio & TV Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse and the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra. Nina Kotova studied at the Moscow Conservatory and Musikhochschule in Cologne, Germany, giving her first performance as a soloist with orchestra at age 11. She made her Western debut in Prague with the Prague Radio Orchestra in 1986 after winning the Prague International Competition, and followed with debuts at Wigmore Hall, the Barbican Centre in London, Carnegie Hall in New York and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Ms. Kotova has since then performed as a soloist with symphony orchestras across the globe including the Czech Philharmonic, the Russian National Orchestra, the State Symphony Orchestra, the China Philharmonic, the Royal Philharmonic and the Royal Opera House orchestras and the Mozarteum Orchestra in Salzburg. Presented by The National Concert Hall       http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Trailer_Park_BoysRicky, Julian & Bubbles are bringing Randy their burger munching pal to Dublin next week for two shows only. The boys were so blown away by the Olympia Theatre audience interaction the last time they visited for sold out gigs, that they have decided to film at the historical venue next Wednesday and Thursday. “Community Service Variety Show” is a live theatre show performed, in character, by the stars of the hit Showcase television program “Trailer Park Boys”. Ricky, Julian & Bubbles Olympia Theatre Shows To be filmed– You could be in Trailer Park Boys To fulfill court ordered community service requirements, Ricky, Julian and Bubbles are in town to perform a puppet show aimed at demonstrating the dangers of using alcohol and drugs. Originally the concept of creator/director Mike Clattenburg, Trailer Park Boys began as a short film starring John Paul Tremblay (Julian) and Robb Wells (Ricky) which debuted to rave reviews at the 1999 Atlantic Film Festival. The premise: a camera crew chronicles the boys’ adventures living in the Sunnyvale trailer park in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Recruiting Mike Smith (Bubbles) to complete the haphazard trio, the idea spun off a mockumentary style show which ran for seven seasons and produced two TV specials on Showcase (2001T2008). The show was Showcases’ high rated Canadian program and airs in over 15 countries. Guest starts included Rush’s Alex Lifeson, Sebastian Bach and Rita MacNeil. Ricky, Julian and Bubbles’ first full length film Trailer Park Boys: The Movie hit theatres in 2007 and the follow up Trailer Park Boys: Countdown to Liquor Day served as a finale to the series in 2009. Ticket Information: Tickets €30 / €31 including booking fee on sale now from online at www.ticketmaster.ie and all usual Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Your_brain_The_secret_to_health_ageingAs part of the European Month of the Brain, we are hosting a public seminar entitled 'Your brain: The secret to healthy ageing?'. The event will include presentations from Dr Sabina Brennan (NEIL), Professor Brian Lawlor (NEIL, St. James Hospital) and Professor Ian Robertson (NEIL) and Professor Yaakov Stern (Columbia University, New York). This will be followed by a question and answers session. This event is open to the general public, free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. To register your interest in attending this event please email neilevents@tcd.ie. Venue & Address Trinity College Dublin · College Green, Dublin 2, Dublin Reservations Accepted/Necessary http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Afternoon_Delights Bealtaine Festival 2013 What better way to celebrate Bealtaine than with a guided tour of the life and works of William Butler Yeats followed by afternoon tea in the Joly café (10% discount in the café). Free but booking required. To book a place call (01) 603 0259 or e-mail learning@nli.ie During May, the Library will host several free events to celebrate Bealtaine, Ireland’s biggest collaborative arts festival focusing on creativity in older age.  Go behind the scenes, learn about the collections and hear more about our range of services, exhibitions and events. The exhibition, Yeats: The Life and Works of William Butler Yeats, which has been described in The Irish Times as "one of the most important literary exhibitions yet staged internationally," opened to unanimous acclaim on May 25, 2006. Since then, over a quarter of a million  people of all ages and nationalities have delighted in exploring the multimedia rich experience of this award-winning exhibition.     http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Eternal_Rising_of_the_Sun_at_Pavilion_Theatre“Conroy has her cake, eats it and shares it with the audience” - The Irish Times ”the most ferociously young and brilliant performer I saw…..writes with such passion, conviction, sincerity, humour and attention to detail” – The Scotsman Meet Gina Devine. She’s hopeless… a hopeless dreamer: fame, fortune, and water fights with Michael Jackson – a chance to flee her formidable past. She wants to soar… to fly… to dance. But Gina is hopeless, as everyone knows. HotForTheatre brings you an inspiring story of salvation and deliverance. This is the compelling journey of Gina’s transformation: a poignant account of redemption and release. Nothing is impossible… well maybe the moonwalk, but Gina’s gotta dance. Eternal Rising of the Sun was originally produced in association with Irish Theatre Institute at the Dublin Theatre Festival 2011. It was part of the ReViewed programme, a showcase of successful Irish productions restaged in partnership with Culture Ireland and Irish Theatre Institute, at the Dublin Theatre Festival in 2012. Eternal Rising of the Sun will have its Australian premiere at Fringe World 2013 in the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts as part The Blue Room’s Summer Nights programme. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Freak_Out_The_New_Music_Generation_at_Speak_Easy_Cafe_BarFreak Out is proud to be back in the Speakeasy Bar(New Shebeen) just opposite the George. We will be hosting a selection of talented musicians from all over Ireland until late. Plenty of drink offers, Wood baked Pizzas from 5euro & GREAT LIVE MUSIC. Come on down its FREE IN and there will be plenty of Acts throughout the night. Music is the energy of this city lets make the most of it! Stage Times: TBC   Music From:   Denis Delaney- To find out more about Click Here Taylors Lane- To find out more about Click Here Lame Davis- To find out more about Click Here Beach- To find out more about Click Here Late City Edition- To find out more about Click Here Its completely FREE entry! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Bealtaine_Festival_Treasures_from_the_BogLocated in the Viking AV room, first floor. Join us for a screening of a documentary by Crossing the Lines Films, which traces the conservation and investigation of the Faddan More Psalter, an 8th century book of psalms discovered deep in a bog. No booking required. Not wheelchair accessible. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Darkness_into_Light_2013Start point: Papal Cross Car Park Darkness into Light, supported by Electric Ireland, is the absolute highlight of the Pieta House calendar! Starting at 4am, and crossing the line just as dawn is breaking, Darkness into Light, our annual 5km walk/run, is celebrating its 5th year. Join us on Saturday 11th May 2013 for another unforgettable morning in one of the 20 venues across Ireland. In May 2009, the Phoenix Park saw the first of the yellow t-shirt clad people assembling at an unthinkable hour. There were about 400 people that morning, all huddled together in the blackness and the cold, standing behind the starting line. Who would have guessed that four years on, the little event we call Darkness into Light would be the symbol of hope, the celebration of life that it is today? With nearly 13,000 participants last year, how could it get any bigger? But it has, and now Darkness into Light is celebrated across 20 venues in Ireland. In addition, we have a terrific new sponsor, Ireland's leading energy supplier, Electric Ireland who are working in partnership with us to ensure 2013 is the best year yet for Darkness into Light. Think about the 13,000 remarkable people who attended last year. Think about how delicious it will be to collapse back into your warm bed later on that morning, knowing that you’ve had your Good Deed for the day, and your exercise for the week! But ultimately, think about how Darkness into Light is the flagship fundraising and awareness event for Pieta House, and without your support, we could not have helped over 7,300 people in distress over the last 7 years. Celebrate Life. Join us this year. Register now. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Grow_Happy_Bealtaine_Festival_ExhibitionGroup Exhibition in conjunction with this year’s Bealtaine Festival. Bealtaine is co-ordinated by Age & Opportunity, the Irish national organization working to promote greater participation by older people in society. Over 120,000 people now take part in Bealtaine. From dance to cinema, painting to theatre, Bealtaine showcases the talents and creativity of both first time and professional older artists. The theme for the 2013 festival is Grow Happy; a call to celebrate growth, spring and positivity for ourselves and our communities.  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Little_Green_CarsTickets on sale Thursday March 7th @ 9.00am Following quick sell-out shows at Whelan’s and The Button Factory, Ireland’s new harmony-rock sensation Little Green Cars celebrate the release of their debut album Absolute Zero (May 10th, Glassnote) with a headline show in their hometown at Vicar Street on May 11th. Few of us make much out of the endless weekend hours we spend together when we're young. Draping ourselves throughout our friends' houses and airing out the angst and dreams and heartbreaks that will shape us before they fade away with time, we may make mix-tapes, or weave friendship bracelets, or simply craft inside jokes and rosy memories to cherish in years down the line. But for Dublin folk rock quintet Little Green Cars, those Sunday afternoons may have built the most important adventure they'll ever take. The band — now a quintet of 20-year-olds with a habit of waxing deadly serious about their ever-expanding ambitions — convened in 2008 in a bungalow in Stevie Appleby's parents' backyard for as ordinary a reason as any: as the frontman admits sheepishly, they wanted to win a battle of the bands competition. With guitarist Adam O'Regan and bassist Donagh O'Leary friends since primary school, and the rest having met in secondary, the five rehearsed for the gig, at which they promptly lost out to another local band. Then, in 2010, not long before graduation, then-rising manager Daniel Ryan found them at one of their sparse live gigs. With just one client already under his wing, he approached the quintet with a terrifying yet exhilarating ultimatum: Do you want to go to university, or do you want to really be in a band? "That was the first time we considered looking that far ahead," says guitarist/vocalist/primary songwriter Faye O'Rourke. "We were trying to avoid thinking about the future because of the prospect of college, but…" The choice became obvious. "Stevie and I never did anything in school. Ever, ever, ever," says O'Regan, only half-joking. "Certainly, we put all our eggs in one basket. Parents always teach you that you've got to have something to fall back on, but we figured, by that logic, if we put everything into music, it can't fail. So, that's what we did." The lengths to which Appleby, O'Rourke and the rest of the band will go to tell that truth have yet to reveal their depth, but a full-steam-ahead debut record is a good place to start: finally, five years' worth of backyard Garage Band tracks have a name: Absolute Zero. The songs of Absolute Zero have only begun to see the light of day, because, as Appleby puts it, "we've always been more interested in recording and writing and experimenting with everything than in touring. [The past five years] was time spent finding our sound, finding ourselves. We've gone through everything, from acoustic guitars to electronic music. We needed the time to grow up as people and as musicians." In other words, this is a debut that is a sum total of its creators' ascent to this moment. It is a desperate, under-pillow diary; a painstakingly lettered love note dropped in a locker; a collective, yet very personal, dissertation. On the record's debut single "The John Wayne," a fierce paean to the ones who so easily break our hearts, the lot of them proclaim, "It's easy to fall in love with you/It's easy to be alone/It's easy to hate yourself when all your love is inside someone else." On "My Love Took Me Down To The River To Silence Me", O'Rourke is torn between the heartbreak and the healing that comes from being heartbroken, "But my heart burned out til it was no more/still I wait on the ground, I don't know what for/There is a heart in you/where is the heart in me?/This love's killing me, but I want it to." And by its early-morning close, when Appleby asks, "And who will write and who will fight for this man/I know I am?/And if you're running out of space/Please don't erase your time with me," it becomes clear that it's not just love Little Green Cars are grasping at: even amidst an ex-lover's plea for acknowledgement, the search has grown far beyond that. Absolute Zero's 48 minutes, crafted in unabashed earnestness with the aid of seasoned epic-producer Markus Dravs (Mumford and Sons' Sigh No More and Babel, Arcade Fire's Neon Bible and The Suburbs, Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto), act as a soul-bearing report, as guileless as the young quintet themselves, on the act of simply growing up: a process that requires, at once, so little and so much effort it could explode you from the inside at any moment. "This record constantly jumps between two contrasting perspectives: the beauty of a reckless youth and the fear and confusion caused by our ever-pending adulthood," Appleby explains. "It's a hopeful and naïve look at love and life in general, which gives the album its bright days — but also deals with isolation, unrequited love and madness, which give the album its long nights, its nightmares. We wanted to express both a feeling of strength and vulnerability, so the work had to encompass both the light and dark." Fresh off a whirlwind month of touring, the band will be spending the next few months leading up to Absolute Zero's release preparing themselves for whatever comes next. Because once it drops, all they'll be able to do is to keep their hands outstretched and wait patiently for listeners to reach back. • Ticket Information: Tickets on sale Thursday March 7th @ 9.00am pricedd €17.00 from online at www.ticketmaster.ie and from all usual ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/My_Museum_Birds_of_a_FeatherJoin Birdwatch Ireland in the Museum to find out more about Irish birdlife - from wrens to eagles and everything in between! Families with children aged 6-12 years No booking required. Wheelchair accessible. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/David_KittAn inspiring musician/producer, David Kitt’s work crosses multiple genres, personal songs that draw on a huge range of musical tastes from electro to house to country. In this summer’s solo tour he previews new material along with stripped-down versions of songs from his extensive back catalogue. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Water_Safety_Surf_Open_Day_2013There will be demonstrations, novice events and competitions, and giveaways on the day. Dublin Lifesaving Team will be showcasing the Surf Lifesaving, which incorporates lifesaving skills in race formats. There will be demonstrations of the sport on rescue race boards and ski's.Then a taster session for anyone to join in and try it out.  We will have a DJ playing music throughout the day keeping the spirits high.  Anyone can come along who are interested, amateurs and novices encouraged to come along and participate and bring your friends.  Aged from 8 years old and up. Irish Water Safety will be present on the day educating the public on safety at waterways and will have their rescue boats out in Killiney giving people trips around the bay. Try some other water sports like Kayaking, Surfing and Stand-Up Paddle-boarding (SUP) with thanks to Great Outdoors, Billabong and Red Paddle Co. who will be out on the day also.  There will be spot prizes and giveaways on the day for anyone who participates. The event runs during An Taisce's Clean Coast Week. Check out the photos from lasts years event on the Dublin Water Safety Page. Here is the facebook link for the event (click here). http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Freshly_Squeezed_International_Student_Short_Film_FestivalThe first of its kind in Ireland, Freshly Squeezed International Student Short Film Festival has diversity at its heart. The aim is to provide an international platform for young filmmakers worldwide who might otherwise find it difficult to get their work shown due to a lack of budget and/or screening opportunities. For this reason submissions are free and ticket prices low. After a hugely successful first year in 2012, the festival is back in 2013 with over 250 submissions from up and coming filmmakers worldwide. Over one day in May the top selections will be shown in Dublin's Sugar Club, drawing in a wide variety of both local and international talent. On the day of the festival, hours of student short film will be screened, featuring categories including fiction, documentary, experimental and animation. Each will be accompanied by a feedback session and Audience and Jury prizes will be awarded to winning films. Seminars and a networking session with established industry professionals will take place and footage of these will be made available online for those unable to attend. All guests will be announced one week prior to the festival. Freshly Squeezed is a truly international film festival that extends beyond borders. The programme gives young filmmakers the chance to make useful contacts and foster future creative collaborations, as well as giving film lovers a chance to experience work from up and coming talent. Go along, support and enjoy! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Gabriel_O_PensadorAldeia Da Musica and Real Events proudly present Gabriel O Pensador for the first time in Dublin on the 12th of May in The Academy Dublin. Gabriel and Band will be playing all the classic's and a few songs from his new album (Sem Crise). And special guests Carlinhos Cruz + Banda Baque Soul + DJ Tarcisio Terci Ticket Information: 1 Lot - €20 ( standing ) Limited Amount 1 Lot - €30 (cabin) Limited Amount Real Transfer (Clarendon Street - Dublin 2) Quitanda (Cow Street - Temple Bar) Taste of Brazil (Parliament Street - D2) Feijoadao (The Mezz - Temple Bar - D2) and official reps. Doors open from 5.30pm at The Academy (Middle Abbey Street - Dublin 1) Facebook event page: Click Here Real Events Facebook: Click Here http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Lord_Mayors_Family_Sports_EventLocation: O'Connell Street On Sunday 12th May, 2-5pm, Dublin City Council in association with Athletics Ireland are hosting a unique on-street sporting event in the heart of Dublin City. Transforming O’Connell Street into a sporting arena for the citizens and visitors of the city, the event will add great atmosphere, energy and vibrancy to what’s usually a normal Sunday on the Street. The aim of the day is to get active whilst having fun. Laura Lynn will be the focused Charity on the day. Jane McKenna from Laura Lynn said “LauraLynn is delighted to be the chosen Charity for this event, especially with the lovely involvement of children. LauraLynn, Ireland’s first Children’s Hospice, is now bringing precious care and comfort to sick little ones and their families. A million thanks to all who support us, and good luck with to the Lord Mayor and all taking part in this wonderful event”. 98FM will also be on site with their Big Red Thunder Bus cheering on the crowd. Timetable of Events Fun Run - 4pm A one mile fun run up and down O’Connell Street. Open to everyone this will be an opportunity to partake in a leisurely event in the heart of the city. Kids Street Athletics - 2pm to 5pm The athletic events will enable participants to experience athletic activities in a fun environment. Speed, agility, balance and coordination will all be tested. Children can measure their fitness, test their prowess against friends or parents in a series of fun activities. Speed Bounce – test your speed and power in a 20 second bouncing test. Age 6 upwards. Standing Long Jump – see how you measure up in a test of power and jumping ability. Age 6 upwards. Balance Beam – test your ability to balance for 15 seconds on one leg on a narrow beam. Age 6 upwards. Target throw – a test of co-ordination and skill for 6-12 year olds. Medicine Ball throw – a test of strength and co-ordination. Age 6 upwards. Speed Gates – who will be fastest over 25 metres in an individual time trial. Age 6 upwards http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Memoir_writing_with_Irene_GrahamBealtaine Festival Have you ever been interested in writing your memoirs, but unsure of where to start? Join author Irene Graham for an interactive in-depth lecture and discussion on Memoir Writing and how to weave family history into your story. Free but booking  required. To book a place call (01) 603 0259 or e-mail learning@nli.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Dance_FestivalDublin Dance Festival is the leading dance event on Ireland’s cultural calendar. Each year in May, the Festival brings together dance artists and choreographers from across the world to share vibrant contemporary dance with audiences in Ireland. 2013 will see the 9th Festival. In this short time, the Festival has developed a dedicated audience for dance in Ireland. Since its establishment in 2002 the Festival’s ambitions have been big and brave. Enabling audiences to discover inspirational artists lies at the heart of the Dublin Dance Festival mission. Audience members look forward to experiencing celebrated classics and discovering the freshest talents each year through a programme that is resonant and stimulating. The Festival also provides a platform for Irish choreographers to develop their work in an international context. Uncover beautiful dance – from near and far – in Dublin in May! To view the full programme for Dublin Dance Festival 2013 Click Here Click Here to check out the Dublin Dance Festival teaser video.....  For information on Tickets visit www.dublindancefestival.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Hunt_at_Abbey_TheatreStravinsky Evening celebrates the 100th anniversary of the infamous first performance of Rite of Spring by the Ballets Russes. Hunt  is Saarinen’s heart-stopping solo set to Rite of Spring, in which he is both the hunter and the hunted. The unstoppable rhythm of the music is matched by sinuous movements. Saarinen’s body acts as a canvas for a kaleidoscope of light and live multi-media projections. Saarinen’s Petrushka is a love triangle played out with all the wit of a silent movie comedy and the colour of the fairground. Two classical accordionists play the score live on stage in an extraordinary version of Stravinsky’s ballet. Tero Saarinen is one of Europe’s leading dance makers and has created work for major companies such as Lyon Opera Ballet, Batsheva Dance Company and Nederlands Dans Theater. Stravinsky Evening is presented by Dublin Dance Festival in association with the Abbey Theatre. ‘A fascinating suspension between the familiar and the strange, the classic and the new’ – The Guardian Please note: HUNT contains strong strobe lighting effects. Ticket Information: Tuesday 14 – Wednesday 15 May Time: 7.30pm On the Abbey stage Tickets: €20-€35 / Conc. €18-€32 http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_LessonThe Pupil has come for her lesson. Her exams are in 3 weeks… The Professor has a lesson plan, but the Maid doesn’t like it. As the Pupil asks the big questions, the lesson begins to unravel and the pair get locked in a battle of wits and teeth. Daniel Reardon stars as the Professor who takes the lesson too far. Written in 1951 by Eugene Ionesco (Rhinoceros, The Chairs) The Lesson is a classic of absurdist theatre. This dark classroom comedy asks us to question everything, and believe nothing… or does it? Post-Show Discussion, Thursday 16th May Every day is a school day: What can we learn from The Lesson? Join us after the show on Thursday, 16 May, for a lively discussion on the nature of the teacher-pupil dynamic, and what 'lessons' we can learn from Ionesco's play. A panel featuring director Zoe Ní Ríordáin, cast members Daniel Reardon and Lisa Walsh, and Professor Nick Johnson of Trinity College Dublin will be chaired by Christopher Collins, Trinity College Dublin professor and dramaturg for The Lesson, will provoke discussion and debate, while asking the audience for their own experiences and memories of school - and of course, bad teachers. Entry to this post-show discussion is free with tickets to the performance - just remain in your seat and what for the follow-up lesson to begin...! Ticket Information 15 - 18 May ~ Tickets €14/12 Preview, 14 May, all tickets 2 for €15. Matinee, 18 May, 2.30pm, tickets €12 Duration ~ approx 60mins (no interval) book now Groups Group discounts available in advance only, ask to speak to Melanie or email melanie@projectartscentre.ie This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (Mon-Fri during office hours) Seating Our seating is unreserved so you will choose your seat on the night of the performance. We advise you to arrive at least 10 minutes before the start time as we are unable to seat patrons once a performance has begun. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Poetry_Reading_and_Poetry_Writing_workshopPoetry Reading and Poetry Writing workshop Bealtaine Festival 2013 Join Australian poets, Diane Fahey and Ali Cobby Eckermann for a poetry reading  (1.10pm - 2pm) followed by a poetry writing workshop from (2.30pm  – 3.45pm). For more details see the NLI website. No need to book, just drop-in on the day http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Factory_Girls_Civic_TheatreMillenium Forum presents Written by Frank McGuinness Directed by Caitriona McLaughlin Frank McGuinness first came to prominence with his play The Factory Girls, first produced in The Abbey Theatre, Dublin. The Factory Girls tells the story of five women facing the threat of redundancy, who stage a lock-in in a shirt factory in Co. Donegal when faced with losing their jobs. The women characters are five strong and independent women: Ellen, Una, Vera, Rosemary and Rebecca who take on the boss and the union. Described as a truly realistic play filled with humour, charm, fine acting and staging; these "girls" may never get back their jobs, but their brief adventure has brought each of them the insight that will give them the courage to soldier on. Wednesday, 15th - Saturday, 18th May 2013 @ 8pm Ticket Information: Admission: €20 & €16 concession and €10 on opening night (Wed 15th May) Special Bealtaine Offer: €10 tickets on Friday, 17th May. BOOK TICKETS HERE http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Words_on_the_Street_European_Literature_Night_2013Twelve Countries, Twelve Voices, Twelve Venues, One Great Evening A bright spring evening wandering around St. Stephen's Green in Dublin listening to well known Irish people evoking life in modern Europe - maybe stopping for a drink on the way....does that sound enticing? Words on the Street - European Literature Night will happen in cities across Europe on the same night - Wednesday 15th May. In Dublin well known Irish people will read contemporary writing from twelve European countries in twelve venues, many of which are unusual and not normally easily accessible to the public. Rosaleen Linehan, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Eamon Morrissey, Seana Kerslake (IFtA shorlisted), Bryan Murray, Ray Foley (98fm DJ), Rick O'Shea (2fm DJ), Sinead Desmond (Ireland AM), Mark Cagney (Ireland AM) and Niamh Sharkey (Children's Laureate) will be joined by others in places such as Royal College of Surgeons, Stephen's Green Hibernian Club, Little Museum of Dublin, Constitution Room in the Shelbourne Hotel, Taylor Galleries, Boston College, 6 Ely Place, Loreto College, The Sugar Club, Iveagh House, Newman House and Newman University Church. A map and information booklet showing the location of the venues with information about the readers and readings will enable the public to move from venue to venue. This will be available from libraries in Dublin, Failte Ireland tourist offices, National Library and the venues. The twelve participating countries will each be represented by a short (15 minutes) translated piece of a novel, poem or short story which will be read every 30 minutes so people can wander from venue to venue taking in readings from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain & the UK. The first reading in each venue starts at 6.30pm and is repeated on the hour and half hour with the final reading at 9pm. First launched in Prague, it has now become a major international cultural event promoting European cultural heritage by presenting contemporary writers, well-known and newcomers to the broader European public. The west end of Temple Bar and the Christ Church area were the locations for this hugely successful unique event in 2012 - don't miss Wednesday 15th May around St. Stephen's Green for the 2013 event. A Dublin UNESCO City of Literature project in partnership with Alliance Francaise, British Council, Goethe-Institut, Instituto Cervantes, Italian Institute of Culture, embassies of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Romania and the Romanian Cultural Institute This project has been funded with support from the European Commission http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Best_of_Irish_Weekend This weekend we have decided to put together 6 of Irelands top headlining acts and cram them all into the best show that you could possibly imagine! With acts chosen by die hard fans of Irish comedy, we are out to prove once and for all, that Ireland is the comedy capital of the world! If you see one comedy show this year, make sure its this one! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Has_Ireland_too_many_historiesLocation: Royal College of Physicians, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 ‘Too many histories’? surveys of the past generation. Ireland’s only illustrated history magazine celebrates its 20th birthday with a special History Ireland Hedge School on Thursday 16 May at 7 pm. The event will tale place at the Royal College of Physicians, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 (in association with the Irish Association for Cultural, Social & Economic Relations, marking their 75th anniversary and is supported by the Reconciliation Fund of the Dept. of Foreign Affairs,). This is a free event and seats are allocated on first come basis, you can reserve a seat by emailing: bookings@historyireland.com  or phone +353-1-2933568. The panel will include Prof. Joe Lee (New York University, Ireland 1912-1985: Politics and Society, 1990), Éamon Phoenix (Queen’s University Belfast, Stranmillis, Northern Nationalism: Nationalist Politics, Partition and the Catholic Minority in Northern Ireland 1890-1949, 1994), Prof. Diarmaid Ferriter (University College Dublin, The Transformation of Ireland 1900-2000, 2004), and Mary Cullen (NUI Maynooth, Telling It Our Way: Essays in Gender History, 2013) Give it a rest? When Alfred Cope, a former British assistant undersecretary in Dublin Castle, was approached in the 1940s to give a statement to the Bureau of Military History (BMH) he refused, saying ‘Ireland has too many histories: she deserves a rest’. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/ICON_Irish_Craft_Original_NamesThe Crafts Council of Ireland in association with Brown Thomas is presenting a curated selection of unique, innovative objects from the flagship publication 'Irish Craft Portfolio: Critical Selection 2013-2014' in special feature windows on Grafton Street. As part of ICON, the Brown Thomas windows on Grafton Street will include Sonja Landweer's inspiring work in bronze; Cóilín O'Dubhghaill's precious metal vessels with ground breaking patinas; Sasha Skyes' innovative furnishings in acrylic resin mixed with other materials; Joe Hogan's non-functional drift wood baskets; Nuala O'Donovan's intricate porcelain sculptures; Jennifer Hickey's ephemeral tulle veil with sewn on porcelain and LED lighting; Jack Doherty's porcelain bowls with oxidized glazes; Róisín de Buitléar's rainbow coloured, blown glass balls; and Derek Wilson's contemporary porcelain. In the Luxury Hall master silversmith Michael McCrory's enameled silver condiment sets will be displayed. The Designer Rooms on the first floor will showcase the Wish table by John Lee, a selection of baskets by Alison Fitzgerald, glass vases by Catherine Keenan, Killian Schurmann's glass objects, Paula Stokes's elegant glass vessels and found objects repurposed as utensils by Stuart Cairns. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Learn_to_use_the_National_Library_of_IrelandLearn to use the NLI Bealtaine Festival 2013 Thurs 16 May at 11am and Mon 20th May at 2.30 pm New to the Library? Or a regular who's not sure how it all works? Ever wondered how to use the NLI? Join us for this introduction where we will show you how to get a Reader’s ticket, how to search our catalogues, how to order material and much more. All welcome. No booking required.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Rioja_Wine_Dinner_and_Event_at_the_Beaufield_MewsIn association with Febvre Wines, the Beaufield Mews is delighted to host an evening celebrating the wines of Rioja and in particular the wines of one of its top Wineries: Bodegas Valdemar. The evening will begin at 7.30pm with a Cava reception in the Garden of the Beaufield Mews, followed by a 4 course gourmet dinner with accompanying wines. Leading winemaker at Conde de Valdemar will be on hand to lead us through the wines and help us appreciate the tradtions and wine heritage of this celebrated wine region. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/What_the_Body_Does_Not_Remember _Abbey_TheatreWhat the Body Does Not Remember stunned audiences when it premiered in 1987. This first work from Wim Vandekeybus and Ultima Vez created a new landscape for dance. 25 years on, the revival of this essential, gripping work comes to the Abbey stage for three nights only. A theatrical score by Thierry de Mey and Peter Vermeersch drives relentless, risky choreography – this is not normal body language. Bricks are hurled across the stage, bodies collide in mid-air. Instinct takes over and trust is everything in this dangerous, combative environment. What the Body Does Not Remember is presented by Dublin Dance Festival in association with the Abbey Theatre. ‘Tough, brutal, playful, ironic and terrific. Adjectives seem unduly passive in describing What the Body Does Not Remember’ – The New York Times Ticket Information: Tickets priced €20 - €35 / Concession €18 - €32 are on sale from online by Clicking Here http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Amlin_Challenge_Cup_FinalDublin will be the epicentre of European club rugby when the Irish capital stages both the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup finals in May 2013. The RDS will be the venue for the Amlin Challenge Cup final on Friday, 17th May. The following day, fans will be able to congregate in the European Champions Village in Merrion Square from 12 noon, with the Heineken Cup Final kicking off in the nearby Aviva Stadium at 5:00pm. Leinster will take on Stade Français in Amlin Challenge Cup Final in what promises to be a very special occasion in the rugby calendar at the RDS. With the two finals being played in close proximity, up to 70,000 supporters will converge on the city to savour what has become an unmissable weekend festival of European club rugby. Starting with the Amlin Challenge Cup decider, taking in the European Champions Village, and climaxing with the final of the Heineken Cup which is widely regarded as the world's most competitive club rugby tournament, Dublin will offer fans a special sporting experience in the space of a weekend. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/BressieHe’s one of the hottest Irish acts around. Bressie has announced a headline tour of Ireland for May 2013. Already a well respected and talented musician from his time fronting The Blizzards, Bressie’s debut solo album ‘Colourblind Stereo’, reached #1 in the iTunes Album chart. Bressie’s second solo studio album “Rage and Romance” will be released later this month. ‘Show Me Love’ will be the first single released from the album. Bressie was the winning coach of voice of Ireland 2012. This is a title he’s hoping to retain in 2013 with the second series of the voice of Ireland already in full swing, Bressie has expertly filled this role with charisma and professionalism and it, in turn, has firmly planted him in the heart of the Irish public as a true gentleman of the Irish music industry. Bressie will tour Ireland throughout this Spring and Summer. Ticket Information: Tickets are on sale this Friday 8th from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and online at www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/M_People Tickets go on sale Thursday 7th March M People emerged out of the club scene in Manchester as the eighties turned into the nineties to become the first mainstream dance act. During their ten year reign as one of the world’s biggest dance acts the band sold more than 11 million records. The first single from M People, Colour My Life, was released in 1991, but it wasn’t until the second single, How Can I Love You More, was released that the band had top ten success. M People's first album, Northern Soul, got its name from the music genre, a mixture of styles with ingredients from dance and soul. Northern Soul was acclaimed one of the best dance albums in 1992 Northern Soul's follow-up album, Elegant Slumming produced 3 more massive hits Moving On Up, One Night in Heaven and Dennis Edwards' classic Don’t Look Any Further. Elegant Slumming went on to win a Brit Award as well as the prestigious Mercury Music Prize. 1994’s album, Bizarre Fruit, their third album released in 1994, stayed on the UK-chart for two and a half years. The album featured hits like Sight for Sore Eyes, Open Your Heart and Search for the Hero and went on to win the band another Brit Award.  M People also played the main stage at Glastonbury Festival in 1994. The band’s fourth album, Fresco, produced further hits singles in Just for You, Fantasy Island and Angel Street .M People’s songs have been used in everything from advertising campaigns to films such as The Full Monty and Pret-a-Porter and the band were even give the Freedom of Manchester in 1999. Ticket Information: Tickets go on sale Thursday 7th March priced €42.00 (including booking fee) available from www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Oliver_Reed_Wild_Thing_at_The_Helix DON’T MISS Mike Davis and Rob Crouch’s new play Oliver Reed – Wild Thing during its Irish Tour this April and May – at a theatre near you!! Written by Mike Davis & Rob Crouch Performed by Rob Crouch Tours: April 24 – May 25, 2013 “One hell of a performance from Rob Crouch” - Lyn Gardner, The Guardian (UK) “Great fun” - The Telegraph (UK) “Everything a biopic should be...highly entertaining” - Edinburgh Evening News (Scotland/UK) Following its premiere at Edinburgh Fringe in 2012 & a successful UK tour earlier this year, Oliver Reed - Wild Thing; tours 20 venues throughout Ireland this summer: One-man theatre shows have become ever popular on the touring circuit offering some of the best nights out in live theatre and this new play to tour Ireland, Oliver Reed – Wild Thing, by Mike Davis and Rob Crouch is no exception. Having garnered four and five star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe and continuing its success during its UK tour, the play is the blistering true life story of the hellraiser actor, Oliver Reed. In an outstanding performance by Rob Crouch this extensive 20 stop Irish tour premieres at Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire, April 24 before touring the country until May 25. This superb homage to renowned actor Oliver Reed, makes for a mind boggling solo show about the legendary hell-raiser as he knocks back a few drinks and shares his incredible life story told by Rob Crouch. From the boyhood excitement of learning he was a descendant of Peter the Great, through the success the movie Oliver, boozy adventures with Keith Moon and disastrous chat show appearances - this was a life well lived. Though Ollie (as he was fondly called) may appear an unstoppable force of nature, in Mike Davis and Rob Crouch's monologue, Oliver Reed – Wild Thing, we meet Reed on the last day of his life, in a pub in Malta in 1999 where he was filming Ridley Scott’s Gladiator. Time is fast running out for the ‘Wild Thing’ and Rob Crouch brings Reed back to vivid life in this swaggering and brilliant evening of entertainment. More on Oliver Reed: Actor Oliver Reed is known for many roles in television and film but it is his personal life that eventually overshadowed his working life. As an actor Reed wrestled naked with Alan Bates in Ken Russell's film Women in Love (1969) and was, of course, a champion of the species of ‘bad boy’. He is said to have once consumed four cases of wine, followed by a bottle of Chanel No 5 as a chaser. On another “night out” he was said to have drank 141 pints, although he said himself later that this was “greatly exaggerated – it was only 127”. He got drunk and behaved outrageously on television chat shows to the delight of TV executives, whose eyes gleamed as the ratings soared. He dismissed Jack Nicholson as a "balding midget"…. and he threw up all over Steve McQueen. Reed’s father, despairing of him as the class dunce, predicted that he would become either a burglar or an actor. In the end he was an actor who famously played a burglar, Bill Sikes, in Carol Reed's film of Oliver! As the decades passed, the acting gave way to everything else. He was a celebrity before the era of the celebrity had truly begun. In one hell of a performance from Rob Crouch, the show celebrates Reed's lust for life (sometimes in all its rampant ugliness) and suggesting the tragedy of this great man. In playing the role of hellraiser so consummately, Reed knew he had made a spectacle of himself from which there was no escape. About: Rob Crouch Writer and Performer Rob Crouch is co-Artistic Director of Brute Farce and Donkey Work. Recent acting credits include Around the World in 80 Days, Moll Flanders (Perth Festival Theatre and tour), Table Manners, Homeland, Apple Pie, Pa Ubu in Ubu Disco, A Fan’s Club (New Wimbledon Theatre), Burke in Burke and Hare, Officer Klein in Arsenic and Old Lace (Strand Theatre, West End). He is approximately one half of sketch duo Clarkson and Crouch and co-creator of the comedy drama podcast The Paranormalists. Mike Davis Writer Mike Davis is an Emmy-nominated film and television producer specialising in animation who has worked for some of the UK's leading production companies and Europe’s largest visual effects studio. His credits include Dragons: A Fantasy Made Real, Stephen Hawking's Universe for Channel 4 and ITV1's recent March of the Dinosaurs. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Bealtaine_Festival_Ancient_Amber_WorkshopAmber, or fossilized tree resin, has been treasured by people for thousands of years. Join Matthew Parkes, Museum Geologist, for a bead-making workshop using real amber and learn more about how people used this amazing material in the past. Limited to 15. Booking is essential. Contact the Education Department at +353 1 64 86 332 or email mjfitzsimons@museum.ie. Not wheelchair accessible. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Heineken_Cup_FinalDublin will be the epicentre of European club rugby when the Irish capital stages both the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup finals on 17th & 18th May. The RDS will be the venue for the Amlin Challenge Cup final on Friday, 17th May. The following day, fans will be able to congregate in the European Champions Village in Merrion Square from 12 noon, with the Heineken Cup Final kicking off in the nearby Aviva Stadium at 5:00pm. The finalists for the Heineken Cup Final at Aviva Stadium have now been decided and ASM Clermont Auvergne will meet Toulon for the first time for this momentous clash. Both clubs are challenging for a first Heineken Cup crown and becoming the 10th different winner of European club rugby's most coveted trophy and the honour of being only the third French club to have their name etched on the trophy. Most public tickets have already been sold however details of tickets for fans of the finalist teams will be available from ERC or via the two finalist clubs. Visit www.ercrugby.com for more details. This will be the third occasion that the Heineken Cup final has been staged in Dublin and the first time that Dublin has hosted the Amlin Challenge Cup final. With the two finals being played in close proximity, up to 70,000 supporters will flock to the city to savour what has become an unmissable weekend festival of European club rugby. With the two finals being played in close proximity, up to 70,000 supporters will converge on the city to savour what has become an unmissable weekend festival of European club rugby. Following the success of the European Champions Village in Cardiff 2011 and Twickenham in 2012, ERC have received hugely positive feedback from fans across Europe. For supporters of all rugby colour and creed who want to savour the unique atmosphere of a major European rugby occasion. ERC has created a European Champions Village which will be situated on Dublin's historic Merrion Square a short walk from the Aviva Stadium. The ERC European Champions Village, which opens at midday on Heineken Cup Final match day, will provide the ideal focal point for a pre-match and post-match gathering of fans with live music from Keywest and The LOLS as well as Los Mokos from the Basque region of south-west France. A big screen will broadcast the Heineken Cup Final live, courtesy of Sky Sports, and there will be the opportunity for supporters to have their photo taken with the trophy and to purchase official adidas Heineken Cup Final and club merchandise. Weekend Itinerary Friday, 17th May. KO: 8:00pm Amlin Challenge Cup Final, RDS - Leinster Rugby v Stade Français Paris Saturday, 18th May, from 12 noon: European Champions Village, Merrion Square Saturday, 18th May, KO: 8:00pm Heineken Cup Final, Aviva Stadium - ASM Clermont Auvergne v Toulon http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Jean_Butler_at_Project_Arts_Centre‘Butler never flinches. Not for a moment does she seem to shirk the movement. She’s stingingly clear.’ The New York Times Iconic dancer Jean Butler returns to Dublin Dance Festival with her latest work. In this new solo Butler reconnects with her considerable history and training in Irish Step Dance. A personal and expressive work, hurry offers a resolution to the task of balancing her past and present dancing sensibilities. hurry, choreographed by Butler under the direction of Jon Kinzel, features an installation by renowned visual artist Corban Walker. Jean Butler is part of Project Catalyst, an initiative of Project Arts Centre. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/What_on_EarthA gorgeous family show combining dance, animation and an uplifting global soundtrack. Part of Dublin Dance Festival. Duration 50 minutes Ages 5+ Combining dance theatre and animation, What on Earth!? takes you on a curious night time journey full of surprise encounters with strange creatures. This dynamic and playful adventure, with beautiful animations and an uplifting soundtrack, creates a brilliant experience for all the family. We invite you into a world of dreams about planet earth, where friendships are made and battles are won and lost. Join us for a pre-show pyjama party! Come along half an hour before each show in your cosiest pjs and bring your teddy, a treat or a snack for a ‘midnight feast’ before the show starts! Ticket Information: €12 & €9 concession / Family ticket €40 for 4 tickets Concessions for unwaged, those parenting alone, students and OAPs http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Toy_and_Train_SaleCome along to the Dublin Toy & Train Sale - a collector's toy & train sale for items old and new. Famous names such as Dinky, Matchbox, Corgi, Tri-ang, Meccano, Hornby, Lima, Wrenn, Bachmann etc. This is a major event, held in a top local 4* hotel with very large free car park, easy and level access and all-day on-going catering. The event boasts some of the best dealers and collectors from all over Ireland, north & south; as well as from England and Wales. The show opens at 10.30am and runs until 3pm and promises 80 tables packed with goodies. Admission is €3. Buy! Sell! Exchange! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Family_Day_at_The_Iveagh_GardensFamily Day, a national celebration of the diversity of families in Ireland. Family Day fills the beautiful Iveagh Gardens with song, dance, music, magic, arts and crafts workshops, sports, storytelling, face painting, games and festivities for children of all ages.  A complementary pampering area for grown-ups provides a relaxation haven, while a food village offers flavours from around the globe. Celebrating all families in the week of UN International Day of the Family (May 15th), Family Day is presented by One Family, Ireland’s leading organisation for one-parent families, and EBS. Celebrate families. Celebrate your family. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Friends_of_St_Lukes_launch_their_Bluebell_Garden_2013Location: The Lodge & Garden, St Luke's Hospital, Highfield Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6 The Bluebell is the symbol of The Friends of St Luke’s, who will now be supporting the needs of cancer patients attending the St Luke’s Radiation Oncology network at St Luke’s, St James and Beaumont hospitals, as they go through their cancer journey. The supporters of St Luke’s are invited to “help create the Bluebell Garden” by donating and purchasing a bluebell through the website www.bluebellgarden.ie The Bluebell Garden will be located near Oakland Lodge, a home from home for patients travelling some distance for Radiotherapy. A complete refurbishment of the Lodge is nearing completion, providing the best in patient support and surroundings for all those who stay there for short and long term care. Guest: Eoin O’Malley, Leinster Rugby. Face painters and a Brass Band! Also: Aideen Goggin, Chairperson. Deirdre Hughes Appeals Director and fundraisers from across the country. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Writers_FestivalVenue: Various locations, Dublin City Centre Dublin Writers Festival, Ireland's premier literary event, gathers the finest writers in the world to debate, provoke , delight and enthral.  The 15th Dublin Writers Festival returns 20-26 May 2013 bigger than ever.  This year's programme will showcase some of the finest writers in the world, a tantalising mix of new faces and household names, both homegrown and international. Described by the press as "boasting a stunning array of top international literary talent" and "the country's most successful and easily the best annual literary event", Dublin Writers Festival line-up is sure to impress. With readings, discussions, debates,workshops, performance and screenings, the festival creates a hotbed of ideas. Whether it's the mix poets, writers of fiction and non-fiction, lyricists, playwrights and screenwriters, Dublin Writers Festival brings new faces and house-hold names together in ways that suprise and inspire. Children's fiction is well represented and we are spoilt for choice with the calibre of Irish language writers. Come celebrate many specially commissioned events in the City of Words. Irish fans of Dan Brown, international bestselling author of The Da Vinci Code, are in for a rare treat as Brown makes an exclusive appearance at this year's Dublin Writers Festival. This will be his first visit to Ireland, marking the publication of Inferno, his brand new novel which will be published mid-May. Tickets for this event will be on sale from 10.00am on 6th March so book early to avoid disappointment! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/evita_the_musicalEvita ia a musical with music by Andrew lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. It is about the life of Argentine political leader, Eva Peron. The story follow's her early life, rise to power, corruption, charity work and eventual death. Bull Alley Theatre Training Company, Liberties College CDVEC, has trained performers for the professional acting world for over 25 years. Graduates are found in all areas of the performance world from The Abbey Theatre, West End, Film, Television to working as Directors, Writers, Production Managers and Teachers.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Albert_Lee_and_Hogans_HerosAlbert Lee, by common consent one of the world’s finest guitar-players, needs no introduction to Country Music & Rock fans. He has worked with some of the world's top artists, from Emmylou Harris to the Everly Brothers, Dolly Parton to Eric Clapton. In November 2002, at Eric's request, Albert appeared at the star-studded Memorial Concert for George Harrison at London's Albert Hall, and was featured alongside Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill and Eric Clapton at Eric’s 2007 and 2010 Crossroads guitar festival. He is also a member of Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, and fronted the band at the O2 arena on the night of the Led Zeppelin reunion concert. Albert is a double Grammy award winning musician, whose talents continue to be in demand by fellow performers the world throughout. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Sean_Lock_Purple_Van_Man Purple Van Man is a hilarious new stand up show from Sean Lock, the most fertile comic mind in Britain. We all know what white van man thinks about the world we live in but it’s time to hear a different voice, Purple Van Man’s voice. Filled with gags, opinions, deft observations and some silly voices, this is Sean Lock doing what he does best, spouting inspired jibber jabber as he crosses the country in his purple van. He will make you laugh like a drunken horse. Sean Lock is one of the UK’s most highly acclaimed and original comedians. The British Comedy Award winner has performed on Live At The Apollo and Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow. He has been a brilliant team captain for fourteen series of Channel 4’s show ‘8 Out of 10 Cats’. His extensive TV credits also include appearances on Never Mind the Buzzcocks, QI and Mock the Week. ‘Lock's signature mix of absurdism and everyday observation gets more effective with each new show’ (The Guardian) ‘Punchy, inventive, superb… undeniably brilliant.’ (The Times) ‘Lock at his best… gloriously intelliegent, deliciously unlikely and hilariously funny.’ (The Times) ‘What’s remarkable about Lock is how he burnishes the dross of observational platitude into gold. A comic in peak form.’ (The Guardian) ‘One of the finest and most original comedians around’ (The Independent) Ticket Information: Tickets  from €25 including booking fee via Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/An_Enemy_of_the_People_by_Henrik_Ibsen_adapted_by_Arthur_MillerLow Price Previews from Thursday 23rd May 2013 Opening Night: Tuesday 28th May 2013 'The strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone.' A small town in Norway has just begun to win fame and fortune for the supposed health-giving properties of its spring waters. The town is expecting a surge in tourism and prosperity from the new baths, which are a source of great local pride. When Dr. Stockmann, resident physician in charge, discovers that the waters are poisoned he is shocked to find that instead of being rewarded for his efforts to bring this important secret to light he is attacked, denounced and shunned by the authorities and his fellow townspeople. Originally written by the great Norwegian writer Henrik Ibsen and then adapted by American playwright Arthur Miller, An Enemy of the People is the story of one brave man’s struggle to do the right thing and speak the truth in the face of extreme social intolerance. This is a play of romantic individualism which addresses the corruption and inherent failings at the heart of the democratic system. Directed by Wayne Jordan Set Design by Paul O’Mahony Costume Design by Joan O’Clery Cast includes: Fiona Bell, Declan Conlon, Denis Conway, Ronan Leahy and Barry McGovern http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Caring_for_your_Collection_Conservation_workshopCaring for your Collection: Conservation workshop Bealtaine Festival 2013 Thurs 23 May 11am - 1pm Join one of the library’s conservators for this workshop on caring for your paper-based collections. Aimed at the amateur collector/family historian, this is an opportunity to share and discuss issues around conservation and to learn how best to look after your own collection. Free but booking required. To reserve a place email: learning@nli.ie or call 01 603 0259. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_City_Soul_Festival_2013Dublin City Soul Festival 2013 is to take place from 23rd May - 26th May 2013. ‘Dublin City Soul Festival ~ is a celebration of peace, unity & love‘ is Ireland’s feel-good festival, a unique annual celebration. Last years Dublin City Soul Festival featured loads of exciting events to choose from and what’s more most of them were FREE for you to enjoy because as the old saying goes…”the best things in life are free” ! Favourites included: The Soul Picnic - a little piece of magic in association with Dublin City Council. Enjoy the world’s best music concert in a picnic style starring an exciting line-up of amazing local, national and international artists. Much more than a music event, enjoy tasty treats and BBQ food from our picnic vendors. Entry is free, but don’t forget to make a donation. Special guests to be announced. Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th of May in Merrion Square Park. Love the City Music Trail- Mosey along the Dublin streets, moving from venue to venue checking out all the fantastic entertainment on offer or find your favourite venue, band or DJ and get comfy. Savour a relaxing beverage in a quaint bar or cafe while enjoying an acoustic set from one of our solo artists or duets, then stroll a little further down the road and submerge yourself in a full on musical experience that will guarantee to have you out on the floor shaking your tail feather! (Warning: comfortable dancing shoes required) As you make your way along the friendly Dublin streets you’ll be amazed by the exciting on-street entertainment from our Soul Festival buskers and street artists! Rising Stars - Witness the world’s best ‘Rising Stars' at the  2012 showcase event featuring the best emerging artists in a unique setting. See also: www.dublincitysoulfestival.com http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Eternal_Rising_of_the_Sun_at_Draiocht"One of the most powerful and lingering performances …"  The Irish Times Meet Gina Devine. She’s hopeless - a hopeless dreamer - fame, fortune, and water fights with Michael Jackson – a chance to flee her formidable past. She wants to soar… to fly… to dance. But Gina is hopeless, as everyone knows. This is the compelling journey of Gina’s transformation - a poignant account of redemption and release. On the heels of multiple awards and international success at the Perth Fringe, HotForTheatre brings you an inspiring story of salvation and deliverance. Nothing is impossible … well maybe the moonwalk - but Gina’s gotta dance. Written by and starring Amy Conroy, Eternal Rising Of The Sun was originally produced by Irish Theatre Institute for HotForTheatre. Directed by Veronica Coburn. Contains some adult content. Age 16+ http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Neil_Delamere_Draiocht "Funny, engaged, clever, inventive, entertaining" The Independant "One lean, mean comedy killing-machine" The Herald In his eagerly awaited new show, Neil Delamere, the star of RTE’s The 2nd Republic, BBC’s The Blame Game and Fighting Talk, Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow and Channel 4’s Stand Up for the Week, comes to the realisation that he has now lived in Dublin as long as he has lived in his family home in Offaly. But what exactly has Neil learned in the 16 years since he left home? Find out for yourself when Neil dabbles in a little witty self-reflection and good spirited fun with a trip down memory lane aided by original footage from 90’s quiz show, Blackboard Jungle, when he captained his school team to victory. Catch this home-grown comedy mastermind as he effortlessly mixes his distinct style of off-the-cuff audience banter with a selection of side-splitting tales. Some adult content and strong language. Ticket Information: Draíocht accepts bookings in person, by phone Tel +3531 885 2622 or  online at www.draiocht.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Songs_of_JoyceJoin us for this musical evocation of an era, acclaimed by critics and academics alike, just back from performing sell-out shows in Boston, New York and Moscow, Vienna. “Delightful cabaret piece…..a rare insight into the contemporary popular music that haunted James Joyce's imagination.” Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman With Sinéad Murphy and Darina Gallagher starring in a musical extravaganza with Edwardian songs drawn from the life and works of James Joyce.  Darina & Sinéad bring their own particular earthy brand of harmonies to some of James Joyce's best-loved & popular songs - from bawdy street ballads, to cheeky `Seaside Girls', nostalgic `Love's Old Sweet Song'; the pertinent `The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo' and the beauty of Michael Balfe's `I Dreamt That I Dwelt in Marble Halls'. Who Are Sinéad Murphy and Darina Gallagher. Click Here Price includes Ticket and Two Course Supper and is a very special evening just for you. Bookings and other show listings on:- www.promenadecafe.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Playboy_of_the_Western_World_Abbey_TheatreOn the Peacock stage Kilmeen Drama Group, based in Rossmore, West Cork, are on of the longest established drama groups in Ireland. They won the 2013 Abbey Theatre Award at this year’s RTE All Ireland Drama Festival and we are delighted to welcome their production of The Playboy of the Western World onto the Peacock stage. John Millington Synge’s extraordinary play was first performed at the Abbey Theatre in 1907. Pegeen Mike is preparing for her arranged marriage to local farmer Shawn Keogh. These plans are scuppered by the arrival of Christy Mahon, a curious stranger telling tales of a brave and frightening deed. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Women_and_War_Photo_ExhibitionLocation: Powerscourt Gallery, Dublin 2 The Irish Red Cross are delighted to invite you to visit a brand new photography exhibition 'Women and War' at the Powerscourt Gallery, Dublin 2. This moving and challenging collection portrays the many ways in which women have experienced war over the last two decades. The importance of doing everything possible to protect women in situations of armed conflict cannot be overstated. The Irish Red Cross, as part of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, is deeply committed to bringing the urgency and gravity of these matters into the public domain. Please check out the website for more information on this exhibition. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/3rd_Ballinteer_International_Male_Voice_Choir_Festival Venue: St John the Evangelist Church, Ballinteer Avenue This is the 3rd International Male Voice Choir Festival held in Ballinteer - following on the success of the previous festivals in 2008 and 2010. The visiting choirs - Coro la Martinella from Italy and Choeur d'Hommes d'Ajou from France will join us at a reception in the Mansion House hosted by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Naoise O Muiri, on Friday 24th May. On Saturday 25th May, all choirs will visit Marlay Park Farmers Market, and will give impromptu performances throughout the morning. They will visit the Guinness Store House in the afternoon - prior to the Gala Concert in St John the Evangelist Church on Ballinteer Avenue at 8pm. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Battle_For_The_Bay_Kitesurfing_and_Sup_Championships_2013- We’re waxing down our surfboards We can’t wait for June We’ll all be gone for the summer Everybody’s gone surfin’ Surfin’ in Dollymount Bay.-  (Beach Boys) Sun, sand, kites and surf boards are the ingredients of the day when Dollymount Strand plays host to a leg of this year’s European Kite Boardercross Championships plus Stand-up Paddle Boarding Competition at this year’s Battle of the Bay. Considered one of the best beaches in the world for kite surfing, Dollymount Strand will be transformed into a veritable water wonderland when the globe’s best kitesurfers descend on the beach to showcase their spectacular skills and gravity defying moves as they skim the water surface and compete for the coveted King or Queen of the Bay crown. Battle for the Bay is a free, entertaining weekend for all the family, young and old, where audiences are enthralled, entertained  and captivated by kitesurfers from across the world as they weave across the glittering bay. Pure Magic will give demonstrations on the beach,freestyle shows, paddle boarding and kite surfing introductions for newcomers. There will be live music, a Kids Zone, funfair, food village & BBQ plus a Kids Kite Competition. After a long hard winter of training, the surfers will be honed, toned and raring to compete as the Battle for the Bay gets underway. This year will feature race and freestyle competitions, with riders performing daring technical tricks and feats. Boardercross is a mix of freestyling and racing which will bring a unique format of the competitors together on the starting line for a slalom style fight that is fast and furious involving jumping water obstacles. Competitors compete for championship points! The annual Paddle Boarding Competition will also take place as part of the Battle of the Bay extravaganza. Known as SUPing (Stand up Paddle boarding), the world’s fasting growing water sport is currently all the rage and will challenge all competitors. It’s exhilarating and tough, as well as individual races there will be team relay races a technical 6km and gruelling14km Marathon. So wax up your surf board, shine your shades and head to the Battle for the Bay – a free two day event now in its seventh year. Bring friends and family and enjoy the Pure Magic A new addition this year will be the very special food treats to keep the hunger at bay and keep the appetites of  surfers and spectators satiated The Food Village will line the bay and include delicious delights such as awarding winning Pie Minister,  sweet and savour crepes from Crepes in the City, K-chido Mexiano with homemade tacos, quesadilla, nachos, Mexican stews served with homemade salsas sauces and beans,  signature spicy chicken wings with sour cream and blues cheese dip from  The Wing Bar, gourmet Burgers and pulled Pork Sandwhiches  by Mango and homemade Corn Dogs from Crankee Yankee Corn Dogs . And no food line up would be complete without  local input from  Kinara Restaurant with its mouthwatering Pakistani and North Indian cuisine, international food cuisine from the family run  Bay Restaurant  and fresh seafood from the renowned Kingsitric, finished with coffee , pastries and coffee from O’Briens. Late night entertainment continues into the night at partner venues in Clontarf and city centre. More details to be announced. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Friends_In_Low_Places_The_Rodeo_Tour_2013Fresh from a sell-out nationwide tour in 2012 which included the INEC and the Waterfront in Belfast, Due to phenomenal demand Friends In Low Places’ better known as “The Ultimate Garth Brooks Experience” makes its return to Dublin’s Vicar St. Venue on Saturday the 25th of May. Friends In Low Places is fronted by well known country singer Trevor Smith and features an array of top class to make up the completely live and very talented eight-piece band. You can expect to hear all the greatest hits of American country-music legend Garth Brooks who rose to fame worldwide in the 1990’s with his own brand of country music which spawned such classic hits such as, “If Tomorrow Never Comes”, Friends In Low Places”, “The Dance”, “Baton Rouge”, “Shameless”, “Unanswered Prayers” and many more! Garth Brooks became the biggest selling solo artist of the 20th Century as he packed out stadiums and concert halls around the world with his electrifying live performances. You can expect the same electrifying show that Garth is renowned for with the state of the art light and sound production at “Friends In Low Places”. Their new show features an amazing lighting production, flames, ramps, moving platforms and much more! This show really is a must see for any Brook’s fan and is promised to offer you the next best thing to the man himself! “If you can’t make it to see Garth Brooks live, Friends In Low Places is as close as you’ll get to experiencing the country legend’s dynamic stage performances. This fond tribute show uncannily matches the great man’s country authenticity with an exciting standard of showmanship and stage-craft that are rare in modern country music.”  - Jackie Hayden - Hot Press Magazine Ticket Information: Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie  & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Glitch_Digital_Arts_Festival_2013This year, Glitch presents a series of exhibitions, taking place both online and in the gallery, that examines how digital artists are engaging with and responding to the current economic, political, and cultural factors that shape the Internet. The festival will discuss and explore how the practice of the digital artist is in transition, not only due to the development of digital technologies, but also because digital artists are increasingly informed by offline factors that affect how the Internet, as a creative platform, is being developed. Run Computer, Run showcases how creative technologies provide a critical lens with which our everyday culture can be examined. From augmented reality to video games to interactive artworks, both the gallery and festival website will demonstrate the ways in which digital artists are taking on some of the key social, economic, political and cultural issues that influence the change and development of the internet. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Native_Species_Weekend_at_Dublin_Zoo_2013Come and join Dublin Zoo and a wide variety of wildlife experts for a fun-filled and fact-finding weekend. Over the weekend, wildlife experts will set up in a marquee right next to Family Farm. There will be mini sea-aquariums, energy science experiments, biofacts and much more. And, of course, it’s a great opportunity to meet with many of Ireland’s wildlife boffins. On Sunday, Don Conroy will be demonstrating to another generation of young folk tips for drawing wildlife. This year, the fourteen organisations hosting this event with Dublin Zoo are: - Bat Conservation Ireland - Birdwatch Ireland - Crann - Environmental Protection Agency - Galway Atlantaquaria - Irish Grey Partridge Conservation Trust - Irish Peatlands Conservation Council - Irish Wildlife Trust - National SEA LIFE Centre (Bray) - OWLS Nature Club - Natural History Museum - Stop Food waste - Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland Woodland Trust No pre-booking required and normal admission rates apply. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Just_4_Kids_ShowVenue: Simmonscourt (Hall 8C) RDS A national show about everything possible for kids aged 4 to 14...and their parents too! With super cool interactive 'Zones', and lots of stands. Kids GO FREE. Adults €10. Find out what’s happening in the world of kids - and what can happen. Get info about cool activities, classes, the latest gadgets, health and life matters. Plan ahead for school holidays, family holidays & the new school year. Check out our Exhibition Zones and get the kids involved – try out new activities with trial sessions taking place in our workshop Zone, chill out or get active in our fun and library zones. Parents’ time out – head for the seminar stage to hear talks and advice from the experts and some special guests too! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/WidowspeakWidowspeak is an American band comprised of Molly Hamilton and Robert Earl Thomas, known for its dreamy, western-tinged take on rock and roll. The outfit formed in 2010 and released two singles in 2011 (Harsh Realm, Gun Shy) followed by a debut album (self-titled) in the summer of that year, all on Brooklyn label Captured Tracks. Widowspeak was praised for its reverential spaciousness, Hamilton’s haunting voice, and Thomas’s spindly, Morricone-esque guitar lines; both drawing on 1950′s pop ballads and 1970′s psych, creating languid call-and-response melodies. The band then toured extensively, wearing in their warm, nostalgic sound. Widowspeak began to write what would become their second record, Almanac, at the start of 2012, as popular fears of the apocalypse became imminently close to realization. Though not totally convinced of catastrophic disaster coinciding with the year’s conclusion, Hamilton nevertheless began writing lyrics seeped in doomsday imagery, darkness and dread, inspired by the idea of such a universal experience of the end. The album was recorded by Kevin McMahon (Swans, Real Estate) in a hundred year old barn in the Hudson River Valley of New York State during the transition from summer to fall. Producing with McMahon, Thomas expanded on the band’s demos, crafting layers of guitar, Rhodes piano, organ and harmonium. Almanac was released by Captured Tracks in January 2013. To view video: Locusts Click Here Ticket Information: Tickets €12.00 (including booking) from www.tickets.ie & www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Eddie_Izzard_Force_Majeure_World_Tour_2013Eddie Izzard returns to Ireland with new show, Force Majeure (French, "superior force", "chance occurrence, unavoidable accident") In 2011 Eddie Izzard, the man who turned talking ‘Bollocks’ into an art form performed and sold–out Madison Square Garden in New York. He spent a three-month residency at the Théâtre de Dix Heures in Paris performing Stripped: ‘Tout en Francais’ (in French!) and then become the first stand-up to play a solo show at Los Angeles’ legendary Hollywood Bowl. It was an extraordinary year from an extraordinary man. Never one to rest on his laurels Izzard now plans to take on the world with a brand-new comedy tour, Force Majeure. Force Majeure will be the most extensive comedy tour ever. It begins its mammoth journey around the globe during spring 2013. From Cardiff to Kathmandu, Moscow to Mumbai, Eddie will visit 25 countries throughout Europe, USA, Africa, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, India, Nepal and The Far East. “’ KING OF THE UNIVERSE’ ...Comic genius...Entertainment incarnate!’- The Telegraph “The Funniest stand-up I’ve ever seen...people are falling from their seats” - The Sun Ticket Informatin: Tickets are available from Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide By phone ROI - +353818719300, Northern Ireland - +35384427744 55 or online: www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Lana_Del_Rey Sometimes stars emerge. Sometimes stars are thrust upon us. And sometimes stars simply slip into the atmosphere as if propelled by something otherworldly. It is into this last category that the astonishing presence, voice, look and feel of Lana Del Rey falls. Musical stardom is not an option with Ms Del Rey. It is her vocation. She calls herself the "gangsta Nancy Sinatra" and defines her genre as "Hollywood pop/ sadcore", a dramatic new loop for pop music. Her look she describes as"Lolita got lost in the 'hood". Get used to it all. This isn't just soundbite, it's Lana's reality. After scrapes in and out of the music industry, holding onto the fastidious dreams of the possibilities for Lana Del Rey, a breathtaking musical landscape began to emerge. Brittle, emotional, cascading with cinematic reference points, her songwriting started to turn technicolour. The tainted glamour of 'Video Games', with its lyrical leanings towards the verbal loquacity of hip hop and its noir-ish melodic feeling for torch singing, was a beginning for her. "I had found a sound that thrilled and intrigued me. Shockingly enough, 'Video Games' was a key moment for me. I was chasing hits, fast songs. I would be wondering 'how am I going to pole-dance in the spotlight to this, then?' I put up 'Video Games' for myself. It was slow, it was a ballad, it kind of had no chorus. I put it up on Youtube and it worked. Every day there were thousands more views. I just sat there wondering where these people were coming from. I had no idea how they'd heard it but people came and started talking to me because of that song. It was not what I expected. But what a relief. If I could have a shot at singing my Hollywood glam ballads as well as my more upbeat gangsta brother versions of those songs, that would be great. Just not having to try and sing like other people." Lana faced the fear while clocking up strong experiences to back up her magical musical storytelling.  All of these intimacies coalesced on the debut album Born To Die released early 2012. Complementing the lush orchestration of 'Video Games', there is a mountain of music that she has crafted lovingly in the studio. From the haunting timbres of 'Born To Die' to the hip hop influenced 'National Anthem', Lana Del Rey's music sounds unique like it has arrived bespoke to the artist. Lana has received 3 nominations at this year’s MTV EMA Awards – Best Alternative, Best New and Best Push.  BORN TO DIE – The Paradise Edition is released on 9th November 2012  with 8 brand new songs including ‘Blue Velvet’ and the new single ‘Ride’. Tickets are available  online at  www.ticketmaster.ie and also available from all usual Ticketmaster outlets http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Birdsong Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff Directed by Alastair Whatley Designed by Victoria Spearing Lighting Designed by Alex Wardle Sound Designed by Dominic Bilkey   A mesmerising story of love, courage and sacrifice is now brought to the stage in this critically acclaimed version of Sebastian Faulks’s bestselling novel. An epic tale of love and war set both before and during the Great War. In pre war France, a young Englishman Stephen Wraysford embarks on a passionate and dangerous affair with the beautiful Isabelle Azaire that turns their world upside down.   As the war breaks out over the idyll of his former life, Stephen must lead his men through the carnage of the Battle of the Somme and through the sprawling tunnels that lie deep under ground.   Faced with the unprecedented horror of the war Stephen clings to the memory of Isabelle as his world explodes around him.   Recently aired over Christmas on BBC 1 and following on from the hit West End production, this brand new adaptation marks the very first touring production of the play.   Performed by a dynamic ensemble company including award winning actress Sarah Jayne Dunn (Drop Dead Gorgeous, Hollyoaks), Charlie G Hawkins (Eastenders), Arthur Bostrom of 'Allo, Allo' fame, Tim Van Eyken (War Horse), Tim Treloar (National Theatre, RSC)  and introducing newcomer Jonathan Smith as Stephen Wraysford.   “Captures both the pain and the pity of a war that almost defies comprehension.” Michael Billington, THE GUARDIAN   “The play poignantly intermingles ghosts of past and present, and fully expresses the black poetry of this carnage…and the landscape it inhabits.” Michael Coveney, THE INDEPENDENT    Tickets on sale Thursday 22nd Novemebr at 9.00am from Ticketmaster ooutlets nationwide and online at www.ticketmaster.ie   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/De_Gaulle_A_Quiet_Holiday_A_Photographic_ExhibitionVenue: European Union House, 18 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 The exhibition will present original photographs from the Kennelly Archive of De Gaulle's visit to Ireland after he left power in May 1969. Portraits of the McCartans, De Gaulle's Irish ancestors, will also be exhibited. Padraig and Joan Kennelly, founders of a small photographic studio in Tralee, Co. Kerry, followed the trail of this noted visitor and recorded the excitement caused amongst the inhabitants of Sneem, County Kerry. They called their collection "A Quiet Holiday". "De Gaulle: A Quiet holiday" is presented by the French Embassy in Ireland in association with the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU and The Gathering Ireland 2013. The original exhibition was conceived by Isabelle Galy-Aché and presented by the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris (2011) with the support of the Kennelly Archive, Foundation Charles de Gaulle, Ireland Fund of France. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Under_Pressure_By_Rachel_FehilyDavid Gallagher, respected surgeon, is accused of murdering his wife. Was it an accident or did he kill her on purpose? What is the prosecution offering the defence? And what would the dead wife of the accused say if she could speak? Under Pressure is an inside view of what it's like to be in the eye of the storm just before a trial for murder, and the extreme pressures on all those involved. Written by barrister and author, Rachel Fehily, Under Pressure promises to be an authentic and thrilling experience. Did he or didn’t he? Truth, justice and the gap in-between. Under Pressure is a glimpse into the murky complexities of an Irish marriage. Geoff Minogue, one of Ireland’s most popular and attractive leading actors who plays Tommy Dillon in Fair City, takes to the stage and stars alongside Céire O’Donoghue and Deborah Pearce. Ticket Information Opens May 28th  (previews 27th) and plays until June 8th 2013 Mon-Sat at 1.10pm (doors open at 12.50pm) Tickets: Low-price Mondays €8, Tues – Thurs €10, Fri – Sat €12. Light Lunch available €4. BOOKING: 086-8784001 / www.bewleyscafetheatre.com       Bewley’s Café Theatre would like to acknowledge the support of The Arts Council in making this production possible. Supported by Dublin City Council. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Man_of_Valour_at_Project_Arts_CentreWe are thrilled to bring Man of Valour – our multi-award-winning one-man action movie/psychological thriller – for a two week run in Project Arts Centre. Called an "epic blockbuster" by the Irish Times and a "tour de force" by the Guardian's Lyn Gardner, Man of Valour was the hit of Cork Midsummer Festival, Edinburgh Fringe and Dublin’s Absolut Fringe in 2011, raising the audience to its feet with every performance. Man of Valour was created by performer Paul Reid, director Annie Ryan and writer Michael West, with a thundering sound score by Denis Clohessy, award-winning set and lighting by Aedín Cosgrove and stunning video projection by Jack Phelan. “This is soaring theatre, at times coming close to being mind-bending.” Sunday Independent “Magnificent”  Irish Examiner “One of the best things to be performed on a stage. Anywhere. Ever.” The Sun "Spellbinding from start to finish.”  The Edinburgh Reporter "The Corn Exchange in Man of Valour has set a new standard for the one-man show.” The Public Reviews http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Top_Gun_at_The_Sugar_ClubOn Tuesday 28th May, Maverick, Goose, Iceman and Slider will bring you on an exhiliarating ride through the skies in the 1980s blockbuster hit Top Gun. Top Gun takes a look at the danger and excitement that awaits every pilot at the Navy's prestigious fighter weapons school. Tom Cruise plays Maverick Mitchell, a daring young flyer who's out to become the best of the best. And Kelly McGillis is the civilian instructor who teaches Maverick a few things you can't learn in a classroom. Sit back in and enjoy a cold beer or an 80s cocktail, watch a pre-scientology Tom Cruise singing “You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling” and compete in the ultimate 80s ‘Man Off ‘ with Val Kilmer. Enjoy the heart-pounding combination of action, 80s music, and incredible aerial photography on the big screen. Tickets are on sale from online by Clicking Here http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Slam_Dunk_IrelandVenue: The Academy Dublin - Three Rooms Slam Dunk are very pleased to announce that they are extending their critically acclaimed festival even further this year and will host a show in The Academy, Dublin on Wednesday 29th May. Slam Dunk Ireland will take over The Academy, with live shows in the main room and Academy 2, and Lockdown DJs playing in the Green Room. Tickets from €18 will go on sale this Friday at 9am from Ticketmaster.ie and Ticketmaster outlets. But the party doesn't stop there! For attendees over 18 years of age, the Green Room will then host a special aftershow party starting once the live acts finish, with Lockdown DJs playing until late. Slam Dunk have selected a handful of outstanding bands already performing at the main festival, and are bringing them over to Dublin to give music lovers a chance to experience Slam Dunk Festival on a smaller, but just as incredible scale. Confirmed to play this brand new and exciting extension of the festival are rock champions Four Year Strong and pop punk favourites The Wonder Years. The last time these two bands shared a stage in Ireland was back in 2011 on the Kerrang! Relentless Energy Tour. There's something for fans of heavier acts as well, with the mindblowing Bury Tomorrow and Yashin confirmed. And local music is represented by current Kerrang! faves Wounds, Red Enemy and Jody Has A Hitlist. Currently the lineup will see the following acts play across two rooms in the venue: Four Year Strong The Wonder Years Bury Tomorrow Yashin Man Overboard Fireworks Wounds Red Enemy Jody Has A Hitlist Slam Dunk creator Ben Ray says ‘After running Slam Dunk Scotland for a number of years, and with the addition of Wales last year it felt only right that the next step would be to take it over to Ireland. We choose Dublin as we have already been invited over there a couple of times to run the club night and we have made some great friends over there. I’m happy now to say there is a Slam Dunk event which is fairly near to everyone in the UK and Ireland, allowing everyone to come and see this great line-up! Ticket Information: Tickets for live show €18.00 incl. booking fee (over 14s admitted - no alcohol served) Tickets for the live show including after show party €22 incl.booking fee (over 18s only - full bar - ID required) http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Bealtaine_Festival_Babies_on_Board_May_Day_Traditions_in_IrelandAdults with Babies under 12 months Welcome to Summer at the Museum! As part of the Bealtaine Festival, 'Babies on Board' is all about Irish May Day traditions with Folklife curator Clodagh Doyle. Grandparents are especially welcome during Bealtaine! Located in the AV Theatre. Booking required. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Bloom_In_The_ParkWhether you want inspiration, education or entertainment, the place to be this June Bank Holiday weekend is the colourful Bloom Garden Festival in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.  Organised by Bord Bia, this year’s event is five days long and it takes place from Thursday 30th May to Monday 3rd June. We are pleased to offer all a very special Bloom ticket offer for 2013.  Book on-line only before the event and use the promotional code FIR13 to get an extra €2 discount off the advance ticket price in advance of the show. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Bloom pays all booking fees and kids go free!   Log on to www.bloominthepark.com for more details on food, features, show gardens, free seminars and entertainment. Have a wonderful day out and make sure you visit the Bord Bia Food Village which celebrates the best of Irish food, showcasing numerous aspects of horticulture and agriculture in our exciting features! If you don’t fancy driving, use the train and avail of the courtesy shuttle bus from Heuston station to the 70 acre Bloom site. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Sharing_memories_of_the_John_F_Kennedy_visit_to_IrelandBealtaine Festival 2013 We invite you to share your memorabilia of the visit of John F Kennedy to Ireland. We will scan and ‘pin’ the images, along with your memory of the event to the John F Kennedy visit to Ireland channel on Historypin,  an online history and map site. All items are returned after scanning. Please indicate your interest in this event by making an advance booking; learning@nli.ie During May, the Library will host several free events to celebrate Bealtaine, Ireland’s biggest collaborative arts festival focusing on creativity in older age.  Go behind the scenes, learn about the collections and hear more about our range of services, exhibitions and events. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Help_a_Dublin_Child_The_GigFM104 in conjunction with the ISPCC is delighted to announce “The Gig” on Bank Holiday Friday, May 31st in the Olympia Theatre, featuring The Original Rudeboys, Ryan Sheridan, This Club & many more special guests to be added! Tickets priced from €35 on sale now via Ticketmaster. All proceeds will be donated to FM104’s Help a Dublin Child. There on the night, will be Jim-Jim and Nobby and the Strawberry Alarm Clock team, Adrian and Jeremy the FM104 Phoneshow and PJ Gallagher. This is always a great night and a sell out, so get your ticket now from Ticketmaster! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Annual_Regatta_Dublin_Bay_Old_Gaffers_AssociationDublin Bay Old Gaffers Association (DBOGA), dedicated to conserving and preserving traditional gaff-rigged sail boats and the skills in building, maintaining and sailing them, as part of the OGA 50 Years Celebrations announces its not to be missed annual Traditional Sailing Boat Rally to be held at Poolbeg Boat and Yacht Club & Marina in Dublin Port over the week-end of 31 May to 2nd June 2013 The atmosphere around the Dublin docks area promises to be magical, and with four days of festival events to enjoy there will be something to entertain everyone. On the Sunday in what promises to be a spectacular and highly colourful event the Howth 17s will race on the Liffey and the entire fleet -probably the largest ever of Gaff-rigged vessels assembled on the east coast- will hold a Parade of Sail upriver on the Liffey and past the imposing landmark of the new Samuel Beckett Bridge which will be swung open for the occasion. The Rally will be brought to its finale with a good old-fashioned Irish ‘Hooley’ in the Clubhouse with superb music. The signature event will take place on Monday 3rd June consisting of a race in Dublin Bay to contest the Asgard perpetual trophy, followed by a BBQ and lots of music and fun - whats known in the vernacular as ‘Ceol agus ‘Craic’ at the Poolbeg Clubhouse. (The trophy is a handcrafted sculpture made from a mixture of new and some original timber from the Yacht Asgard owned by Erskine Childers skipper of Asgard and who will be perennially linked to the July 1914 Howth Gun Running when Childers and his crew (including his intrepid wife Molly) performed superhuman feats of seamanship sailing through one of the worst storms recorded and in atrociously cramped conditions). http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Womans_World_ShowWomans World marks its 16th birthday this year. Over a decade of bringing Ireland the latest trends and technology in all things health, beauty and fitness has made us the largest event of its kind. The experiences on offer reflect the varied and diverse lifestyle of our audience and this year is as epic as ever. Once again leading authorities and celebrity experts will grace the stages, giving advice to our guests on everything from this summer's leading trend's to how to dress for your shape, and the most indulgent pampering sessions in town at our pamper zone as well as exciting live Chef stages, a Health Check Area, Tan Experts, beauty Salons and of course our exciting fashion pavilion. For the first time Womans World have teamed up with Budgetair.ie to bring you this year's exciting catwalk shows with 15 shows taking place over the weekend. Womans World will bring an arena full of Health check, sporting specialists, footwear and sports retailers to assist you with your women's sporting wardrobe. You will be able to toast with the girls to a good summer ahead from the Ribena plus style bar whilst getting a manicure at Bushra's Beauty Salon. So grab your girlfriends, pick up a glass of Ribena Plus and book your places for the ultimate feel-good event, Womans World. You can download your tickets for free for a limited time at www.womansworldshow.com http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Port_River_FestLocation: North Wall Quay, Dublin City Centre Dublin Port’s Riverfest is Ireland’s premier riverside and sailing festival. Whether you’re into sailing and ships or not you’ll enjoy a weekend of family fun and both on and off-water activity. A huge array of activities are planned over the course of the weekend. Including the arrival of 6 tall ships, curragh racing on the Liffey, boat racing on the Liffey, tug boat demonstrations and much more. Not to be outdone by the water, land activities will also play a integral part to the festival, with street performers, music, bars, face painting, and carnival attractions from the new Samuel Beckett Bridge to East Link Bridge there to entertain and satisfy crowds. However, if food is your thing, then Riverfest is guaranteed to have something for you. This year the Markets will have a huge range of quality fresh and exciting food for food lovers to delight in. A Pirate Village with arts and crafts for children, Liffey and Port Photo Competition, a Dublin Port Tug Boat Dance with water canon on the river, face painters, balloon artists, port boat tours, a circus, a fun fair, a food market and docker & sailor themed porter bar and cafes. Visitors will witness the largest gathering of Gaffer Boats to have ever taken place on this island. The Gaffers are handmade wooden boats, many of which are over 100 year old. Two Gaffer races will take place on Sunday, June 1 between Samuel Becket Bridge and the East Link Bridge. Great fun for all the family! Programme Saturday 1st June Tall Ships from 11am to 6pm Tug Boat Displays mid-day Markets 11am to 6pm Children’s Funfair from 11am to 6pm MV Cill Airne Open Day from 11am to 6pm DJ and Competitions from 11am to 6pm Rowing & Curragh Races from 11am to 6pm Madigans Bar and Cafe from 11am to 6pm Facepainters and Balloon Artists from 11am to 6pm Sunday 2nd June Tall Ships from 11am to 4pm Tug Boat Displays Mid-day Markets 11am to 6pm Children’s Funfair from 11am to 6pm MV Cill Airne Open Day from 11am to 6pm DJ and Competitions from 11am to 6pm Madigans Bar and Cafe from 11am to 6pm Facepainters and Balloon Artists from 11am to 6pm ‘Between the Bridges’ - Howth 17′s Sailing Race 2pm-4pm Parade of Sail (Over 60 Old Gaffers) at 4pm Monday 3rd June Tug Boat Displays Mid-day Markets 11am to 6pm Children’s Funfair from 11am to 6pm DJ and Competitions from 11am to 6pm MV Cill Airne Open Day from 11am to 6pm Rowing & Curragh Races from 11am to 6pm Madigans Bar and Cafe from 11am to 6pm Facepainters and Balloon Artists from 11am to 6pm Old Gaffers Barbecue Poolbeg Yacht Club 6pm-late         http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Forbidden_Fruit_Festival'A festival like this has been a long time coming, one that combines music, art, fashion and simple good vibes into a two-day city-based event' (Irish Times). Kasabian and Primal Scream will headline this year’s Forbidden Fruit festival in Dublin. The two-day event, set to take place in the grounds of IMMA at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham on June 1-2, will also feature sets from Chic, Crystal Castles, James Blake and Four Tet. Irish acts including Le Galaxie, Fight Like Apes and Tieranniesaur will also perform. The full Forbidden Fruit line-up is: Saturday June 1: Kasabian, Crystal Castles, James Blake, Neon Neon, Lee Scratch Perry, Iamamiwhoami, Le Galaxie, Fight Like Apes, Kormac’s Big Band, Tieranniesaur, Girls Names. Sunday June 2: Primal Scream, Chic, Four Tet, Everything Everything, Woodkid, Austra, Daphni, Daughter, Cyril Hahn, Mykki Blanco, Bondax, New Jackson, Frank B. Ticket Information: Tickets are on sale from online www.ticketmaster.ie and all usual ticketmaster outlets nationwide http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Handels_Messiah_ConcertRoom: Main Auditorium RBS Europa Choir and the Dublin Handel Orchestra directed by Jeremy Jackman Catherine Redding, Soprano Sharon Carty, Mezzo-soprano Thomas Herford, Tenor Johny Herford, Bass Jeremy Jackman, former King’s Singer and Chorus Master of the London Philharmonic, is now one of the UK’s most highly regarded choral conductors. This special performance of Handel’s well-loved Messiah is based on original performances conducted by the composer. The RBS Europa Choir from the UK are joined by the Dublin Handel Orchestra and a quartet of distinguished international soloists including Ireland’s Catherine Redding and Sharon Carty. Ticket Information: Prices: €30, €27.50, €25, €20 (Choir Balcony) Concessions: €27, €24.75, €22.50, €18 (Choir Balcony) 20% discount for Friends of the National Concert Hall 10% discount for Groups of 10 or more. Presented by The RBS Europa Choir http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Leinster_GAA_Football_Quarter_Finals_Kildare_v_Offaly_Dublin_versus_Westmeath_CarlowThe GAA Championships commence in May with the Provincial Football Championship's in Leinster, Ulster, Connacht and Munster and Provincial Hurling Championship's in Leinster, Ulster and Munster.  The All-Ireland Series starts in June with the Qualifers, followed by the Quarter and Semi Finals, culminating in the All Ireland Football and Hurling Finals in September.  Games take place throughout Ireland over the summer months.  Visit www.gaa.ie for fixture and ticketing information. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/One_Last_Look_Movie_PremiereIreland Diversity Film Premiere proudly presents an exclusive European Premiere of the South African movie “One Last Look” produced by Fireworx Media. This exclusive event will start off with Red Carpet Photos, followed by an African Dance Performance, movie screening, post show Q&A with Producer Lawrence Ndlovu, Meet & Greet, canapés & cocktails. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Complete_Walking_TourThe Most Complete Walking Tour of Dublin The Walking tour that you have been waiting for! It’s all here: Old Dublin and New Dublin, historic landmarks and hidden treasures, northside and southside. See where Irish people began their journeys to new lives during famine and emigration, experience the splendours of Georgian Dublin and get an insight into Dublin’s revolutionary past. The history of this city is intertwined with the stories of the heroes and villains that have shaped it and oft-time tragic circumstances it found itself in. You’ll leave this tour understanding what it truly means to be a Dubliner. With a break halfway for a short literary reading, the tour finishes in Dublin’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head, at the site of the very first settlement built here 2,000 years ago. Departure: 37 College Green (outside Tour and Ticket Office), opposite Trinity College | Finish at The Brazen Head, Dublin's oldest pub From 1st June to 28 Sep at 10.30am on every Saturday. 3 Hours and 30 minutes - €15 (€13for seniors/students) http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Legend_of_Luke_Kelly_Pavillion_TheatreChris Kavanagh and the band have been performing this heartfelt tribute since 2001. They are honoured to be the first to tribute the late Dubliner. They have been selling out shows home and abroad for years now, and have also recorded an album of self penned songs, with the influence of Luke Kelly on board. Chris was honoured further when The Dubliners asked him to perform on their 2011 German tour. He was so successful that they invited him on stage again at their 50th anniversary shows in Dublins Vicar St. Chris is also featured on their anniversary DVD. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Viking_Storytelling_Sessions_Dublinia1st of June –Viking Storytelling sessions Hear some of the myths and mysteries of the Vikings in this special narrated story, by a real Viking lady! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Global_Express_A_Family_Concert_for_Young_ChildrenRoom: Main Auditorium Presented by Paul Rissmann James Cavanagh conductor   R. Strauss Introduction (Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30) [2’] Copland Hoe down (Rodeo) [3’30] Bizet Habanera (Carmen Suite No. 2) [2’] Bizet Les Toréadors (Carmen Suite No. 1) [2’] Anderson The Irish Washerwoman (Irish Suite) [3’] Mussorgsky (orch. Ravel) Pictures at an Exhibition (excerpts) [15’] Paul Rissmann The Meerkat Tango [4’] Zimmer (arr. Lavender & Longfield) Pirates of the Caribbean (highlights) [3’] Presented as part of FORTE! The RTÉ NSO’s Musical Discovery Programme Concert with on-screen presentation and audience participation Music to engage, excite and entertain the whole family! Prepare to be transported into space by Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra and back down-to-earth again (the Wild West, to be exact) to become a cowboy in Copland’s Rodeo, a bullfighter in Bizet’s Carmen, a Pirate of the Caribbean in music from the film, before losing yourself in Mussorgsky’s magical and mysterious Pictures at an Exhibition. You’ll even get an opportunity to sing along with the audience as the orchestra performs the curiously named Meerkat Tango written by our presenter Paul Rissmann. Ticket Information: Prices: €15 (adult) €13.50 (concessions) €10 (child) 10% discount for Groups of 10 or more 5% discount for Groups of 5 or more and RTE Subscribers. Family tickets available Presented by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Flora_Womens_Mini_Marathon The Flora Women's Mini Marathon is the biggest all women's event of its kind in the world. It has grown steadily in numbers since it began in 1983 with its popularity increasing significantly over the last few years. The event has no equals in its appeal. Women of all ages representing every county and every walk of life take part in this great Festival of Women. No pressure is put on anyone - all the participants have to do is get fit enough to walk, jog or run the 10k. It is up to each individual to set her own target. Every finisher is a winner - and receives a commemorative medal and ribbon to mark the achievement   For more information visit: www.florawomensminimarathon.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Trinity_College_Dublin_Shakespeare_FestivalThe fifth and final annual Trinity College Dublin Shakespeare Festival will run from the 3rd - 8th June this year, and  is set to be the biggest Shakespeare Festival ever to take place in Ireland. 500 performers will take part in over 50 performances of Shakespeare’s work, as well as various events and workshops. Both the city and college will be transformed into ‘living’ spaces in which Shakespeare’s work will be presented and celebrated through community outreach performances, outdoor scenes as well as events and workshops. The Festival aims to expand this year its extensive programme of civic engagement. This year we are looking to bring performances of Shakespeare to other underprivileged groups and schoolchildren. This is coupled with a daily  free light entertainment events such as: choral performances, circus acts, film screenings, public lectures from some of Trinity College’s most distinguished academics, food and drink tasting and comedy performances for students and visitors alike. To get a preview of this year's event Click Here Check out our website (www.dublinshakespeare.com) for a full list of events and timetable of scenes as well as photos and other fun things! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/European_Space_Expo_Trinity_CollegeWe are delighted to announce that the European Space Expo will visit Trinity College Dublin in June 2013. This is a spectacular travelling exhibit that shows how space and its applications provide benefits to Europe. There will be lots of exciting activities surrounding the Space Expo visit, including space-related workshops for kids, an Irish space industry event, public talks, and lots more. The Space Expo highlights the critical role of space and space-based technologies to Europe. In Ireland, there is an active space science and astronomy research community who have worked with the European Space Agency for many decades. What’s more, there are now over 40 Irish companies working with ESA on everything from telecommunications, to materials, to remote sensing of our oceans. Check out a movie of the Space Expo on the road across Europe. Schools visits: If your primary or secondary school would like to visit the Expo, please email Jeanette Cummins or call +353 1 896 4141 http://www.visitdublin.com/event/JoyceSong_in_the_Tower_John_Feeley_and_Fran_O_RourkeLocation - Martello Tower Sandycove Joyce’s interest in classical music, especially opera, is well documented; less well known are the pervasive allusions throughout his writings to songs from the Irish tradition. In a series of recitals John Feeley and Fran O’Rourke with Joyce’s recently restored guitar will perform Irish songs with a Joyce connection. Included in the programme will be the forgotten air used by James Joyce for his concert performance of “Salley Gardens”, and Goldsmith’s song “The Jolly Pigeons” which Joyce taught to the actor who played Tony Lumpkin in his Zurich production of She Stoops to Conquer. Joyce’s favourite Greek/French song, recently rediscovered, will also be included. These recitals take place in the Martello tower in Sandycove which feature in the opening pages of Ulysses. The performance of Joyce’s favourite Irish songs, to accompaniment on Joyce’s own guitar, in this intimate atmosphere promises to be a very special event. On Sunday 9 June Feeley and O’Rourke will be joined by internationally acclaimed Irish poet Paul Muldoon who will read from his work. Ticket Information:  Tickets from Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire: www.paviliontheatre.ie  Wed 5—Sat 8 June, Mon 10 June: €18 Sun 9 June (with Paul Muldoon): €30 As capacity is limited, early booking is advised http://www.visitdublin.com/event/La_Traviata_at_Gaiety_TheatreClaudia Boyle stars in this tribute to Verdi on his 200th Anniversary Lyric Opera returns to the Gaiety Theatre this Summer, with Verdi’s much loved La Traviata on June 5th, 7th & 8th 2013. It is performed by an Irish and international cast – headed by Claudia Boyle, opera’s newest star and recent winner of the International Maria Callas Award. She is supported by exciting Italian Tenor Luigi Boccia and acclaimed English baritone George Mosley, as well as Irish artists Deirdre Masterson, Cormac Lawlor, Ciaran Judge and Stephen Fennelly, among others. The RTE Concert Orchestra accompany, conducted by David Angus. La Traviata tells the story of how Violetta, the beautiful but fragile social butterfly, sacrifices her one hope of personal happiness for the sake of her lover’s reputation. A tragic and resonant tale of society and morality, it combines compelling characters with hugely powerful, moving and instantly recognisable melodies, making it one of the most emotionally engaging and popular operas of all time. Vivian Coates directs this sparkling revival, which sees Claudia return to the role she sang to great acclaim in Dublin in 2010. Once again, the Lyric Opera Chorus comprises largely of Irish students from the Royal Irish Academy of Music and the DIT Conservatory of Music & Drama – the next generation of opera singers at the first stage of their careers. 2013 is a very special year for Verdi lovers – the 200th anniversary of his birth. One of opera’s most important composers, he contributed much to the modern repertoire with many of his operas firm favourites in the opera house today. La Traviata is one of his finest – the magnificent score includes such favourites as Violetta’s introspective ‘Ah fors’è lui’; the duet ‘Pura siccome un angelo’ and the haunting strains of ‘Parigi, o cara’, in which the lovers poignantly imagine a life that will never be theirs. The role of Violetta (the ‘fallen woman’ of the title) is one of Verdi’s most complex characters – a role sung by Claudia with dramatic intensity and great sensitivity. Irish audiences now have a chance to enjoy this unique artist as she emerges as one of opera’s great global talents. La Traviata – a wonder for those new to opera, and a joy for opera lovers. Ticket Information: Tickets are priced at €25 - €60. Booking 24hr Ticketmaster Tel: 08 18 719 388 www.gaietytheatre.ie Group Bookings: +353 1 6486029, Email: group.sales@ticketmaster.ie. Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm Mon – Fri http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Payback_Mill_TheatreFour star performances from Maria McDermottroe and Marion O'Dwyer in this lunchtime show. Developed as part of Show in a Bag, an artist development initiative of Dublin Fringe Festival, Fishamble, The New Play Company and the Irish Theatre Institute. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Barney_and_Friends“It's always nice to share your toys - but in a rush to share their favourite toys with the audience, Barney's friends BJ, Riff and Baby Bop accidentally break their toys. As always, Barney finds the silver lining behind the dark cloud - he'll take the little dinos, and the audience, to a marvellous, magical toy factory where the toys can be repaired by the Imagination Machine - a fantastic device powered by children’s imagination! Join your favourite dinosaur at The Olympia Theatre for ninety minutes of song, dance and fun…and when it comes to fun, Barney knows that nothing beats imagination...and friends you love!” There are seven shows across four days at The Olympia. Ticket Information: Tickets priced €18 including booking fee via Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/John_Ford_IrelandDublin will be a hive of activity for budding filmmakers, movie lovers and fans of Ford films.  Kicking off with an Opening Night Extravaganza, and a series of rare Ford Screenings, Panel Discussions; Public Interviews with Film Directors, Music for the Screen events and performances, special Outdoor Screenings, Writers Hub and Directors Hub and a chance to get up and close and personal with 'all things Ford'... 2012 proved a phenomenal success with guests Dan Ford (grandson of John Ford); Film Director and Writer; Peter Bogdanovich; Kyle Eastwood and Band; David Holmes; Academy Award Winning Editor, Joel Cox (Mystic River); John Boorman, Neil Jordan, Jim Sheridan, Pat McCabe, Brian Kirk and many more......  John Ford Ireland 2013 will prove to be just as exciting, with Filmmakers from around the globe participating in a series of events, for any film buff or film fan, this Symposium & Festival is a MUST ...stay tuned to see details as they are announced and to avail of your Season Pass.  As John Ford once said 'I make pictures but I don't like talking about them'....come to John Ford Ireland in 2013 and you will discover that there are a lot of people who DO like to talk about John Ford pictures; a man responsible for some of the most enduring films in cinematic history, who still holds the record for most Oscar wins for a Director. You will find there is quite a lot to talk about... http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Shush_by_Elaine_MurphyShe’ll be grand, hasn’t she all of us to keep her going? Breda is newly separated, facing retirement and feeling a bit invisible, she doesn’t want a birthday party! But her friends are determined to cheer her up and they descend on her to celebrate. After some homemade birthday cake and a few too many Bacardi’s – it turns out Breda’s not the only one with problems. Be the first to see Shush, a heart-warming new play from a writer that celebrates the spirit of Irish women. The Abbey Theatre is delighted to welcome back Elaine Murphy, after the international success of her first full-length play, Little Gem. Ticket Information: Tickets from €13.00 are available online at www.abbeytheatre.ie Thursday 6 June – Saturday 20 July Previews: Thursday 6 June – Tuesday 11 June Time: Monday – Saturday 7.30pm, Saturday matinee 2pm Assisted performance details Sign Language Interpreted Performance: Thursday 11 July 7.30pm Captioned & Audio Described Performance: Saturday 13 July 2pm http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Great_Gatsby_by_Simon_LevyThis is a classic fable – of America, of the breathtaking glamour and decadent excess of the Jazz Age, of enchantment and illusions, of a world where love and dreams are pursued and betrayed. Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, passionately pursues the elusive Daisy Buchanan. Nick Carraway, a young newcomer to Long Island, is drawn into their world of obsession, greed and danger. C.A.S. Productions present this classic fable of the breath-taking glamour and decadent excess of the Jazz Age, of a world where love and dreams are pursued and betrayed http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Wish_Upon_a_Tree_Workshops_at_The_ArkBank Holiday Mondays 6th May & 3rd June 10.30am & 12.30pm Ages 5–7 Tickets €11/€8 conc. Join artist Jo May to create a special hand-made offering for The Ark’s wishing tree using textiles, paper, wire and a variety of mixed materials. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/4th_Indian_Film_Festival_of_Ireland_2013Venue: Dundrum Cinema, Dundrum, Dublin 14 The Indian Film Festival of Ireland is an annual gathering of people from the Indian film industry in Ireland. The festival shows the best of latest and old classical Indian cinema, and creates an opportunity for the local Irish creative people to collaborate, and learn about the world's largest film producing nation. The festival has various strands, such as Director in Focus with opening and closing film, Star in Retrospective, Debut director. It has all the rich tapestry of and international film festival, and is non-profit making, run by a small team of dedicated volunteers and is presented by Bollywood Ireland Ltd, a film and Television production and distribution company own by Siraj Zaidi, an actor from India and trained at the London Academy of Dramatic Arts. Industry networking and masterclasses focus on the new dimensions and parameters in film making and thinking outside the box of EU / USA film industry. The concepts of hybrid and cross over films with Indian and Irish diaspora story and theme are highly encourage and new creative ways of producing films for the global international market is also encourage. The gala award ceremony is high-end glamorous dinner evening welcoming the Indian summer in Ireland, and all this for an educational charitable cause in India. Through this fundraising event children orphanage and primary education schools are supported. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Death_of_the_Tradesmen_DraiochtHis name is Willy. He is a 54 year old tradesman. He has a bad back and a short fuse. He likes a pint of black and he tends to lose more than he wins when it comes to gambling. He is 54. His hands are sore. They are calloused and dry and he is sick of standing. In a country full of vacant spaces, empty places and ghost estates - Death of the Tradesmen is a new play about an army of men and the live register. Death of the Tradesmen was developed as part of the TITLE Residency at Solstice and the Cork Midsummer Festival. Made with Rough Magic Production Support and kindly supported by the Arts Council. Winners of The Lir Revival Award and the Fishamble New Writing Award ABSOLUT Fringe 2012. Contains some strong language, 14+ http://www.visitdublin.com/event/GoitseGoitse’s distinctive sound lies in the quality of their own compositions interspersed with well-known traditional tunes. Young, talented and winning feverish plaudits for their Donal Lunny produced second album, Transformed. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/PictureHouse_at_Vicar_StreetPictureHouse have announced details about their new album which will be launched with a gig in Vicar Street on June 7th. Fresh off the back of their sold out show at The Village and appearances on The Late Late Show and The Pat Kenny show,  the recently reformed and new look PictureHouse enlisted fans to help name their new album “Evolution”. Recorded in Sweden and Ireland over a 14 month period, “Evolution” includes a number of co-writes with Lasse Anderson, who boasts Emilia’s “Big Big World” amongst his credits. His Dad, Stig, was ABBA’s manager and occasional songwriter. Best known for the summer hits “Sunburst”, “Heavenly Day”, and “Everybody Loves My Girl”, Picturehouse have been live favourites for over a decade having toured relentlessly with the likes of The Corrs, The Saw Doctors, Runrig, Meat Loaf, Mel C, Texas, Bon Jovi, The Divine Comedy, Fish and Big Country, they also famously played to over a million people in 1999 earning countless rave reviews and plaudits along the way. Ticket Information: Tickets for this highly anticipated gig on June 7th are available NOW from www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide priced €23.00 (including booking fee). +353818719300 - Republic of Ireland customers http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Rep_of_Ireland_v_Faroe_Islands_FIFA_World_Cup_Qualifier Ireland play the Faroe Islands in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier June 7th 2013 More details TBC.  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Family_Tour_Monsters_of_the_Deep_Natural_History_MuseumHave you ever noticed all the strange and wonderful fish in the Museum? Did you know they were all caught in Irish waters?! Join this tour to find out more! No booking required. Wheelchair accessible. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Philharmonia_Orchestra_Christoph_von_Dohnanyi_conductor_Paul_Lewis_piano As part of the International Orchestras Series in The International Concert Series 2012/2013 Opening work to be announced Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488 Dvorák Symphony No. 9 in E minor, From the New World The Philharmonia Orchestra is one of the world’s great orchestras. Acknowledged as the UK’s foremost musical pioneer, with an extraordinary recording legacy, the Philharmonia leads the field for its quality of playing, and for its innovative approach to audience development, residencies, music education and the use of new technologies in reaching a global audience The Orchestra’s extensive touring schedule this season includes performances in more than 30 of the finest international concert halls in Europe, and China with conductors including Esa-Pekka Salonen, Lorin Maazel and Kurt Masur. Throughout its history, the Philharmonia Orchestra has been committed to finding new ways to bring its top quality live performance to audiences worldwide, and to using new technologies to achieve this. Many millions of people since 1945 have enjoyed their first experience of classical music through a Philharmonia recording, and in 2011/12 audiences can engage with the Orchestra through webcasts, podcasts, downloads, computer games and film scores as well as through its unique interactive music education website, The Sound Exchange. Christoph von Dohnányi became Honorary Conductor for Life of the Philharmonia Orchestra at the start of the 2008/09 Season. This highly successful partnership began in 1994 when he was appointed Principal Guest Conductor and, from 1997 onwards, he held the position of Principal Conductor. Dohnányi is also in demand as a guest conductor in the US and regularly conducts the Boston Symphony, Chicago Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, The Philadelphia, New York Philharmonic and The Cleveland orchestras. Paul Lewis is internationally recognised as one of the leading pianists of his generation. His many awards have included the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Instrumentalist of the Year Award, the South Bank Show Classical Music Award, the Diapason d’or de l’annee and many more. Recent and forthcoming highlights include concerts in Europe and the US with the London Symphony Orchestra, performances with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, LA Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, London Philharmonic, Phiharmonia, NHK Symphony, Boston Symphony, Bavarian Radio Symphony, Oslo Philharmonic, Leipzig Gewandhaus and Tonhalle Orchestras. Paul Lewis studied with Ryszard Bakst at Chethams School of Music and Joan Havill at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, before going on to study privately with Alfred Brendel. Along with his wife the Norwegian cellist Bjørg Lewis, he is artistic director of Midsummer Music, an annual chamber music festival held in Buckinghamshire, UK. Presented by The National Concert Hall       http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Scott_Ian_Anthrax_Speaking_Words_Tour_2013The tour comes in light of his highly successful spoken word evening at The Garage, London in November 2012. "In a rare outing Scott will do a spoken word performance. The show is very entertaining and funny, filled with stories from his 30+ years of travelling around the world. The night concludes with a Q & A where the audience gets to ask Scott what they want to know." “My first 'Speaking Words' tour and I get to do it in the UK and Ireland? Really? Wow, how fucking cool is that!!! My one-off show in London went so well and now I get to speak words at you all over the place. Thank you for having a superior sense of humour. I'm calling it 'Speaking Words' because the pretension of saying I am doing a 'Spoken Word' tour is too much to bear. This ain't no poetry reading. This isn't an evening of sensitive discourse. It's an evening of ridiculous truth. It's me talking (swearing) about this insane life I've led over the last 31 years, the people I've met and the shit that's happened. And when I'm done swearing, you can ask me anything you want, the floor is yours. Cheers my friends, see you in May and June.” Scott Ian In a career spanning three decades, Scott Ian, as the co-founding member of Anthrax, helped to create the “New Wave of American Heavy Metal” or as it’s more commonly known, “Thrash Metal” in the mid-80’s. Scott is widely known as the face of Anthrax, and for being a constant and extremely recognizable figure in the worlds of music, poker, comics, movies and television. In a rare outing Scott will do a spoken word performance. The show is very entertaining and funny, filled with stories from his 30+ years of travelling around the world. The night concludes with a Q & A where the audience gets to ask Scott what they want to know. Scott Ian’s ‘Speaking Words’ tour will be sponsored by Metal Hammer magazine. "Geek, author, guitarist, icon: when it comes to recounting the history of metal, Scott Ian's the man - catch him while you can" Alex Milas – Editor Metal Hammer     Ticket Information: Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie & usual outlets nationwide, Sound Cellar & Into The Void Records. Mainly seated show - unreserved seating, This is an 18+ event. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Who_Quadrophenia_and_moreTickets are on sale this Friday, 1 February at 9.00am The Who, one of rock’s legendary and defining bands, has announced an Irish and UK arena tour where they’ll perform their iconic 1973 double album Quadrophenia in its entirety, along with a selection of Who classics. The critically acclaimed Quadrophenia marked the British band’s second rock opera (after Tommy), raised the bar for rock albums as an art form, hit #2 on the UK album chart and massively influenced the future of UK style, fashion and culture – from Paul Weller to Bradley Wiggins, from Paul Smith to Noel Gallagher.  The album’s title is a variation on the popular usage of the medical diagnostic term schizophrenia and exemplifies the four varying personalities of the band members who created the album. IGN placed Quadrophenia at No. 1 on its list of the greatest classic rock albums of all time and Q magazine placed Quadrophenia on its list of the 100 Greatest British Albums Ever. It features such classic Who songs as “The Real Me,” “5:15” and “Love Reign o’er Me.” The band, founded in 1964, brought together four different personalities and in effect produced a musical hurricane.  Each of them was a pioneer. Wildman drummer Keith Moon beat his kit with a chaotic elegance; stoic bassist John Entwistle held down the center with the melodic virtuosity of a solo guitarist; raging intellectual Pete Townshend punctuated the epic universality of his songs with the windmill slamming of his fingers across his guitar strings; and Roger Daltrey roared above it all with an impossibly virile macho swagger. They exploded conventional rhythm and blues structures, challenged pop music conventions, and redefined what was possible on stage, in the recording studio, and on vinyl. The film Quadrophenia starred a young Sting, Phil Daniels, Ray Winstone, Trevor Laird and Lesley Ash. John Lydon (Rotten) was screen tested for a part, but the idea was dropped when insurance became an issue! Quadrophenia became one of the key influential, independent British movies, alongside other gritty real life films (known as ‘angry young man films’), like “Scum”, “The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner” and “Look Back In Anger”. This new concert version of Quadrophenia, personally directed by Roger Daltrey, focuses on the original album and replaces the narrative used in previous stage versions with powerful imagery projected on an array of massive screens, designed to support, complement and propel the musical content of the work by setting it in the context of the history of the band. This is achieved to startling effect. “Quadrophenia and its coming-of-age story unfolded in songs that blended nuance and noise, a spectacle grand and gritty,” writes the Orlando Sentinel. The Who’s 10-date Ireland and UK tour features founding members Roger Daltreyand Pete Townshend, who will be joined by Zak Starkey (drums), Pino Palladino (bass), Simon Townshend (guitar/backing vocals), John Corey (keyboards), Loren Gold (keyboards/backing vocals) and Frank Simes (musical director, keyboards/backing vocals). Pete Townshend on “Quadrophenia” Why do you think the music, the themes of “Quadrophenia”--both the album and film adaptation--resonate so strongly today? In 1972 I was twenty-eight, writing about London and Brighton in 1963 and 1964 when the band was just starting. I was still young enough to remember how it felt to be sixteen or seventeen, and at war with my parents, bosses and authority. I could still remember that feeling of struggling to fit in, something that happened to me when I was even younger, around fourteen, and everyone around me seemed to have got their lives on track. This is such a universal experience for young people that it has echoed. (It also seems that many of the first fans of the album don't want to let it go; it connects them now, just as it did the band, with the important emotions and frustrations of growing up, the poignancy of it all. The film took the musical journey into the real world, and gave it flesh. That could have been a problem, but the Mod look is subtle, and cool, and so it doesn't suffer the way some other youth films have. I've come to appreciate that the film has become almost more important than the album in some ways, especially in the visual age we live in.) In this singles-driven digital age, there are artists now singing the praises of the album as an art-form and playing their own albums from front-to-back onstage.  Since ‘Quadrophenia’ represents the album aesthetic in its highest form, what are your thoughts about the importance of albums these days for artists and audiences? Mod was over in the South of England by the spring of 1965, and in a sense the band had changed too. We were less pure, less an R&B band and becoming more of a singles-oriented pop band. So there is an irony in the fact that when I decided we needed to reconnect with that vitally important and colourful period of our career, and our lives as young men trying to pursue a dream of becoming famous and respected, I realised I would need a double album. I'm pleased to hear about artists who uphold the album as an art-form. Album. Art. The questioner's words here, but I have often been ridiculed for using them about  pop music in the past. The digital medium is only just starting to lend itself to long form work. So I expect to see more of it. It was once thought new music fans had a low attention span; but what they reveal is immense commitment to researching what touches them most deeply, and as the internet gets faster they can find what they seek more quickly. Once a connection is made, it can be extremely deep and long-lasting. This is really just another echo: this is how it was back in the '60s. Singles first, then albums. Maybe the preponderance of singles on the internet has made the album feel special again? Maybe the old way of listening to music – in longer sittings – is finding its way back into vogue? A journey, for example, is an opportunity to listen to something longer, and easy to carry mobile music has made that possible. Ticket information: Tickets are on sale this Friday, 1 February at 9.00am from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and online at www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Bloomsday_FestivalBloomsday is celebrated on June 16th every year in Dublin. Bloomsday commemorates the work of the Irish author James Joyce and is called after the main character in his most famous work – Leopold Bloom of Ulysses fame. Bloomsday takes the format of Joyce fans dressed in Edwardian costume to conjure up the atmosphere of the period in which Ulysses was set – 1904. To understand Bloomsday you need to know that it follows the trials and tribulations of one entire day in the life of Leopold Bloom in Ulysses - Bloomsday June 16th. Fans follow the route around Dublin taken by Bloom and usually have a breakfast of sausages, beans, black and white pudding and toast at some stage along the way. Davy Byrne’s Pub usually figures in everyone’s Bloomsday celebration at some stage of the day. Bloomsday readings and dramastisations from the novel take place at various stages by costumed performers, as well as traditional Irish music and merriment. Much of the Bloomsday celebrations are hosted by the James Joyce Centre in North Great Georges St Dublin. Visit www.jamesjoyce.ie for information on festival talks, events and exhibitions. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/My_Museum_Become_a_Junior_ScribeAges 7-12 Join artist and illustrator Aoife Patterson to explore the decoration of ancient Irish manuscripts, practice writing like an Early Christian monk and make your own illuminated art to take home! No booking required. 15 places, first come basis. Meet at reception. Not wheelchair accessible. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/abigails_partyFollowing a triumphant West End season, Mike Leigh’s classic comedy comes to The Gaiety Theatre from 10th June 2013 to 15th June 2013.   Hannah Waterman, Martin Marquez, Samuel James, Katie Lightfoot and Emily Raymond star in Abigail’s Party, one of the most popular plays ever written.   Donna Summer is playing on the stereo. Dishes of cheese and pineapple are on the coffee table…the social get-together from hell is about to begin.   Beverly, and estate agent husband Laurence, have invited round new neighbours Tony and Ange and nervous divorcee Sue, twitchy about the party her fifteen-year-old daughter, Abigail, is throwing over the road. As Beverly plies the guests with alcohol, cigarettes, Demis Roussos and nibbles, this horribly compelling evening descends into drunkenness and debauchery. Comedy, drama and tragedy combine into an iconic piece of theatre.   This ruthlessly accurate and painfully funny observation of the pretensions of suburbia comedy became an instant classic when it first appeared as a BBC Play For Today in 1977, the year of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.   Hannah Waterman is best known for her role as Laura Beale in EastEnders. Following her departure from the show she has performed extensively in theatre productions both on tour and in the West End, including Carrie’s War, Rattle of a Simple Man and The Vagina Monologues (on tour) and Calendarn Girls (on tour and West End). Joining her are Martin Marquez, most recently seen in the West End in Billy Elliot and soon to be seen in the upcoming film version of Les Misérables, Samuel James, Katie Lightfoot and Emily Raymond.   Mike Leigh is one of Britain’s most influential theatre and film directors. His numerous awards have included Best Comedy award for the stage play Goose Pimples, a BAFTA for Outstanding Contribution to Cinema, National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Film for Life is Sweet, Best Director Award at Cannes Film Festival for Naked, the Palme d’Or at Cannes for Secrets and Lies and an Oscar for Topsy Turvy.   Lindsay Posner recently directed the all-star revival of Noises Off at the Old Vic and Butley, A View from the Bridge and Fiddler on the Roof in the West End and Relatively Speaking on tour and soon to open in the West End.   Theatre Royal Bath Productions are one of the most highly regarded producers of touring and West End productions. Recent productions include: Relatively Speaking starring Felicity Kendall and Kara Tointon, which sold out at theatres across the UK and The Judas Kiss starring Rupert Everett. Upcoming productions include West End transfers of Relatively Speaking and The Judas Kiss, a West End premier of Quartermaine’s Terms starring Rowan Atkinson and a national tour of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning Fences, starring Lenny Henry. Matinee performances  Wednesday 12th June 2013 - 2.30pm Saturday 15th June 2013 – 2.30pm Evening performances Mon - Sat 7:30 pm No performance Sunday Ticket Information: Tickets priced €28.20, €33.20, €38.70 including booking fee  are on sale from Gaiety Box Office.  No service charge for transactions in person at the Gaiety Box Office. Service charges apply to online and telephone bookings. Tickets are also on sale from online at www.ticketmaster.ie and all usual ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Colm_Wilkinson_in_ConcertMonday 10th, Monday 17th June & Tuesday 2nd July. One of Broadway’s most distinctive voices, Ireland’s Colm Wilkinson is best known as the original Jean Valjean and the Phantom, roles he created and embodied in London, Toronto and New York productions of Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera. He played Jean Valjean in the 10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall (1995) and has gained many new fans since his guest appearances on both 25th Anniversary Concerts of Les Misérable at the O2 London (2010) and Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall (2011). Colm plays the Bishop of Digne in the new Les Misérables movie alongside Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Russell Crowe. “I was delighted to be asked to play the role of the Bishop of Digne in the movie version of the greatest musical ever written… Twenty eight years ago as the original Jean Valjean I started an extraordinary journey with the Bishop of Digne setting me on the long road of reincarnation and salvation. It seems to me as I now take on the role of the Bishop that the journey has ended and I have come full circle”. Colm Wilkinson Colm Wilkinson in Concert is an evening of music and stories. Theatre favorites such as ‘Music of the Night’, ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ and his signature song ‘Bring Him Home’ anchor the show which also includes definitive Irish classics such as ‘Danny Boy’ and ‘Whiskey in the Jar’. Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’ and The Animals ‘House of the Rising Sun’ add another dimension to a program rich in musical theatre and showcasing the complete depth, range and variety of Wilkinson’s talent. Colm will be accompanied by his band and vocalists Siobhán Pettit & Áine Whelan Ticket Information: Tickets priced from €36.50 on sale Friday 24th May from online www.ticketmaster.ie and from all usual Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/SlayerDue to overwhelming demand Slayer have added a second show to The Academy on Tuesday 11th June. The first show on Monday 10th June is now sold out. Slayer were one of the most distinctive, influential, and extreme thrash metal bands of the 1980s. Their graphic lyrics deal with everything from death and dismemberment to war and the horrors of hell. Their full-throttle velocity, wildly chaotic guitar solos, and powerful musical chops paint an effectively chilling sonic background for their obsessive chronicling of the dark side; this correspondence has helped Slayer's music hold up arguably better than the remaining Big Three '80s thrash outfits (Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax). Naturally, Slayer have stirred up quite a bit of controversy over the years, with rumors flying about Satanism and Nazism that have only added to their mystique. Over the years, Slayer put out some high-quality albums, including one undisputed classic (Reign in Blood), and saw the numbers of naysayers and detractors shrinking as their impact on the growing death metal movement was gradually and respectfully acknowledged. Slayer have survived with arguably the most vitality and the least compromise of any pre-Nirvana metal band, and their intensity still inspires similar responses from their devoted fans. Slayer were formed in 1982 in Huntington Beach, CA, by guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman; also recruited were bassist/vocalist Tom Araya and drummer Dave Lombardo. They started out playing covers of Judas Priest and Iron Maiden songs, but quickly discovered that they could get attention (and fans) by exploiting threatening, satanic imagery. The band was invited by Metal Blade's Brian Slagel to contribute a track to the Metal Massacre, Vol. 3 compilation (a series that also saw the vinyl debuts of Metallica and Voivod); a contract and debut album, Show No Mercy, followed shortly thereafter. While Slayer's early approach was rather cartoonish, their breakneck speed and instrumental prowess were still highly evident. Two EPs, Haunting the Chapel and Live Undead, were released in 1984, but 1985's Hell Awaits refined their lyrical obsessions into a sort of concept album about damnation and torture and made an immediate sensation in heavy metal circles, winning Slayer a rabid cult following. Slayer remained quiet for a few years; the only new material released after 1990 was a duet with Ice-T recorded for the Judgment Night soundtrack on a medley of songs by the Exploited. After leaving the Forbidden, Paul Bostaph signed on as the new drummer for 1994's Divine Intervention, which was released to glowing reviews; thanks to the new death metal movement, which drew upon Slayer and particularly Reign in Blood for its inspiration,Slayer were hailed as metal innovators. The album was a massive success, debuting at number eight on the Billboard album charts. The band continue to tour and there are plans for a new album. Ticket Information: Tickets €42.50 on sale this Friday 8th March from Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster.ie. Over 18’s – ID required http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Dubliners_DilemmaBewley's Café Theatre is proud to celebrate Bloomsday with a presentation of... The Dubliners Dilemma Based on stories from James Joyce’s ‘Dubliners’ Adapted and performed by Declan Gorman Described as “Vivid” (Irish Times), “Remarkable” (Metro Herald), “Ingenious” (Mail on Sunday) and “a compelling performance” (Irish Theatre Magazine) Declan Gorman’s one-man tram-hurtle through James Joyce’s “Dubliners” returns for a two week run, at Bewleys Café Theatre from 10th to 22nd June, (including a special performance on Sunday 16th June, Bloomsday) at 1pm. The year is 1914. London publisher Grant Richards has determined to re-read Joyce’s controversial manuscript, eight years after rejecting it over fears it might breach strict British and Irish obscenity laws. As the racy, comic stories of Joyce’s childhood and young adult world spring to life around him, Richards relives his frustrating correspondence with the arrogant Irish writer. Should he risk everything now second time around and be the one to launch this volatile but brilliant genius on a world about to descend into the madness of war? “Gorman holds the audience enraptured throughout with a truly mesmerising performance. This original adaptation is by no means exclusively for die-hard Joyce fans, making a brilliant introduction for newcomers!” Metro Herald “This very entertaining one man show… ingeniously intercuts [Joyce and his publisher’s letters with extracts from the collection. It will make you want to read Dubliners again!” Mail on Sunday “Alone in his office adrift with papers and cardboard boxes, Gorman’s version of Richards is an apprehensive midwife to genius, privately enraptured by the work, but fretting over the objections of his printer and the grave consequences of Irish obscenity laws: publish and perish.[…] But the clincher is the work itself, which swells up around Richards onstage with excerpts from four of the book’s stories: An Encounter, A Mother, Counterparts and Two Gallants. The excerpts come quite vividly to life, where Joyce’s words are left unadorned and largely undiluted […] It makes heavy demand of Gorman as a performer (and) he does it admirably and cleverly.” Irish Times “Gorman, a compelling performer, is at his best when undertaking childhood roles and also in his element with Joyce’s obsequious characters – (such as) the unfortunate Hoppy Holohan and the conniving Lenihan. … an animated and intelligent performance.” Irish Theatre Magazine PLEASE NOTE: WE DO NOT POST OUT TICKETS. We will have a record of your booking at the door. Lunchtime shows start at 1.10pm (doors open from 12.50pm). Please arrive no later than 1pm. Thank you. Credit Card booking prices are show only. Lunch (soup and hearty brown bread) is available for €4    http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Great_Hunger_by_Patrick_KavanaghPeter Duffy, a Monaghan native performs this epic poem, set in rural Monaghan of the 1930/40s. Following the life and struggles of the anti-hero, small famer, Patrick Maguire. An un-sentimental portrait of the life and times, it has echoes of The Great Famine in the title and the text. Arguably Kavanagh’s best work, a masterpiece. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/what_would_ma_sayIn this phenomenal hilarious play What Would Ma Say taken from the best-seller by Kathleen Doyle of the same name. Kathleen introduces us to her remarkable family and their exploits growing up in Dublin in the 1950s and 1960s. Kathleen describes Ma as an ordinary woman with very little education behind her. But maybe not so ordinary in the way she learned to survive and handle life. She was the backbone, the one who kept them together as a family, just about keeping their heads above water. But through all the poverty, Kathleen and her brothers and sisters had a laugh turning their kitchen into a swimming pool on a hot summers day, or trying to hide a stolen pig in the bath. What Would Ma Say is a nostalgic and poignant reminder of a Dublin that's long gone. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Martin_Hayes_Fiddle_Master_Class_at_the_Steeple_SessionsVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Martin Hayes will deliver a fiddle master class - however, this class is also created as an opportunity for students to interact in open dialog with Martin and ask questions. Martin has travelled and played all over the World and collaborated with many high calibre musicians and full orchestras across a variety of different genres. The class will offer the opportunity for students to hear Martin's specialised knowledge about music and performance and what his music really means to him, what he considers to be important, as well as sharing information on his background and career. This class should also be informative and entertaining for members of the public who wish to attend as observers. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment Book Here http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Martin_Hayes_in_Concert_at_the_Steeple_SessionsVenue: The Unitarian Church, St. Stephen's Green A candle-lit concert of traditional Irish music by world class legendary fiddler, Martin Hayes. Martin Hayes is regarded as one of the most extraordinary talents to emerge in the world of Irish traditional music. His unique sound, his mastery of his chosen instrument – the violin – his acknowledgement of the past and his shaping of the future of the music, combine to create an astonishing and formidable artistic intelligence. He is the recipient of major national and international awards: the prestigious Gradam Ceoil, Musician of the Year 2008 from the Irish language television station TG 4; previously Man of the Year from the American Irish Historical Society; Folk Instrumentalist of the Year from BBC Radio; a National Entertainment Award (the Irish 'Grammy'); six All-Ireland fiddle championships. Come see him in concert at the Steeple Sessions in Dublin this July. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Tallest_Man_On_EarthTickets on sale Monday 11th February @ 9.00am This summer will see the return of the Swedish artist The Tallest Man On Earth to Dublin following his ecstatically received sold out performance at Vicar Street in October 2012. The beautiful and intimate setting of the Iveagh Gardens will only enhance the magnetic, incomparable atmosphere that occurs at Kristian Matsson’s live shows. Very special guests will be announced in the coming weeks to join TTMOE on his biggest for his biggest Irish concert to date. “unforgettable live performances with one of the boldest, most captivating voices around.” – NPR “Matsson was born to sing these songs.” UNCUT Kristian Matsson, aka the Tallest Man on Earth, is a 29-year-old songwriter from Dalarna, Sweden. The first recordings from the Tallest Man on Earth surfaced in 2006 via a self-titled EP released on the Swedish independent label Gravitation. Matsson followed this EP with his 2008 full length, Shallow Grave, an album that drew accolades from the likes of NPR and Pitchfork. Many in North America were introduced to the Tallest Man on Earth on a tour with Bon Iver, including a stop for two shows at the legendary New York City venue Town Hall. The Tallest Man on Earth was winning over audiences through powerful performances, taking the stage alone with his acoustic guitar and captivating the crowds night after night. Fans continued to discover the Tallest Man on Earth through subsequent tours and word of mouth. In 2008 he visited KEXP's studio in Seattle and in 2009 performed for NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series, which continued to help inform audiences. He was still touring without a publicist or a North American record label, but fans were devouring his stunning performances, both as real-life audience members and internet voyeurs, scouring the web for new fan videos of shows. In early 2010 Matsson signed with U.S. record label Dead Oceans and announced the release of his sophomore album, The Wild Hunt. Once again, it was a record rooted in songwriting and a deep folk tradition, with Matsson's wordplay and deft guitar work at the center. Praises for the Tallest Man on Earth continued to build, and throughout the tour in support of The Wild Hunt and the follow-up EP, Sometimes the Blues is Just A Passing Bird, the crowds grew in fervor and size. He sold out venues like Webster Hall in New York City, The Fillmore in San Francisco, Shepherd's Bush Empire in London and took the stage at festivals like Coachella, Green Man, Roskilde, Pitchfork and Sasquatch. The Tallest Man on Earth toured the world, with sold-out shows in places like Australia and South Africa. The word continued to travel. He also performed "King of Spain" on the legendary Jools Holland show. Matsson spent the winter months of late 2011 and early 2012 in his home studio in Dalarna, recording There's No Leaving Now, his third full-length album. It's another stunning set, and in support of this new album the Tallest Man on Earth is headlining a show at Town Hall, returning to the stage where he opened for Bon Iver and took some of the first steps of his journey. Ticket Information: Tickets on sale Monday 11th February @ 9.00am priced  €33.50  (including booking fee) from www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Danny_O_Mahony_Accordion_Master_ClassLocation : Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Danny O'Mahony is a much sought after tutor of the Button Accordion from Ballyduff in North Kerry and is instantly recognised for his very distinctive and personal style of playing traditional Irish music. Danny, as well as teaching in the University of Limerick, is a presenter and producer of traditional music and song programmes for Radio Kerry. Danny released a solo recording 'In Retrospect' which features Danny playing alongside Patsy Broderick on piano, Cyril O' Donoghue on bouzouki and Johnny 'Ringo' McDonagh on bodhrán & bones. "In Retrospect is an instrumental fusion of generational tradition where nostalgic tones are enhanced by the innovative instrumentals of a serious talent. A debut delight" – Irish Music Magazine http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Danny_O_Mahony_and_Micheal_O_Rathallaigh_in_Concert_at_the_Steeple_SessionsVenue: The Unitarian Church, St. Stephen's Green Danny O'Mahony is an accordion player and music teacher of renown from Ballyduff in North Kerry and is instantly recognised for his very distinctive and personal style of playing traditional Irish music. Danny, as well as teaching in the University of Limerick, is a presenter and producer of traditional music and song programmes for Radio Kerry. Danny released a solo recording 'In Retrospect' which features Danny playing alongside Patsy Broderick on piano, Cyril O' Donoghue on bouzouki and Johnny 'Ringo' McDonagh on bodhrán & bones. In Retrospect is an instrumental fusion of generational tradition where nostalgic tones are enhanced by the innovative instrumentals of a serious talent. A debut delight' – Irish Music Magazine. Micheál Ó Raghallaigh is widely regarded as one of the finest concertina players of his generation. He has recorded with many artists and has produced two solo albums to critical acclaim. He also recorded albums with the group Providence and Táin Céilí Band. He has toured Europe, Scandinavia and the USA, and is much sought after as a performer and tutor. Mícheál and Danny recently released a duet album called 'As It Happened?'. They got together in Co. Meath, as friends do who each other's style and the result is a recording of unmitigated, simple perfection, music which is not note for note but which exudes a soulful , raw communication between two great musicians. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/IGLFA_European_Football_Championship_2013Dublin will be the host for the 2013 Championships which will see will see 32 teams from all over Europe compete, with 3 Men's and a Women's Division. Up to 1,000 players, coaches, partners, friends and families will travel to Dublin for the competition. Dublin Devils FC are extremely proud and honoured to bring the tournament to Dublin and are already looking forward to hosting all the teams here next June. Dublin Devils FC is Ireland's only gay football club. The Devils primarily are a football team and it is for that purpose that most people initially come along. However, the social side to the Devils is just as active. There are permanent fixtures at such events as the Dublin Pride Parade and Pride Sports Day, and our annual Oscar Wilde Cup Challenge against the Emerald Warriors RFC takes place in August each year, along with overseas trips to play challenge matches. The Tournament will be held at DCU Sports Grounds from June 13-16th 2013.   View promo video here.http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Karl_Spain_plus_guestsKarl Spain: "The future of Irish comedy is in safe hands" - Hot Press Mark Donehy: One of the fastest rising acts on the Irish circuit, winner of the Craic Attack comedy competition. Steve Cummins: Hecklers have finally met their match! Dont sit in the front row - you've been warned! Plus Special Guest http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Micheal_O_Raghallaigh_Concertina_Master_Class_at_the_Steeple_SessionsVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Micheál Ó Raghallaigh is from Co. Meath and is widely regarded as one of the finest concertina players of his generation. Micheal's concertina playing is said to achieve a great balance of traditional sound and personal expression, without going the way of machine-gun-fire, He has recorded with many artists and has produced two solo albums to critical acclaim. He also recorded albums with the group Providence and Táin Céilí Band. He has toured Europe, Scandinavia and the USA, and is much sought after as a performer and tutor. Numbers Limited. Master classes are open to non-musicians   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Taste_Of_DublinCome visit Taste of Dublin - the most exciting food and drink event in the country. Imagine foodie heaven – outstanding dishes prepared by famous chefs and restaurants, served in tapas sizes to allow you to experience more than one restaurant, all in one location. Choose from superb food and drinks from one of over 100 exhibitors and artisan producers. Take part in interactive and educational culinary features, including the Taste Theatre, Chefs’ Secrets cookery school, wine tutorials and other demos. Get up close and personal at the Chef's Skillery or enjoy a line-up of exciting live entertainment all in the stunning surroundings of the Iveagh Gardens, one of Dublin's outdoor gems. If you would like to receive more information from Taste of Dublin please click here http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Tri_lingual_Beckett_What_Would_I_Do_Without_This_SilenceVenue: Alliance Francaise, 1 Kildare Street, Dublin 2 Beckett poetry event with harp and visual art. Beckett's poetry is his least known work. Mouth on Fire are bringing it to the fore in three languages, performing his poetry at the Alliance Francaise in Dublin (French, Irish & English). Hearing the words in three languages with harp music (Anne Marie O Farrell) and visual imagery (Margaret Lonergan) heightens the experience; all poems translated by Gabriel Rosenstock. Produced by Mouth on Fire Theatre Company, Supported by Foras na Gaeilge and Alliance Francaise. This is a free event. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/We_Banjo_3 Sit back and watch the sparks fly as We Banjo 3 – virtuosos Enda and Fergal Scahill with Martin and David Howley - take you on a rollercoaster ride through banjo history from ragtime to reels at Draíocht, The Blanchardstown Centre on Thursday 13th June at 8:15 pm. Featuring banjos, fiddle, mandolins, guitars, banjolin and David’s vocals “with soul beyond his years”, We Banjo 3 combine Irish music with Old-Time American, Ragtime and Bluegrass influences, revealing the banjo’s rich legacy from its roots in African and minstrel music through to the Irish traditional sound pioneered by Barney McKenna. This concert is promoted by Music Network and Draíocht. Up to now, the banjo has been to some extent an unsung instrument, but when the remarkable We Banjo 3 hits the vellum and virtuosity takes flight, any doubts about this fascinating instrument are swept aside in a wave of verve and sheer joie-de-vivre. Winners of the Music Network Young Musicwide Award, the group from Galway - brothers Enda and Feargal Scahill, and Martin and David Howley - play with swing and soul, effortlessly combining the best of Irish and Bluegrass banjo music, mining the rich vein of the American Old Time tradition and thoroughly reinventing the banjo band sound. Their first Irish tour came hot on the heels of their performance at the Milwaukee Irish Fest, North America’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture. Their début album, Roots of the Banjo Tree, was voted best trad album in The Irish Times in December 2012. The album is a fascinating musical journey through the intertwined traditions of Irish, Old-Time and Bluegrass banjo music and song highlighting their virtuosic technique and interweaving harmonies and soulful song. Ticket Information: Tickets priced €16 / €14 can be booked by calling Tel +353 1 8852622 or www.draiocht.ie. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dalkey_Book_Festival This is the fourth year of the Dalkey Book Festival and it’s bigger and better than ever, with world-class authors, including: Edna O'Brien, Anne Enright, Carl Bernstein, Roddy Doyle, Kevin Barry, Declan Kiberd, Dawn O'Porter, Robert Fisk, Frank McGuinness, Eoin Colfer, John Boyne, Mike Scott, Pauline McLynn, David Coleman, Colm O'Regan, Tim Pat Coogan, Ian Robertson, Midnight Poe, Nadine O'Regan, Sarah Webb, Stuart Carolan and Eamon Morrissey. Ticket Information: Tickets go on sale on line at www.dalkeybookfestival.org from Tuesday May 14th Sign up for our festival newsletter at www.dalkeybookfestival.org and be the first to hear about this years exciting programme of events.     http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Harvest_a_tribute_to_Neil_YoungHarvest are Ireland's premier Neil Young tribute band and have toured all over the country since 2009. Harvest play a selection of songs from Neil Young's classic albums "Harvest", "After The Gold Rush", "Harvest Moon" & "Freedom". Fans can expect a 2hr+ set of songs from a career and back cataloguewhich spans over 40 years, including “Heart Of Gold”, “Old Man”, “Harvest Moon”, “Rockin’ In The Free World”, “Cowgirl In The Sand”, “Down By The River”, "Helpless”."Southern Man", "Comes A Time", "Cinnamon Girl", "Powderfinger", "Words" and "Ohio". As one fan recently put it, "Harvest play the songs that Neil doesn't". Harvest play at The Sugar Club in Dublin on Fri 14th Jun. Ticket Information: Tickets are €10 and are available at www.ticketmaster.ie  If you like Neil Young, you will love Harvest. Some quotes from fans: "Amazing gig tonight in Dolan's...come back soon!" "Had a great time at the gig and looking forward to the next one!!!!" "Fantastic gig. Really enjoyed it...Turn up the lead guitar - he is class" "super gig lads, well impressed! savage set list too" "Marathon gig lads, really enjoyed it, http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Robbie_Williams_Take_The_Crown_TourTickets go on sale on Thursday 28th February at 8:00am Robbie Williams is bringing his "Take The Crown Tour" to Aviva Stadium Friday 14 June with very special guest Olly Murs, for what will be a spectacular live show. Robbie hits the road this summer for a massive 21 date European tour including four nights at Wembley stadium. Over 600k tickets have now sold for the UK alone and in record time. This is a testament to the British icons' incredible and enduring appeal. Robbie: "I got such a buzz out of playing live again last year. The shows we did reminded me how special it is to play my songs in front of a huge audience, with all the excitement and adrenaline that it can bring. Bring on the tour!! ". Olly Murs "Everyone knows that I've been a huge admirer of Robbie for such a long time. He really is the consummate pop star. Robbie has been such an inspiration to me and I really still can't believe that we will be touring together!". In a career swarmed with awards, Robbie has sold a staggering 60 million albums (more records than any British solo artist in history). Six of these albums are among the top-selling 100 albums in the U.K. ever! Williams also appears in the Guinness Book of World Records for selling 1.6 million concert tickets in a day in 2006! Robbie's new single "Be A Boy" is due for release on 8 March. It is the opening track off his No.1 smash hit album "Take The Crown". Ticket Information: Tickets go on sale on Thursday 28 February at 8:00am. Tickets are priced from €69.50 and limited to 6 per transaction. Tickets will be available online at www.ticketmater.ie and all usal ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Swift_300_Celebrating_the_Tercentenary_of_Jonathan_Swift_becoming_Dean_of_Saint_Patricks_CathedralThis June, Dublin comes alive to celebrate Jonathan Swift. Featuring an exhibition in Marsh's Library, themed walking tours, and an unmissable evening of music and words from Swift's time. See Swift's Time Capsule - an exhibition in Marsh's Library, displaying objects that belonged to Swift or were associated with his life and work as Dean of Saint Patrick's Cathedral. Let's Walk and Talk is a free themed walking tour with acclaimed historian Pat Liddy taking in the many places associated with Jonathan Swift. Takes place on 14 June, meeting at the Bell Tower in Trinity College Front Square at 4pm. Swift in his Own Words is an evening of music, recitals and readings from Swift's time told through his work and correspondence. Featuring June Rodgers, Eamonn Lawlor, the Revd Adrian Empey and the DIT Irish Traditional Music ensemble. Takes place on 14 June in Saint Patrick's Cathedral at 6pm. Choral Evensong takes place on 16 June, in Saint Patrick's Cathedral at 3.15pm to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Jonathan Swift's installation as Dean. The Most Reverend R.L. Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh, will preach at the Service. Swift themed walking tours of Dublin will run throughout June. For more information on these, go to www.walkingtours.ie. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Fresh_and_OnlysThe Fresh & Onlys (Mexican Summer) Friday June 14th The latest of many marvels to come out of San Francisco, that inexhaustible source of bands that insists on reproducing almost all the aspects of pop and rock from times past, answers to the name of The Fresh & Onlys. The band, a project shared by Tim Cohen and Shayde Sartin, goes much further than a simple revival taking a little from here and a little from there, sometimes from fifties rock, or from elastic garage or from the immaculate pop of the Byrds. With a handful of self-edited singles and cassettes, a self-titled debut from 2009, sophomore full length "Grey Eyed Girls" from 2010 and the EP "August in my Mind" the Californians newest release “Play It Strange” , is an incredible record of cheerful pop that can sound like R.E.M at times and the Cramps at others. To view video: Presence of Mind, Click Here Ticket Information: Tickets €13.00 (including booking) from www.tickets.ie & www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Blaze_Away_The_Incredible_Story_of_Josef_LockeJosef Locke was one of the most popular entertainers ever in Ireland and Britain in the 40s, 50s and 60s. His story was immortalised in the film Hear My Song which was a huge international success. Blaze Away! The Incredible Story of Josef Locke chronicles the scandalous life of the Derry born singing legend who performed in no less than five Royal Variety Performances, such was his popularity. In 1947 he released Hear My Song, Violetta, which was to become his life-long signature tune. Other songs included in the show are Come Back To Sorrento, I’ll Walk Beside You, Blaze Away, The Old Bog Road and My Heart and I. Devised by former RTE Head of Music Cathal McCabe and featuring TV and radio personality Kevin Hough, Blaze Away includes these and many more of the great songs of Josef Locke, plus the scandals that always had him in the headlines! A notorious womanizer, his legendary tussles with the British tax authorities had him fleeing Britain to Ireland where he lived out the remainder of his life. Starring Frank Ryan, Linda Kenny, Joe O Gorman and Kevin Hough. Musical Director: Michael Casey / Devised and Directed by Cathal MacCabe. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Bon_Jovi_Live_at_Slane_CastleLocation: Slane Castle, Slane, Co Meath Bon Jovi have announced a trio of top Irish acts will join them for their highly anticipated Slane Castle concert on Saturday 15th June. The Coronas, Bressie and Hamsandwich will perform at the Meath venue with the Jersey rockers. Thin Lizzy headlined the inaugural concert in the summer of 1981 and since then Slane has hosted some of the most memorable and largest outdoor concerts in Ireland. The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Queen, Bob Dylan, Robbie Williams, David Bowie, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Kings Of Leon, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Oasis and REM are just some of the world renowned acts that have played at the venue The best just got bigger. Bringing their signature brand of rock ‘n’ roll back to the people, Jon Bon Jovi today announced from a live press conference held at Slane Castle that Bon Jovi will hit the road in 2013 to fill stadiums and arenas worldwide with “Bon Jovi Because We Can – The Tour” including a headline date at the historical Slane Castle on Saturday 15th June. Speaking of the announcement Lord Henry Mountcharles today said: "I have seen Bon Jovi live and was deeply impressed. They are one of the most successful touring acts in rock and roll history. Over the years I have been bombarded with requests for them to play Slane. Last week one from America read "Bon Jovi at Slane?! Could my dreams have come true! "Now I am thrilled to say those dreams are a reality." Blazing a trail across the globe, the tour will kick off in North America in February, just in time for Valentine’s Day, and travel throughout Europe, the Far East, Africa, Latin America and Australia. The band’s return to the road in 2013 will cap an incredible run which has secured Bon Jovi’s status as the essential live rock band – having performed more than 2,700 concerts in over 50 countries for more than 35 million fans, and earning the #1 grossing worldwide tour twice in just three years. “Because We Can – The Tour” will also debut brand new songs from new album What About Now, due out in Spring 2013, loading even more ammunition into the band’s huge arsenal of hits including “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” “It’s My Life,” and many more. With one of the greatest catalogues of songs in the history of rock n’ roll, Bon Jovi has sold more than 125 million albums and racked up a stellar resume of career accomplishments. Ticket Information: Tickets are available  from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide, by Telephone +353818719300 or online: www.ticketmaster.ie Tickets are limited to 8 per person. Under 16s must be accompanied by parent/guardian 25 or over. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Neil_Young_and_Crazy_HorseExtra tickets released, Los Lobos added to the line up and custom digital Neil Young Radio Station announced. Extra tickets from €60 released for June 15 date at the RDS.  Extra tickets will go on sale this Friday 19th April at 9.00am Details announced of custom digital Neil Young radio station, created by Radio Nova, Following the positive reviews that greeted the recent expansive double-album ‘Psychedelic Pill’, Neil Young & Crazy Horse can now confirm details of an Irish date next summer playing Dublin’s RDS Arena on Saturday 15 June. Neil Young & Crazy Horse recently completed a North American tour and are next scheduled to tour Australia and New Zealand in March. ‘Psychedelic Pill’ opens with ‘Driftin’ Back’, a gripping, 27-minute epic which starts with an acoustic intro (the only section of the album which was recorded in Kamuela, Hawaii) before it pokes down pathways that have been hinted at before, but never fully explored. Jesus, the Maharishi and Picasso make appearances in the song, Young noting how the images and messages associated with them are invariably corrupted or misconstrued. And, he fears, his own message and art have been corrupted and diminished by the very technology that has made it more accessible. Two other songs on the album touch in similarly expansive musical territory, the elegiac ode ‘Ramada Inn’ and the spirited prayer of ‘Walk Like A Giant’. Other highlights include ‘Born in Ontario’ which offers further detail and new perspectives to the explicitly autobiographical thread that winds back to ‘Helpless’; ‘Twisted Road’ is a joyous thank-you note to some of the others who inspired (and continue to inspire) him, with Bob Dylan (“Like Hank Williams chewin’ bubble gum / Askin’ me ‘How does it feel’”) at the fore; and the title track is phased, swirling stomp in which he honours the rock ‘n’ roll spirit at its most pure. Ticket Information: Tickets for Neil Young & Crazy Horse at the RDS Arena Dublin are priced from €60.00 and go on sale Tuesday 18 December at 9.00am from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide  by 24hour Telephone +353818719300 (ROI), +3538442774455 (NI) or book online www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Read_James_Joyces_Dubliners_by_BikeIn 1914 the epiphany that awoke the world’s imagination to the battered yet tumultuous city of Dublin, her streets, and her people, was a modest book of short stories that would become a defining Irish classic, James Joyce’s Dubliners. Read Dubliners by Bike is a very special event for Bloomsweek, a guided bicycle tour that invites you to tour the streets, pubs and historic buildings in which Joyce set his classic stories, whilst you listen to his stories in situ, as they are told and performed for you on headphones by a large ensemble cast led by the celebrated Irish actor Barry Mc Govern. Lead by Dubliners’ director Alice Coghlan, in collaboration with See Dublin by Bike, this two and an half hour bicycle tour guides the Joycean enthusiast across his city, from his adolescent years in North Richmond Street, to The Boarding House of Hardwicke Street, to An Encounter in Ringsend, to Eveline at the North Wall Station, and finally to the Temple Bar of Counterparts. Our bicycle tour tickets also include a currant bun with the boys of An Encounter at Dublin Port, and later on, a hearty lunch of traditional Dubliner’s Coddle and a glass of porter at Farringtons, the historical pub of Counterparts. As Farringtons will explain, this cask porter is especially brewed for Bloomsweek, so that it is just like the ‘gp’ Mr Farrington so enjoys during Joyce’s classic story. Early booking is advised as our numbers are strictly limited. ‘Brilliantly delivered... an atmospheric journey through Edwardian Dublin with flawless dramatisations of the stories...it is spine tingling stuff...’ Daragh Reddin Metro ‘A wonderfully conceived idea.’ Lauren O’Toole entertainment.ie ‘A thrilling experience.’ Louise Finn The Dubliner. ‘An accomplished adaptation...a treat for any fan’ Eithne Shorthall, The Sunday Times. Tour Times: 10am on Saturday 15th June and 10am on Sunday 16th June. Our tour last two and a half hours and finishes with lunch at Farringtons, Eustace St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Ticket Information €29.99 for tour, lunch and bicycle hire.  €24.99 if you bring your own bicycle and helmet. Please dress for the great Irish Summer and bring a drink. (Your bicycle hire from See Dublin by Bike includes bicycle, helmet and high vis jacket.) To Book tickets online Click Here Meeting Point: 10 am at Cafe Rothar, Fade Street, Dublin 2. Copies of Wonderland’s 3CD and program of their James Joyce’s Dubliners will be for sale on the day of the tour, for a very special discounted price. Cast: Barry Mc Govern, Billie Traynor, Damien Devaney, Connolly Heron, Cormac McDonagh, David Ferguson, Jim Roche, Sarah O'Toole, Stephen Jones , Daithí Mac Suibhne, Steve Wilson, Caroline O'Boyle, Dave Fleming, Shona Weymes, Lizzy Morrissey, Susan Davey, Amy Therese Flood, Nora Keneghan, Sarah Bradley, Ruaidhrí  Ó Murchadha, Aela O'Flynn. Director and Adaptor: Alice Coghlan Sound Design: Alma Kelliher and Tommy Foster. Recorded at Dublin City FM. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Chapelizod_Literary_PubcrawlPints of porter, music, joy and literature! Let’s celebrate James Joyce, his father, and their Chapelizod pub crawls together, when James was a youngster and his father Stanislaus worked at the Chapelizod Distillery, with a literary pub crawl of our own! Chapelizod, a Norman village 3 miles from Dublin’s city centre, is a setting which inspired one of Joyce’s first works Dubliners’ A Painful Case and his last novel Finnegan’s Wake. Guided by Alice Coghlan, director of Wonderland’s audio walk and 3CD of Dubliners, our literary pub crawl begins with pints, chat, craic, and a friendly introduction to, and readings and song from Finnegan’s Wake in the very pub in which Joyce set his great modernist novel in. After our pint, we’ll take to the village of Chapelizod on headphones, on which we’ll listen to A Painful Case in situ, as it is told and performed to us on headphones by leading Irish actors.  As we listen and walk, we’ll follow Mr Duffy’s love story from the village to its tragic climax on the Magazine Fort Hill, via a hot punch at The Bridge Inn, which is included in your ticket price. Once in the Phoenix Park, we’ll explore the haunts of one of Joyce’s greatest influences, the Chapelizod native and Gothic horror writer Sheridan Le Fanu, who was born here, before visiting the house, church and churchyard in which both Joyce and Le Fanu set their classic tales, where we will hear extracts from both of their stories performed by actors. From here, we’ll retire to our third literary pub, the ever popular Villager, for an informal evening of Joycean chatter, song and celebration. Dressing up for Bloomsweek encouraged, but by no means essential. Early booking is advised as our numbers are strictly limited. Reviews for Wonderland’s audio walk and 3CD of Dubliners ‘Brilliantly delivered... an atmospheric journey through Edwardian Dublin with flawless dramatisations of the stories...it is spine tingling stuff...’ Daragh Reddin Metro ‘A wonderfully conceived idea.’ Lauren O’Toole entertainment.ie ‘A thrilling experience.’ Louise Finn The Dubliner. ‘A treat for any fan’ Eithne Shorthall, The Sunday Times. Tour Times: 3.30 pm on Saturday 15th June. Tour lasts approximately 3 hours. Ticket Information: Tickets priced €15/13.50 for tour and a hot punch at The Bridge Inn. Please bring an umbrella for the great Irish Summer and wear appropriate footwear as some of our tour will take place in the park. Meeting Point: 3.30pm The Mullingar House Inn, at the junction of Chapelizod Road & Main Street, Chapelizod, Dublin 20. Tickets are available online by Clicking Here Copies of Wonderland’s 3CD and program of their James Joyce’s Dubliners will be for sale on the day of the tour, for a discounted price. Cast: Barry Mc Govern, Billie Traynor, Damien Devaney, Connolly Heron, Cormac McDonagh, David Ferguson, Jim Roche, Sarah O'Toole, Stephen Jones , Daithí Mac Suibhne, Steve Wilson, Caroline O'Boyle, Dave Fleming, Shona Weymes, Lizzy Morrissey, Susan Davey, Amy Therese Flood, Nora Keneghan, Sarah Bradley, Ruaidhrí  Ó Murchadha, Aela O'Flynn. Director and Adaptor: Alice Coghlan Sound Design: Alma Kelliher and Tommy Foster. Recorded at Dublin City FM. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Hairy_BowsiesThe Hairy Bowsies are a comedy ballad group featuring Ding Dong Denny O'Reilly & Scribbler O'Donohue (Joe Rooney). This is a full show featuring songs like: The Craic We Had The Day We Died For Ireland & The Potatoes Aren't Looking The Best. This is a high energy night with hilarious comedy ballad songs, funny monologues and a dancing tree. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/A_Concert_for_BloomsdayVenue: Unitarian Church, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Round off your Bloomsday in St Stephen's Green with an evening of music by The Gaudete Singers and readings by the renowned Author Bruce Arnold. The programme will include settings of Joyce's poetry; some from his collection "Chamber Music", as well as settings of W B Yeats and Samuel Beckett. This will be complemented with readings by the renowned author and journalist, Bruce Arnold. We hope you will come to hear these suitably Joycean words and music and join us for a glass of wine afterwards. Ticket Information: Tickets: €15 available on the door (conc. €10, students €5 with ID) including a glass of wine afterwards. Event takes place from 8pm to 10pm. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/A_Date_With_Doris_with_Aileen_DonohueWest End Performer, Aileen Donohue sings the hits from Que Sera Sera to Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps with songs from the musicals Calamity Jane, Pillow Talk and more. Musical Director; Robert Scott. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Bloomsday_at_Glasnevin_MuseumBloomsday at Glasnevin Cemetery Museum - 16th June 2013 It is not unusual to see dedicated Joyceans make the annual trip to Glasnevin Cemetery in hired horse-drawn carriages; some even rent a hearse for full authenticity. Amongst the countless Joycean characters buried in Glasnevin is the writer’s father John Stanislaus. This year to celebrate this historic date Glasnevin Cemetery Museum will run a series of events Including a Joycean themed breakfast & lunch in the Tower Café, a reading of Chapter Six Hades by the Dublin Shakespeare Society, and a Joycean tour of the cemetery with Shane MacThomáis. 10.00am – 3.00pm: Special Joycean Breakfast and Lunch in Glasnevin Museum’s Tower Café. 11.30am: Dublin Shakespeare Society presents a Rehearsed Reading from the ‘Hades’ Chapter, Ulysses, by James Joyce. Featuring Ian Blackmore, Shane Egan, Val O’Donnell (director), Paddy O’ Dwyer, Jim O’Keeffe, and Blaise Reid. Duration: Approx 30 minutes (Free) 12.30pm: Joycean Tour of Glasnevin Cemetery with Resident Author and Historian Shane MacThomáis. Tour & Museum; €12 per person or €8 concession Inc 10% off in our Tower Café and a Free €10 Genealogy credit voucher. Booking is advised to avoid disappointment. For more information or to book please contact our Booking Team on 01 882 6550 or booking@glasnevintrust.ie   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Bloomsday_Celebration_with_Roly_Sauls_RestaurantSavour the rich flavour of the traditional Joycean brunch on Bloomsday with Mill Theatre Dundrum and Roly Saul the Restaurant. Enjoy songs from Liz Ryan of the Drawing Room Opera Company and Joycean Readings from Declan Brennan and the Bloomsday Players. Join in the fancy dress theme – best bonnet for the ladies and best cravat for the gentlemen. Full Joycean Dress encouraged http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Fun_Family_6km_CycleLocation: Deansgrange Linear Park Get ready for a wheely big day out at a free family fun cycling event planned by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for National Bike Week 2013. The Fun Family 6km Cycle takes place in Deansgrange Linear Park (Kill Lane, Dun Laoghaire) starting at 3.00 pm on Sunday 16th June, with fun for all the family including music by DJ Electric Eddie. All are welcome at this free public event organised by Dun Laoghaire Sports Partnership and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. Places to take part in this popular annual event are limited and pre-registration is essential with details at any of the following websites www.dlrcoco.ie and www.dlrsportspartnership.ie. Pupils from Kill O’The Grange National School helped to launch the event today with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Travel Plan Co-ordinator Felicity Gill and Garda Barry Brennan of Dun Laoghaire Gardaí who are also supporting the event. National Bike Week 2013 takes place from 15th - 23rd June with fun cycling events all over Dublin and nationwide. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is playing its part by hosting this free event in Deansgrange Linear Parkat 3 pm with sign-in from 2.15 pm on 16th June. The cycle is for families of any age or fitness level. The 6km route starts at Deansgrange Linear Park. The entrance is just off of Kill Avenue, beside SuperValu near the main junction with Clonkeen Road. The fun cycle will follow bike tracks through the park, crossing Johnstown Road into Kilbogget Park and back by the same route for refreshments and free goodies. Each cyclist will get a free high-viz vest and stewards will also be on hand to help. Sunday 16th June is also Father’s Day and there will be a free prize draw for all Dads taking part on the day. To register your interest for this event and get a full list of the activities taking place in the County during Bike Week please contact Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council at 01-2047026 or by email from fgill@dlrcoco.ie or gflaherty@dlrcoco.ie. Further Information: Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership Shane McArdle 01 2719502sportspartnership@dlrcoco.ie Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Gerry Flaherty 01 2047945cycling@dlrcoco.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Gallery_Tour_Blooming_Lovely_Life_in_Joycean_DublinOn Bloomsday, why not join Museum educator Eimir O'Brien on a journey around the Museum exploring objects that have a connection with James Joyce, his protagonist Leopold Bloom and Dublin life in the early 20th century. Places are allocated on a first-come basis 15 minutes before tour starts. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Harry_Bird_and_the_Rubber_WelliesThese international travelling folksters present their joyful cabaret of sing-a-long choruses and music populated by pirates, lizards, cracks in the wall, hummingbirds and Basque cyclists, in a performance that will also feature beautiful animations. Come in your most colourful wellies for a foot-stomping time! “One of my favourite bands of recent years” Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2 Ages All the family Family ticket €40 for 4 tickets Part of Lights, Camera, Music! at The Ark http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Mr_Joyce_Is_Leaving_Paris_by_Tom_GallacherLocation: The Back Loft Theatre, off Thomas Street, Dublin 8 The  Back Loft Theatre and The Dublin Theatre Company are pleased to announce a new summer theatre programme, entitled “Summer Stage @ The Back Loft Theatre” in association with DIAGEO, which will take place in The Back Loft, 7th -11th Augustine Street (off Thomas Street) during the months of June, July and August 2013. The Back Loft Theatre is an unusual, bohemian style venue, located in a restored former Victorian factory in The Liberties which can hold a 70 seated audience.  It currently houses 24 artists’ studios and mounts exhibitions and theatrical events in its large warehouse style open space.  This is the first classical theatre programme the venue has embarked upon that will run for a lengthy period. This summer Dublin Theatre Company will stage Mr Joyce is Leaving Paris, by Tom Gallacher, Directed by Ronan Wilmot.  It will open on Bloomsday, June 16th. Ronan Wilmot has previously directed Mr Joyce is Leaving Paris in London at The King’s Head; Islington and in 1997 in Berlin at Friends of Italian Opera; Plaz de Lufbruke. Mr Wilmot said, “We are delighted to stage Mr Joyce is Leaving Paris in such a unique and attractive venue for an extended period over the summer months.  We are also very pleased that DIAGEO have supported us. The Back Loft Theatre is a charming artistic centre located in what was originally a hive of sweat shop industry!” General information: Mr Joyce is Leaving Paris is a play about James Joyce when he was living in Trieste in Italy with Nora Barnacle and their children.  He was teaching in The Berlitz College and was also the opera critic for the local newspaper.  His brother Stanislaus comes from Dublin to support them as they were living in dire poverty while Joyce was drinking and not writing. The second part of the evening is set in Paris in 1939 as the Germans are advancing on Paris and Joyce is about to travel to Zurich in Switzerland.  He is now an ageing, nearly blind man and he is confronted by ghosts/friends from his past that he has used in his famous novels –Ulysses, Finnegan’s Wake, and The Portrait of The Artist As A Young Man. A gripping, moving, fascinating insight into Ireland’s most famous writer. Ronan Wilmot - Director Ronan Wilmot has acted with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal Court, the Young Vic, The Liverpool Playhouse 7;84 Co. in the UK; in Ireland with the Abbey, the Peacock, the Gate, the Project, the Focus and Dublin Stage One in Ireland. He set up Portrait Theatre Co. to co-direct with Cicely Berry OBE “Murder in the Cathedral” by TS Eliot in Christ Church Cathedral in 1991 during European City of Culture which ran for nine weeks. He formed The Dublin Theatre Co. to present “Mr Joyce is Leaving Paris,” “Waiting for Godot” and “Exiles” by James Joyce in Berlin in 1996, 1997 and 1998. He directed “The Ginger Man,” by JP Dunleavy in The New Theatre and it toured to New York and Canada in 2000. As artistic director of The New Theatre, Dublin he has directed “The Cherry Orchard” and “The Entertainer”. He wrote and directed “The Man Who gave The Beatles Away” and directed “Fool for Love “in November 2003.  As an actor, films include; “The Field”, “In The Name of the Father”, “The Snapper”, “The Van”, TV includes “The Insurance Man” and “Shergar”, BBC TV and “Wanderly Wagon”, “On Home Ground” and “Bachelor’s Walk,” RTE. He set up and co-directed The Clifden Country Blues Festival for eight years, 1989-1996.  He has directed “The Hostage”, “The Shadow of a Gunman”, “Shirley Valentine” and “Stags and Hens” at The New Theatre. Adapted and directed “Reunion” by Fred Uhlman for The New Theatre (2010) performed by Daniel Reardon, a world premiere.  He directed “The Quare Fellow” by Brendan Behan at The New Theatre 2010 which ran for nine weeks. He currently acts in “The Tailor and Ansty” and “The Watchman” and recently directed “Apples” in The New Theatre. He played rugby with London Irish RFC, Blackrock RFC and Naas RFC. Ticket Information: The play will run every evening except Sunday from 8.00pm. Tickets are priced at €18.00 for individual tickets and €15.00 for group bookings. For bookings contact +35383 156 33 91, Monday to Friday between 10am-5pm or email backloftmrjoyce@gmail.com http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Special_Tour_Blooms_Day_CelebrationJoin Jennifer O'Mahony, Museum educator, and trace the steps of Leopold Bloom with an afternoon visit to the National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street to discover what the museum would have looked like when James Joyce visited it at the turn of the last century. Meet at the Reception Desk. No booking required. Wheechair accessible. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Bloomsday_StoryVenue: St. Werburgh's Church, Werburgh Street, Dublin 2 The Bloomsday Story by Robert Gogan will be held in St. Werburgh's Church, Werburgh St. on Bloomsday - 16 June 2013, at 3pm. The Temple Bar Company is proud to present the city of Dublin premier of 'The Bloomsday Story' by Robert Gogan - a light-hearted journey through James Joyce's 'Ulysses', its characters and music. No English Degree needed – this is Ulysses for all – Joyce once said 'There is not one serious line in it' and The Bloomsday Story proves that! The first time in this format, this is a bluffer's guide to Ulysses. The cast, Anne Tyrrell, Paul Kennedy and Robert Gogan take you on a whistlestop tour through one of the greatest novels of all time. After the performance you'll feel like you've read and digested the entire book; all 732 pages, nearly 270,000 words and over 200 characters – performed in just under 100 minutes. Sit back, relax and enjoy this highly entertaining presentation with liberal quotations from Ulysses sprinkled throughout with marvellous Joycean music. Ticket Information: Admission: €10 / €6 (restricted view). Tickets and booking information: www.entertainment.ie. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/the_love_hungry_farmer1“Very Funny and poignant” - Gay Byrne Lyric fm “I absolutely adored it.  Great laughs but also very touching in places. A great night. I am telling everyone I meet not to miss it” - Rory Cowan, Mrs Brown’s Boys. ‘Des Keogh is superb. A consummate actor wedded to a skilled raconteur, the wine he offers is vintage’ The Irish Times Des Keogh, one of Ireland’s foremost actors and entertainers, is celebrating 50 years in show business this year.  Marking this anniversary his hugely successful show: The Love-Hungry Farmer returns to the Gaiety Theatre from 17 June for six days only. Based on John B. Keane’s best-selling book: Letters of a Love-Hungry Farmer, and adapted for the stage by Des himself, the show has been one of the most popular shows in Ireland and abroad in the last decade and continues to find new audiences.   It tells the story of John Bosco McLane, a bachelor of indeterminate age and according to his own assessment: ‘past his best’ and evidently still a virgin. McLane’s amorous adventures range from the hilarious to the pitiful.  John B. Keane is the legendary author of such classics as Sive, The Field and Big Maggie The Love-Hungry Farmer began its life in the Irish Repertory Theatre in New York before being performed in Ireland to huge acclaim. Des Keogh received a Best Actor nomination when he performed the show at the Edinburgh Festival. He subsequently played it at the Adelaide Festival. Des Keogh has a formidable CV. He most recently completed a hugely successful summer season at the Gate Theatre in Oscar Wilde’s A Woman Of No Importance. He has been a constant presence on both the Abbey and Gate stages. He presented the hugely popular Music For Middlebrows on RTE Radio 1 for many years.   Des has had a long theatrical relationship with the actress Rosaleen Linehan. Their two-person comedy shows have been some of the biggest box-office attractions in Ireland.  Des Keogh received the Lord Mayor’s Award for his ‘outstanding contribution to the cultural life of the city of Dublin’ http://www.visitdublin.com/event/West_End_Theare_Musical_Master_ClassWest End Musical Director, Robert Scott and West End Performer and Voice Teacher Aileen Donohoe, will conduct a West End Master Class here at the Mill. The Master Class is open to adults and professional performers who are looking to break into the West End or hone their singing talents. Participants will be asked to bring one song and will receive singing and acting coaching as well as invaluable Audition techniques. Spaces are limited, so please book early to ensure a place in the Master Class. Robert Scott: Robert is currently Musical Director on SInging in the Rain in the West End. Other West End Credits include: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (West End and Broadway), She Loves Me (West End). Robert composed Peter Pan which premiered in Dublin in 2011. Aileen Donohoe: She is a graduate of The Royal Academy of Music, London, where she studied Estill Voice Craft and Musical Theatre and graduated with distinction. As a performer, her West End Credits include: Mamma Mia, Beauty and The Beast and The Phantom Of The Opera. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Cormac_De_Barra_Harp_Master_Class_at_the_Steeple_SessionsVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Cormac De Barra is a harper and television presenter and comes from a family of traditional Irish musicians and singers. He is the third generation of harper in the family and first studied with his grandmother, Róisín Ní Shé, in Dublin. He went on to study concert harp in the USA. As a traditional harper, Cormac has recorded and toured with his brothers Fionán and Éamonn in the family group Barcó and performed with many groups and musicians including fiddle player Máire Breatnach, Sligo-based trad group Dervish, Brian Kennedy and Clannad. Cormac has pushed the boundaries of Irish harp beyond the traditional and the classical through his collaborations with a variety of artists including actress and punk icon Hazel O'Connor and composer and singer Julie Feeney. Theatre performance credits include music for Playboy of the Western World at the Ambassador in Dublin, Tine Chnámh and Mallachtaí Muintire at Project Arts Centre, Mysteries 2000 at the SFX, Dublin and W.B. Yeats' Cuchulain Cycle at The Riverside, London. He also made his acting debut alongside Hazel O'Connor in a show called O'Carolan's Dream at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His first recording Barcó and his duo CD Double Strung with harpist, Anne-Marie O'Farrell, received much critical acclaim and his latest CD Tarraing Téad with Máire Breatnach on fiddle & viola was released in autumn 2010. Numbers Limited. Master classes are open to non-musicians. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Moya_Brennan_and_Cormac_De_Barra_in_Concert_at_the_Steeple_SessionsVenue: The Unitarian Church, St. Sephen's Green, Dublin Moya Brennan and Cormac De Barra both come from large musical families in Ireland and their mutual admiration for each other naturally developed into a stimulating musical relationship. Their new album, Voices & Harps, is the culmination of their friendship and creative synergy over the past decade. They combine the simplicity, depth and beauty of the extraordinary skills which make them unique in their own field. The album and workshop unveils a new chapter in their partnership. Grammy award winner, Moya Brennan is the singer of Clannad as well as having a successful solo career. She has sung on most of the world's great stages and has collaborated with many notable artists including The Chieftains, Paul Brady and Bono. She is also part of the female traditional group, T with the Maggies. Cormac De Barra is renowned internationally as a versatile harp virtuoso. He continually pushes the boundaries of the Irish harp through his work with a wide array of artists, including Hazel O'Connor, Julie Feeney and Clannad. Cormac also tours and records with his brothers Fionán and Éamonn in the family group, Barcó. Besides his busy performing schedule he regularly gives workshops and master classes around the world http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Moya_Brennan_Voice_Master_Class_at_the_Steeple_SessionsVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 As singer with Clannad, Moya Brennan sent tremors through the world of traditional music. With Harry's Game Clannad took the Irish language and its melodies to places that it had never been before. Top of the Pops, major record contracts and world tours. The accolades followed -Ivor Novello and BAFTA awards plus, after several nominations, a Grammy award in 1999. Their music was fresh, vibrant and progressive. Alongside all of this, Moya has developed an individuality which has already shown itself in her expanding body of work. When an artist's career can often be measured in months, hers spans decades. Through this clamorous journey, through school halls, folk clubs, festivals, discos, churches, the world's most renowned concert halls she has travelled purposefully and always focused. The power of her whispered tones and the beauty of her music touch the soul. Gently, yet persistently, her songs and her music are redefining Irish music Numbers Limited. Master classes are open to non-musicians http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Bonnie_Raitt_Slipstream_2013_Tour"Evokes the warm amber and light grain of crystallized honey… gripping." – New York Times "Tight and polished" – Rolling Stone Bonnie Raitt has announced a hugely welcome return to Ireland for the first time since 2004 and will play at Vicar Street, Dublin on 19th June 2013 as part of her Slipstream 2013 tour. In April 2012, Bonnie released her first new album in seven years ‘Slipstream’ to widespread acclaim. Now, in summer 2013, she will bring her daring bluesy sound, steeped with inimitable slide guitar and soulful vocals, to the UK for much anticipated live shows. After an emotional period, with such triumphs as her 2005 release and tour for ‘Souls Alike,’ and 2009 national tour with fellow blues legend Taj Mahal alongside the tragedy of losing her parents, her brother, and her best friend, Raitt decided to step back. “I took a hiatus from touring and recording to get back in touch with the other part of my life,” Raitt says of her decision to recharge her spirit and regain her personal balance before returning to action. There’s no doubt that Raitt is re-energized. 'Slipstream' marked her biggest chart debut in the United States in two decades and is one of the top 5-selling independent albums of the year & 'Slipstream' has been nominated for a GRAMMY Award for Best Americana Album. Rolling Stone affirmed Raitt's impact, highlighting the "sheer verve and skill" that made her one of only two women among the "100 Greatest Guitarists" in their latest issue, having already established her one of the top "100 Greatest Singers" of all time. The title ‘Slipstream’ is very significant for Raitt, who notes: "I'm so inspired and so proud to continue these traditions, whether it's reggae or soul or blues. I'm in the slipstream of those who came before me, and I'm leaving one for those behind me." Bonnie Raitt is an institution in American music – a nine-time Grammy-winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee with tens of millions of albums sold worldwide, she has undeniably changed the landscape of soul, rock, and blues. Tickets priced €49.00 on sale from www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Mark_Owen_at_Olympia_TheatreTickets go on general sale at all Ticketmaster outlets  Friday 10th May at 9.00am Take That superstar Mark Owen has been confirmed to play a very special show at the Olympia Theatre on Wednesday 19th June. The Art Of Doing Nothing by Mark Owen will be released by Polydor on 10th June. It is the singer/songwriter’s fourth solo album and most collaborative today, and his first since Take That reunited in 2006. It is, says Owen, an album about each everyone’s “massively significant, tiny little speck life”. 'Stars' will be the first single from the album both to be released on June 10th. This record fills the gap where Owen was supposed to be putting his feet up. When Take That finished their record-breaking Progress tour in 2011, they agreed to take a break for a year. Except, contrary to his new record's title, Mark Owen isn't very good at doing nothing. He had to be doing something. So he sat in his garden and did some sketches for an animation, then some painting. When Ben Mark and Jamie Norton, his long-time song writing partners turned up, what he's done for most of his life naturally became the focus. “I’ve been making songs for 20 years now and I don’t really know what else to do,” he says, “it’s my hobby and my day job all in one." Gradually, the trio's chats developed into a concept: The Art of Doing Nothing. It was a notion of creating by not forcing things, by just letting the moment take over. “We didn’t think too hard about the songs,” says Mark. For the obsessive Owen, this was a new approach. The result is Owen's most free-spirited record yet, imbued with his own vulnerable, charismatic blueprint. It was recorded at The Rabbit Hutch, the studio located at the bottom of his garden. That sense of freedom is best captured in the expansive, swaggering pop swirls of first single ‘Stars’. It’s that rare thing; an intimate anthem, the sort, perhaps, that only someone who has spent most of his adult life playing stadiums could come up with. Others get to leave their mark too: the delicate orchestral swirl of S.A.D. features a mesmeric vocal from Salford chanteuse Ren Harvieu (“she had a beautiful energy, she was amazing,” remembers Mark), whilst Heaven’s Falling’s stomping synth-pop is bolstered by a frenetic appearance from London rapper Jake Emlyn. “It just pours out of him, he’s amazing, full of charisma and life,” says Owen. Ticket Information: Tickets including booking fee priced from €29.90 (Upper Circle) and €34.50 (Standing & Circle seats), go on general sale at all Ticketmaster outlets and www.ticketmaster.ie next Friday 10th May at 9am. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Lumiere_in_ConcertVenue: The Unitarian Church, St. Sephen's Green, Dublin Éilís Kennedy's voice has ready access to the soul without need for scaffolding or spotlights. For over a decade, hers has been one of the most underrated voices in Irish music. Her natural and genuine interpretations of songs, both old and new, sung in her native Gaelic and in English, were previously heard in her multiple collaborations and solo offerings as a recording artist. The other half of the musical whole is Pauline Scanlon, an award-winning singer from the same Kerry town of Dingle. She is part of a tradition of Irish female voices from Sinead O'Connor to Enya, all personal interpreters of their physical and spiritual landscape. Scanlon has two critically received albums to her credit as well as extensive touring experience all over the globe. Donogh Hennessy was born in Dublin. He started playing guitar at about the age of 14. He moved to Dingle in west Kerry at 17 where he first started to listen to Irish traditional music. A very much in demand guitar player, Donagh has toured all over the world with The Sharon Shannon Band, Lunasa and various others. Together, they offer a distinctly feminine sound and feel, where voice is the primary instrument and Ireland as motherland is re-imagined. With Lumiere, the song and its delivery are the primary focus, technical concerns gives way to feeling as song and singer effortlessly merge. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/A_Night_For_ChristyTickets will go on sale Friday 10th May at 9.00am. The Olympia Theatre are proud to present 'A Night For Christy' on Friday 21st June 2013. This unique event will feature the best of Aslan songs performed by the best in the industry as they come together to show their support for Christy Dignam on this very special night. The one-off event will feature performances from Bressie, Danny O'Reilly (The Coronas), Horslips, Ryan Sheridan, Paul Brady, Shane MacGowan, Mary Black, Don Mescall,Tom Dunne (Something Happens), Jerry Fish, Steve Wall (The Stunning), Gavin Friday, members of Westlfe, Paul Walsh (Royseven) and a host of very special guests yet to be announced. All artists have handpicked their favourite song from the Aslan setlist and will step into Christy's shoes for one night only. It's an unmissable night for fans as they can experience each performers' own interpretation of an Aslan song performed with Aslan exclusively in the Olympia Theatre on Friday 21st June. The final line up is a closely guarded secret and the night promises to be full of surprises and excitement as fans will be eager to see who will take to the stage next and what song they have picked from the Aslan setlist. Performances on the night will include fan favourites Crazy World, Too Late For Hallelujah, This Is', Chains, This Time, Gotta Make It, Down on Me, Catch Your Fall and many more. Speaking today from the bands' HQ, Aslan guitarist Billy McGuinness said “This is an unmissable experience for ALL Aslan fans, and who knows the main man might might make an appearance himself!” Aslan, who took their name from the heroic lion in C.S. Lewis's series of books chronicling the fictional land of Narnia, (Aslan is the Turkish for 'Lion'), emerged from the working class areas of Finglas and Ballymun in Dublin's Northside, in the mid 1980s. They released a demo single, 'This Is', in the Spring of 1986, which was a huge hit and became the longest ever play-listed single on Ireland's RTÉ 2fm. The band have since gone on to have a long- spanning and impressive career taking in International tours, big hits and legions of dedicated fans across the world. Ticket Inforamtion: Tickets priced €30  will go on sale from www.ticketmaster.ie and usual outlets nationwide on Friday 10th May at 9.00am. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_5K_Pride_RunAcres Road, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 The second Dublin Pride 5K Run will take place in the Phoenix Park. Hosted by the Dublin Frontrunners (DFR) Athletics Club, everyone is invited to run, walk or jog the route. It's a chance for people to celebrate 'Our City, Our Park, Our Pride' in the historic Phoenix Park which is over 350 years old. Just after the longest day of the year, this is a short distance fun run in lovely surroundings on a summer evening. It's a great opportunity for everyone to come down to the Phoenix Park and get some exercise. There will be a party afterwards in the Phoenix Park polo club for all participants. 5K is a perfect distance for anyone trying to get into a running routine for summer and the event will be good fun for all the family. We're delighted to support Headstrong National Centre for Youth Mental Health and all profits will go to this very worthwhile charity. The Dublin Pride 5K Run also coincides with the Dublin LGBTQ Pride Festival 2013 which is scheduled to kick off on 21st June. Registration Fee €20.00 http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_LGBTQ_Pride_FestivalDublin Pride 2013 will be a phenomenal festival celebrating three very important historic milestones. This festival will represent the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Irish Gay movement, the 30th anniversary of the Dublin Pride Parade and the 20th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland. All LGBT brothers and sisters who left Ireland due to either poverty or persecution are invited to return to celebrate the wonderful diverse and inclusive culture of modern Ireland. We call everyone, from the four corners of Ireland to the four corners of the world, to come to Dublin and 'Live, Love and be Proud'! Whether you’re LGBTQ, have friends or family who are, want to learn more about diversity or just want to take part in an amazing festival, Dublin Pride 2013 is a festival that features events that will interest everyone. This year sees Dublin Pride Parade celebrating its 30th Anniversary and will be held on Saturday, 29th June. It is the culmination of Dublin Pride’s festival that includes the parade through the city centre and a party in the Pride Village in Merrion Square afterwards. The parade is a celebration of the rich diversity of the LGBTQ community in Dublin, Ireland and the world, with an expanded arts, social and cultural content. Dublin Pride is the largest such celebration in Ireland and has grown from a one-day event into the 10-day festival we have now. The theme of this year’s parade is “Live, Love & Be Proud”. So get your thinking hats on, come up with your costumes, float ideas, group outfits to show how you live, love and are proud. Let’s make it an explosion of colour, music, glitter, sequins and even feather boas. Complete your registration form and submit it ASAP. All applications must be in by 31st May. This year the parade will assemble at the Garden of Remembrance from 11am and will embark on its route at 2.00pm sharp. From there it will head down O’Connell Street towards College Green, into Nassau Street, Clare Street and will finish at Merrion Square Park for the Pride Village. In 2012 we had over 30,000 people marching. Lets make 2013 a true celebration of the 30th Anniversary and make it the biggest and best parade ever. Pride Village: The South & West sides of Merrion Sq will be taken over by Pride Village which boasts a Bar, fun fair, Nissan Zone, TV Screen (for guest appearances) & food stalls. The full programme of all events taking place for the 30th anniversary pride festival will be released late May. For more information: www.dublinpride.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Frankie_Gavin_and_De_DanaanOne of the most influential bands in Irish traditional music, enjoy the rhythmic beat of the bouzouki, the melodic fiddle of Frankie Gavin, bass by Paul O’Driscol, guitar by Colm O’Caoimh and lead vocals by Michelle Lally supported by the accordion and bodhran. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Rihanna_Diamonds_World_Tour Tickets  go on sale at 8.00am this Friday, 30 November from Ticketmaster outlets and online atwww.ticketmaster.ie  Worldwide superstar Rihanna - the “#1 Person On Facebook” with over 62.5 million fans – is bringing her DIAMONDS a TOUR to Europe in 2013. The RIHANNA DIAMONDS WORLD TOUR which begins March 8th in the United States is scheduled to stop in more than 28 cities across North America prior to its European takeover. The European tour starts in Bilbao, Spain on May 26th and runs through July with stops already announced in Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Holland, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. And now as confirmed this evening by MCD and Live Nation Global Touring, Irish fans will also have the chance to catch Rihanna on her Diamonds World Tour when it visits the Aviva Stadium, Dublin on Friday, 21 June.  Rihanna is currently dominating global charts with “Diamonds,” the fastest-rising single of her career to date, and the first single from UNAPOLOGETIC her 7th studio album for Island Def Jam in just seven years – released November 19th. “Diamonds” also just marked Rihanna’s 12th time at number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and with only a six-year, one-month, two-week stretch between her first #1 chart topper with “SOS” on May 13, 2006 and the release of Diamonds last week, she is officially the fastest female artist ever to receive 12 number one titles at the top of the Hot 100. It is also Rihanna’s 23rd Top 10 hit on the chart.  When it debuted four weeks ago, “Diamonds” garnered #1 postings at iTunes in 27 countries, and Top 5 iTunes in 55 countries. The recipient of six Grammy Awards® and seven Billboard Music Awards, Rihanna has sold over 37 million albums and 146 million digital tracks worldwide, and currently holds the record as the top-selling digital artist of all time.  Forbes named Rihanna the world’s #1 social media star with over 2.9 billion views on YouTube/VEVO, the most ever for any female artist, over 62.5 million Facebook fans, and over 26.5 million Twitter followers.  In addition to her 11 Hot 100 #1 singles and overall 22 Top 10 singles, she also has 18 #1 singles on the Billboard Dance Club Song Charts. Rihanna Diamonds World Tour is promoted world-wide by Live Nation Global Touring. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Summer_Solstice_Session_part_of_The_Gathering_2013Location: Naul Village, Fingal, Co. Dublin This is a boutique mid-Summer festival, celebrating the heritage, history, community and culture of rural Fingal and the legacy of Master Uilleann Piper & folklore archivist, Séamus Ennis. This is a weekend of a wide range of events featuring; a heritage trail, a 'Try The Uilleann Pipes' event, a Séamus Ennis Tribute Concert, children's entertainment, street performers and food stalls. There will also be a variety of bands on the main stage including Clann agus Cairde, The David Munnelly Band and The Moog 69's. This is an event which is suitable for all ages and there will be something for everyone. It is free admission into all events apart from the Séamus Ennis Tribute Concert, which will be priced at €20. So why not come along and join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Séamus Ennis. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/bryn_terfelRTÉ Concert Orchestra Bryn Terfel “A born communicator who loves words as much as music, he has reached out to audiences way beyond the rarefied temples of opera house and recital hall . . .” - The Times (London) The RTÉ Concert Orchestra is delighted to announce, as part of its Signature Series 2013, the sensational Welsh bass-baritone Bryn Terfel, for one powerful Dublin performance in June 2013. One of the most sought after international voices, Terfel has won two Grammy Awards, four Classical Brit Awards and Her Majesty the Queen’s medal for Music. With a masterfully rich, resonant voice and an ability to bring abundant personal charisma and enthusiasm to his performances (in roles as varied as Figaro and Wotan), he has left a trail of standing ovations from the Metropolitan Opera to Sydney Opera House. Don’t miss this operatic king accompanied by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. Presented by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra http://www.visitdublin.com/event/European_Athletics_Team_Championships Venue: Morton Stadium, Santry, Dublin 9 Europe's premier International team athletics competition involving 12 of the top nations in the continent. This will be the highest quality athletics competition ever to take place in Ireland. The competition which is for men and women and will encompass the full programme of Track & Field disciplines. Teams participating are Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Sweden and Switzerland. All of Ireland's top athletes as well as many Olympic champions will be competing. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Niamh_Kvanagh_and_The_IllegalsThey're back! The Illegals, with their unique Common Thread show, deliver a brilliant night of music and great craic. The band features the vocal talents of Irish Eurovision winner, Niamh Kavanagh , described by RTE as the “Rolls- Royce” of Irish vocalists. A Common Thread sees Niamh and the band at their very best belting out a superb set from the Big Two and others from the West Coast sound, highlighting the extraordinary effect these two great bands have had on the music of the last 40 years. A Common Thread is a thrilling night of vocal harmony, ringing acoustics and rockin' guitars featuring timeless classics from Poco (Rose of Cimarron), Linda Rondstadt (You're No Good), Neil Young (After The Goldrush) and others – as well as all the top favourites from Eagles and Fleetwood Mac: Hotel California, The Chain, Desperado, Dreams, Desperado, Go Your Own Way, Lyin’ Eyes and more. Having crafted their sound for over 15 years, The Illegals serve up an accomplished and exciting reproduction of the West Coast phenomenon – a great night of unforgettable songs and a bit of craic! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Route_des_PrincesJune will see the launch of the very first Route des Princes, a race that will take its competitors on a tour through the heartlands of Europe. Specially reserved for multihulls of at least 50 feet, with no size limit, this new race is based around an all-new concept and gives top crews the chance to battle it out over a course that stretches between France, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Ireland. It promises to be an exciting and demanding route, winding between sea and land and forging new dialogues between sailors and landlubbers. When the race hits Dun Laoghaire on June 22 & 23 it will be welcomed by festival full of entertainment, music and food for all ages. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Rumpel_O_Stiltskin_with_Conor_LambertCustard Pie Puppet Company brings their inimitable visual and comic style to this traditional Grimm’s fairytale classic. With magic and mischief Rumpel O’Stiltskin is on hand to help save the day. When false rumors about the miller’s daughter’s ability of weaving straw into gold reach the King, she is summoned and ordered to reveal her alchemic skills. The girl tells the King that she possesses no such skill, but he does not believe her and orders her to spin a barrow full of straw into gold by dawn or face banishment from the Kingdom. The girl despairs, but help comes in the guise of Rumple O Stiltskin! All babies and toddlers under 2years of age need a ticket - this is free but must be booked.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Fat_Freddys_DropTickets go on sale Monday 25th March priced €39.50 including booking fee Seven-Headed Soul Monster Returns Lock up your bass bins! Perennial soul shakers Fat Freddys Drop are ready to lift the lid on their new album Blackbird and have just announced a headline show for Dublin’s Vicar Street, 23rd June. Fresh from a run of barnstorming, sold-out shows across Europe in late 2012, where they road-tested and refined the music that has formed the basis for their third full- length studio album, Freddys are bristling with new ideas. The third full-length studio album from the seven-headed soul monster documents a rich period of writing, recording and playing, and continues the band’s aim to stretch themselves by integrating diverse styles and approaches into their music. The writing and recording of Blackbird has seen Freddys increase their armoury of drum machines and synths, pushing their sound deeper into the realms of Afro- and dub-laced electronica. The first official single to surface from the album is Silver And Gold a staple of the band’s European shows for nearly a year. Released as a free digital download on Freddy’s Soundcloud, the track sounds like the monster love child of George Clinton, The Congos & John Lee Hooker. The band first emerged from the underground club scene of Wellington in 1999, jamming along to instrumental mixes of funk, house and hip hop records dropped by DJ Mu (aka Fitchie) at parties around the Capital. Thirteen years later and Freddys are still together, still doing things in their inimitable way and still getting better and better Ticket Information: Tickets go on sale Monday 25th March priced €39.50 (including booking fee) available from www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. +353818719300 - Republic of Ireland customers. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/BlondieMCD Presents Blondie The Olympia Theatre Tuesday 25th June 2013 Blondie, fronted by new wave goddess, pin-up and pioneering frontwoman Debbie Harry, have confirmed Irish dates next summer including Dublin’s Olympia Theatre on Tuesday 25th June 2013! One the great pop icons of New York's celebrated late '70s new wave punk scene, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members Blondie are set to release their latest album Panic Of Girls later this year. In an incredible career spanning over 30 years Blondie have sold more than 40 million records worldwide and have a back catalogue containing hits such as Denis, Atomic, Heart of Glass and Hanging On The Telephone. Blondie was originally formed in 1974 by art student/guitarist Chris Stein and ex-folkie and ex-Max's Kansas City waitress, vocalist/songwriter Deborah Harry. Drummer Clem Burke and keyboard player Jimmy Destri joined in 1975. The band played the fabled New York downtown circuit of CBGB's, Max's Kansas City and Mothers, amassing a major following before recording their first album Blondie which was released in 1977. In 1982, Blondie produced The Hunter which included the single "Island of Lost Souls," their final U.S. hit before Chris was felled by a rare and often fatal genetic disease, which led to a sudden hiatus for the group. Debbie went on to appear in numerous films and plays and to create music in various contexts. In recent years she has been the featured vocalist of the Jazz Passengers. Jimmy left music for a while to become a family man and contractor. Chris produced various bands in New York. Clem continued to record and tour with top acts. Sixteen years later the band members were used to being apart, but miraculously they were still talking. The friendships were still there. The doors were ajar. Responding to a request, they reformed to play a concert and had so much fun and found so much chemistry remaining that they decided to try to make some new music. That worked out so well that they re-formed and made a new album, No Exit, the seventh Blondie studio album, produced by Craig Leon, who had actually produced the band's first single, "X-Offender," and worked on the first album assisting producer Richard Gottehrer. In 2008, they celebrated the 30-year anniversary of Blondie's Parallel Lines with a re-release of the iconic album that gave the band their first #1 hit in the U.S., "Heart of Glass," and went on to sell over 20 million copies - an extraordinary feat achieved only by an elite club of artists. Debbie Harry was recently voted in the Top 5 of the greatest frontmen and women ever coming in ahead of artists like Freddie Mercury, Kurt Cobain and Liam Gallagher. Ticket Informaiton: Tickets for The Olympia Theatre are priced from €44.05 inclusive of booking fee and on sale now from Ticketmaster. Please note, Stalls standing & Circle seats are sold out. A very limited number of Upper Circle unreserved seats only left to buy. We expect these to sell out soon. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dave_Munnelly_Accordion_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 The second you hear the ebb and flow of the music that emanates from David Munnelly's accordion, you will be instantly convinced that this man was born with a button box in his hands. Hailing from Belmullet, a small town by the sea in Co. Mayo, Ireland, David has carried the strong musical tradition from his home and family across the world. David is known for his colourful style which inhales bold bass fingerings, complex arrangements and modern compositions. This unique style led David into the world of professional musicianship where early in his career he became a full-time member of Niamh Parsons' band the Loose Connections. He has recorded and toured with The Chieftains, De Danann, Gerry O Connor, Arty McGlynn and Sharon Shannon. David formed the David Munnelly Band in1999 and began a thirteen year journey with his own band touring Europe, America and Japan and recording four critically acclaimed CD's. Recently David has expanded his repertoire to mainland Europe where he is currently working on several new projects. Along with the most respected accordion players in Europe, David currently performs with the Accordion Samurai http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Mick_Conneely_and_Dave_Munnelly_in_ConcertVenue: The Unitarian Church Dave and Mick are master musicians no doubt about it, they have the credentials: the track record, the bands, albums and collaborations, but here you get more than just great musicianship, you get a dialogue, a conversation happening now, not parroted lines from some slickly rehearsed ensemble, that is the real excitement here. Cleary they have practice long and hard, there are gaps and stops and changes of rhythm, which the boys hit spot on, but you'd be forgiven if you thought they'd just walked into the pub and played straight of the cuff." – Seán Laffey - Irish Music Magazine A member of the newly formed DeDanann, Mick Conneely is one of the most respected fiddle players of his generation. He has played & toured with many artists, most notably De Danann, Mary Bergin, Frankie Gavin, Mairtin O'Connor, Noel Hill & Tony Linnane, Tony MacMahon & Micho Russell, Matt Molloy, Kevin Crawford, Luanda, David Munnelly, Carl Hessian, Niall Ó Callahan, Jackie Daly, Svend Kjeldsen, and Michael McGoldrick to name only a few. Accordion player David is known for his colourful style which inhales bold bass fingerings, complex arrangements and modern compositions; and exhales hints of the Roaring 20′s and the energy of a box of dynamite coupled with a masterful knack for letting a tune take its own time for a completely unmistakeable and brilliant sound. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Mick_Conneely_Bouzouki_Master_ClassMick's Master Class is suited to bouzouki players with a minimum of 2 years playing experience. Mick is one of the most respected bouzouki players of his generation. To date he has played & toured with many artists, most notably De Danann, Mary Bergin, Frankie Gavin, Mairtin O'Connor, Noel Hill & Tony Linnane, Tony MacMahon & Micho Russell, Matt Molloy, Kevin Crawford, Lúnasa, David Munnelly, Carl Hession, Niall Ó Callanáin, Jackie Daly, Svend Kjeldsen, and Michael McGoldrick to name only a few. In 2001 his debut solo album 'Selkie' was released to critical acclaim on the prestigious boutique trad label Cló Iar-Chonnacht and he has recorded on numerous albums to date. Mick is a member of legendary Irish music group De Danann (reformed in 2009). Along with Alec Finn of De Danann, Mick is a leading exponent of the 6-string Greek bouzouki in Irish traditional music. Mick teaches fiddle and bouzouki classes at various festivals at home and abroad, for example: Willie Clancy Summer School in Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, Ireland; MA course in Traditional Irish Music Performance at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick, Ireland; Catskills Irish Arts Week, NY, USA; Augusta Heritage Celtic Week, Davis & Elkins College, WV, USA http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Simone_FeliceTickets on sale Thursday April 18th Fresh from his sold out Barbican show and European tour with Conor Oberst and following his Autumn 2012 sold out Union Chapel concert, acclaimed American songwriter Simone Felice returns to the UK and Ireland to preview new songs. As well as debuting material from his next release, the acclaimed wordsmith will be performing many of the classics his devoted followers hold dear from his time with The Felice Brothers and The Duke & The King. Simone Felice is a celebrated songwriter, author, and poet. He was born on 4 October 1976 in Palenville, New York, a small working-class hamlet in the Catskill Mountains. At the age of 12 Simone suffered a brain aneurysm and was pronounced clinically dead for several minutes. Recovering from emergency brain surgery in a local hospital, he spent two months in intensive care, relearning basic motor skills, including reading and writing. When he was 15 he formed a punk band with friends, making weird noise-rock in his grandpa’s barn. Their emphasis was on head-banging and freaky storytelling. By 18, he had quit school and was fronting the band (by this time calling themselves Eight Body Trunk, in homage to the 1950’s Lincoln Continental an aging 'mafioso' drove up and down the streets of their shabby town) as they played barns, bars, and low down clubs, including New York City’s fabled CBGB’s. Eventually the young rockers went their separate ways and Felice began writing poetry and vignettes, leading to the publication of his first collection, The Picture Show, when he was 22 years old. He began performing these bizarre monologues regularly at the historic Nuyorican Poets Café in New York’s lower east side, garnering the young poet invitations to read in London, Harvard University, San Francisco and Berlin. In 2004 and then 2005, Simone published his first short works of fiction, Goodbye Amelia, a coming of age story about a small-town girl with secrets to keep and a hunger to see the world, and Hail Mary Full of Holes, a fable noir about a prostitute struggling to survive at the dawn of the Reagan era. In the Fall of 2001, just after the attacks on New York City, Simone began writing songs with his brother Ian. Together they retreated to the woods they grew up in, where jobless with a cheap guitar they wrote and made recordings (two archived collections known as The Big Empty and Mexico) with their friend Doc Brown. In this manner the two brothers clocked four years in complete obscurity, sowing the seeds of what would become (with the edition of younger brother James in the Winter of 2006) The Felice Brothers, whose subsequent albums Tonight at the Arizona, The Felice Brothers, and Yonder is the Clock have garnered international praise, earning these Upstate New York natives an inarguable place in the Great American Songbook. Over the group’s history, from starting out playing New York’s subways and streets, to Radio City Music Hall and beyond, brother Simone has been one of its key lyricists and arrangers, co-writing some of the boys’ most beloved songs, including Don’t Wake The Scarecrow, Frankie’s Gun, Run Chicken Run, Ruby Mae, Whiskey in My Whiskey, Love Me Tenderly, Hey Hey Revolver, Mercy, Wonderful Life, Ponzi, Your Belly In My Arms, The Devil Is Real, and Radio Song to name a few. At the request of iconic record producer Rick Rubin (Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Beastie Boys, Adele, et al), Simone flew to California in the late summer of 2008 to play drums on the Columbia Records release I and Love and You by The Avett Brothers. Lending his signature Catskill Mountain funk to the Avett’s riveting songwriting and Rubin’s thoughtful production, Felice appears on some of the albums stand-out songs, including the title-track and lead single I and Love and You, which helped send the album to #1 in the Billboard folk charts. In the winter of 2009 personal tragedy reared its head when Simone and his long-time love lost their first child in a late-term miscarriage. It was then that he retreated to a cabin in the Catskill’s with old friend Bird and began writing and recording the songs that would (unknown to them at the time) become The Duke & The King’s album debut. Taking their name from the itinerant Shakespeare theatre grifters in Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn the project released its gripping Nothing Gold Can Stay in the Summer of 2009 to critical acclaim, being hailed as one of the most haunting and honest albums of the year. 2010′s follow-up Long Live The Duke & The King has been similarly praised. Felice’s first novel, Black Jesus, was recently bought by award-wining publisher Allen & Unwin (Atlantic Books/Faber&Faber) and Random House, which will release a German translation in spring 2012. It tells the story of a young Marine shipped home to his nowhere town after being blinded in action by a homemade bomb, and the unexpected friendship he finds with a mysterious dancer who arrives there fleeing darkness and violence of a different kind. Part love story, part protest of the broken promises lying at the heart of the American dream, Black Jesus is a passionate, twisted hymn to the marginalized and forgotten. On 2 June 2010, after a series of fainting spells, Simone underwent emergency open-heart surgery at Albany Medical Center when doctors discovered that a childhood congenital disorder had left the 33 year old with an irreversible calcification of the aortic valve, leaving only 8% blood-flow to the body and brain. Just two weeks after the surgery he joined his brothers on stage at Pete Seeger’s annual Clearwater Festival to help rid their beloved Hudson River of industrial waste. The following month Pearl Felice was born, a healthy blue-eyed girl who came in a summer thunderstorm. In the year following his heart operation and Pearl’s birth, Felice did what he’s always done: He wrote songs. With a renewed clarity and sense of purpose, Simone bent to his new work, leaving behind any past monikers, or preconceptions they might hold, in search of something pure, something truly his own. Players on these new recordings include friends from Mumford & Sons and The Felice Brothers. The album was written and produced over a year’s time, at five unique locations: Felice’s barn-attic at home in the Catskills-New York, an abandoned High School in Beacon-New York, The Old Church in North London, a Manhattan apartment, Dreamland Studios in Woodstock, and was ultimately woven together with mastering guru Greg Calbi (Patti Smith, John Lennon, Dylan, Springsteen, et al) in New York City. As one listens, this seems the album Felice has been labouring towards since he first began writing and making music, as it truly showcases Simone’s extraordinary storytelling and lyrical style; a unusually rich balance of the sacred and the obscene, heartache and hope in the same breath. A self-revelatory work uncommon in its purity and depth, ‘Simone Felice’ was released in April 2012, cementing Felice’s place as one of the great songwriter-poets of his generation. Simone lives less than a mile from the creek-house he was born in, and travels his own country and abroad sharing his songs and stories. Ticket Information: Tickets on sale Thursday April 18th priced €15.00 (including booking fee) from www.tickets.ie, www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Azealia_Banks_at_The_Academy_DublinAzealia Banks, the critically acclaimed MC, singer & songwriter has just announced details of an exclusive headline performance at The Academy, Dublin on June 26th 2013 Fast becoming a global phenomenon, Azealia’s controversial single 212 catapulted the 21 year old Harlem native into the ears and eyes of the music and fashion elite. With the video for 212 reaching 47.5 million views, Azealia Banks has firmly established herself at the cutting edge of popular culture. Ticket Information: Tickets priced €22.90 inclusive of booking fee go are on sale from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Calendar_Girls ‘Charming, Feel good.’ Star Tribune 'The calendar girls’ will make your day..' Herald Calendar Girls is a heart-warming tale of six extraordinary women who decide to raise funds for their local hospital and the Leukaemia Research Fund by modelling nude for a calendar. A bittersweet story about friends rallying around when one of their husbands dies from cancer, the film and play are based on an uplifting and very inspiring true story that is quirky, poignant, and hilarious. Directed by Anne Mekitarian and featuring a brilliantly talented all-star Dundrum cast and the Mill creative team, this is a guaranteed great night out.. Come along and see Mill Theatre regulars emulating the daring women who puzzled their husbands, mortified their children and sparked a global phenomenon by stripping off. A heady mix of comedy and pathos, this challenging play is guaranteed to make you laugh and maybe shed a tear. Ticket Information: Calendar Girls will preview on Wednesday 26th June and tickets are only €12. It will then run to Saturday 29th June and again from Thursday 4th – Saturday 7th July. Tickets are €16 and €14. Groups of 10 or more €12 http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_xxTickets onsale @ 11.00am Tuesday 18th December Following two triumphant sold out nights at The Olympia Theatre and the ecstatically received Main Stage performance at this year’s Electric Picnic Festival, those who were there and those who missed it will be delighted to hear that London band The xx announce their return to Ireland next June, playing The O2 “…Every note played was as bright and precisely chiseled as a cut diamond, no matter how subdued the song in which it was set.” Hot Press, Olympia show, Dec 2012 “Understated, romantic and damn near perfect!” The Irish Independent, Olympia show, Dec 2012 The xx are currently riding a wave of success having recently released their second album 'Coexist' to effusive praise from fans and media like. After hitting the No.1 spot in the UK charts and No.3 here in Ireland, they fullfilled one of their long-standing dreams by performing with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Click here to listen back 'Coexist' has been produced by The xx's Jamie Smith and is the follow up to their Mercury award-winning 2009 debut 'xx'. It was recorded between November 2011 and May 2012 in the band's own studio in London. “xx marks the spot of a newly mature band..highly accomplished second offering that sees the band refine yet further their stately brand of minimal electro-indie”- Irish Independent, Day and Night "As ever, The xx's spendthrift songcraft and production pushes their (significant) strengths up front, the result is magical”- Totally Dublin 'We're so excited to share with you the news that our second record 'Coexist' is out. After a long time on the road, we took a break, created our own studio and wrote these new songs that we're so looking forward to playing to you. We will be touring throughout the summer and beyond, and hope to play somewhere near you soon'. The xx Mellow, minimalist, shy, ghostly…are The xx, with the sincerity, the simplicity, the undeniable talent, and most of all their ability to leave a whole room of people of all ages in collective awe.   'Coexist' is out now on Young Turks The xx are: Oliver Sim, Romy Madley Croft, Jamie Smith. Ticket Information: Tickets priced €32.50 standing/€36.50 seated (inc. booking fee)  go on sale 11.00am Tuesday 18th December from Ticketmaster and usual outlets. www.ticketmaster.ie / Ph +353818719300 The xx set reviews from Electric Picnic Festival: 'Throw away all those pre-conceptions because The xx stole the show'- The Irish Times http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Colm_O_Caoimh_Guitar_Master_Class_at_Steeple_SessionsVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Colm O Caoimh has been a huge presence on the Kilkenny music scene in recent years and is a founding member of Caladh Nua who have burst onto the Irish music trail with two exciting albums "Happy Days" and "Next Stop". His solidly imaginative playing and delicate finger-style is described as being both the backbone and powerhouse of CaladhNua. Colm O'Caoimh took his first tentative steps in music through classical piano and violin, but it was his intrinsic passion and love for Irish music that eventually drew Colm, a fluent Irish speaker, to the guitar. Through a distinctive and unfaltering style influenced by guitarists such as Jim Murray and John Blake, his abilities were soon in popular demand both as a live performer and a studio session player. As an accomplished pianist and bassist, Colm is a regular guest of the trail- blazing Jeremy Hickey of RSAG (Rarely Seen Above Ground) among many others. Colm has re-defined the guitar accompaniment of Irish Music, bringing to it influences of Jazz and swing, all the while grounding the music with his own unique driving, earthy rhythm. Coupling that with the subtleties of his numerous finger picking styles, it is widely believed that Colm is one of the most versatile and talented guitarists in any genre of music today. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Mick_McAuley_Accordion_Master_ClassVenue:  Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Head of the Mulcahy Family, Mick Mulcahy is much in demand as a tutor. To his credit his students (and daughters) , Louise and Michelle are both recipients of the TG4 Young musician of the Year Award. Mick performs and teaches regularly at festivals worldwide including; the Willie Clancy Summer School, Masters of Tradition Festival Bantry, South Sligo Traditional Music School, Meitheal Summer School, Blas International Summer School University of Limerick, Na Piobairí Uilleann Dublin, Cairde na Cruite Festival Co. Louth, Milwaukee Irish Festival, Davis & Elkins Irish Music Festival West Virginia, Catskills Irish Music Festival New York, Texas Irish Retreat Music School, Tocan Traditional Irish Music Festival France, Lorient Celtique Festival Brittany, Camden Town Irish Music Festival London, Gundagai Traditional Irish Music Festival Australia http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Riverdance_Gaiety_TheatreRiverdance returns home to Dublin for an extraordinary 10th summer season at the Gaiety Theatre. Composer   Bill Whelan        Producer    Moya Doherty        Director    John McColgan   Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland, nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance. In the 17 years of touring since the Premiere in Dublin in 1995, the show has been experienced live by over 23 million people worldwide across six continents and boasts a worldwide television audience in excess of two billion people. An innovative and exciting fusion of Irish and international dance, Riverdance propels traditional dance and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures. Riverdance is a truly global phenomenon.   In December 2012 Riverdance embarked on its sixth and most extensive tour of China, playing 25 cities over twelve weeks. In August 2012 the show toured for the first time ever time in South America, performing a new fan base in Brazil and Argentina. 2014 sees Riverdance return to Europe and to the UK after an absence of  nearly 4 years and plans are in place for an entry to the Indian marketplace.   Riverdance at The Gaiety features the remarkable Riverdance Irish Dance Troupe with the cream of Irish musicians playing live in the Riverdance Band and a spectacular array of international guest stars performing to the magic of Bill Whelan’s music.   ‘One of the most entertaining shows you will ever see’ - Evening Herald ‘...the original...The Best’ - The Irish Times ‘Dance does not often get so good' - The Guardian 'A phenomenon of historic proportions' -The Washington Post 'The sort of spectacle and experience that comes once in a lifetime' - The Hollywood Reporter   Ticket Information: Tickets are available from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide  and online at www.ticketmaster.ie No service charge for transactions in person at the Gaiety Box Office. Service charges apply to online and telephone bookings.   Show-times are: Evening : Tuesday to Friday at 7.30pm, Saturday at 7.30pm, Sunday at 5.30pm Matinee: Saturday at 3.30pm , Sunday at 2.30pm   *FAMILY TICKET (min 2 children) €120 (TUES-THURS PM AND SAT & SUN MATINEES ONLY) on top price tickets only. *EARLY BIRD OFFER-  15% DISCOUNT ON ALL TICKETS SOLD ON OR BEFORE 31ST DEC 2012.  *Subject to terms & conditions http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Winnifred_Horan_Fiddle_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Born and raised in New York of Irish parents, Winifred began playing music at an early age and was taught be the late Maureen Glynn. Winifred learnt traditional fiddle and classical and won a scholarship to attend Mannes College of Music in Manhattan, as a teenager, for violin. She attained a degree in Music from the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. This combination of both classical and traditional backgrounds helps to define the style that is so identifiable and associated with Winifred's playing. In great demand for live shows and as a studio musician, she has worked with many of the finest musicians on the Irish Music and contemporary folk scenes. She has played and recorded with Cherish the Ladies, Sharon Shannon, Declan O' Rourke, Belinda Carlisle, Mundy, Pierce Turner, Richard Shindell, Liz Carroll and many more. Her meeting and ultimate collaboration with Seamus Egan saw the start of the Irish-American band SOLAS which has since enjoyed worldwide success. Solas has been warmly received for it's live performances, timeless recordings and extraordinary musicianship. Winifred released two solo albums over the last ten years – "Just one Wish" and "The Pleasures of Home" to great critical acclaim both in the U.S. and Ireland. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Marathon_Race_Series_Irish_Runner_5_mileDublin Marathon 2013, one of the great European city marathons, takes place in Dublin City on the October Bank Holiday. Dublin Marathon series is a great way for anyone wanting to compete in the main Dublin Marathon to train. The first race in the Dublin Marathon series Race 1 - Irish Runner 5 mile will take place in the Phoenix Park in June. Closing Date for Entry to participate in this race is Friday 14th June.     http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Iberian_Percussion_ExtravaganzaBe enthralled by the vibrant rhythms of Coetus, a one-of-a-kind percussion group from Barcelona. Expect the unexpected as the band rouses your ears, feet and heart with their sounds of celebration. Presented by The Ark in association with The Big Bang Festival in celebration of Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union 2013. Ages: All the family Family ticket €40 for 4 tickets Part of Lights, Camera, Music! at The Ark   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Rod_Stewart_Live_The_Life_Tour Tickets on sale Thursday 15 November at 9.00am Following his sell out Shows in 2010, ROD STEWART has confirmed he will return to Ireland in 2013 to play the RDS Arena Dublin on Saturday 29 June as part of his ‘Live The Life’ Tour.  During Rod Stewart’s iconic five decade-long career, he has sold more than 150 million albums worldwide, scored countless hits, earned 18 Grammy nominations – winning one for ‘Stardust - The Great American Songbook: Volume III’ – and in 2007 was bestowed the prestigious CBE title by the Queen. A two-time US Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee, Rod first made himself heard in the early 60’s with Long John Baldry, Steampacket and Shotgun Express, as well as his seminal work with Jeff Beck and the Faces. He found his solo voice with a string of classic albums: ‘An Old Raincoat Will Never Let You Down’, ‘Every Picture Tells A Story’, ‘Never A Dull Moment’ right through to ‘Atlantic Crossing’, ‘A Night on The Town’ and ‘Blondes Have More Fun’, and went on to record five acclaimed volumes of his ‘Great American Songbook’ series. His long-awaited memoir, Rod – The Autobiography, has just been released by Random House and is already topping bestseller lists around the world.  His first ever Christmas Album will be released by Universal Decca on 16 November and includes duets with Michael Bublé, Mary J Blige and Cee Lo Green. Ticket Prices: Seated: €54.65 / €76.00 / €86.00/ €106.00 General Admission: €76.00 Euro Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide 24hr Credit Card Bookings:- +353818 719300 (ROI)         http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Summer_Activity_Sheet_Summer_SunDrop-in Activity Summer is here and the sun has come out to play, so why not drop in to the museum and try our new Summer Activity Trail. Copies of this activity sheet trail are available at the stand in the Irish Room. Don't forget your pencil! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Chapelizod_Literary_Pubcrawl_as_part_of_The_Chapelizod_Arts_FestivalPints of porter, music, joy and literature! Let’s celebrate James Joyce, his father, and their Chapelizod pub crawls together, when James was a youngster and his father Stanislaus worked at the Chapelizod Distillery, with a literary pub crawl of our own! Chapelizod, a Norman village 3 miles from Dublin’s city centre, is a setting which inspired one of Joyce’s first works Dubliners’ A Painful Case and his last novel Finnegan’s Wake. Guided by Alice Coghlan, director of Wonderland’s audio walk and 3CD of Dubliners, our literary pub crawl begins with pints, chat, craic, and a friendly introduction to, and readings and song from Finnegan’s Wake in the very pub in which Joyce set his great modernist novel in. After our pint, we’ll take to the village of Chapelizod on headphones, on which we’ll listen to A Painful Case in situ, as it is told and performed to us on headphones by leading Irish actors. As we listen and walk, we’ll follow Mr Duffy’s love story from the village to its tragic climax on the Magazine Fort Hill, via a hot punch at The Bridge Inn, which is included in your ticket price. Once in the Phoenix Park, we’ll explore the haunts of one of Joyce’s greatest influences, the Chapelizod native and Gothic horror writer Sheridan Le Fanu, who was born here, before visiting the house, church and churchyard in which both Joyce and Le Fanu set their classic tales, where we will hear extracts from both of their stories performed by actors. From here, we’ll retire to our third literary pub, the ever popular Villager, for an informal evening of Joycean chatter, song and celebration. Dressing up for Bloomsweek encouraged, but by no means essential. Early booking is advised as our numbers are strictly limited. Reviews for Wonderland’s audio walk and 3CD of Dubliners ‘Brilliantly delivered... an atmospheric journey through Edwardian Dublin with flawless dramatisations of the stories...it is spine tingling stuff...’ Daragh Reddin Metro ‘A wonderfully conceived idea.’ Lauren O’Toole entertainment.ie ‘A thrilling experience.’ Louise Finn The Dubliner. ‘A treat for any fan’ Eithne Shorthall, The Sunday Times. Tour Times: 3.30 pm on Saturday 15th June. Tour lasts approximately 3 hours. Ticket Information: Tickets priced €15/13.50 for tour and a hot punch at The Bridge Inn. Please bring an umbrella for the great Irish Summer and wear appropriate footwear as some of our tour will take place in the park. Meeting Point: 3.30pm The Mullingar House Inn, at the junction of Chapelizod Road & Main Street, Chapelizod, Dublin 20. Tickets are available online by Clicking Here Copies of Wonderland’s 3CD and program of their James Joyce’s Dubliners will be for sale on the day of the tour, for a discounted price. Cast: Barry Mc Govern, Billie Traynor, Damien Devaney, Connolly Heron, Cormac McDonagh, David Ferguson, Jim Roche, Sarah O'Toole, Stephen Jones , Daithí Mac Suibhne, Steve Wilson, Caroline O'Boyle, Dave Fleming, Shona Weymes, Lizzy Morrissey, Susan Davey, Amy Therese Flood, Nora Keneghan, Sarah Bradley, Ruaidhrí Ó Murchadha, Aela O'Flynn. Director and Adaptor: Alice Coghlan Sound Design: Alma Kelliher and Tommy Foster. Recorded at Dublin City FM. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Silver_SeasTickets go on sale Thursday 21st March “They combine the knowingness of classic-period Steely Dan with the pop surge of a classic radio act like the Turtles and harmonies that could have wandered in from Mad Men” The Word Magazine “At it’s best Chateau Revenge delights…. and the likes of What If It Isn’t Out There? and Somebody Said Your Name are just gorgeous” The Guardian “This is uncurdled pop music, the kind of thing you could sprinkle on your dreams and eat with a spoon” The Word magazine “The best band in the world!” Danny Baker The Silver Seas’ Daniel Tashian and Jason Lehning were raised deep within the Nashville music scene. Tashian’s dad Barry was lead singer of the Boston-based, mid-sixties cult combo The Remains and subsequently toured with Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band. Lehning’s dad Kyle is a well-respected country music producer and the former president of Asylum Records Nashville. While the young Lehning apprenticed behind the boards, Tashian was developing into a formidable singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Tashian, has a knack for creating instantly memorable melodies to pair with often plaintive lyrics, though he’s no show-off; his craftsmanship seems effortless, as if he just dashed off these sneakily addictive numbers in his spare time. Grammy-winning producer, arranger and keyboardist Jason Lehning doesn’t polish these songs to perfection because they sound gorgeous in nearly naked form. “We’re a good team,” says Lehning. “We bring to each other what the other one doesn’t have. Daniel’s an incredibly spontaneous person and I’m an incredibly pragmatic person. When we work together, we get to be ourselves in a really good way. That makes a nice balance and it’s really enjoyable for me.” Ticket Information: Tickets go on sale Thursday 21st March priced €19.00 (including booking fee) available from www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. +353818719300 - Republic of Ireland customers http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Brian_May_and_Kerry_Ellis_The_Born_Free_TourTickets go on sale Thursday 14th February Queen’s legendary guitarist Brian May is teaming up with rock Goddess Kerry Ellis for a stunning candlelit, acoustic show at The Olympia Theatre on 30th June. After the phenomenal success of the sell-out charity show, Anthems: The Concert, at London’s Royal Albert Hall in May 2011, Their UK tour of Anthems: The Tour and the release of Kerry & Brian’s single Defying Gravity, Kerry & Brian will now be taking their majestic brand new acoustic show to Dublin. The Born Free Tour will electrify The Olympia Theatre audience with rock superstar, Queen guitarist Brian May performing new arrangements of songs he has specially chosen to be sung by Kerry, accompanying her on both guitar and vocals. Brian May says: “Kerry Ellis is now acknowledged as a phenomenon, equally at home in Musical Theatre and Rock.  I was convinced from the moment we worked together on We Will Rock You nine years ago, that she was destined to be a worldwide star.  The challenge was to develop songs and arrangements to allow that amazing voice to reach its true potential.” The Born Free Tour follows a series of acclaimed performances by Kerry & Brian together over the past few years. They stole the show when they performed together on the Royal Variety Show in 2008, they performed live together again at BBC Proms in the Park and at 2010’s The Night of 1000 Voices, and most recently, they opened the Remembrance Day concert at the Royal Albert Hall. The Born Free Tour follows the 2011 success of Anthems: The Tour and their pounding club remix of ‘Defying Gravity’ - the lead track from the musical, Wicked, and a standout song on Kerry's debut album. “Big voice, big production, big numbers!”- Daily Express “Ellis’ huge voice and May’s scorching guitar riffs pack enough energy to blow the roof off”- The Sun Kerry Ellis starred in the leading role of Elphaba in Wicked at the Apollo Victoria in the West End and the Gershwin Theatre on Broadway. She played Fantine in Les Miserables at the Queens Theatre and Ellen in Miss on ts UK tour. She won widespread acclaim for her performance as Svetlana in the spectacular Chess in concert at the Royal Albert Hall. She first met Brian May whilst appearing as Meat in the Queen and Ben Elton musical, We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre. Most recently, Kerry played Nancy in Oliver at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Brian May’s legendary compositions and performances for Queen have earned him worldwide acclaim. He has composed such hits as ‘We Will Rock You’. ‘Who Wants To Live Forever’, ‘I Want It All’, ‘Save Me’ and ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’. Queen has released a total of 18 Number One albums, had 18 Number One singles and 10 Number One DVDs. They have sold over 300 million albums worldwide; making them one of the world’s best selling music artistes. Brian was made Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2005 for ‘Services To The Music Industry’. Ticket Information: Tickets from €36.50 including booking fee go on sale Thursday 14th February at 9.00am from online at www.ticketmaster.ie and from all usual ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Leinster_GAA_Football_Semi_FinalsThe GAA Championships commence in May with the Provincial Football Championship's in Leinster, Ulster, Connacht and Munster and Provincial Hurling Championship's in Leinster, Ulster and Munster.  The All-Ireland Series starts in June with the Qualifers, followed by the Quarter and Semi Finals, culminating in the All Ireland Football and Hurling Finals in September.  Games take place throughout Ireland over the summer months. Visit www.gaa.ie for fixture and ticketing information. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/PhotoIreland_Festival_2013Dublin, Limerick, Cork. Celebrating its fourth edition, PhotoIreland Festival will examine the current state of Photography in Ireland, offering a simultaneous exhibition of new talent in Dublin, Limerick, and Cork. In the last decade, the currency and relevance of the medium on the island has consistently generated a flourishing of awards, residencies, educational programmes, publications and exhibitions. More than ever, the work of Irish based photographers can be seen in museums and galleries as far away as Australia, Argentina, and China. The main exhibition of PhotoIreland Festival 2013 will reflect on the diversity of practices that constitute contemporary Photography in Ireland, and it will be accompanied by a special publication. Official festival launch: Limerick 3rd July, Dublin 4th July, and Cork 5th July. For a Full Programme of Events visit www.photoireland.org/festival/year-2013 Curatorial team: Michele Horrigan (Artist & Curator) Pádraig Spillane and Pamela Condell (Stag & Deer) Ronan McCall (Photographer & Curator, Severed Head Gallery) Moritz Neumüller and Ángel Luis González (PhotoIreland Festival) http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Jackie_Daly_and_Matt_Cranitch_in_ConcertVenue: The Unitarian Church, St. Sephen's Green, Dublin For many years, Jackie Daly (accordion) and Matt Cranitch (fiddle) have been among the foremost interpreters of the rich Sliabh Luachra tradition of instrumental music. The unique cultural area on the borders of northwest Cork and east Kerry provides a special repertoire of tunes as well as a very distinctive style of playing, and has long been a source of inspiration for both Jackie and Matt. Through their respective performances over many years, they have established enviable individual reputations in the world of Irish traditional music. Together however, the vibrant music that they create displays an additional collaborative dimension. They have travelled extensively throughout many countries, performing individually, with various groups, and together. In 2011, they featured on two tours in the US as part of Imagine Ireland, the year-long celebration of Irish arts in the US. Their duet CD, The Living Stream, issued in 2010, draws very much from the Sliabh Luachra tradition, and features fourteen tracks, mostly unaccompanied. However, on a number of selections, accompaniment is provided by Paul De Grae (guitar) and Bríd Cranitch (piano). This recording, which is considered by Irish Music Magazine to be "a treasure", attests in a very comprehensive manner to the continuing relevance of the 'living stream' of traditional music in Ireland today. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Jackie_Daly_Button_Accordion_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 The words 'Button Accordion' and 'Jackie Daly' are synonymous in the world of Irish traditional music. Described in the New York Times as "probably the best accordionist in Ireland", Jackie was born in Kanturk, Co. Cork, where he grew up surrounded by the rich music tradition of Sliabh Luachra. One of the greatest influences on his early musical development was Ballydesmond fiddle-player, Jim Keeffe, a pupil of the renowned Sliabh Luachra fiddle-master, Pádraig O'Keeffe. Over the years, Jackie's lifelong affinity with fiddle-music has resulted in highly-acclaimed albums featuring fiddle and accordion – with the late Cork-based musician Séamus Creagh, with Kevin Burke, and now with Matt Cranitch. Jackie was a central figure in some of the most dominant groups playing Irish music in recent times. His performances with bands such as De Danann, Patrick Street, Buttons and Bows, Arcady, Reel Union and Kinvara all attest to his wonderful music and versatility. However, it is the style and repertoire of the Sliabh Luachra tradition that has made the most significant impression on his accordion-playing, a fact well exemplified through his performances and recordings. He has toured extensively throughout the world, and is also in demand as a teacher. In 2005, he received the TG4 Gradam Ceoil (National Music Award), and, in 2009, the Kanturk Arts Festival Award http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Matt_Cranitch_Fiddle_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Matt Cranitch is renowned as a fiddle-player and teacher, both at home in Ireland and abroad. He has performed extensively at concerts and festivals, on radio and television, and has presented lectures, master-classes and workshops on various aspects of Irish music. He has won All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil titles, as well as The Fiddler of Dooney and Oireachtas Crotty Cup. Author of The Irish Fiddle Book, first published in 1988 and now in its fourth edition, he has also contributed to other books on Irish traditional music. He has made various albums including three with Sliabh Notes, in addition to Éistigh Seal which consists entirely of slow airs. His most recent recording is The Living Stream with Jackie Daly. He is an authority on the music of Sliabh Luachra, and received a PhD from the University of Limerick for his study on the fiddle-playing tradition of this region. A long-time consultant for the Geantraí series on TG4, he is also an advisor to the Arts Council Deis scheme for the traditional arts, and has served on the board of the Irish Traditional Music Archive (2007–2010). In 2003, he received the Hall of Fame Award from University College Cork where he currently teaches a number of courses in Irish traditional music http://www.visitdublin.com/event/10_Days_In_Dublin_Festival_201310 Days in Dublin is a unique event that has grown hugely year on year. It is Ireland's largest open-format, multidisciplinary festival with strands in music, comedy, visual art, theatre, spoken word and film. It accepts acts from all backgrounds and experience profiles and allows them to showcase their talent regardless of their work's theme, political agenda or who they know on the arts scene. It endeavours to create an open and inclusive festival that transforms the capital into an urban celebration. Now in its third year, the festival has more than doubled in size since its 2012 outing and is currently run by a group of talented, young individuals who volunteer their time to create something different and exciting. If you're looking for something different with a broad range of artistic talents and ideas then this festival will have something you'll love For more info: including calls for submissions, line-ups and programming information check out our website www.10daysindublin.com The line-up for 10 Days in Dublin 2013 is yet to be announced. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/giselle_ballet‘Truly a memorable evening’ - The Stage ‘A harmonious and subtle staging’ - The Times In a village deep in the mountains, Giselle and Loys are deeply in love. But Loys has a secret – he is actually Count Albrecht, and betrothed to another. When jealous Hilarion unmasks his true identity, and his fiancée arrives to claim him, Giselle’s heartbreak is too much to bear and she takes her own life. Remorseful, Albrecht visits Giselle’s grave in the forest, but the bitter ghosts of jilted brides rise and condemn him to dance himself to death. Only Giselle’s love, powerful even from beyond the grave, can save him. This stunning production shows why Giselle stands alongside Coppélia and Swan Lake as one of the most celebrated classical ballets. Music Adolphe Adam Revised by Joseph Horovitz Choreography Marius Petipa; Jules Perrot; Jean Coralli Additional choreography by David Bintley Production David Bintley; Galina Samsova Designs Hayden Griffin Lighting Mark Jonathan Photo credit: Bill Cooper http://www.visitdublin.com/event/James_Kelly_and_John_Blake_in_ConcertHaving immigrated to the States in 1978, James Kelly is making a special trip home this Summer as part of The Gathering 2013 to play at the Steeple Sessions and re-unite with his family, friends, musical acquaintances and with guitarist and friend John Blake. James brings with him his family and friends and will spend some weeks visiting family, touring Ireland, playing and teaching music and catching up with old friends. James is now based in Florida where he has carved out a career for himself playing and teaching music. Kelly has toured all over the World and has been a member of several influential Irish groups including the legendary folk group, Planxty. James Kelly grew up in a family steeped in traditional Irish music in Dublin. His father John was a renowned concertina and fiddle player from Co. Clare and was a founding member, with Seán Ó Riada, of Ceoltóirí Cualann, a traditional group that, in many ways, was responsible for the modern revival in Irish music. Before immigrating to the US, James was a presenter of the "Pure Drop" series for Irish television, has performed with The Chieftains, and since moving to the US has recorded with the "Bee Gees" on played several times on Garrison Keillor's national radio show, "A Prairie Home Companion." In recent years, he has received the prestigious "Florida Folk Heritage Award" In 2006 James received the "Gradam Ceoil TG4 2006 Irish Musician of the Year Award" He has 18 albums to his credit and is currently compiling his over 1500 compositions for publication. James continues to play concerts and festivals with some of Irish music's leading accompanists. John Blake is a long term friend of James Kelly and plays guitar, flute, piano and bouzouki and originally learnt his music in London where he grew up from Clare fiddler and instructor Brendan Mulkere. John has appeared on a wealth of albums including: 'The Tap Room Trio' and he was a member of young traditional band Téada. Although a well known guitarist, John is equally adept on the flute, the evidence of which can be heard on the critically acclaimed 'Traditional Irish Music from London' with Lamond Gillespie and Mick Leahy. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/James_Kelly_Fiddle_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 James Kelly, a native of Ireland, is one of the greatest Irish traditional fiddlers alive today. He learned his music from his father John Kelly (fiddle and concertina player) from County Clare. James began his recording and touring career at age sixteen. That year he won first place in the prestigious "Fiddler of the Year" competition and recorded his first album, a duet with his brother John. Since that time, James has toured Europe, the US, Canada, and South America, and has been a member of several influential Irish groups including the legendary folk group, Planxty. He was a presenter of the "Pure Drop" series for Irish TV, has appeared with The Chieftains, and has recorded with the "Bee Gees". In 2006 James received the "Gradam Ceoil TG4 2006 Irish Musician of the Year Award". He has 18 albums to his credit and is currently compiling his over 1500 compositions for publication. He gives workshops in Florida, throughout the U.S. Canada and Europe, and also teaches live one on one lessons via the internet. James continues to play concerts and festivals with some of Irish music's leading accompanists http://www.visitdublin.com/event/John_Blake_Guitar_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 John Blake is highly sought after for his many musical talents; on guitar, flute, piano and bouzouki. John was born in London and as a youngster took lessons in Queens Park from Clare fiddler and instructor Brendan Mulkere. In 1998, John moved to Ireland and since then he has appeared on a wealth of albums throughout the years including: 'The Tap Room Trio' and he was a member of young traditional band Téada. Although a well known guitarist, John is equally adept on the flute, the evidence of which can be heard on the critically acclaimed 'Traditional Irish Music from London' with Lamond Gillespie and Mick Leahy. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Roll_Up_Roll_UpRun away with the circus this summer with our guided exhibition & circus skills experience for all the family. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, roll up and discover the incredible feats, sights, sounds and smells of the circus! Let our circus characters guide you through four floors of interactive exhibits, bringing to life the awesome, curious and dramatic worlds of circus troupes. Then step right up and learn an amazing new circus skill or create a sensational piece of circus art. Each week there will be a different circus skills session at the end of the tour – see ark.ie for timetable. The skills sessions are most suitable for ages 4+, but there will be plenty to keep adults and younger children busy too! A series of circus-themed visual arts workshops, aerial workshops and early years workshops will also run at The Ark throughout July and August. See www.ark.ie for more information and to book. Tuesdays – Sundays,  10.30am*, 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm & 4.30pm (*no 10.30am tour on Sundays) Late opening Thursdays: last tour at 6pm Duration 90 mins (approx 50mins tour & 40mins activity) Ages all the family Ticket Inforamtion: €9 (children aged 2+ and adults) | €30 for family of 4 Thrifty Tuesdays Tickets €7.50 http://www.visitdublin.com/event/the_shaolin_warriorsThis breathtaking theatrical Kung Fu Show continues the story of the warrior, and vividly depicts the rarely-seen Kung Fu masters' feats of agility strength and skill, using Buddhist Meditation and their rigorous martial arts training. The show is an extravaganza, with gorgeous scenery, atmospheric music, beautiful lights, and hundreds of costumes. This is a fully choreographed spectacular production that features 22 professionally trained Kungfu Masters; audiences will be amazed and thrilled by their death defying Kung Fu disciplines such as qigong, animal imitation boxing, drunken boxing, and fighting with over 20 kinds of dangerous traditional weapons. This Show is now a huge hit over 3 continents, and has now been seen by over 750,000 people of all ages, and played to sell out audiences and standing ovations throughout the UK this show is a must see for family audiences and martial arts experts enthusiasts alike who have been excited and astounded by The Shaolin Warriors. This production comes to you from the producers of the hugely popular ShangHi- Cirque du Ciel. "..Agility, grace and showmanship" Washington Post "Jaw dropping! A perfect family show ,something for everyone!" Edinburgh Evening News "Breathtaking show!" http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Fureys_and_Davey_Arthur_at_Vicar_StreetLegends of Irish music The Fureys & Davey Arthur, will be making their 14th concert appearance in Vicar Street on July 5th 2013. The band was formed in 1978 literally by accident. George, Paul and Davey were playing in Denmark with their own band called the Buskers and Eddie and Finbar, while touring in Germany were involved in a road accident. When George, Paul and Davey got news of the accident they immediately travelled to Germany to be with their brothers. They then decided that they should all be playing together and this was the start of the Fureys and Davey Arthur. Inevitably changes have occurred over 34 years. Their brother Paul died suddenly in June 2002 and Finbar left the band in December 1996, however George, Eddie and Davey Arthur have continued to delight audiences on their tours and have been releasing a new CD every year. The oldest of the brothers, Eddie Furey left home in 1966 and travelled to Scotland at the time of the great folk revival where he met and shared accommodation in Edinburgh with then unknown folk singers Billy Connolly, Gerry Rafferty and Alex Campbell, now all famous in their own right. In 1969 with his brother Finbar, he was the special guest for the Clancys Brothers and Tommy Makem throughout the USA and Canada. In 1971 he moved to mainland Europe where he toured for seven years with Finbar, building up a huge following particularly in Germany. Dave Stewart from the Eurythmics has credited Eddie as teaching him his first chords on guitar when they met up in the North East of England while Dave was still a teenager. The band became an instant success and had a string of hits including When you were Sweet Sixteen, The Green Fields of France, Red Rose Café, The Old Man, Steal Away, Her Father didn’t like me anyway, Clare to Here and Leaving Nancy. The Fureys & Davey Arthur are responsible for some of the most stirring music ever to capture the public imagination. Their folk based music has received standing ovations in some of the biggest concert halls of the world and they credit their musical ability to their parents, Ted and Nora, who were well known musicians themselves. They encouraged their sons to play music from a very early age and there was live traditional music in their house almost nightly. Over the years some of their greatest admirers have ranged from the neighbours they grew up with in Ballyfermot to the top sports people and politicians of the world and have performed for leaders such as our President Michael D Higgins, former Australian Prime Minister John Howard, Irish President Mary McAleese and Pope John Paul. Tony Blair has publicly stated that his favourite peace song of all time is the Fureys “Green Fields of France”.   Their emotive songs stir many emotions….tears and laughter, sadness and joy. A Fureys concert is always a night to remember.   Ticket Information:   Tickets on sale Tuesday 23rd April priced €30 (including booking fee) available from www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. +353818 719 300 - Republic of Ireland customers http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Viking_Craft_Workshop_at_Dublinia6th of July – Viking Craft Workshop Want to make your very own Viking warrior head pencil topper? Artzone host an art activity with fully qualified art teachers. Workshops running every 45 minutes from 11.00am to 2.45pm. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Leinster_GAA_Hurling_Senior_Championship_2013_FinalAn integral part of the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Championship with the winners of the Leinster final advancing directly to the semi finals of the All-Ireland series. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Justin_Timberlake_at_Phoenix_ParkTickets on sale Friday, May 10th at 9.00am Grammy® and Emmy Award®-winning artist, Justin Timberlake, is bringing his electrifying live show to Ireland this summer for a one night only concert at Dublin’s Phoenix Park on July 10th. Timberlake’s new album The 20/20 Experience dominated the global charts in March as the acclaimed release soared to the #1 in Ireland, U.S.A., U.K. Australia, Canada, Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland and across Asia. The album also shattered iTunes records as it became the fastest-selling album worldwide in their history. This was Justin’s third #1 album in Ireland where it still remains in the top 5 and has already achieved gold status. His recent show stopping performances at the 2013 Grammy Awards and Brit Awards re-established Justin Timberlake as the quintessential pop star of the new millennium. Ticket Information: Tickets priced €79.50 inclusive of booking fee are on sale at 9am on Friday May 10th from Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.ticketmaster.ie Tickets are limited to 6 per person. Subject to license. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Keith_Barry_The_Dark_Side10, 11, 12 ,13 , 17, 18, 19, 20 , 24, 25 , 26 and 27 July 2013 Master Mentalist Keith Barry has announced his return to the Olympia Theatre next July for a 12 night run with his brand new show - The Dark Side.  This show will be Keith's most controversial to date as he explores everything that encompasses The Dark Side. He will take the audience on a theatrical rollercoaster ride where they will participate in astounding feats based around the occult, ouija boards, remote viewing, past life regression and unspeakable acts.  Keith will open the door and invite the audience with him on this journey of exploration - are you brave enough to step through the door and journey with him? Unlike his previous shows, people can come to the show without the fear of being pulled on stage as it is only the brave souls who openly volunteer that will end up on stage.  If you scare easily, then quite simply ‘don't come alone' as you journey to The Dark Side.. Irish fans can now tune into "Deception with Keith Barry" on DMAX channel, airing at 10pm on Mondays on Sky. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/David_Howley_Guitar_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 David Howley is a member of We Banjo 3 and is a very talented multi-instrumentalist. Dave plays banjo, guitar and mandolin and effortlessly provides We Banjo 3 with its rhythm section. Dave has also performed in the group Free Wheel with Fergal Scahill and Sean McCarthy (FullSet). He has developed a growing reputation as a singer and performer. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Enda_Scahill_and_Martin_Howley_Banjo_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Enda Scahill has recorded with Grammy-winner Ricky Skaggs, guested with The Chieftains, toured with Frankie Gavin, The Brock McGuire Band and Stockton's Wing. A banjo wizard, Enda is a leading author on Irish banjo techniques with 2 self-published titles among the best-selling Irish banjo tutorials available. His illustrious recording career includes his ground-breaking solo album "Pick It Up", Irish Times Album of the Year "Humdinger" with Paul Brock and Green Grass Blue Grass with The Brock McGuire Band recorded in Nashville. "Enda does things on the banjo which should be impossible" Bill Margeson Irish American News 7-time All Ireland Banjo Champion Martin Howley is one of the young guns of Irish banjo. The first Irish banjo player to play at the Grand Ol Opry in Nashville, Martin has developed a reputation as musician with great musical taste and innovation. Now teaching a huge number of young banjo players Martin is passing his craft on to the next generation. Martin has toured with The Brock McGuire Band and performed extensively across Europe and the US. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Fergal_Scahill_Fiddle_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Fergal Scahill hails from Corofin, a small village in Co. Galway. He is in demand not only as a fiddle player but also as a guitar and bodhran player. He comes from a very musical family and plays in the group We Banjo 3 with his brother Enda. Fergal has a senior fiddle All Ireland Fleadh title and also has two All Ireland Bodhrán titles to his name. He has performed Frankie Gavin, Paul Brock, Kevin Crawford and has toured extensively with many successful traditional bands such as Teada, Ragús, Celtic Legends and The David Munnelly Band. He also was a founding member of upcoming band MONTO who are signed to the Universal record label and is featured on their debut album. Fergal has also recorded on The Brock McGuire Band Album which was awarded Instrumental Album of the Year 2005 from liveireland.com, and his very successful duet album with mouth organist Paul Moran featured in Earl Hitchner's Top Ten Albums of 2002. He also has featured as a guest artist on many other acclaimed albums over the past few years. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Imelda_May_Live_at_The_Iveagh_GardensTickets go on sale Monday 25th March Inspired by the ghosts of Elvis Presley, Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent, the twang of Elmore James, the pathos of Billie Holiday and the swagger of Wanda Jackson, Imelda May is a Liberties girl whose self-belief and self-penned songs have taken her to international stardom. Imelda began performing in clubs when she was 16 years old and after fifteen years of singing in other peoples bands Imelda finally took the plunge and set up her own band in 2006. Her albums have reached multi-platinum status and she was the first Irish woman in 14 years to get to #1 in the album charts with her album Love Tattoo. Her third album, Mayhem was released last year as well as More Mayhem a special edition version of the album which included three new tracks – “Roadrunner”, “Gypsy” and “Blues A Calling” plus Imelda’s previously unreleased cover of Patsy Cline’s “Walking After Midnight”. Ticekt Informaiton: Tickets go on sale Monday 25th March priced €40.00 (including booking fee) available from www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. By Phone: +353818719300 - Republic of Ireland customers. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Live_at_The_Iveagh_Gardens_2013The Iveagh Gardens is quite simply the best open-air location for live music in the city – easily accessible and hugely inspiring. Often referred to as Dublin City’s “hidden treasure” or “best kept secret” the Iveagh Gardens is a beautifully designed public park tucked in between the busy Harcourt Street thoroughfare and the National Concert Hall. Its mid-19th century landscape design includes many exquisite features including fountains, cascade, rustic grotto, rosarium, rockeries, hedgerow maze, sundial and archery pit. All combined with an array of exotic tree ferns and shrubbery, it was become an important sanctuary within a busy city for those who know about it. In recent years Iveagh Gardens opened its gates to live entertainment with the hugely successful Vodafone Comedy Festival becoming an annual fixture and live music events featuring Tori Amos, the Waterboys, Josh Ritter, Rufus Wainwright and more. This year, Aiken Promotions presents a grand total of eight concerts with the programming ranging from distinguished Irish performers such as Glen Hansard and Imelda May to trailblazing international bands from the Harmonic stable such as Beach House and Grizzly Bear. Each show will have a carefully considered support line-up of key up and coming artists from Ireland and beyond. Keep an eye on listings for new additions over the coming weeks. This year, we have also pleased to announce of special value ticket bundle deals for music fans hoping to attend multiple concerts throughout the series. The full list of ticket prices and bundle deals can be found at: www.ticketmaster.ie/iveaghgardens  July 11th: Imelda May July 12th The Tallest Man On Earth July 13th Bell X1 July 14th Damien Dempsey July 18th Grizzly Bear & special guest Matthew E White July 19th Josh Ritter July 20th Beach House July 21st Glen Hansard & special guests Sam Amidon & Lisa O’Neill http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Volvo_Dun_Laoghaire_RegattaThe Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta is not just about the sailing, it is also about giving people the opportunity to embrace the lifestyle that is synonymous with sailing and for 2013 all Irish sailors currently living abroad are invited to return home to participate in this very special event. The Organisers and Waterfront Yacht Clubs will be putting together an on shore program combining the excitement of world class sailing, good food, wine, vibrant people, engaging lifestyle entertainment and spectacular views of Dublin Bay. With 3,000 sailors and over 450 boats spread across 25 classes, the four-day regatta held on Dublin Bay is the largest participant sporting event in Ireland (with the exception of the mini marathons) yet has the welcoming, friendly atmosphere of a smaller event. A magnificent spectacle of colour and fun for all the family. Racing open to cruisers, one designs and dinghies. For more details and to enter check out the website. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/We_Banjo_3_in_ConcertVenue: The Unitarian Church, St. Sephen's Green, Dublin Featuring 3 tenor banjos, fiddle, mandolins, tenor guitars, guitars, banjolin and vocals WeBanjo3 combine Irish music with Old-Time American, Ragtime and Bluegrass to produce an exciting, fun, invigorating sound guaranteed to thrill audiences. Tenor banjoist Enda Scahill has been in the music performance and recording business for many years and has toured extensively in the US and Europe. He has now teamed up with Ireland's hottest young banjo players, brothers Martin and David Howley. With over 10 All-Ireland titles to their name, Martin and David bring scintillating rhythm, verve and innovation to their music. Add in the world-class multi-instrumentalist Fergal Scahill on fiddle, guitar and bodhran and whole melting pot comes alight! We Banjo 3 play with swing and soul, effortlessly combining the best of Irish and Bluegrass banjo music, mining the rich vein of the American Old Time tradition and thoroughly reinventing the banjo band sound. Modern rhythms, traditional melodies, virtuosic technique and innovative arrangements of music and song add up to an incredible feast of banjo and mandolin music – guaranteed to put a smile on your face and get your feet tapping! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Street_Performance_World_ChampionshipWith an attendance of over 240,000 in 2012, Ireland's second largest free family festival is delighted to announce its return to Dublin 12th - 14th July 2013 2012 Highlights included: Laya bout area- Join us in the eye of the storm where there’s a zen like oasis waiting to welcome tired tootsies. Pan out on the grass or plunge into an elephant beanbag, soak up some sun, and chill to some tunes. If your little monsters aren’t ready to rest let them loose with the free games, but tell them to keep their eyes peeled for the mysterious moving statues! The Wheeeeeeee Zone - The Wheeeeeeee (your pants) zone is home to some serious ‘don’t look down’ adventure. It’s the common playground's older brother so make sure to take a peek (from between your fingers is fine) and decide if you’re ready to tackle The Wheeeeee (your pants) challenge. Playa Ground - Round round pLAYAground, I pLAYAground, yeh, pLAYAground, pLAYAground, I pLAYAground! Getting bugged driving up and down the same ol’ strip? Need to find a new place where the kids are hip?? Well then bring your posse into the pLAYAground, a new extension at SPWC 2012. Hoola-hooping, pillow fighting, play-doughing, the PLAYAground is a massive hub of frivolous fun and arty-partying for all ages. Kids Court - All Rise for the Judge, Jury and Executioner. Set a trial date for your parents. Spin the 'Wheel of Misfortune' and decide their fate. Here at Kids Court there are many, many perfectly wicked punishments... a fitting revenge for all the times you asked ‘Why?’ and got ‘Because I said so!’ This is your ultimate chance to ‘Say So!’ Laya Festival Photobooth - Grab your crew and pop into the Laya Festival PhotoBooth for an extremely fabulous and funny portrait. Maybe your dad would make a beautiful ballerina or mum should embrace her inner prison guard... dress them up, pull your wildest face, say cheeeeeeeeeeese and capture the special moment forever The other 14 finalists of this year's free family festival will be announced over the coming weeks in conjunction with the launch of the new spwc.ie website. For more information visit: www.spwc.ie  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Bell_x1_Iveagh_GardensTickets on sale Friday 15th March @ 10.00am Hot on the heels of their NCH Chop Chop Premiere show selling out & the announcement last week of a Live At The Marquee show in Cork on July 4th, Bell X1 are pleased to announce a show at Dublin's Iveagh Gardens on July 13th. Bell X1’s new studio album entitled Chop Chop is set to be in stores on June 28th.  Recorded in Bridgeport, Connecticut with Producers Peter Katis (The National) & Thomas Bartlett (The Gloaming) - Chop Chop is a bold, unique & beautiful new direction for one of Ireland's most beloved bands. Bell X1 have provided an early glimpse of Chop Chop with the song Starling Over Brighton Pier which you can listen to here:  http://snd.sc/X6XJSW Ticket Information: Tickets on sale Friday 15th March @ 10.00am priced €35.00 (including booking fee) from www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.     http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Killers_at_Phoenix_ParkTickets Go on Sale Thursday 28th March @ 9.00am The Killers are to headline an outdoor concert at Phoenix Park on Saturday 13th July subject to licence. Very special guests will be Frank Ocean, Two Door Cinema Club and HAIM. Following The Killers’ two year hiatus, the rock n roll superstars exploded back into the spotlight with their fourth studio album Battle Born last September. Their recent Belfast and Dublin arena shows, which sold out in a heartbeat, are widely acclaimed as live highlights of 2013 so far. The story of how The Killers went from Vegas bellhops to OXEGEN and Glastonbury headliners, while amassing a collection of Brit, NME, MTV and ASCAP Awards that their collective mantlepiece now heaves under - is a tale of runaway success. Double Grammy and Brit award winner Frank Ocean started out ghost-writing tracks for such pop stars as Justin Bieber and Beyoncé, but after joining L.A.'s Odd Future collective, he self-released 2011's nostalgia, ULTRA mixtape, and his own star quickly rose. He has collaborated with Beyoncé and Kanye West and Jay-Z. His follow-up album, channel ORANGE, was released in 2012 to worldwide critical and popular acclaim. Two Door Cinema Club’s incendiary live shows have become internationally renowned, resulting in the band selling out big venue tours all over the world including the UK, Europe, US, Asia, South America, Japan and South Africa. Their debut album Tourist History achieved platinum status in the UK and Ireland, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. Their new album Beacon is out now. BBC Sound of 2013 winners HAIM have toured the US with Mumford and Sons, have been guests on Florence and The Machine’s UK arena tour and sold-out their own tour of Europe. HAIM release their new EP, ‘Falling’ on the 29th March 2013. Their debut LP is due for release later this Spring. Ticket Information: Tickets €61.50 including booking fee go on sale on Thursday 28 March at 9am from online at www.ticketmaster.ie and usual ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_UndertonesThe Undertones emerged from Derry in 1977, the result of five friends learning how to play guitar and drums in time with someone singing. Even by the standard of that decade Derry was not the rock and roll capital of anywhere. With no live bands worth watching, they learned by listening to mail order records, reading one of the few copies of NME that made it to Derry but most of all from listening to John Peel’s wonderful show on BBC Radio One. Practicing in their bedrooms eventually led to the band recording ‘Teenage Kicks’ in 1978 on the Good Vibrations indie label in Belfast. Shortly after the recording, ‘Teenage Kicks’ was played, twice in a row, by John Peel. The Undertones signed with Sire Records and ‘Teenage Kicks’ was re-released. For the following five years, John O Neill, his younger brother Damian, Feargal Sharkey, Billy Doherty and Michael Bradley crafted further numerous punkpop gems such as `Here Comes The Summer`, Jimmy Jimmy`, `My Perfect Cousin`, `You’ve Got My Number (Why Don’t You Use It)’ and four LPs. They almost enjoyed the life of professional musicians. In 1983 Feargal Sharkey left the band to pursue a solo career and the remaining members decided to call it a day. That was the end of The Undertones, Ticket Information: On sale Monday 13th May - €22.00 (incl. booking fee) available online from WAV Tickets , Phone: 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone or creditcard bookings) http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Damien_Dempsey_at_The_Iveagh_GardensDamien Dempsey’s voice is Dublin yet wholly distinctive, almost clichéd to say it, but he is part of a rich bloodline of Irish singers from Luke Kelly to Ronnie Drew, Christy Moore to Andy Irvine. Their kin outside Ireland are Springsteen and Guthrie, Dylan and Marley. On his new album Almighty Love, Dempsey’s sense of place reaches out beyond Donaghmede and North Bull Island, where he first performed in public as a teenager, across the Irish Sea and further afield. The locale is still in the lyrics. It’s there in the hauntingly poetical Chris and Stevie, a tribute to male bonding and grief. You can hear it in Canadian Geese - large migratory birds whose flight path took them past Dempsey's boyhood window. It’s there also in the references to railway tracks and waves, visible from the rooftops of Dempsey’s childhood home. Those railway tracks took Dempsey and his boyhood friends out into their own imaginations and he hasn’t forgotten. Almighty Love goes on a journey of a different kind. Dempsey, at 37 years old, has already said so much about self and state that trying to plough over old ground wouldn’t have been artistically challenging or fresh. So instead, he has given us an album of confidence and maturity, which has a more global sound to it and a broader scope. It is at once bigger and quieter, still rallying against injustice, yet with a more reflective and thoughtful tone, communicated more widely. Damien’s debut album in 2000, ‘They Don’t Teach This Shit in School’ set him apart as a unique and important voice, championed from an early stage in his career by Sinéad O’Connor and others. The follow-up, ‘Seize the Day’, released in 2003, marked the beginning of his relationship with producer John Reynolds, picking up many awards and leading to extensive international tours. Commercial and critical success continued with the release of the No. 1 album ‘Shots’ in 2005, backed by Brian Eno, and ‘To Hell or Barbados’ in 2007, which debuted at No.2 in the Irish charts. Damien’s fans include Brian Eno, Sinéad O’Connor, Bob Dylan and and Morrissey, who invited him to support him on his US tour. Damien is an award-winning artist, having won several prestigious Irish Meteor Awards including Best Irish Male and Best Traditional Folk Award. His albums have topped the charts and gone Platinum, and he has been lauded by, among others, Rolling Stone, The Guardian, Billboard, MOJO and The Sunday Times. Since the release of his last album, Damien’s creativity has found other outlets also. One notable project was with Irish graffiti artist Maser, on a project entitled ‘They Are Us’. This was sparked by Dempsey’s lyrics, and involved the painting of his words on derelict buildings in Dublin. Sales of the limited edition prints raised funds for The Simon Community, which was a charity set up to help the homeless and disenfranchised in Dublin and elsewhere. Dempsey’s charitable work continued in December 2010, when he and Glen Hansard recorded and performed the Irish folk classic, ‘The Auld Triangle’. Monies raised went towards the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) ‘Keep The Lights On’ Campaign. Last year, Damien also made his acting debut in the Irish feature film ‘Between The Canals’. His music is also proving very much in demand for soundtracks, with ‘Sing All Your Cares Away’ featured in the BAFTA Award winning film ‘Tyrannosaur’, while Damien contributes to two upcoming Irish films "Stalker" and "King of the Travellers". Ticket Information: Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie & all usual outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/GAA_Leinster_GAA_Football_FinalsThis game sees the two finalists of the provincial competition containing 12 teams, who have qualified through a straight knock-out system, do battle to claim the honour of being crowned Leinster Football Champions. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Mumford_and_Sons_at_Phoenix_ParkTickets on Sale from 9.00am Friday 15th March Mumford & Sons are very proud to announce details of a show in Ireland this Summer, in association with Gentlemen of the Road. Mumford & Sons have unveiled the video to their new single, ‘Whispers In The Dark’ Watch it here: Mumford & Sons - Whispers In The Dark www.mumfordandsons.com Gentlemen Of The Road Presents…Mumford & Sons Phoenix Park Dublin July 14th featuring Ben Howard, The Vaccines and Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. The band will headline the outdoor event in Phoenix Park, Dublin on Sunday 14th July 2013, backed by a hand-picked, stellar line-up that features Ben Howard, The Vaccines and Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. Ticket Information: Tickets from €61.50 on sale from 9.00am this Friday 15th march from online at www.ticketmaster.ie and from all usual Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and by phone (24 hour):+353818719300 http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Michael_Buble_2013 Five Nights The 02 15th,16th,18th,19th and 20th July 2013 Michael Bublé, the biggest selling  male solo artist this century has announced five nights in the intimate setting of  The O2  in July 2013.  “We have been inundated with enquires ever since Michael Bublé announced he was planning to return to Ireland, I can’t think of a better Christmas present!” stated Eamonn O’Connor, Managing Director Ticketmaster Ireland. Michael Bublé last played here in 2010 when he sold out two Aviva stadium shows, selling over 110,000 tickets. Referring to the concerts, he stated “the greatest two nights of my life. That was unbelievable. We had so much fun in Dublin”. Michael Bublé’s landmark residency at London’s O2 Arena in June and July of next year sold-out in an instant when they went on sale recently. The residency marks the second longest run of dates ever performed at the venue by a male solo artist after Prince. Fast becoming an essential element of the festive season, Michael Bublé has released a Deluxe Special Edition of his ‘Christmas’ album which spent three weeks at #1 last year when it raced towards 7 million global sales. Packaged in a classy hot silver foil presentation, the Deluxe Special Edition adds Michael’s own Christmas greeting as well as four new bonus tracks: ‘The Christmas Song’; ‘Winter Wonderland’; ‘Frosty The Snowman’ (featuring The Puppini Sisters) and ‘Silver Bells’ (featuring Naturally 7). It is once again riding high in the Irish album charts.   The NBC Special ‘Home for The Holidays’ will air on RTE on December 23rd. The special filmed in his Native Vancouver has guest appearances from Rod Stewart, Carly Rae Jepson, Blake Shelton and an exciting duet with the one and only Bing Crosby!  Michael will be releasing a new holiday single “White Christmas” with Bing Crosby which will be available worldwide December llth on iTunes. In addition to the huge success of the ‘Christmas’ album, Michael Bublé’s 2009 studio album ‘Crazy Love’ has passed 7.6 million sales as his career total has exceeded the 40 million mark. ‘Crazy Love’ was also the 2009 Irish Christmas #1 album beating U2’s one week sales record in the process and has spent almost two and a half years on the album chart. Bublé has been hard at work putting the finishing touches on his new studio album which is scheduled to be released around late March 2013.   'Home For The Holidays’ Tv Special To Air On Rte On Sunday 23rd December ‘Christmas’ The Deluxe Special Edition Available Now!     Ticket Information   Tickets priced from €79.50 inclusive of booking fee (Fully  seated show) on sale 8.00am this Friday, December 14th .  Tickets will be available from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide by phone +353818719300 or online: www.ticketmaster.ie   Tickets are limited to 4 per person. Under 16s must be accompanied by parent/guardian 25 or over. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Riverdance_The_Gathering Location: Venues across Dublin Riverdance – The Gathering will run from 15th to 21st July with a series of events designed for both the next generation of professional dancer intent on building a career in Irish dance but also for those who simply have a passion or gra for the music and dance of Riverdance specifically – and of course Irish music and dance generally. As part of Riverdance – The Gathering, people – yes, that means you too – can put on their dancing shoes, line up along the banks of the River Liffey in Dublin and attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Riverdance Line. Full Programme of Events: Riverdance – The Gathering Masterclass Series From 15th to 19th July, Riverdance – The Gathering will host its Masterclass Series inviting those who are about to embark on a career as a show dancer to be part of a group of fifty of the best and brightest young Irish dancers from Ireland and abroad for a week of free masterclasses. Applications close on Friday April 26th so don’t delay. For more information on how to apply for a place on the Series visit www.riverdance.com or email: masterclassgathering@riverdance.com. Riverdance – The Gathering at the Park 20th July A free family fun day will take place at Merrion Square, with facepainting, bouncy castles, food and plenty of music and dance. From 2pm, aspiring dancers of any ability (or none at all!) will have the unique opportunity to receive some informal instruction by Riverdancers in the park. At 3pm the fun will move up another level when Riverdance – The Gathering Ceili jumps into action. Riverdance - On Screen presented by The Gathering Ireland 20th July Merrion Square West will provide a platform for the show’s musicians past and present to showcase their brilliance as they perform live to a specially edited on-screen backdrop of Riverdance’s DVD highlights over the years. Riverdance – The Gathering World Record 21st July A spectacular sight and sound will emerge from the banks of the River Liffey – the spiritual home of Riverdance - where a chain of dancers will attempt to break the Guinness World currently set by 652 dancers in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. We think it’s time the record was brought home to Ireland. Forming a continuous line over 1km long and dancing a special version of Riverdance you have the unique chance to be part of this epic Gathering! All participants will receive a voucher to attend a matinee performance of Riverdance during the remainder of its summer season at the Gaiety Theatre for the specially discounted price of €13.00 (for the year that’s in it!) subject to ticket availability. Riverdance – The Gathering at the Gaiety 21st July To bring Riverdance – The Gathering to a close the Gaiety Theatre will have a special Gathering accent both in the show and in the theatre. Particularly welcoming those travelling from overseas, special matinee and evening performances will be introduced and will feature very special guests. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Paddy_Keenan_in_ConcertVenue: The Unitarian Church, St. Sephen's Green, Dublin Paddy Keenan was born in Trim, Co. Meath, to John Keenan, Sr. of Westmeath and the former Mary Bravender of Co. Cavan. The Keenans were a Travelling family steeped in traditional music; both Paddy's father and grandfather were uilleann pipers. Paddy himself took up the pipes at the age of ten, playing his first major concert at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin when he was 14. He later played with the rest of his family in a group called The Pavees. At 17, Paddy left Ireland for England and Europe, where he played blues and rock. Returning to Ireland after a few years, he began playing around Dublin with singer/keyboardist Triona Ni Dhomhnaill and singer/guitarist Micheal O Dhomhnaill. Fiddler Paddy Glackin joined the three, and they asked flute player Matt Molloy to play with them shortly thereafter. Accordion player Tony MacMahon joined the group, and then guitarist Donal Lunny, liking what he heard, joined as well, and the loosely-knit band began calling itself Seachtar, the Irish word for seven. Paddy's style has continued to mature in the intervening years as he has pursued a solo career. He tours the world, playing festivals and gigs in the US and Canada, Ireland, Europe, Israel, Australia and New Zealand, and the Far East. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Paddy_Keenan_Uilleann_Pipes_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Paddy Keenan was born in Trim, Co. Meath, to John Keenan, Sr. of Westmeath and the former Mary Bravender of Co. Cavan. The Keenans were a Travelling family steeped in traditional music; both Paddy's father and grandfather were uilleann pipers. Paddy himself took up the pipes at the age of ten, playing his first major concert at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin when he was 14. He later played with the rest of his family in a group called The Pavees. At 17, Paddy left Ireland for England and Europe, where he played blues and rock. Returning to Ireland after a few years, he began playing around Dublin with singer/keyboardist Triona Ni Dhomhnaill and singer/guitarist Micheal O Dhomhnaill. Fiddler Paddy Glackin joined the three, and they asked flute player Matt Molloy to play with them shortly thereafter. Accordion player Tony MacMahon joined the group, and then guitarist Donal Lunny, liking what he heard, joined as well, and the loosely-knit band began calling itself Seachtar, the Irish word for seven. Paddy's style has continued to mature in the intervening years as he has pursued a solo career. He tours the world, playing festivals and gigs in the US and Canada, Ireland, Europe, Israel, Australia and New Zealand, and the Far East. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Liberties_FestivalThe Liberties Festival is one of Ireland’s oldest festivals. From modest beginnings in 1970 it has grown to become a highlight of the summer in Dublin with a series of family-friendly, sporting and community events, and an exciting multi-cultural and arts programme encompassing visual art, film, dance, comedy, literature and music. The area known as The Liberties is the south-west part of Dublin’s inner city approximately west of Aungier Street and south of the River Liffey, predominately in Dublin 8. Steeped in history, its name originated with the arrival in the 12th century of the Anglo-Normans who titled jurisdictions united to the city but outside the boundaries of its walls as ‘Liberties’. Two of the most important were the Liberty of St. Sepulchre (under the Archbishop of Dublin) and the Liberty of Thomas Court and Donore (under the Abbey of St. Thomas, later the Earl of Meath’s Liberty). For supporting the ruler, these Liberties received privileges such as freedom from various taxes. Today’s Liberties area is made up of these two ancient Liberties. The Liberties Festival makes great use of the pleasant terraced streets, bustling shopping districts, open spaces, and the historical and contemporary buildings of the area. And – in keeping with tradition – most of these events are free! We’re busy finalising the Liberties Festival 2013 programme and will announce full details shortly. The Liberties Festival is a SICCDA project and receives generous support from sponsors and partners who include Diageo Ireland and DCC, and the local community.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/A_Streetcar_Named_Desire_by_Tennessee_WilliamsLow Price Previews from Thursday 18th July 2013 Opening Night: Tuesday 23rd July 2013 "I don’t want realism. I want magic!" Blanche DuBois, a fading Southern belle, arrives on the doorstep of her younger sister Stella in New Orleans, having lost their ancestral home ‘Belle Reve’. However, Blanche’s pretentions to virtue and veneer of self-possession only thinly mask her alcoholism and vulnerable mental state, which she desperately attempts to conceal from her sister and brother-in-law, Stanley Kowalski. Stanley, a violent and brutish man, immediately takes a dislike to Blanche, suspecting her of cheating Stella out of her inheritance. Blanche and Stanley are on a collision course, with Stanley determined to expose her questionable past, but at what cost to the fragile Blanche? Written by American playwright Tennessee Williams, the Broadway premiere of this explosive Pulitzer Prize-winning play starred Marlon Brando and was later adapted into a multi-award winning film. Directed by Ethan McSweeny Set Design by Lee Savage Costume Design by Joan O’Clery Lighting Design by Paul Keogan Sound & Music Design by Denis Clohessy Voice Coach Cathal Quinn Cast includes: Malcolm Adams, Steve Blount, Denis Conway, Gavin Fullam, Garrett Lombard, Elizabeth Moynihan, Marion O’Dwyer, Catherine Walker and Lia Williams. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Cathy_Jordan_Voice_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Cathy Jordan, singer with Dervish, grew up on a small farm in Scramogue, Co Roscommon. She got her love for traditional singing from her father in particular and sang and performed from a very young age. She sang in musicals and started her own harmony band in school singing Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and Simon and Garfunkel songs. Cathy joined Dervish in 1989 when it started and along with her singing and bodhran playing, Cathy Jordan brings an invaluable stage presence to the band's live performances, with her song introductions and interactions with the audience. Her voice has been described by one fan as "as smooth as a pint of Guinness on a bed of rose petals." In 2009 she teamed up with Rick Epping and Seamie O'Dowd as The Unwanted and released the album Music from the Atlantic Fringe. In early 2012 she released a solo album, All the Way Home, combining songs she heard at home as a child and some she has co-written. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Grizzly_BearGrizzly Bear are set to play their first Dublin show since 2009 when they enchanted a sold out Vicar Street. In September 2012 they released their fourth album, Shields, on Warp Records, to widespread acclaim yet again. “Richly introspective and grandly scaled…” – The New York Times “Rocks in a viscerally thrilling manner.” – The Guardian “brilliant, complex and surprising.” - MOJO “Sublime, with strings attached.” – The Telegraph The quartet of Chris Bear, Ed Droste, Daniel Rossen and Chris Taylor have never made a quick follow-up; it took them three years to get from Horn of Plenty to Yellow House, three more to get from Yellow House to Veckatimest. Between those records, though, they’d not only toured but issued singles and splits, EPs and remixes. After long spans of shows for Veckatimest, however, Grizzly Bear went silent, or, to be more exact, its members lived their own lives. Trips were taken, and friendships were restored; families were visited, and solo projects were finished. The potential energy gathered in tour vans and busses, in studios and on stages for years was finally released, giving the individual band’s pieces the chance to recover and, after a year, return to being Grizzly Bear. The quartet first reconvened summer 2011 in Marfa, Texas, with the loose plan of rehearsing and demoing new material and seeing where potential songs for the next album stood. Almost nothing stuck, but that was fine. In Texas, they were reconnecting as friends and musicians, and the material would surely come. Against the inclination of the digital world, they took their time. When they reconvened in January, again at the immortalized Yellow House in Cape Cod, they were anxious to return to Grizzly Bear. Indeed, Shields depends upon the urgency of a band whose members have opted back in. For the first time, they wrote more songs than they needed and scrupulously edited the ideas. For the first time, Rossen and Droste wrote songs together, taking each other’s ideas and extending them and executing them with a new vitality. And for the first time, they tended to move forward only with the songs that were most open to true quartet collaboration. Asked which tunes on Shields belong to which songwriter, every member balks and explains that, for the first time, these are actually full-band numbers. Both in process and product, this is Grizzly Bear as they’ve never been. “Sun in Your Eyes,” the seven-minute close to Shields, stemmed from a piano melody Droste wrote and discarded but that Rossen picked up as a pet project and spent weeks building, changing and rebuilding. The result is one of the most brilliant and audacious pieces of Grizzly Bear’s oeuvre, dependent upon the same mix of drive and drift that shapes the bulk of Shields. Though soft at the edges, “Yet Again” pushes toward the status of rock anthem, with a bridge that refracts dance beats through a musical kaleidoscope; the slow creep of “What’s Wrong” commands an answer, its antiphonal vocals and anxious strings giving voice to a frown and a sigh. Those open emotions are an integral part of Shields, the most cohesively written album of Grizzly Bear’s career. The words come matched by a sound that is more passionate than proper, a quality earned by spending less time on the perfect take than on the proper feeling. “This has a different energy behind it,” concludes Droste. “Veckatimest was a little more of a polite album; the desire to keep the vocals smooth might have kept a little distance between us and the audience. This one feels a bit more rough and exposed, so that on Shields, everything speaks for itself.” Ticket Information: Tickets on sale Friday February 22nd 9.00am priced €33.50 (including booking fee) from www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. +353818719300 - Republic of Ireland customers. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Rick_Epping_Harmonica_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Rick Epping is a California-born musician who has immersed himself in American old-time and Irish traditional music since the 1960s. He is an accomplished player of the harmonica, concertina, banjo and jaw harp. During the 1970s he lived in Ireland where he studied traditional Irish music. He was the 1975 All-Ireland Harmonica champion and a member of the successful folk group Pumpkinhead. He has recorded with many other Irish and American musicians and groups over the years, including Christy Moore, Mick Hanly, Bob Zentz, George Winston, Mary Staunton, Priscilla Herdman and Robbin Thompson. Epping worked for the Hohner company for many years and during that time patented the "Extreme Bending" harmonica, which includes additional reeds that allow players to "bend" notes that cannot be so altered on traditional diatonic instruments. He currently conducts workshops internationally for Hohner harmonicas. Epping has recently involved himself with a number of musicians and projects, including the trio "The Unwanted", which features himself, Dervish singer Cathy Jordan and fiddler Seamus O'Dowd. Their 2009 CD Music Of The Atlantic Fringe was picked in Irish music publication Hot Press as one of their top ten albums of the year. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Seamie_O_Dowd_Guitar_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Seamie O'Dowd from Co. Sligo began playing fiddle at about eight years of age. As a teenager he was regarded as one of the finest fiddlers of his age in the west of Ireland. At the local session scene alongside his parents he played guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, banjo, bodhran and fiddle, and gained a growing reputation as a singer. In the 1980s he ventured into rock and the alternative music scene as an electric guitarist and played with musical neighbour Gerry Grennan in a few acoustic and electric folk/blues outfits around Ireland . After that he joined the band Dervish which became one of Ireland's major musical exports. They toured world-wide playing to some of the biggest audiences that any band of any genre has ever played to. Seamie devised a new tuning for guitar and, along with Brian Mc Donagh and Michael Holmes, created a three-way rhythm section that became a hallmark of the band sound for the next six years. The line-up recorded two award-winning albums "Midsummers Night" and "Spirit". In 2004 they were presented with the Freedom of Sligo Borough at a function held for them by Sligo Corporation. Seamie is held in high regard amongst musicians across many genres and has toured, recorded and collaborated with some of Ireland's and the World's finest performers including accordionist Mairtin O'Connor, Cathal Hayden, Liam Og O'Flynn and the legendary Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Unwanted_Cathy_Jordan_Seamie_O_Dowd_and_Rick_Epping_in_ConcertVenue: The Unitarian Church, St. Sephen's Green, Dublin The Unwanted is Cathy Jordan, Rick Epping and Seamie O'Dowd. Between them, they encompass a vast range of the music of Ireland, America, and other places geographically and culturally linked to these lands that encircle the Atlantic Ocean. The songs and tunes of the Unwanted are the combined traditions from Ireland to Appalachia and beyond--are the result of generations of movement and migration, of leave-taking and homecoming, back and forth across the ocean in an endless tide of cultural exchange. Lyrics and melodies borrowed from one land wash ashore on another, only to return again later transformed, peopled with new characters and set in different modes. Roscommon born Cathy Jordan, lead singer for acclaimed group Dervish, moves effortlessly and with soaring voice between Sean-nós, Appalachian ballad and contemporary folksong. Sligo native Séamus O'Dowd (guitar, fiddle, harmonica) grew up steeped in the tradition of Sligo fiddling and is as accomplished playing blues on slide guitar as he is playing jigs and reels. Rick Epping (harmonica, concertina, banjo, jaw harp), a native of California, played with musical greats as varied as Bill Monroe, Texas bluesman Mance Lipscomb and Irish accordionist Joe Cooley, Together, The Unwanted demonstrate a deep understanding and appreciation of the music of both the Old World and the New. Wherever they perform, The Unwanted are finding that they are welcome and very much wanted indeed. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Josh_Ritter_and_The_Royal_City_BandWe are very proud to announce Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band will return to Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens as part of his Irish tour for new album The Beast In Its Tracks. The Album is preceded by an immediate download of the album’s first single, ‘Joy To You Baby’ Available on iTunes now. Ticket purchasers get a free download of Josh at The Iveagh Gardens 2010 The Beast In Its Tracks, the new album from renowned Moscow, Idaho born singer-songwriter Josh Ritter, will be released March 1st on Yep Roc in Ireland. Ritter has a long established relationship with Irish audiences having spent early parts of his career touring the country and as his popularity increased, becoming a regular at larger venues, Big Tops and Festivals. Of the new record, Ritter says, “In the year after my marriage ended, I realized that I had more new songs than I’d ever had at one time. Far from the grand, sweeping feel of the songs on So Runs the World Away, these new songs felt like rocks in the shoe, hard little nuggets of whatever they were, be it spite, remorse, or happiness.” See insert in advance CD booklet for complete artist notes. This is the sixth full-length recording from Ritter, who has been widely heralded by critics and fans alike for the albums The Golden Age Of Radio, Hello Starling, The Animal Years, The Historical Conquests Of Josh Ritter and 2010’s So Runs The World Away. Ritter & The Royal City Band will celebrate the release of The Beast In Its Tracks with a North American tour set to kick off in Dallas on March 13; they return to Ireland for shows in July continuing Ritter’s tradition of journeying into the heartland where he has seemingly built up loyal followings in very corner. The Beast In Its Tracks will also be available in a deluxe edition vinyl package and CD format. Recorded during 2011-2012 at the Great North Sound Society in Parsonsfield, Maine, The Beast In Its Tracks continues Ritter’s longtime collaboration with producer and keyboard player Sam Kassirer. As Josh describes, “I hadn’t composed this stuff, I’d scrawled it down, just trying to keep ahead of the heartbreak. They needed to be recorded like that. We needed to work fast, make decisions quickly, keep the songs as spare as they could be kept, and above all never allow ourselves to blunt the sharp edges. Some of the songs were mean or evil. So be it.” The new album follows Ritter’s 2010 release, So Runs The World Away, of which Bob Boilen from NPR Music declared, “I’ve come to expect good records from him...but this one took my breath away,” while the Boston Globe praised, “quite sensational…marks the finest music he has made.” In 2011, Ritter made is debut as a published author with his New York Times Best-selling novel, Bright’s Passage (Dial Press/Random House). Of the work, Stephen King writes in The New York Times Book Review, “Shines with a compressed lyricism that recalls Ray Bradbury in his prime . . . This is the work of a gifted novelist. “How refreshing and inspiring it is to encounter a young artist whose achievements match his ambitions.”—The Washington Post “The 10 Most Exciting Artists Now”—Entertainment Weekly “100 Best Living Songwriters”—Paste Magazine Ticket Information: Tickets priced €33.00 go on sale Thursday 20th December  at 9.00am through www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. +353818719300 - Republic of Ireland customers +3538442774455 - Northern Ireland customers http://www.visitdublin.com/event/LongitudeIT'S MORE THAN JUST A MUSIC FESTIVAL... The festival will take place in Dublin’s Marlay Park over the weekend of 19th to 21st July. French electro-pop geniuses Phoenix will headline the first day of the festival, with Vampire Weekend pegged to take centre stage on Saturday night. Kraftwerk will then bring the curtain down on the festival with a 3D concert (!) on Sunday night. Previous concerts in Marlay Park have taken place in one particular section of the grounds but MCD insist that Longitude will be spread across the rolling hills of the park, with art installations and more scattered across the grounds and into the woods. The full announced line-up for Longitude 2013 is: Kraftwerk (3D concert) | Phoenix | Vampire Weekend | Foals | Yeah Yeah Yeahs | Villagers | Hot Chip | Jake Bugg | Modest Mouse | Teed | Paul Kalkbrenner | SBTRKT (DJ set) | Mark Lanegan | Local Natives | Django Django | Jessie Ware | Trentmoller | Kodaline | Mmoths | Tom Odell | Alunageorge | Flume | Cast of Cheers | Young Wonder | Mo | Michael Paskalev | S O H N | Petite Noir | Half Moon Run | Vondelpark | Stealing Sheep |The Maccabees | Laura Mvula | Wolf Alice | Gold Panda | Dutch Uncles | Matt Cotby |  Marcus Foster | King Krule | Japandroids | Hudson Taylor | East India Youth | London Grammar | Drenge | Tribes | Milo Greene | Funeral Suits | Leaders of Men | White Collar Boy | Ofei |  Le Galaxie |  Kool Thing | Blue Hawaii | SOAK many more to be announced… Click here to view full day-by-day breakdown of the festival Ticket Information: Tickets for  Longitude go on sale from 9.00am Monday 4th March 2013. Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Beach_House_and_full_line_upAfter a series of ecstatically received sold out concerts in venues such as Whelan’s and Vicar St over the last five years Baltimore’s Beach House return to Ireland for their biggest concert to date at the exquisite setting of Dublin’s hidden treasure, The Iveagh Gardens. A full supporting bill will be added to the show in the coming weeks. Beach House recently released a short film entitled Forever Still. The band spent a night travelling to a series of panoramic locations in Texas to perform four different songs from their 2012 album Bloom. The result is a beautiful 27-minute performance film, to view this film Click here Beach House’s fourth album Bloom received blanket acclaim upon its release in 2012 and figured highly in the music media’s end-of-year polls. “Beach House's decision to call this record Bloom is almost too perfect. Over the course of four albums that's exactly what this band has done. Two people from Baltimore started by making incense-smelling, curtains-drawn bedroom pop. Now, eight years later, they make luminous, sky-sized songs that conjure some alternate universe where Cocteau Twins have headlined every stadium on Atlantis. "Bloom" is also what these 10 songs do, each one starting with the sizzle of a lit fuse and at some fine moment exploding like a firework in slow motion. The word captures the music's slow sonority: the round, gleaming edges of Alex Scally's arpeggios and how, in Victoria Legrand's unhurried mouth, all words seem to have a few extra vowels.” – Pitchfork 9.1 Best New Music “Beach House’s fourth and most sumptuous album.” The New York Times “[On Bloom] Alex Scally and Victoria Legrand have finessed their vision to perfection.” Independent on Sunday “Bloom is one of those rare records that skirt close to perfection, an effortless and intriguing listen that can't help but drag a more significant audience into Bloom's orbit.” – Q Magazine Ticket Information: Tickets on sale Thursday February 21st priced €35.00 (including booking fee) from www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. +353818719300 - Republic of Ireland customers http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Marathon_Race_Series_Fingal_10kmRace 2 in the Dublin Marathon Race Series is the  Fingal 10KM  which will take place on Sunday 21st July in Swords Closing date for Entry into the Fingal 10km race is Friday 6th July.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Glen_Hansard_at_The_Iveagh_GardensTickets on sale Thursday February 28th, 9.00am “Glen Hansard is a gifted, emotive frontman who sings as if he must, with a heart on his sleeve that is constantly throbbing.” —The New York Times Album - Rhythm and Repose  Out now (Plateau) Glen Hansard is delighted to announce a date for Ireland in July in the leafy surrounds of the Iveagh Gardens, Dublin. Glen will be performing songs from his solo album Rhythm And Repose along with some Frame’s favourites, accompanied by an eleven piece band. Glen’s recent Vicar Street shows in December recieved a fantastic reaction all round, with long sets, surprise special guests and excellent reviews to boot. He’s currently on tour in Europe with dates in Australia coming up across March. Later in the summer, Glen will be special guest to Bruce Springsteen at Nowlan Park, Kilkenny on 27th July. Since the release of his first solo album, Rhythm and Repose last year, Glen has been busy touring in both the US and Europe. Around the time of release, Once the musical, picked up 8 Tony Awards for the Broadway production in New York. “High Hope” from the album is currently shortlisted for the Meteor Choice Music Prize Song of the Year 2012. Best known for his work with The Frames, The Swell Season and in the feature film Once, for which he won an Academy Award, Rhythm and Repose is Hansard’s first album of new material since his 2009 release Strict Joy with The Swell Season. Rhythm and Repose is a result of Hansard’s last year and a half of living in New York City. The album was recorded by Patrick Dillett (David Byrne, Arto Lindsay, Laurie Anderson) and produced by Thomas Bartlett (Doveman, The National, Antony and the Johnsons). The record features the musical talents of Brad Albetta (Martha Wainwright) on bass, Ray Rizzo on drums, Nico Muhly and Rob Moose on strings (Bon Iver, Y Music), David Mansfield on slide guitar (Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Tour), Javier Mas (Leonard Cohen touring band) and half of Bruce Springsteen’s current horn section. Assisting on vocals are Cristin Milioti (Once, The Musical), Sam Amidon, Marketa Irglova and Aida Shahghasemi (Marketa Irglova touring band).   In recent months Hansard has been seen in the documentary The Swell Season which has toured the film festival circuit this year, contributed two songs to the blockbuster soundtrack, The Hunger Games, and been active in the promotion of Once, The Musical which successfully opened on Broadway on March 18 to rave reviews, including the New York Times who explains, “what was always wonderful about ‘Once,’ its songs and its staging, has been magnified.” In 2007, Glen and Czech songstress Markéta Irglová took home the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Falling Slowly” off the Once soundtrack. Hansard and Irglová continued the success of Once with the 2009 release Strict Joy under the namesake of The Swell Season. Ticket Information: Tickets on sale Thursday February 28th at  9.00am, priced €35.00 (including booking fee) available from www.ticketmaster.ie & outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/John_and_Tim_Lyons_and_Family_in_ConcertVenue: The Unitarian Church, St. Sephen's Green, Dublin John and Tim Lyons are brothers born in the 1930s in Cork and were reared in North Cork very near Sliabh Luachra (The Rushy Mountain), an area rich in music. In the early days when in Cork, John played with several Sliabh Luachra players including fiddle players Dennis Murphy and Morris O' Keefe from Kishkeam, nephew of the legendary Padraig O'Keeffe, accordion player Johnny O'Leary from Maulykeavane. Both Tim and John played with Tommy Doocey's band from Banteer, and later with Mick Williams' Duhallow Céilí Band which played all around North Cork and parts of Kerry. John and Tim are known for their vast collection of humorous songs; some which they have picked up along the way when living in England, Cork, Dublin and Clare and some which they have written After spending their lives criss-crossing the Irish sea for work, singing and music have been, and are still a very important part of what these two remarkable brothers do. Yet amazingly, apart from playing in so many sessions together, they have rarely shared a stage but in recent years they have started to appear together and long may they continue to do so. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/John_and_Tim_Lyons_Voice_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 John and Tim Lyons are brothers born in the 1930s in Cork and were reared in North Cork very near Sliabh Luachra (The Rushy Mountain), an area rich in music. In the early days when in Cork, John played with several Sliabh Luachra players including fiddle players Dennis Murphy and Morris O' Keefe from Kishkeam, nephew of the legendary Padraig O'Keeffe, accordion player Johnny O'Leary from Maulykeavane. Both Tim and John played with Tommy Doocey's band from Banteer, and later with Mick Williams' Duhallow Céilí Band which played all around North Cork and parts of Kerry. John and Tim are known for their vast collection of humorous songs; some which they have picked up along the way when living in England, Cork, Dublin and Clare and some which they have written After spending their lives criss-crossing the Irish sea for work, singing and music have been, and are still a very important part of what these two remarkable brothers do. Yet amazingly, apart from playing in so many sessions together, they have rarely shared a stage but in recent years they have started to appear together and long may they continue to do so. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Renee_Fleming_soprano_Maciej_Pikulski_piano As part of the Great Artists Series in The International Concert Series 2012/2013 Programme to be announced One of the most beloved and celebrated musical ambassadors of our time, soprano Renée Fleming captivates audiences with her sumptuous voice, consummate artistry, and compelling stage presence. Known as “the people’s diva” and named the number one female singer by Salzburger Festspiele Magazin in 2010, she continues to grace the world’s greatest opera stages and concert halls. As a musical statesman, Renée Fleming has been sought after on numerous distinguished occasions, from the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony to performances in Beijing during the 2008 Olympic Games. In January 2009, Ms. Fleming was featured on the televised We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial concert for President Obama. She has performed for the United States Supreme Court, HRH The Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace, and, in November 2009, celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Czech Republic’s “Velvet Revolution” at the invitation of Václav Havel. An additional distinction was bestowed in 2008, when breaking a precedent; Ms. Fleming became the first woman in the 125-year history of the Metropolitan Opera to solo headline an opening night gala. In the 2011-12 season, Renée Fleming reprises her celebrated portrayal of the title role in Stephen Wadsworth’s production of Handel’s Rodelinda at the Metropolitan Opera, conducted by Harry Bicket. She began the season as Donizetti’s Lucrezia Borgia under the baton of Riccardo Frizza at San Francisco Opera; sings Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos at Baden-Baden in a new production by Philippe Arlaud, conducted by Christian Thielemann; and appears in title role of Arabella at both the Vienna State Opera, conducted by Franz Welser-Möst, and at the Paris Opera, conducted by Philippe Jordan. She joins Dmitri Hvorosovky and Sir Andrew Davis in a duo concert at Lyric Opera of Chicago, sings Strauss’s “Four Last Songs” with Christoph Eschenbach and the London Philharmonic, and returns to Carnegie Hall with James Levine and the MET Orchestra in Mahler’s “Rückert-Lieder.” Her concert calendar includes galas at the Providence Performing Arts Center and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, as well as concert appearances with the Seattle, Vancouver, Oregon, Colorado, and San Antonio symphony orchestras, and with San Diego Opera and Fresno Grand Opera. We are delighted to welcome Ms Fleming to the National Concert Hall for her debut performance here in what is sure to be a mesmerising finale to the International Concert Series 12-13 Presented by The National Concert Hall       http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Michelle_Mulcahy_Concertina_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Michelle Mulcahy has performed at numerous festivals worldwide and is a much sought after tutor. She teaches and performs regularly throughout Ireland at the Willie Clancy Summer School, Masters of Tradition Festival Bantry, South Sligo Traditional Music School, Meitheal Summer School, Blas International Summer School University of Limerick, Na Piobairí Uilleann Dublin, Cairde na Cruite Festival Co. Louth as well as various festivals worldwide which include Milwaukee Irish Festival, Davis & Elkins Irish Music Festival West Virginia, Catskills Irish Music Festival New York, Texas Irish Retreat Music School. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Mick_and_Michelle_Mulcahy_in_ConcertVenue: The Unitarian Church, St. Sephen's Green, Dublin Mick and his daughter Michelle Mulcahy of Abbeyfeale, West Limerick play a dazzling array of instruments between them including harp, concertina, accordion, fiddle and piano but it's the sweetness and tunefulness of their ensemble playing that is most striking. Their latest album 'Reelin' in Tradition' which also features Michelle's sister Louise has received worldwide acclaim, an album full of soulful traditional music rooted in the West Limerick, Sliabh Luachra and Clare tradition. Mick Mulcahy is a living legend in Irish accordion and melodeon playing, with a rare repertoire of old tunes which he plays in a highly distinctive style, a style of personal touch which distinguishes the work of the true traditional musician, a touch which has been passed down to his daughters. In 2006 Michelle was awarded the prestigious TG4 Young Musician of the Year award and has recently released her debut solo harp album " Suaimhneas" which is already receiving worldwide acclaim at home and abroad and has topped the recent best new releases chart this year. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Mick_Mulcahy_Accordion_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Head of the Mulcahy Family, Mick Mulcahy is much in demand as a tutor. To his credit his students (and daughters) , Louise and Michelle are both recipients of the TG4 Young musician of the Year Award. Mick performs and teaches regularly at festivals worldwide including; the Willie Clancy Summer School, Masters of Tradition Festival Bantry, South Sligo Traditional Music School, Meitheal Summer School, Blas International Summer School University of Limerick, Na Piobairí Uilleann Dublin, Cairde na Cruite Festival Co. Louth, Milwaukee Irish Festival, Davis & Elkins Irish Music Festival West Virginia, Catskills Irish Music Festival New York, Texas Irish Retreat Music School, Tocan Traditional Irish Music Festival France, Lorient Celtique Festival Brittany, Camden Town Irish Music Festival London, Gundagai Traditional Irish Music Festival Australia http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Vodafone_Comedy_Festival TBC The Vodafone Comedy Festival 2013 will feature an impressive line-up of international and Irish comedians who will feature at the four day event in the unique and stunning surroundings of Iveagh Gardens, in the heart of Dublin, from July 25th - 28th July. The festival is the largest and most successful open air comedy event of its type in Ireland.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Mini_Maker_Faire_2013Dublin Mini Maker Faire has joined forces with The Gathering Ireland and Dublin's annual festival of science The Festivalof Curosity to create a sizzling weekend of science & culture in Dublin City this July. Dublin Mini Maker Faire will be the highlight of the weekend, bringing together makers, crafters, and DIY-enthusiasts of all ages to share and showcase their inspiring creations to over 5,000 people. Those interested in soaking up some science over the summer will have plenty to explore thanks to the second annual Dublin Mini Maker Faire , which has joined forces with The Gathering and Dublin's annual festival of science The Festival of Curiosity to bring together makers, crafters, and DIY-enthusiasts of all ages to share their creations with over 5,000 attendees.   Dublin Mini Maker Faire joins over 3,000 other events to celebrate THE GatheringIreland 2013 and will be part of Dublin’s new annual festival of science The Festival of Curiosity which will blend culture,science and technology over 4 days in Dublin city centre. If you want to be part of the greatest thing to hit Dublin this summer, don't get left behind -- there's still time to get involved! The open call for makers has been extended to March 15th. On Saturday 27th July 2013 10.00am-6.00pm, 'makers' of all kinds will descend upon Science Gallery and the grounds of Trinity College Dublin for one of Europe’s biggest “Mini Maker Faires”, complete with workshops, performances, dozens of Irish and international makers, and thousands of attendees. Dublin Mini Maker Faire is a free event, organised by a team from Science Gallery, Science Hack Day Dublin, NUIM MakerSoc and TOG Hackerspace, and is a chance for the entire family to try their hand at making everything from robots to fishing nets. Who are makers?  We are all makers! Makers range from tech enthusiasts to crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, artists, science clubs, students, authors, and commercial exhibitors. Speaking about the faire, co-organiser Laura Tobin said “makers are of all ages and backgrounds, coming from all over Ireland and beyond, and our 2013 faire will be even bigger and better than last year. At the first Dublin Mini Maker Faire, exhibitors ranged from roboticists to crochet clubs and 3D printers, and nearly everything in between”.   Individuals and organisations can apply to exhibit by visiting: http://www.makerfairedublin.com/open-call-2013/ and filling in the online submission form. It doesn’t matter if the project is finished, part finished, or just an idea - Dublin Mini Maker Faire wants to hear from you.  Sponsorship starts from as low as €150, and companies intersted in supporting this great, free-entry event should visit http://www.makerfairedublin.com/sponsors/ http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Ennio_MorriconeTickets for  27th July 2013 will go on sale at 9.00am Monday 22nd April Promoters are delighted to announce a second date for Ennio Morricone on Saturday 27th July 2013. The first concert went on sale last week and due to unprecedented demand for tickets for the Masetro’s first ever Republic of Ireland show the concert sold out within hours. Tickets for this second date to see the legendary Ennio Morricone along with the 97 piece Roma Sinfonietta orchestra and a 100-strong choir, will go on sale nationwide at 9am on Monday 22nd April. This second date is sure to sell out so make it your ‘Mission’ to get your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Ticket Information: Tickets priced from €79.50 for this fully seated intimate outdoor concert on 27th July will go on sale at 9.00am Monday on 22nd April from www.Ticketmaster.ie and usual outlets nationwide.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Alasdair_Fraser_and_Natalie_Haas_in_ConcertVenue: The Unitarian Church, St. Sephen's Green, Dublin Scotland's premier fiddle ambassador Alasdair Fraser and the sizzlingly-talented young California cellist Natalie Haas drop in from the Isle of Skye for a rare performance in Dublin. The musical partnership between Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas may not seem an obvious one. Fraser, acclaimed by the San Francisco Examiner as 'the Michael Jordan of Scottish fiddling', has a concert and recording career spanning 30 years, with a long list of awards, accolades, television credits, and feature performances on top movie soundtracks (Last of the Mohicans, Titanic). Fraser has been sponsored by the British Council to represent Scotland's music internationally, and received the Scottish Heritage Centre Service Award for outstanding contributions to Scottish culture and traditions. Natalie Haas, a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music, wasn't even born when Alasdair was winning national fiddle competitions on the other side of the Atlantic. But this seemingly unlikely pairing is the fulfilment of a long-standing musical dream for Fraser, whose cutting-edge musical explorations took him full circle to find a cellist who could help him return the cello to its historical role at the rhythmic heart of Scottish dance music. Natalie Haas was just 11 when she first attended Fraser's Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School in California. She responded to Fraser's challenge to find and release the cello's rhythmic soul, and four years later, when Natalie was just 15, Fraser and Haas played their first gig together http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Alasdair_Fraser_Fiddle_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Master Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser is a consummate performer. His dynamic fiddling, engaging stage presence, and deep understanding of Scotland's music have created a constant and international demand for his solo appearances and concerts with a variety of ensembles. Alasdair has been a major force behind the resurgence of traditional Scottish fiddling in his homeland and the U.S., inspiring legions of listeners and learners through his recordings, annual fiddle camps, and concerts. He has represented Scotland internationally through performances sponsored by the British Council, and has been awarded touring support by the California Arts Council, with the ranking of "highest priority for inclusion on the roster; considered 'model' in stature." Alasdair's richly expressive playing transports listeners across a broad musical spectrum, ranging from haunting laments from the Gaelic tradition to classically-styled airs, raucous dance tunes, and improvisations based on traditional themes. His vast repertoire spans several centuries of Scottish music and includes his own compositions, which blend a profound understanding of the Scottish tradition with cutting-edge musical explorations. He weaves through his performances a warm and witty narrative, drawing from a deep well of stories and lore surrounding Scotland's musical heritage. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Natalie_Haas_Cello_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Natalie is one of the most sought after cellists playing traditional music today. She and Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser have toured as a duo for over 12 years, wowing audiences at festivals and concerts worldwide with their unique sound. Their first album together, Fire & Grace, was awarded Best Album of the Year in the Scots Trad Music Awards 2004. Natalie has also toured with Mark O'Connor as a member of his Appalachia Waltz Trio. A graduate of the Juilliard School, where she studied with cellist Fred Sherry, Natalie discovered the cello at age nine. In addition to having extensive classical music training, she is accomplished in a broad array of fiddle genres. Her music journey found purpose when she fell in love with Celtic music at the Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School at age 11. Inspired and encouraged by director Fraser, she began to investigate the cello's potential for rhythmic accompaniment to fiddle tunes, and to this day, the two continue to resurrect and reinvent the cello's historic role in Scottish music. Natalie's skills as an educator make her one of the most in demand teachers at fiddle camps across the globe. She also teaches privately and in a workshop setting, and has held an associate professorship at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Natalie now makes her home in Montreal, where she is an active member of the traditional music scene http://www.visitdublin.com/event/A_Midsummer_Nights_DreamChapterhouse Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s best-loved romantic comedy. Let yourself be whisked away on a thrilling journey to the most magical of forests and meet star-crossed lovers, playful fairies and raucous travelling players. Picnic with family and friends in the magical surroundings of some of the UK and Ireland’s most stunning open-air venues for the perfect evening of theatre under the stars. Ticket Information: Adult: €17 / Child €12 / Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) €48.00. 10% discount for parties of 10 or more Refreshments available . Please bring seating. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/major_barbaraThe Abbey Theatre is proud to welcome back Annabelle Comyn following the success of her vivacious production of G.B. Shaw’s Pygmalion in 2011. Major Barbara probes the undercurrents of a firebrand Salvation Army major’s relationship with her arms-manufacturing, millionaire father. On a mission to save, Major Barbara must navigate the uneasy terrain where good and evil, morality and economics, salvation and perdition meet. A brilliantly ironic comedy, this is one of Shaw’s most controversial, witty and entertaining plays. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/BlurTickets on sale Thursday  7th March at 9.00am Blur have announced their first Irish gig in four years. The Britpop icons will perform at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) in Kilmainham, Dublin, on Thursday August 1st. The award winning act has scooped several accolades over the last 20 years, including at the Grammys, Brits, Ivor Novellos and NME Awards. Their creative live career has also spanned clubs, parks, dog-tracks, theatres, museums and arenas, as well as headlining festivals worldwide. Blur were last year honoured at the Brits for their outstanding contribution to music and debuted two new songs at their critically acclaimed show at Hyde Park, which celebrated the closing of the London 2012 Olympic Games. The reformed band also took home the Q Award for Best Live Act in 2012. Ticket Information: Tickets, priced at €62.50, go on sale on Thursday from online at www.ticketmaster.ie and from all usual ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Oxegen_2013Oxegen is back!. The iconic festival returns to Punchestown this summer on the August Bank Holiday weekend. Oxegen is a music festival which takes place annually in Punchestown Racecourse, Co. Kildare, Ireland. Calvin Harris And David Guetta Set To Headline Oxegen Headlining this years festival is superstar DJ David Guetta, voted worlds #1 DJ in DJ Mag Top 100 DJs fan poll. Guetta has sold over six million albums, 15 million singles worldwide and has consistently topped the charts with dancefloor hits such as Play Hard, Titanium, Sweat, and When Love Takes Over featuring some of the worlds biggest music stars. Guetta will join Calvin Harris who has just broken the record for most top 10 singles from the one album. His current LP 18 months has achieved eighth top ten hits, including the latest `I Need Your Love' featuring Ellie Goulding beating Michael Jackson who previously held the record with seven top ten hits from his 1987 LP Bad. Also heading to Punchestown this summer are UK rapper Example, dub step duo Chase & Status, one of hip hops finest Snoop Dogg, chart toppers Labrinth and Rita Ora, as well as Alesso, Pitbull, DJ Fresh, Soulwax, Nero, Rizzle Kicks, Nicky Romero, Sasha, Wretch 32 and Devlin performing across three stages including the Heineken Live Project stage and the Red Bull Electric Ballroom. Joining the line up are a host of top DJs and Live acts including Otto Knows, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Iggy Azalea, The Original Rudeboys, Duke Dumont, Erol Alkan, Crookers, Jack Beats, Fake Blood, Congorock, Jacob Plant, Gin `N' Juice, The Dead Prezidents, Al Gibbs, George Fitzgerald, Dave DeValera, John Gibbons, Borgore, Monsta, Ayah Marrar and Danny Byrd with more to be announced alongside Ireland's largest Silent Disco. Ticket Information: Save €75 on 2011 prices in a limited 24 hour offer that goes on sale Friday 26th April at 8:00am and lasts until 8am on Saturday 27th April. The offer is available from Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.ticketmaster.ie and is limited to availability. Early Bird Tickets: 3 Day Weekend Camping €149.50 (including booking fee) 2 Day Weekend, Non-camping €129.50 (including booking fee) Oxegen 2013 capacity is limited to 50,000 and subject to license. Strictly over 18s Garda ID/Passport required. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/GAA_Football_All_Ireland_Senior_Championship_Quarter_FinalsThe GAA Championships commence in May with the Provincial Football Championship's in Leinster, Ulster, Connacht and Munster and Provincial Hurling Championship's in Leinster, Ulster and Munster.  The All-Ireland Series starts in June with the Qualifers, followed by the Quarter and Semi Finals, culminating in the All Ireland Football and Hurling Finals in September.  Games take place throughout Ireland over the summer months.  Visit www.gaa.ie for fixture and ticketing information.    http://www.visitdublin.com/event/GAA_Football_All_Ireland_Senior_Championship_Quarter_Finals_4th_AugustThe GAA Championships commence in May with the Provincial Football Championship's in Leinster, Ulster, Connacht and Munster and Provincial Hurling Championship's in Leinster, Ulster and Munster.  The All-Ireland Series starts in June with the Qualifers, followed by the Quarter and Semi Finals, culminating in the All Ireland Football and Hurling Finals in September.  Games take place throughout Ireland over the summer months.  Visit www.gaa.ie for fixture and ticketing information. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Rock_and_Roll_Dublin_Half_MarathonExperience the capital city of Ireland with the inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll™ Dublin Half Marathon on Monday, 5 August, 2013! This unforgettable course will feature a scenic tour of the city centre, passing many famous landmarks and showcasing the city’s natural Celtic charm. You’ll fall in love with Dublin as you discover a cosmopolitan city rich in history — from the old cobblestone streets and well known pubs of Temple Bar to the new eateries that adorn the alleyways and the lush gardens at St. Stephens Green. Don’t miss this 13.1 mile street party!! Runners Will Experience: •Live Music Every Mile •A Scenic City Centre Course •Free Finish Line Concert •Rock-Solid Operations •A Fantastic Finisher’s Medal Registering is easy! You may register for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin Half Marathon in two ways: •Register Online •Request an entry form by mail. Please contact us and we will be happy to mail a form to you. All registrations submitted by paper entry form will be charged a €5.00 Green Fee for processing. We do not accept phone entries. Please enter only once. If you register online, do not mail a hard copy. Do not send multiple online entries. All course information will be announced in 2013. Please check back at that time. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Lovely_Girls_in_ConcertVenue: The Unitarian Church, St. Sephen's Green, Dublin The Lovely Girls are Caoimhe Hogarty (vocals, percussion, mandolin), Pauline Burke (vocals, bodhran, banjo) and Sonja Krzyzanowski (vocals, guitar, low whistle). The girls met on the Dublin trad. scene and were drawn together by their love of harmony singing across a wide variety of genres. Each a seasoned performer in her own right, the girls joined forces to produce a distinctive sound that can only be described as ... lovely. The Lovely Girls are driven by their enjoyment of arranging and performing songs in three part harmony. The girls draw their material from a wide array of musical styles, including traditional Irish, bluegrass, old time, blues, jazz, rock, reggae and English folk. They perform regularly around Dublin. The girls are joined by lovely special guest Tricia Hutton on fiddle. Tricia grew up steeped in the Irish music tradition, but in addition to her beautiful traditional playing she also lends an edge to a variety of other styles performed by the band. What people are saying about The Lovely Girls. "Well that was a lovely concert" - Niamh "The music was lovely, just lovely" – Max "I think they're lovely girls" – Claire Ticket Information: Tickets €15.00 / €12.00 (Student/Senior). Purchase online on www.steeplesessions.com http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Horse_Show There's something for everyone at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show. With live music and entertainment, art, fashion, shopping, food and the best in national and international equestrian competitions, you won't want to miss it.  The Dublin horse is one of Ireland's biggest annual sporting and social events and the 2013 event will feature the Land Rover Puissance featuring the famous 'Wall'; the Longines International Grand Prix; the popular FEI Nations Cup for award of the Agan Khan Challenge Trophy; over 100 national showing and show jumping classes; and the Blossom Hill Ladies Day on 8th August.   As a family-friendly event in the middle of Dublin's city centre, the show provides an assortment of children entertainment. The popular Kids' Zone, situated to the rear of the Grand Stand, will keep kids busy with pony rides, fun inflatables, face painting, Billy Bubbles, Johnny D'Juggler, pony rides and magicians!   Equestrian lovers are truly in for a treat and the show remains a true and challenging test for the 1,500 horses that turn out to contest the competitions and classes at a variety of levels and across the different disciplines. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/John_Carty_and_Friends_in_ConcertVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 John Carty is one of Ireland's finest traditional musicians having been awarded the Irish Television station, TG4's Traditional Musician of the Year in 2003. He joins previous acclaimed winners Matt Molloy (Chieftains flautist), Tommy Peoples (Master Fiddler), Mary Bergin (whistle player, Dordan), Máire Ní Chathasaigh (Harpist) and Paddy Keenan (Uilleann Piper), all of whom are considered to be the leading exponents of their instruments within the Irish tradition. Carty already has three solo fiddle albums, two banjo albums, two group albums and a sprinkling of recorded tenor guitar and flute music recordings under his belt so it's little wonder he should have joined such elusive ranks. John performs regularly with Chieftain's flautist Matt Molloy exploring the North Connaught tradition they both love. A CD of their music accompanied by Arty McGlynn entitled Pathway to the Well was launched in late 2007. He is also touring the UK, US and Ireland with re-formed super group, Patrick Street. The group includes legendary musicians Andy Irvine, Kevin Burke and Ged Foley. He has also appeared as a special guest with the Chieftains and De Danann. John's solo and group careers see him in demand and he has performed at all major festivals throughout Europe, North America and Australasia. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/John_Carty_Fiddle_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 John Carty is one of Ireland's finest traditional musicians having been awarded the Irish Television station, TG4's Traditional Musician of the Year in 2003. He joins previous acclaimed winners Matt Molloy (Chieftains flautist), Tommy Peoples (Master Fiddler), Mary Bergin (whistle player, Dordan), Máire Ní Chathasaigh (Harpist) and Paddy Keenan (Uilleann Piper), all of whom are considered to be the leading exponents of their instruments within the Irish tradition. Carty already has three solo fiddle albums, two banjo albums, two group albums and a sprinkling of recorded tenor guitar and flute music recordings under his belt so it's little wonder he should have joined such elusive ranks. John performs regularly with Chieftain's flautist Matt Molloy exploring the North Connaught tradition they both love. A CD of their music accompanied by Arty McGlynn entitled Pathway to the Well was launched in late 2007. He is also touring the UK, US and Ireland with re-formed super group, Patrick Street. The group includes legendary musicians Andy Irvine, Kevin Burke and Ged Foley. He has also appeared as a special guest with the Chieftains and De Danann. John's solo and group careers see him in demand and he has performed at all major festivals throughout Europe, North America and Australasia.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Comic_Con Venue: National Show Centre, beside Dublin Airport Dublin Comic Con is the first convention in Dublin, by the fans for the fans, to showcase a range of life-size props and costumes from numerous movies, TV programmes, comics, anime and games in a 3000 sq. meter area with many acres of land surrounding the event offering activities for families throughout the day. With nearly 30 full size statues and mannequins with a wide selection of screen used displays directly from the studios, guests in the form of actors and comic artists, interactive sets and displays, workshops, panels, gaming areas, contests, characters in full costume and much more. Not only will you be able to walk through sets and feel as if you are in the movie, you will also be able to learn how to sculpt, mould and paint from industry professionals, as well as keep the children entertained! There are also lots of other activities for kids to enjoy at Comic Con 2013. We hope to see you all at Dublin Comic Con 2013! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/GAA_Hurling_All_Ireland_Championship_Semi_Final_11th_AugustThe GAA Championships commence in May with the Provincial Football Championship's in Leinster, Ulster, Connacht and Munster and Provincial Hurling Championship's in Leinster, Ulster and Munster.  The All-Ireland Series starts in June with the Qualifers, followed by the Quarter and Semi Finals, culminating in the All Ireland Football and Hurling Finals in September.  Games take place throughout Ireland over the summer months.  Visit www.gaa.ie for fixture and ticketing information.    http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Samuel_Beckett_Summer_SchoolFounded in 2011, the Samuel Beckett Summer School provides a unique experience for students, scholars and lovers of Beckett’s works. Each year we invite the world’s foremost Beckett scholars to present new lectures and seminars on all aspects of Beckett’s works. The School appeals to a wide range of Beckett enthusiasts by providing the opportunity to experience, savour and study Beckett’s works in the university where he began his intellectual life. The Summer School is different from an academic conference in that it is not purely a gathering by specialists for other specialists. Instead, we aim to engage and explore Beckett’s works from a variety of different perspectives in order to examine and re-examine Beckett’s evolving legacy and relevance. The aim of the Summer School is to look at Beckett in an open and pluralist fashion and to consider all of the numerous contexts of his work that are of interest both to the scholar and to the general reader. The Samuel Beckett Summer School offers a full week of learning and is complemented by social and cultural events each evening. Each morning will feature one or two lectures by leading Beckett scholars. In the afternoons we run our week-long seminars. Each student chooses one of four seminars and stays with that seminar for the full week. Seminars include: Beckett’s Manuscripts; a Reading Group (the specific texts change each year); Performance Workshop; and a seminar whose topic will change each year (past examples include ‘Beckett and Deleuze’ and ‘Beckett and Irish Culture, 1929–1949’). The range of seminar topics is meant to reflect the diverse ways in which Beckett’s works can be approached. In addition to the academic programme, we offer a range of activities, including social events, performances, field trips, an opening reception and a closing banquet. We encourage all our speakers to attend our social events and discuss Beckett in more informal settings. Some of our additional events are open to the public and some are exclusive to participants of the Summer School. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Liz_and_Yvonne_Kane_Fiddle_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 From North Connemara, Liz and Yvonne Kane, known as The Kane Sisters, are much respected musicians and educators. Born in Letterfrack, they were educated in Kylemore Abbey School. They were taught music by their grandfather, local fiddle player, Jimmy Mullen and Mary Finn, a Co. Sligo musician and teacher. Liz and Yvonne first came to national and international prominence during the three year period in which they toured with accordion player, Sharon Shannon as members of her band, The Woodchoppers. They travelled all over the world with her band and are featured artists on Sharon's album 'The Diamond Mountain Sessions'. At that time, a Hot Press review by Siobhan Long confirmed '...while 'Fire in their Bellies' (with Liz and Yvonne Kane) is ensemble playing at its best and most naked.' Following this period of touring with Sharon Shannon, the girls have embarked on their own very successful independent musical careers and recorded 3 albums all which have received rave reviews; 'The Well Tempered Bow', 'Under the Diamond' in 2004 and 'Side by Side'. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Kane_Sisters_in_ConcertVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 From North Connemara, Liz and Yvonne Kane, known as The Kane Sisters, are much respected musicians and educators. Born in Letterfrack, they were educated in Kylemore Abbey School. They were taught music by their grandfather, local fiddle player, Jimmy Mullen and Mary Finn, a Co. Sligo musician and teacher. Liz and Yvonne first came to national and international prominence during the three year period in which they toured with accordion player, Sharon Shannon as members of her band, The Woodchoppers. They travelled all over the world with her band and are featured artists on Sharon's album 'The Diamond Mountain Sessions'. At that time, a Hot Press review by Siobhan Long confirmed '...while 'Fire in their Bellies' (with Liz and Yvonne Kane) is ensemble playing at its best and most naked.' Following this period of touring with Sharon Shannon, the girls have embarked on their own very successful independent musical careers and recorded 3 albums all which have received rave reviews; 'The Well Tempered Bow', 'Under the Diamond' in 2004 and 'Side by Side'. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Kevin_Rowsome_Uilleann_Pipes_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Kevin Rowsome started playing the uilleann pipes at the age of six years. He took his first lessons from his grandfather Leo and later from his father Leon. During his teenage years Kevin played clarinet and saxophone with the Artane Boys band. Kevin gained public recognition when he won first prize at the Oireachtas festival, and is widely regarded as one of today's finest uilleann pipers. Kevin has gained vast experience as a performer and instructor of the pipes, performing extensively and lecturing and instructing at a number of Irish music festivals throughout Europe and USA. As well as his own debut recording "The Rowsome Tradition", five generations of uilleann piping in 1999, Kevin has recorded and performed with various artistes. Kevin has a number of musical compositions to his name. He gained wide recognition as a composer when he won the prestigious Cuisle Ceoil an Bhlascaoid (the musical pulse of the Blasket islands) musical composing competition in 2006. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Mary_Kevin_and_Caitriona_Rowsome_in_ConcertVenue: The Unitarian Church, St. Sephen's Green, Dublin The Rowsomes are a renowned family of traditional musicians from Dublin. Mary Rowsome is an accomplished flautist both traditional and classical, a talented composer and arranger and a member of the Dublin Orchestral Players. Mary was exposed to Irish traditional music from an early age and her love of classical flute led to her playing both traditional and classical music on the silver classical flute. She has played throughout the United Kingdom and Europe and appeared on Irish radio and TV and also plays tin whistle, low whistle and keyboards. Mary's brother Kevin is an Uilleann piper and is in demand as a performer and teacher at traditional festivals all over the World. His debut album "The Rowsome Tradition", acknowledges five generations of Uilleann piping in his family. In 2006 he won the prestigious tune composition award "Cuisle Ceoil an Bhlascaoid" (the musical pulse of the Blasket islands). Harper Caitriona Rowsome, the youngest of the family teaches Irish Harp in the DIT College of music and in Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and also adjudicates Harp competitions. Caitriona recently published an extensive compilation of O'Carolan's works " The Complete Carolan Songs & Airs" This CD edition book includes 226 airs on 4 CDs played on a neo-Irish harp by Caitriona and gives a unique perspective to the music of the great Irish harper-composer, Turlough Carolan (1670-1738). http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Eminem_Live_at_Slane_Castle Tickets on sale at 9.00am on Wednesday 19th December Location: Slane Castle, Slane, Co. Meath One of the most successful rappers in history, Eminem has announced  today (December 12th, 2012) he will headline Slane Castle on Saturday 17th August. Speaking of todays announcement Lord Henry Mountcharles said "In 2005 I said Eminem was a stunning artist.  He is even more so today.  I am thrilled he is going to play Slane" Since the release of 1999's 'Slim Shady' LP, Eminem has established himself as a hip-hop force and he is an icon of modern culture. Having sold over 100 million albums worldwide, there's no doubt that he will be one of the most popular headliners in Slane’s history. Throughout his career, his live shows have been phenomenal. Playing with a mammoth live band, the Eminem show is simply unmissable. His last two Irish headliners at OXEGEN and Tennants Vital have gone down in history as unforgettable performances. With Slane 2013  bound to be heavy on hits this will be one to remember.  Thin Lizzy headlined the inaugural concert in the summer of 1981 and since then Slane has hosted some of the most memorable and largest outdoor concerts in Ireland. The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Queen, Bob Dylan, Robbie Williams, David Bowie, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Kings Of Leon, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Oasis and REM are just some of the world renowned acts that have played at the venue. Ticket Information Tickets on sale at 9.00am on Wednesday 19th December from  Ticketmaster outlets nationwide, by phone +353818719300  or  online: www.ticketmaster.ie Tickets are limited to 8 per person. Under 16s must be accompanied by parent/guardian 25 or over http://www.visitdublin.com/event/National_Heritage_WeekThere’s lots of fun in store for you during National Heritage Week. From medieval fairs, night time bat walks, classical music, poetry, theatre, traditional music, storytelling, historical re-enactments, local history walks and talks, maritime and coastal events, food fairs, traditional skills workshops and archaeological digs. There’s something for everyone and most events are free! Whether it is nature and wildlife, folklore, or built heritage, National Heritage Week aims to deliver messages and events that are positive, engaging and relevant in people’s day to day lives. Any person or organisation can actively take part in the Week and organise an event which educates people and promotes an aspect of Irelands Heritage. Many attractions across Dublin are hosting Heritage Week events across the National Heritage Week such as National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts and History, National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, Natural Museum of Ireland - Archeology, Chester Beatty Library, National Botanic Gardens. Click on their events tab to find out what events they're hosting. View all Heritage Week events taking place in Dublin here. For more information visit www.heritageweek.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/GAA_Hurling_All_Ireland_Championship_Semi_FinalThe GAA Championships commence in May with the Provincial Football Championship's in Leinster, Ulster, Connacht and Munster and Provincial Hurling Championship's in Leinster, Ulster and Munster.  The All-Ireland Series starts in June with the Qualifers, followed by the Quarter and Semi Finals, culminating in the All Ireland Football and Hurling Finals in September. Games take place throughout Ireland over the summer months.  Visit www.gaa.ie for fixture and ticketing information.     http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Regina_Spektor_at_The_Olympia_TheatreTickets go on-sale Friday 19th April Regina Spektor, one of the world’s most talented and unique contemporary musical artists, has just announced details of her first Irish headline performance in over 6 years. Regina will take the stage at The Olympia Theatre in Dublin on Monday 19th August 2013. Regina Spektor studied classical piano and garnered a loyal live following in New York before self- releasing two albums. Her breakthrough album Soviet Kitsch was released by Sire Records in 2004 followed by Begin to Hope in 2006. The album included worldwide fan favorites “Fidelity,” “Samson,” “On The Radio” and “Better” and is certified gold in the U.S. Spektor followed up with far (2009), Live from London (2010), and most recently What We Saw From The Cheap Seats (2012). In addition to releasing recordings and performing sold out concerts beloved the world over, Regina’s music has graced numerous programs on television and in films and also won her a multitude of fervent admirers including Barack and Michelle Obama for whom she performed at The White House in 2010. Ticket Information: Tickets priced from €33.50 inclusive of booking fee go on-sale this Friday 19th April from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Aoife_O_Brien_Fiddle_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Aoife O'Brien from Raheny was reared in a family steeped in traditional music and started taking classical violin lessons at the age of two with Hungarian born teacher Maria Keleman. From an early age Aoife has won many awards and competitions including the All-Ireland Fleadh Ceoil, Fiddler of Dooney and the "Bonn Óir Sheáin Uí Riada". She has recorded with many acclaimed artists at home and abroad and has been very active in teaching and performing all over Germany where she is currently studying music in Leipzig Aoife performs as lead violinist with River Dance, is a member of the European Union Youth Orchestra and has performed as a soloist with the R.I.A.M. Symphony Orchestra, The National Symphony Orchestra and The Ulster Orchestra including touring Europe, Romania, America, China, Korea, Japan and America in venues such as Carnegie Hall and The Waterfront Hall in Belfast. In 2010 she received The IMRO Bill Whelan Bursary for young musicians and composers and in 2011, she was invited by Martin Hayes to play at the "Masters of Tradition" series in Bantry Co. Cork. She recently performed three Irish Premieres and one World Premiere in the NCH Dublin as part of the Contemporary Music Centre Salon Series and recently released a new CD of the music collected by Canon James Goodman with her father Mick O'Brien (Uilleann pipes) and Emer Mayock (flute). Ticket Information: Tickets €80.00. Purchase online on www.steeplesessions.com http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Mick_O_Brien_Uilleann_Pipes_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Mick O'Brien is one of our best-loved uilleann pipers, performing regularly as a solo artist, with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, and with the Norwegian groups Vamp, Hanne Krogh, and Secret Garden. His first solo album 'The May Morning Dew' (1996) was received with great critical acclaim, as was his duo album with Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh 'Kitty Lie Over' (2003) . He comes from a great Dublin musical family, and his own children are now established performers in their own right. Mick is a teacher and teaches annually at the Willie Clancy School in Miltown Malbay and at various other festivals and piping master classes around the World. Ticket Information: Tickets €80.00. Purchase online on www.steeplesessions.com http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Mick_Aoife_Ciara_and_Cormac_O_Brien_in_ConcertVenue: The Unitarian Church, St. Sephen's Green, Dublin Mick O'Brien is one of our best-loved uilleann pipers, performing regularly as a solo artist, with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, and with the Norwegian groups Vamp, Hanne Krogh, and Secret Garden. His first solo album 'The May Morning Dew' (1996) was received with great critical acclaim, and his duo album with Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh 'Kitty Lie Over' (2003) has since become a classic. He comes from a great Dublin musical family, and now his own children are fine performers in their own right. His daughter Aoife is lead fiddler with River Dance and is studying music in Leipzig in Switzerland. She has won almost every traditional and classical violin award in Ireland and various International awards. His son Cormac is an Uilleann Piper and Cellist and plays with the National Youth Orchestra as does his other daughter Ciara, a fine fiddler, harpist and classical violinist. Individually, they are in demand as performers in both classical and traditional circles and it is a very special and rare occasion to present them performing together as a family Ticket Information: Tickets €15.00/€12.00 (Student/Senior). Purchase online on www.steeplesessions.com http://www.visitdublin.com/event/CatsTickets from €20.00 on sale now One of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, Cats comes to The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Based on T.S Eliot’s  ‘Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats’, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking adaptation Cats is directed by Trevor Nunn, with choreography by Gillian Lynne  and set and costume design by John Napier.  Re-creating the direction and choreography for the tour is Chrissie Cartwright. Including one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most memorable musical scores, spectacular set design, extraordinary costumes and stunning choreography, Cats is a uniquely magical musical. On just one special night of the year, all Jellicle cats meet at the Jellicle Ball where Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, makes the Jellicle choice and announces which of them will go up to the heaviside layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life. Music, dance and verse fuse together in an enchanting blend of fantasy, drama and romance. Cats opened at the New London Theatre on 11 May 1981 and played almost 9,000 performances. It closed on 11 May 2002 having celebrated 21 record-breaking years and winning an Olivier Award for Best Musical (1981). On Broadway it was the winner of 7 Tony Awards (including Best Musical and Best Director) and ran for an amazing 18 years making it second only to “The Phantom of the Opera” as Broadway’s longest running musical. Enter the magical musical world of Cats http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Laurence_Nugent_Flute_and_Whistle_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Chicago based Laurence Nugent carries on a great tradition of virtuoso flute and whistle playing that has graced Irish music on both sides of the Atlantic. As an established performer and recording artist on the Celtic music circuit, Laurence has performed with The Chieftains, Shane McGowan, Van Morrison, The Drovers, The Green Fields of America, Martin Hayes, Dennis Cahill and Paddy Keenan. His CDs (Laurence Nugent, Two For Two, and The Windy Gap, on Shanachie Records) have met with critical acclaim. Laurence Nugent comes from the little village of Lack in County Fermanagh, an area steeped in the traditional arts of music, singing and storytelling. Laurence is very popular as a tutor and has taught hundreds of students in private lessons, in classes at the Old Town School of Folk Music, and in workshops throughout the United States and Ireland Ticket Information: Tickets €80.00. Purchase online on www.steeplesessions.com http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Laurence_Nugent_Fintan_McManus_and_Pat_McManus_in_ConcertVenue: The Unitarian Church, St. Sephen's Green, Dublin Chicago based Laurence Nugent carries on a great tradition of virtuoso flute and whistle playing that has graced Irish music on both sides of the Atlantic. As an established performer and recording artist on the Celtic music circuit, Laurence has performed with The Chieftains, Shane McGowan, Van Morrison, The Drovers, The Green Fields of America, Martin Hayes, Dennis Cahill and Paddy Keenan. His CDs (Laurence Nugent, Two For Two, and The Windy Gap, on Shanachie Records) have met with critical acclaim. Laurence Nugent comes from the little village of Lack in County Fermanagh, an area steeped in the traditional arts of music, singing and storytelling. Also from Co. Fermanagh is Fintan McManus who has played and performed with Laurence and many other well-known artists in Irish traditional music including Altan, Aly Bain, The Boys of the Lough, singer Len Graham with whom he recorded two well received CD's "Do me justice" and " Ye Lovers All" He has also worked with legendary Donegal fiddle player Tommy Peoples. He is a much sought after composer and his music has been covered on some 150 CD's worldwide. Fintan plays a variety of instruments including bouzouki, guitar and whistle and is much regarded for his sensitive accompaniment to music and songs alike. Ticket Information: Tickets €15.00 / €12.00 (Student/Senior). Purchase online on www.steeplesessions.com http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Coca_Cola_Irish_Cup_2013Location: AUL Complex, Clonshaugh, Dublin 17 The Coca-Cola Irish Cup 2013 is an international youth festival of football featuring UK Premier League, Spanish La Liga, Italian Seria A academies as well as host of schoolboy sides from Ireland, Northern Ireland, UK and Europe. The tournament is recognized as one of the best competitions in Ireland. Participating teams and players are tested and observed by international scouts, as they compete against the best European clubs and players, in the best facilities Ireland has to offer. The AUL complex home of the Irish international youth teams has 13 state of the art grass pitches in one location. The venue is less than 5 minutes from Dublin international airport and 5 minutes from all tournament hotels. Why not extend your stay and visit some of Ireland's historical sites including the Cliffs of Moher, The Ring of Kerry, The Giant's Causeway or even kiss the magical Blarney Stone? This is an event not to be missed.  Book your place early to avoid disappointment. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Marathon_Race_Series_Frank_Duffy_10mileRace 3 in the Dublin Marathon Race Series is the Frank Duffy 10 Mile, it takes place on Saturday 24th August in Phoenix Park, Entry fee is €25.00. Closing Date for Entry to participate in the Frank Duffy10 Mile is Friday 9th August.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Race_3_Frank_Duffy_10_MileRace 3 in the Dublin Marathon Race Series is the Frank Duffy 10 Mile, it will take place on the Saturday 24th August in Phoenix Park Closing Date for Entry for the Frank Duffy 10 Mile Race is Friday 9th August.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Liffey_Swim_2013Location: Loop Line Bridge (Railway Bridge) Once again swimmers are challenged with the competition and excitement of swimming throughout the heart of one of Europe's greatest cities. Over 250 men and 100 women will swim in the historic Liffey Race. Spectators are encouraged to support the competitors from the banks of the river, with the Liffey Boardwalk providing a great viewing point This eagerly awaited Dublin City Council sponsered event sees swimmers of all abilities and a variety of ages compete. The course begins at the Watling Street Bridge near the Guinness Brewery and finishes at Custom House Quay. Unfortunately construction on the LUAS Bridge from Hawkins Street to Malborough Street is not completed. It is difficult to determine how much progress will be made by the summer. At this stage the Open Sea Committee are planning to use the same course that we used last year, from the Loop Line Bridge (Railway Bridge) to the East Link Bridge. For More Information: www.leinsteropensea.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Ukulele_HooleyDun Laoghaire will host the Ukulele Hooley It brings together some of the world's best ukulele talent and entertainers to celebrate their love and passion for the tiny instrument that is currently the world's biggest selling instrument. There will be ukulele master classes, a "Grand ukulele public busk" and open air ukulele open mic concert for players who want to show their skills. But the show piece event of the weekend is a FREE day long ukulele concert on Sunday at the People’s Park in Dun Laoghaire featuring the some of the best ukulele performers from round the World. For more details check out our website ukulelehooley.com Its a fantastic day out for the whole family and you might win yourself a ukulele in a raffle! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/GAA_Football_All_Ireland_Senior_Championship_2013_Semi_FinalThe GAA Championships commence in May with the Provincial Football Championship's in Leinster, Ulster, Connacht and Munster and Provincial Hurling Championship's in Leinster, Ulster and Munster. The All-Ireland Series starts in June with the Qualifers, followed by the Quarter and Semi Finals, culminating in the All Ireland Football and Hurling Finals in September. Games take place throughout Ireland over the summer months. Visit www.gaa.ie for fixture and ticketing information http://www.visitdublin.com/event/A_Womans_heart_to_Stage_Olympia_ConcertHere Come the Girls!! A Woman's Heart returns to The Olympia Theatre stage between Wednesday 28th and Saturday 31st August 2013. Featuring some of Ireland's best female singers including Eleanor McEvoy, Hermione Hennessy, Gemma Hayes, Sharon Shannon, Mary Coughlan, and more to be announced. “A Woman’s Heart” - the song collection of Ireland's best female singers led by Eleanor McEvoy’s title track, went straight to the top of the album charts and straight to the hearts of all who heard it. It became one of the best selling albums of all time. Now, the main protagonists get together again in the Olympia Theatre this August to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the album. All the singers will perform solo slots, and the ensemble finale they deliver at their Olympia shows is now reaching legendary status. Plans are in place to record the shows for a live album and DVD to capture the magic that happens when all the girls sing together where their unique harmonies create a special magic that enchants all who hear it. Because all the singers have such busy solo careers, it is becoming harder to get them all in the one place at the same time, so any opportunity to hear them all together should not be missed. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Festival_SeasonAlthough 2012 Dublin Festival Season has wrapped up it's never to early to start thinking about 2013. Who knows what giddy suprises will be in store this year so pop a big reminder in your diary for September and October for the return of Dublin Festival Season. It is no secret that Dubliners love to party. Dublin’s unique spirit of fun and entertainment is evident in the many festivals and events organised throughout the year. Headline festivals such as the inimitable St. Patrick’s Festival held in Dublin every March, attract and enthrall visitors in their thousands every year. Next Autumn, Dublin unleashes an explosion of festivals with ‘Dublin Festival Season’ kicking off in early September and running until the end of October. With festivals and events celebrating everything from arts, architecture, music, film, to food, Guinness and beer, fashion, sport theatre and literature; autumn presents the perfect opportunity to visit this vibrant city of culture. The many festivals you can catch during Dublin Festival Season: Culture Night Dublin Fringe Festival Dublin Theatre Festival Arthurs Day Oktoberfest Mountains to Sea DLR Book Festival Dublin Fashion Festival Open House Dublin For More Information: www.dublinfestivalseason.com http://www.visitdublin.com/event/GAA_Football_All_Ireland_Championship_Semi_Final_1st_SeptemberThe GAA Championships commence in May with the Provincial Football Championship's in Leinster, Ulster, Connacht and Munster and Provincial Hurling Championship's in Leinster, Ulster and Munster.  The All-Ireland Series starts in June with the Qualifers, followed by the Quarter and Semi Finals, culminating in the All Ireland Football and Hurling Finals in September.  Games take place throughout Ireland over the summer months.  Visit www.gaa.ie for fixture and ticketing information.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/september_in_the_squareSeptember in the Square is a programme which will provide an opportunity to get behind the beautiful Georgian doors of Merrion Square, explore the surrounding architectural attractions and discover the hidden treasures in the Square. We are inviting people to take this opportunity to come and take part in some of the many events happening on Merrion Square during September and avail of the opportunity to get to know one of Dublin’s cultural treasures. September in the Square is a festival of events and highlights included: Lunchtime music every Tuesday and Lunchtime talks every Thursday Weekend Wonders, special events which will get behind the personalities and characters of the individual buildings and their histories. A Family Discovery Trail allowing families uncover the hidden secrets of the Square. Guided walking tours with guaranteed access into at least one house. Georgian Living: Dancing on the Square A Georgian Dining Experience Special events celebrating Culture Night on the Square. Events are FREE (apart from the Dining Event) http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Paramore_at_The_O2Tickets go on sale 17th Friday at 9.00am from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and online at www.ticketmaster.ie Guardian - 'mammoth arena friendly choruses Q – ‘’everything about this album screams ambition' Kerrang - 'daring and rarely less than dazzling' Grammy nominated and multi million selling three-piece Paramore are able to announce today that they will play Dublins O2 on the 2nd of September. This will follow the band’s appearance at this year’s Radio 1 Big Weekend in LondonDerry/Derry at the end of May. Hayley Williams (vocals): "We're so psyched to come back the UK and Ireland and play the new songs for everybody. See you there!" Paramore are set to release the single Still Into You on May 20th, this is the follow-up single to Radio 1 A-listed NOW and is taken from their self-titled fourth, Number One album which is out now. The video for Still into You has already had well over 8 million views on Youtube, and the band performed the song on both Graham Norton and Radio 1’s live lounge in April. Since releasing their gold-certified debut All We Know Is Falling in 2005, the 3x-Grammy-nominated band has shot to international stardom thanks to a strong connection with its fans which has translated into a string of platinum and gold singles, including Misery Business, Crushcrushcrush, and That’s What You Get from 2007’s platinum-certified Riot!, Decode from 2008’s Twilight soundtrack, The Only Exception from 2009’s platinum brand new eyes, and Monster from 2011’s Transformers: Dark of the Moon soundtrack. It’s also led to a series of sold-out arena tours across the globe, including their last sold out UK tour which culminated in 2 nights at London’s O2 Arena in November 2010. Most recently, the band played Reading /Leeds festival in 2012, topping the bill under the Cure on the main stage, and they played an intimate special club show on April 5th of this year at London’s Garage to celebrate the release of current album Paramore. Ticket Information: Tickets go on sale Friday May 17th  at 9.00am from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and online at www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Mountains_to_Sea_dlr_Book_Festival_2013The Mountains to Sea dlr Book Festival enjoyed a fantastic debut in 2009 thanks to the support and enthusiasm of local book-lovers and, thankfully, not a few first-time visitors to Dun Laoghaire. One writer praised our first effort as a festival “of international standard, with a great local tilt” which was gratifying to hear. On a glorious weekend, the Festival welcomed over 5000 guests who rev...elled in near-Mediterranean sunshine while strolling from venue to venue. The fifth annual Mountains to Sea dlr Book Festival returns to the Pavilion in September 2013 The full programme of events for 2013 will be announced in July. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/RSA_Challenge_Ireland_V_EnglandVenue: Malahide Cricket Club Ireland Cricketers launch Fortress Malahide ahead of RSA Challenge versus England at Dublin's Malahide Castle on Tuesday 3 September 2013. Phil Simmons is confident Ireland's cricketers can record another famous victory over their closest neighbours when they do battle with England. Speaking at the ticket launch for next year's RSA Challenge held at Malahide Castle, the 49 year old spoke of the progress Irish cricket has made since he took charge in 2007 and his excitement with the launch of the new international venue in Malahide. "There's a new belief in Irish cricket and that comes from the confidence the players have from beating teams like England. There's no doubt in my mind that the result in Bangalore brought home to the squad that they belong at the elite level. John Mooney, who struck the winning runs when Ireland beat England in that epic World Cup battle said: "It's going to be a great occasion to play England again and it'll be a superb boost to the team to have a capacity crowd behind us. There's always an extra edge and a great atmosphere when Ireland play England at any sport and it brings out the best in us all. It's extra special for me in the fact that the game is in Fingal and I'm hoping the new venue at Malahide turns into a real fortress for Irish cricket." The RSA Challenge will be the biggest cricket match ever to be held in Ireland, with the new Malahide all-seater venue being able to host a higher capacity than has ever been seen on the island of Ireland for an international cricket match Ticket Information: Tickets are priced €40 for Adults, €32 for OAP's, €12 for U16, €99 for Family Ticket (2 x Adults 2 x Children U16). Tickets are on sale from www.ticketmaster.ie and all usual ticketmasteroutlets nationwide.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Festival_of_FashionAn important date for your 2013 calendar, Dublin Fashion Festival is a must for fashionistas and shoppers alike. Running from the 5th - 8th September, Dublin City Centre will see the streets being taken back by style. The festival will feature some of the usual favourites, celebrating design, style and culture with an exciting medley of on street fashion shows, workshops, industry expert demonstrations and talks, competitions and much more. DFF by Night will also be continuing the festivities late into the night with guerrilla fashion shows in bars and restaurants around the city. As if that weren’t incentive enough, all events are non-ticketed, and many of the local businesses will be hosting in-store events, so your weekend of shopping and general glamour will be free, fun and fabulous! See www.dff.ie for more details or follow us on Twitter and Facebook for updates. Dublin Fashion Festival is proudly part of the Dublin Festival Season. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Rep_of_Ireland_v_Sweden_FIFA_World_Cup_QualifierIreland play Sweden in  FIFA World Cup Qualifier on the 12th of October 2012. More details TBChttp://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Fringe_Festival_2013Various venues in Co. Dublin Dublin Fringe Festival is Ireland's largest multi-disciplinary arts festival running city-wide every September, showcasing the newest and best Irish and international arts. 2013 sees the 19th year of the festival and will involve up to 1000 participants with companies presenting over 600 events spanning theatre, dance, music, circus, opera, live and visual arts in over 30 venues across Dublin. This event annually seeks to transform the city and celebrate it in an exposé of great creative talent from around the globe. This skilfully curated festival programme offers the opportunity to springboard all the human senses and entertain every kind of thrill seeker through work that is provoking, thoughtful, challenging and fun! Dublin Fringe Festival, unlike others, is a wholly curated festival seeking innovative and daring work that impacts, moves and invigorates its audience. The festival is a platform for new companies as well as giving a platform for experimentation and risk for more established artists and a showcase for the best contemporary theatre, dance and spectacle shows touring internationally. For the creators, the Fringe facilitates an opportunity to innovate, to cross disciplines and boundaries and to find new ways and places to make work, for audiences it is a chance to get up close with an array of talent for the best two weeks of performance of the year. The 2013 programme will be launched on August 14th with highlights announced in June. See more details on www.fringefest.com http://www.visitdublin.com/event/GAA_Hurling_All_Ireland_Championship_FinalsOne of the biggest days in the Irish sporting calendar. Staged in Croke Park, two counties will battle it out for the Liam McCarthy Cup.    http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Leonard_Cohen_The_O2Tickets from €88.50 including booking fee on sale 9.00am Fri 24th May “When Leonard Cohen takes to the stage, it’s no less than a cultural event of Biblical dimensions” Irish Times “What I witnessed was soul inspiring on every level, I have never been so moved by a performance, Everything about the night was magical” Hot Press A Leonard Cohen show in Ireland has become something of legend. Since his initial comeback shows in 2008 at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham up to the more recent shows there last year, his performances have continued to be received with nothing short of reverence and awe who attend. He has continuously sold out venues in record time, garnering more and more 5 star reviews and accolades each time including winning ‘Best International Live Performance’ two years in a row at the Irish Meteor Awards in 2009 and 2010. And not for no reason. Leonard Cohen is arguably the greatest singer songwriter of our time and a magnetically charismatic live performer. A major and influential talent in the early 60's he produced albums such as Songs Of Leonard Cohen (1967), Songs Of Love And Hate (1970) and I’m Your Man (1990), right up to 1992’s The Future, 2001’s Ten New Songs and 2004’s Dear Heather …all are rightly considered classics today. His songs have been famously covered by the great and the good; from Judy Collins’ “Suzanne” to Jeff Buckley’s seminal rendition of “Hallelujah,” Cohen’s songs have traveled as far and wide as their author. U2, REM, Sting, Nick Cave, Rufus Wainwright and the late Johnny Cash are among other famous devotees. In his fifth decade of producing critically acclaimed music Leonard Cohen remains at the top of his game with the release of his twelfth studio album ‘Old Ideas’ last year for which he received worldwide praise for the collection of new material with The Telegraph declaring it a “work of genius.” Cohen is beyond comparison, a true original, providing some of music and literature’s most illuminating writing on love, sex, death and religion. His live performance is hypnotic, enthralling and captivating…and yet it is something even more than that. Something ineffable yet palpable. As anyone who has seen him over the last number of years will testify to. “What unfolds over two-and-a-half hours is likely to become the stuff of Irish concert lore. Quite simply, it doesn't get much better than this” Irish Independent Ticket Information: Tickets from €88.50 including booking fee on sale 9.00am Fri 24th May. Tickets will be on sale from www.ticketmaster.ie and usual outlets nationwide. Internet & phone bookings are subject to service charge 12.5%, agents charge €2.50. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Flavours_of_Fingal_Show_2013The Flavours of Fingal Show is a two day event jam packed with events, it offers an exciting mix of ….. farm show, equestrian show, dog show, food fair, family fun and biodiversity interactive exhibitions. As this is Dublin’s only agricultural show it offers both farmers and those amongst us who would like to see a cow or a sheep up close and personal the opportunity to experience the many and varied cattle & sheep competitions complete with commentary from the judges on what they are looking for in a prize animal and outlining the attributes of the breed. Nearby the Gymkhana and Equestrian arenas offer a lively mix of chases, trials, pony club activities, dressage and some interesting riding displays. In Newbridge House’s beautifully tranquil 5 acre walled garden the main focus will be on the fabulous food Fingal both producers and creates complete with tastings and cooking demonstrations. The Walled Garden will also feature a Fingal’s Finest Craft Pavillion,  an interative biodiversity area, garden displays, expert corners, a music stage …. the list is exhaustive!  If the little ones liked the farm animals they will probably love the dogs at the dog arena! With a programme of chases, agility and cutest dog show, enough to have them asking you to bring one home! They can also challenge their skills in the GAA Experience and of course it wouldn’t be a family fun event without the family staples of face painting, balloons and bouncy castles The setting for the show is Newbridge House & Farm, the house itself is a beautiful Georgian mansion dating back to 1736 and was home to Charles Cobb – the then Archbishop of Dublin. The house has undergone a programme of renovation and restoration returning it to its 18th Century grandeur and is open for tours. The Flavours of Fingal Show will be based in the grounds of the House and around its 19th century traditional farm, which in itself is a fabulous visitor experience with its picturesque old buildings, old breeds of farm animals, machinery and displays of the farming techniques which were part and parcel of Irish farming life in the 19th century. Programme details are available on www.flavoursoffingal.ie   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Macklemore_and_Ryan_LewisDue to unprecedented demand second show announced for the 14th September 2013. Tickets on sale this Fiday 17th May at 9.00am Fresh off their infectious & energetic performance at this year’s MTV Movie Awards (which had stars like Jamie Fox, Samuel L Jackson & Kerri Washington bouncing in their seats!) Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have announced a European tour including The O2 Dublin on September 15th. The group played to a packed house at the 800-capacity Dublin Academy only last year while on their 70-city, completely sold-out world tour supporting their critically acclaimed debut full length album The Heist, but such is their incredible rise in popularity they have bypassed the usual gradual increase in venue size and moved straight onto The O2 Dublin! Seattle hip hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis skyrocketed to fame with the release of their mega smash hit Thrift Shop, an ode to second hand shopping. The single topped The Billboard Top 100 chart giving the group their first No.1 hit, with a wildly popular music video (260 million+ views on YouTube) on heavy rotation on BET and MTV2. Their second single Can't Hold Us is currently burning up the Irish radio airwaves. You can check out the recently released video Click Here Speaking to Rolling Stone Magazine Macklemore recently commented "We've been able to make music that resonates with people on a personal level, as well as having a work ethic – Ryan and I work 70-80 hours a week and we don't stop," he adds. "That, and the fact that we have fans that believe in our dedication and the art we're making, that's the reason we're at where we're at." Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ are known for their electrifying live shows, expertly crafted music, and innovative music videos and media. Their music is distinct for channeling cultural moments and refreshingly self-aware testimony through candid lyricism and thoughtfully crafted production. Their body of work demonstrates an impressive variety of musical influence, experience and subject matter, all in a voice unmistakably their own. Ticket Information: Tickets from €36.00 inclusive of booking fee are on sale Friday 3rd May from www.ticketmaster.ie and from all usual Ticketmaster outlets http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Camogie_All_Ireland_FinalsThe GAA's finest female players line out for the All-Ireland Camoige Final in Croke Park.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/FlightFestFlightFest, a once-in- a-lifetime, international fly past, will take place in the centre of Dublin City on Sunday, 15th September 2013. Modelled on the fly-past which took place during the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, a selection of large aircraft will fly over the main display area (East Link Bridge - Custom House). This will be a truly historic event involving more than 30 aircraft flying along the path of the River Liffey right through the centre of Dublin. FlightFest is expected to be one of the largest National events of ‘The Gathering Ireland 2013’ and is expected that thousands of people from Dublin, all over Ireland and abroad, will line the banks of the River Liffey from Dublin Port up to the Customs House. More details to be announced http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Soundgarden_at_The_O2Grammy award winning rock group Soundgarden have just announced details of their highly anticipated return to Ireland with a date at The O2, Dublin on September 16th 2013 Legendary rock band Soundgarden today announced further European dates including a show at The O2, Dublin on September 16th. The band are set to kick off proceedings on September 4th in Helsinki, performing at the Hartwall Arena before taking in Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, Berlin, Amsterdam, Manchester, Birmingham, Dublin and London. Soundgarden have also announced that they will release a brand new repackaged edition of ‘King Animal’, their critically acclaimed album released in November last year. Out on 2nd September 2013, ‘King Animal Plus’ features 5 exclusive live tracks recorded at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles and 1 acoustic track recorded at radio station 89X CIMX in Detroit. Tickets and ‘King Animal Plus’ will be available as an exclusive pre-order bundle from 24th May. Fans can buy from 9am at www.ticketmaster.ie One of the forefathers of the legendary Seattle alternative rock scene in the 90s, Soundgarden released ‘King Animal’, their sixth studio album and their first in 15 years, to widespread critical acclaim in November 2012. The September shows follow the band’s high profile return to European stages last summer including their much-lauded performances at Download Festival and Hard Rock Calling in the UK. With over 21 million records sold worldwide and 2 GRAMMY ® awards to their name, Soundgarden along with their contemporaries, forged a new musical movement which became a global phenomenon, undoubtedly leaving a lasting impact on wider popular culture. Now, with their first collection of new songs since the 1990's, the September tour is set to be one of the most highly anticipated live events of the Autumn - marking the start of an incredibly exciting new chapter for the band and their fans. Ticket Information: Tickets for Soundgarden go on-sale  Friday 24th May at 9.00am, Tickets on sale from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and from online at www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Roger_Waters_The_Wall_2013 ROGER WATERS MAKES HIS TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO IRELAND IN 2013 WITH HIS EXTRAORDINARY AURAL AND VISUAL MASTERPIECE: “THE WALL” Tickets Onsale Friday 16th November 9.00am. “The Wall Live is flawless. Everyone should see it once before they die.”- Philadelphia Inquirer “The work resonates even more strongly than before” - The Independent “The Wall is a triumph of scale and ambition…. the pinnacle of rock achievement” The Times, London“It is impossible not to be impressed with this show as a sensory experience” - The Guardian For Immediate Release November 9th - 9am: Roger Waters, the co-founder and principal songwriter of the archetypal progressive band Pink Floyd, has announced the return of the historic production of “The Wall” to Ireland in 2013 as part of a massive European stadium tour. “The Wall” live has played around the world to more than 3.3 million fans making it one of the most successful tours in rock history. The 2013 tour will consist of 18 open air/stadium shows, to include such iconic venues as Wembley Stadium, Rome Olympic Stadium, Amsterdam Arena and Berlin Olympic Stadium, etc., as well as two Oslo Telenor Arenas. Tickets for The Wall, Aviva Stadium, September 18th go on-sale Friday 16th November at 9am. For these large open air stadiums, Roger Waters has re-designed and scaled up The Wall show to create the ultimate stadium event, bringing The Wall experience even closer to fans wherever they are sitting and making the production even more encompassing in large venues. Roger Waters says, “I’m extremely glad to be playing The Wall in Europe again. It’s going to be a lot of fun for all of us. I’ve reworked the show to play outdoors in large stadiums. It’s really good. Even more moving, engaging, dramatic and thrilling than the Arena shows. I’ve had to rethink the whole thing about stadiums. This wide wall stadium show couldn’t have been done 40 years ago. We couldn’t have filled the space in a way that would have been emotionally, musically and theatrically satisfying. Technology has changed. Now we can.” Waters’ first reinvented his iconic stage production of “The Wall” in 2010 utilizing modern day technological advances and special effects which have been embraced by audiences around the globe with countless sold out performances and multiple-night stands including a record-breaking 9 sold out shows at the River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina. “The Wall” remains one of the most influential albums in the history of recorded music with a profound effect on pop culture, resonating with multiple generations of music fans. Prior to 2010, “The Wall” show was simply too large to contemplate a tour, but new arenas and advances in touring technology have solved that dilemma. Waters has updated the look and feel of the show to ensure it matches the astonishing theatrical extravaganza that The Wall’s live incarnation became so legendary for - thus allowing yet another generation to be inspired by the grandeur of the breath taking visual and aural spectacle. The 1980 original production of the “The Wall” had been performed live-in-its-entirety just 29 times during Pink Floyd’s 1980 tour in support of the album and once in Berlin in celebration of the fall of the Berlin wall. Roger Waters will be talking about the tour via a special web cast on RogerWaters.com and Facebook.com/rogerwaters on Thursday 15th November from 12:30pm Irish time, when more dates will be announced. Ticket available from Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide, By Phone (24 hour): ROI +353818719300 and On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Oktoberfest_2013 To be confirmed Get set to experience the authentic Oktoberfest festival! The original Oktoberfest will come from Germany to Dublin, giving Irish people the chance to experience the authentic Oktoberfest festival. A marquee - representative of that in the Oktoberfest in Munich - and German markets, as well as 24 authentic Oktoberfest barmaids will descend on Georges Dock for some German fun, food and entertainment and authentic Bavarian beer. The traditional German market will feature over thirty German speciality food producers and German traders, who are all travelling to Dublin for the Oktoberfest. Visitors will be introduced to the very best of Bavarian food and specialities from sausages, meat, pastries, Käsespätzle (cheese noodles) to mountain cheese and ginger bread hearts. Alongside the many surprising foods on offer, visitors will have the opportunity to experience a truly authentic Bavarian style wheat beer. Learn to sing a yodel or dance a polka, as traditional Bavarian musicians, Die Alpen-show, will also play throughout the 18 day event. For more information: www.dublindocklands.ie  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Culture_Night_2012Come and enjoy a late FREE night of culture for all the family! For one night only the city’s museums, galleries, churches, historic houses, artists studios, cultural centres and more, will open their doors late for a free night of entertainment, discovery and adventure. Hundreds of talks, tours, performances and events for you, your family and friends to participate in and enjoy. Join the thousands who will be staying up late for culture! On Friday September 20th 2013, locals and visitors across the island of Ireland will enjoy the unique experience of Culture Night, a free night of entertainment, discovery and adventure taking place in a record 28 towns, cities, counties and islands in Ireland. Museums, galleries, churches, historic houses, artists’ studios and cultural centres will open their doors late into the evening welcoming people of all ages to taste and sample their cultural delights for free on the evening. Bring the children, catch up with friends, meet new people, participate, interact and experience the exhilaration of free entry, live performances, workshops, tours, talks, drama, dance and a whole range of other creative activities for free! Culture Night brings together a very unique and diverse audience who all share a desire to explore and enjoy culture. And remember, everything that’s open on Culture Night will be there when you visit the next time, and the next time...so why not make a habit of it! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Fleetwood_Mac_The_O2_DublinTickets On-sale Friday 8th February at 9.00am   Multi Grammy-winning and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Fleetwood Mac last toured in 2009 with the sold outUnleashed tour.  The new tour also marks the 35th anniversary of the release of their classic Rumours album (1977), one of the most successful albums in recorded history with sales exceeding 40 million copies.  Rumours planted itself at the top of the pop charts for over 31 weeks and had four top ten singles.  Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks recorded Rumours against a backdrop personal turmoil, chronicling their raw emotions in songs like “Go Your Own Way,” “Gold Dust Woman” and “Dreams,” the latter becoming the band’s first number one smash.   To coincide with the tour and anniversary, a new deluxe reissue of Rumours with previously unreleased studio and live tracks has just been released. The expanded edition’s three CDs includes the original album and the b-side “Silver Springs,” a dozen unreleased live recordings from the group’s ’77 world tour, and an entire disc filled with unreleased takes from the album’s recording sessions. The deluxe edition includes all of the music from the expanded version, plus an additional disc of outtakes, a DVD that features “The Rosebud Film,” a 1977 documentary about the album, and the album on vinyl.    The current Fleetwood Mac lineup includes Mick Fleetwood and John McVie – both original members since 1967, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks who joined the band in 1975.   “Having started Fleetwood Mac with John McVie in 1967, it has always been so gratifying that despite the various incarnations, the band has survived. Throughout the years, though, the one thing that has remained constant is our fans. I am looking forward to getting back behind the kit, reconnecting with the fans and sharing the stage with my fellow band members,” commented Mick Fleetwood.   “After spending four days at Lindsey’s house working on music and one really fun day doing a crazy photo session, I am quite excited about next year.  Everything seems to be falling into place.  2013 looks like the year of Fleetwood Mac,” commented Stevie Nicks.   “I’m really looking forward to hitting the road with Stevie, Mick and John in 2013.  It’s been over three years since we’ve toured together and happily the break allowed me to explore a lot of uncharted territory as well as experience tremendous growth creatively.  I’m excited to bring that back to the band.  When everyone in FM wants the same thing at the same time, it’s cause for celebration.  Long Live Fleetwood Mac!” added Lindsey Buckingham.   “I’m really looking forward to going back on the road,” commented John McVie.   Nicks has just completed a two year tour coinciding with the release of her critically acclaimed In Your Dreams CD which debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard Pop Charts.  InYour Dreams was released on Reprise Records in 2011, and was co-written and co-produced by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard.  Nicks also produced and co-directed a documentary film of the recording of In Your Dreams which has received rave reviews at the Hamptons International Film Festival along with several other film festivals.   Buckingham has been touring to sold-out crowds over the last year in conjunction with his critically acclaimed September 2011 release of Seeds We Sow, his 6th solo studio album and first independent release, which debuted at No. 6 on Billboard’s Rock Album Chart. He was recently honored with ASCAP’s Golden Note Award, and has also received the prestigious Les Paul Award.   In August, Mick Fleetwood opened his brand new restaurant, Fleetwood’s On Front Street, in Lahaina on Maui. The grand opening included musical performances by Mick, Steven Tyler, Jonny Lang and more. Mick also founded Mick Fleetwood’s Private Cellar, which has produced over 20 vintages and varietals earning multiple medals in international tastings. Mick’s band, The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band, was nominated for a Grammy in 2010 for their album Blue Again.    Ticket Information: Tickets from €65.45 Including Booking Fee On-sale Friday 8th February at 9.00am. From Ticketmaster outlets nationwide, and online at www.Ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Skerries_Soundwaves_FestivalVenue: Skerries Events include a fantastic Lego Day for all enthusiasts, workshops, Equinox Celebrations with Fingal Mummers and a variety of concerts from pop/rock to singer/song writer, some in unusual venues. The classical highpoint of the festival is a Music Network concert in beautiful, candlelit Holmpatrick Church. Other highlights include a festival street party with Rock Music trailer, street entertainment and fun for all the family, a street market, Céilí after Sunday Mass, a night parade and spectacular fireworks in Skerries Harbour. Add children's theatre or puppets, dancing, exhibitions, theatre and pop-up events - expect the unexpected! 'Skerries Rocks' - come along and be part of it! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Marathon_Race_Series_Dublin_Half_MarathonRace 4 in the Dublin Marathon Race Series is the Dublin Half-Marathon which will take place on Saturday 21st September in the Phoenix Park. Closing Dates for Entry to this race is Friday 6th September   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/GAA_All_Ireland_Football_Final The All-Ireland Gaelic Football Final, from Croke Park in Dublin, is the climax of Ireland’s most popular sporting season. On match day the fantastic stadium is full to the rafters creating an atmosphere perhaps unparalleled to any other sporting occasion across Europe! Can 2012 champs Donegal retain the national crown or is there a new challenger on the block! Further Info & tickets  www.crokepark.ie / www.crokeparktickets.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Barry_Gibb_Mythology_TourMCD is thrilled to announce the iconic Barry Gibb will be coming to Ireland on September 25th when he brings his Mythology Tour to The O2. Barry has designed the tour as a salute to his brothers creating what is sure to be an emotional journey as he draws from every era of their timeless catalogue and the huge international success achieved by The Bee Gees. Barry has just completed the Mythology Tour in Australia where he performed at sold out venues including the Entertainment Centre in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. The tour will feature Barry Gibb with his incredible band that includes his son, guitarist/vocalist, Stephen, Maurice’s daughter, Samantha, and Beth Cohen. With a career that has spanned more than five decades, Barry Gibb stands as one of the most prolific singer/song-writer/producers of the modern era. As the eldest brother and creative leader of the Bee Gees, Barry Gibb, along with his brothers Maurice and Robin, represent one of the most successful vocal groups in rock and roll history. Bee Gees ‘Mythology’ the 50th Anniversary collection box set is out now on Warner Records Ticket Information: Tickets from €69.50 including booking fee are on sale now from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and online at www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Heartbeat_of_HomeTickets on sale this Thursday, 21 March at 9:00am Heartbeat of Home will premiere at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre with previews from 25 September and opening on 2 October 2013 for 21 performances only (with special price previews from 25th September to 1st October). Created by the Producers and Director of Riverdance, Heartbeat of Home is a music and dance spectacular featuring the dynamic, vibrant components of traditional Irish, Latin and Afro-Cuban music and dance. The world-class cast of thirty-eight includes a ten-piece band creating a new and electrifying sound written by award-winning, Golden-Globe-nominated composer Brian Byrne. The show employs high-definition, cutting-edge 3D projection technology and has an engaging narrative structure. Produced by Moya Doherty, devised and directed by John McColgan with narrative and lyrics by award-winning Irish writer Joseph O'Connor. Joseph comments: `when we marry the sexiness of salsa to the thunder of Irish dance, the lyricism of tango to the yearning of Sean-nós, what a night of storytelling we shall have'. World-class Irish, Latin and Afro-Cuban dancers will be cast and, with choreography by David Bolger, the production will create a dreamworld of joyous, heart-stopping, high-energy music and dance. Ticket Information: Tickets on sale this Thursday, 21 March at 9:00am. Group and concession rates available on selected shows.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Arthurs_Day Date To Be Confirmed ARTHUR’S DAY CELEBRATIONS TO REACH EVERY CORNER OF IRELAND OVER 500 LIVE MUSIC EVENTS IN ALL 32 COUNTIES Due to its huge popularity among Irish pub goers and publicans alike, GUINNESS has significantly expanded the Arthur’s Day celebrations since last year to include live music events in local pubs across Ireland so whether you’re from Dingle, Derry or Dublin, it’s never been easier to take part in what is set to be no ordinary Thursday night. This year there are no tickets on sale, just grab some mates and head to one of 500 free Arthur’s Day music events taking place in local pubs across all 32 counties. It promises to be a remarkable night of live music featuring hundreds of home grown artists but, as usual, Arthur’s Day will also be a night full of surprises…. Voting will be open from 15th August to 16th September but in keeping with the spirit of Arthur’s Day, the winning pubs will remain a secret to the public until the night itself so you never know who might walk through the door. Check out www.Guinness.com for full details. Stuart Kinch, GUINNESS Marketing Manager, Diageo Western Europe said, “Arthur’s Day has always been about people coming together for unique and remarkable music experiences in pubs and venues around the country. This year, we wanted to do more and give everyone the chance to experience the magic of Arthur’s Day by making all events free and giving the public a chance to vote and help bring a headline artist to their local!” “Apart from the change from 38 ticketed music events last year to over 500 free Arthur’s Day music events this year in pubs in all 32 counties, we anticipate many more pubs will also be organising their own celebrations around the country so it promises to be the biggest Arthur’s Day yet with the Arthur Guinness Fund also directly benefiting from the celebration”. Through the Arthur Guinness Fund, Arthur’s Day supports social entrepreneurs in Ireland and around the world who are in the business of changing communities for the better. This year, for every ‘check-in’ by people to the Arthur’s Day Facebook event, a €5 donation will be made to the Arthur Guinness Fund by GUINNESS. Check out details on how to RSVP and ‘check-in' on the Guinness Ireland Facebook page.  GUINNESS will be making further exciting announcements in the coming weeks of additional international artists added to the line-up, unique performance collaborations and more surprising ways to enjoy a remarkable Arthur’s Day celebration in Ireland. Arthur’s Day celebrations are strictly over 18’s events. Facebook:        www.facebook.com/Guinnessireland http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Theatre_Festival Dublin Theatre Festival has been a major cultural and civic event in the city's calendar since 1957. The Festival is a forum for participation, celebration and togetherness. Dublin is a wonderful place, rich in songs and stories, in culture and history. It is this wealth that continues to inspire our artists and to encourage our citizens. The Festival stages major international theatre of scale, and has hosted productions by the world's most highly regarded artists, while also premiering work by the giants of Irish theatre. Asides from hundreds of main-stage productions, it presents a multitude of special events which includes master classes from the world's top practitioners, artist development programmes, film screenings, symposiums, schools workshops and panel discussions. In 2012, the Festival presented 561 performances in 21 venues and set Dublin city ablaze with the most invigorating exciting theatre in the world. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/IFI_Stranger_than_Fiction_2013IFI Stranger than Fiction, Dublin’s Documentary Film Festival is back! The hugely popular Festival which showcases the best of Irish and International documentary film, will run over 4 days from September 26th – 29th 2013. Premiering films that cross a diverse range of subjects and styles, offering a breadth of topics, expression and perspective, the Festival is designed to appeal to a wide audience – offering something for everyone. 2013 will be the 10th edition of IFI Stranger than Fiction and will feature the hottest of new international documentary film and the best of current Irish productions. Since 2001, IFI Stranger than Fiction has premiered Irish documentaries including Pyjama Girls, The Liberties, and Bloody Sunday – A Derry Diary. International hits such as The Imposter, The Yes Men Fix The World, Sleep Furiously, Forgetting Dad, and Jesus Camp and Oscar-winning documentaries such as Born Into Brothels have all had their Irish premiere at IFI Stranger than Fiction. IFI Stranger than Fiction has been inherent in promoting new Irish work and has premiered work from Irish film makers such as Paul Duane, Alan Gilsenan, Pat Collins, Tanya Doyle, Sé Merry Doyle and Barrie Dowdall. International guests to the Festival include: Bart Layton, Roger Graef OBE (Hold me tight let me go), Gideon Koppel (Sleep Furiously), Mike Bonanno (The Yes Men Fix the World), Nick Fraser (BBC Storyville), Chico Colvard (Family Affair), Matt Harlock (American: The Bill Hicks Story), and Rick Minnich (Forgetting Dad). Call For Entries: Sumission Details IFI Stranger Than Fiction is accepting entries of Irish and international short documentaries (under 20-minutes) and for Irish feature-length documentaries (over 60-minutes). International features are programmed on an invitation-only basis and no entries in this category will be accepted. All Irish feature-length entries must be Dublin premieres. For short documentaries, no premiere status is required but preference will be given to shorts that are Dublin premieres so please indicate in your submission. Films that have been broadcast on Irish television or on a channel available to Irish television audiences should not be entered and will not be considered. There is no entry fee. To enter, send two non-returnable DVDs of your film to IFI STRANGER THAN FICTION, Irish Film Institute, 6 Eustace St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Include in your package an A4 sheet with the film title, running time, credits (producer, director), a synopsis of the film of less than 300 words. Please also email these details to strangethanfiction@irishfilm.ie along with three high-resolution images from the film. Alternatively, short documentaries only can be entered by sending a link to strangerthanfiction@irishfilm.ie along with the details mentioned above. The deadline for submissions is 6pm, June 14th 2013. Full details of the 2013 IFI Stranger than Fiction programme will be announced in early August. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/TG4_Ladies_Football_FinalThe GAA's finest female players line out for the All-Ireland Football Final in Croke Park.  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Bruno_Mars_The_Moonshine_Jungle_World_TourAtlantic recording artist Bruno Mars has unveiled details of his hugely anticipated world tour. Mars scores 10th consecutive top 10 single on the billboard “hot 100”; “when i was your man” joins “locked out of heaven” in the top 10, breaking records in billboard’s chart history; The announcement of “The Moonshine Jungle World Tour” comes just as “When I Was Your Man” – the latest single from Mars’ just-released sophomore album, “Unorthodox Jukebox” – has exploded into the top 10 on Billboard’s “Hot 100” where it joins the album’s blockbuster first single, “Locked Out Of Heaven,” which recently spent six consecutive weeks atop the “Hot 100” chart. The immediate success of “When I Was Your Man” – which additionally earned honors as the week’s top “Streaming Gainer” and “Airplay Gainer” – marks the Grammy®-winner’s 10th consecutive single to hit the top 10, continuing his already-established status as the male artist with the longest streak of top 10 hits as a performer since his debut. Furthermore, the single’s chart ascension places Mars in the history books as the first male artist to simultaneously place two titles in the top 10 since his own “Grenade” and “Just The Way You Are” doubled up on the chart in December 2010/January 2011. The official companion video for “When I Was Your Man” – directed by Mars and his frequent collaborator, Cameron Duddy (“Locked Out Of Heaven,” “The Lazy Song”) – is also looking like an instant smash. “When I Was Your Man” first shot to the top 10 on the iTunes “Top Singles” chart within 48 hours of its official release last year. Bruno Mars is undoubtedly among contemporary pop’s most gifted and compelling artists. And with global sales currently certified at 40x-platinum and over 50 million singles sold worldwide, the 14-time Grammy Award nominee has fully proven himself as a true superstar. Released in October 2010, “Doo-Wops & Hooligans” was greeted with both popular success and critical acclaim from all corners of the globe. “The year’s finest pop debut,” raved Rolling Stone. “Near-flawless…(the album) delivers pleasure without pretension.” Fueled by a remarkable string of hit singles, including the multi-platinum #1 smashes, “Just The Way You Are” and “Grenade,” the album instantly confirmed Mars as a major force in modern pop music. Mars soon racked up a remarkable record of prestigious international awards and nominations, with victories including a “Best Male Pop Vocal Performance” Grammy Award (for “Just The Way You Are”), an American Music Award for “Pop or Rock Music/Favorite Male Artist,” a 2012 Brit Award (for “International Male Solo Artist”), two Teen Choice Awards, a 2012 People’s Choice Award (for “Favorite Male Artist”), a Soul Train Music Award, two MTV Europe Music Awards, two MTV Music Awards Japan, a BT Digital Music Award, an ECHO Award, and multiple 2011 Billboard Awards including “Top Male Hot 100 Artist of the Year.” As if that weren’t enough, Mars received a truly stunning assortment of 2011 and 2012 honors from ASCAP, including the ASCAP Pop Award for “Song of the Year” (for “Just The Way You Are”). In 2011, he was named to the prestigious Time 100, confirming the superstar as one of the most influential people in the world. Ticket Information: Tickets from €44.05 inclusive of booking fee are on sale from www.ticketmaster.ie and from all usual Ticketmaster outlets. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Hard_Working_Class_Heroes_2013Don’t you love being the first of your friends to source the next big thing in music, especially when it comes in the very hip form of Hard Working Class Heroes? Jamming (literally) 100 bands into 6 venues over just three days this is the Festival that will set Dublin rocking. We’re talking Meeting House Square, The Button Factory, The Workmans Club, The Mercantile, Twisted Pepper and The Grand Social hosting a bunch of box-fresh bands unleashing the newest, most original musical sounds into your ears and the world. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Ardal_O_Hanlon_Vicar_Street_2013Tickets on sale Thursday 17th January Father Ted star, Ardal O'Hanlon is delighted to present his latest stand-up show for 2013. The style is observational, the subject matter is Life itself, and the default expression is one of utter disbelief!Lurking beneath Ardal’s mild-mannered demeanor resides a sharp and probing (and fairly mild-mannered) comic brain. Sometimes thoughtful, sometimes silly, but always punchy, he has tickled audiences all over the world. In a comprehensive set, he talks about not just the things that matter but also about the things that don’t matter at all. Which covers pretty much everything. However it is as a stand-up comedian where Ardal’s true vocation lies. He sees his role in life as ‘highlighting the ridiculous.’ Avoiding the overly crass and the obvious, his only interest is the truth…if there is such a thing. “Charm, intelligence and fabulous phrase-making” - The Guardian “He flutters through a variety of topics with a poet’s eye for Inconsequential detail” – The Telegraph “Particularly inspired…you could listen to O’Hanlon’s infectious self-effacement for hours…highly entertaining and frequently brilliant” - Irish Independent Ticket Information: Tickets on sale Thursday 17th January priced €28.00 (including booking fee) from www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Janet_Devlin 17 yr old Janet Devlin had very little singing experience before The X Factor, only singing in her school, pubs and local talent shows. Janet had previously uploaded videos on to her Official channel on YouTube on a regular basis, which have now reached 10.5 Million total views Worldwide. Janet performed “Your Song” by Elton John during the audition stage of the competition. For the first live show Devlin sung “Fix You”, which was enough to convince Rowland that she deserved a place in the next live show. Following an excellent run of live performances, week 8 saw Janet performing “MMMBop” and “Under The Bridge”, which landed her in the bottom two against Misha B. Janet performed “Chasing Cars” for survival, but was voted out of the competition by judges Tulisa and Louis Walsh. Rowland refused to vote, so the majority vote was used. At the end of the series, it was revealed that Janet had received the highest number of votes for the first Four weeks of the series, which was the highest consecutive public vote out of all the 2011 contestants. News stories soon began to break out that Janet was being offered recording contracts within 35 minutes of being eliminated from the show. Janet has been in the studio writing and recording her debut album with Grammy Award winning songwriter and producer Eliot Kennedy and his team. Heavily influenced by alternative artists such as City and Colour and Devendra Banhart, Janet has recently been co-writing new tracks for her debut album with Internationally acclaimed writers including Newton Faulkner, Joshua Radin and Jack Savoretti. Ticket Information: Tickets are available online from WAV Tickets , phone: +3531890200078 (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone or creditcard bookings) Alcohol Free Event Over 14s (Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult) http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Open_House_DublinOpen House Dublin is the biggest celebration of architecture in Ireland presented by the Irish Architecture Foundation. Open House Dublin 2013 will take place from 4 to 6 October 2013. Over one weekend, almost 100 buildings of all types and periods will open up their doors to allow citizens and visitors to explore the architecture of their city, with special tours by hundreds of professionals and enthusiasts, along with other associated events, completely for free.    As the city is constantly evolving, Open House Dublin allows you to get close to buildings and urban spaces and offer a new perspective. The festival showcases the wealth and breadth of Irish architecture, from the splendour of Georgian Dublin to the breathtaking contemporary spaces and places. The event showcases the most iconic buildings in the city as well as the smallest, most beautiful interventions.   The Irish Architecture Foundation, who delivered its first Open House Dublin in 2006, has firmly established the project as Ireland’s largest architectural event with an estimated 30,600 building visits in 2012. Established in 2005, the Irish Architecture Foundation’s role is to be a vibrant and passionate organisation that excites its audiences about the value of architecture.  Open House Dublin is part of Open House Worldwide, a network of currently 19 cities on 3 continents, inviting everyone to explore and understand the value of a well-designed built environment. Open House Dublin is proudly sponsored by Dublin City Council, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Fáilte Ireland, and Dún Laoghaire County Council. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Roy_Chubby_Brown_at_The_Olympia_TheatreRoy Chubby Brown is back in Dublin for one night only at The Olympia Theatre! Get ready for a barn-storming night of jokes, banter and hilarious mickey-taking from Britain’s most outrageous comedian, bar none! Laugh till it hurts as Chubby rips into his live audiences with a non-stop battering ram of laugh-out-loud comedy guaranteed!  Roy “Chubby” Brown is a modern day phenomenon. He has become a huge superstar without appearing on television, some may say his success is because he does not appear on our T.V screens. His videos and DVD’s sell in millions and his live appearance are ‘sell outs’ months in advance. His outrageous material is considered by many to be offensive, however he has always warned his audience “If easily offended please stay away” .This warning has worked in his favour, forbidden fruit! His comic appearance multi-coloured funny suit and flying helmet is not far removed from the traditional circus clown. His delivery, style, comic songs, funny walk/dance is all contained in a genuinely funny man. He is a lovely man off-stage and it is a joy to be in his company, he laughs at himself, (well he is 19 stones) his wife, other people, and life itself. His material is never static, he reviews the newspapers every day and will constantly find comedy within. His philosophy, find one funny piece every day, over a year that is a lot of material. He has had 18 DVD’s released, 5 box sets and a huge cinema movie UFO. He has toured the UK selling out theatres for the past 25 years. He has toured Australia, New Zealand, and played concerts in the Far East and the USA. The popular cult television show ‘The League of Gentlemen’ named a village after him ‘Royston Vasey’ and asked him to play the Mayor. Tickets from €30 including booking fee are on sale from www.ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets nationwide http://www.visitdublin.com/event/John_Fullbright“I have no doubt that in a short time, John Fullbright will be a household name in American Music” – Jimmy Webb Introducing John Fullbright - Debut Album ‘From the Ground Up’ out now! Quite simply, 23-year-old John Fullbright is one of the most exciting singer-songwriters to emerge this decade. His astonishing debut album (Blue Dirt Records/Thirty Tigers) features 12 original songs bursting with a musical and lyrical prowess that belie his youth. Born in Woody Guthrie’s hometown of Okemah, Oklahoma, he grew up surrounded by a rich musical heritage. He started playing the piano at 5 and learned to play guitar at the legendary Blue Door eventually supporting Joe Ely and Jimmy Webb. His songs capture an America not heard on disc for a very long time and conjure up an authenticity that recalls all the greats. From the opening chords of ‘Gawd Above’ written through God’s perspective to the closing beauty of ‘Song for A Child’, John Fullbright marks his arrival in some style. One of the highlights of this year’s SXSW, John Fullbright has spent much of the year touring the USA where this album came out last May. ‘From the Ground Up’ is a lyrically diverse, genre-spanning collection of memorable songs with staggering depth and promise. His voice smoulders and his songs catch fire. ‘From the Ground Up’ is that all too rare creature: an album to cherish and admire. “…Telling stories that shed light on the human condition. Musically, he incorporates folk blues, gospel and Americana rock elements.” - LA Times "This spring's most appealing albums…if anyone came in doubting the groundswell of buzz that's building around him and his From the Ground Up, they left convinced of his talents." - Wall Street Journal Ticket Information: Tickets priced €16.00 (including booking fee) go on sale Thursday, 23rd May available from www.ticketmaster.ie and outlets nationwide.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Lil_Wayne Concert Dates Rescheduled for Wednesday 9th October; Tickets will Be Honered The tour was originally slated to kick off in Dublin, Ireland on March 8th but has been postponed until the fall, in order to accommodate the release of Lil Wayne’s tenth studio album, I Am Not A Human Being II. You can’t compare any other artist out there to me,” the charismatic Lil Wayne rightfully declares. “They are them, I am me. Nobody can do what I can. I am the best at what I do and that’s everything.” Arguably the most original, genre-redefining, prodigiously talented and best-selling hip-hop artist of the past decade, Lil Wayne is celebrated for his electric stage show and energetic live performances. In 2011, Lil Wayne lodged one of the top ten most successful tours of the year with his “I Am Still Music” tour, which grossed $47 million with performances across three continents: North America, Africa and Australia. This forthcoming tour marks Wayne’s first time performing in Europe since 2009. Lil Wayne is set to release his heavily anticipated tenth studio album, I Am Not A Human Being 2, in early 2013. The first single, “No Worries” featuring Detail, is available now on digital retailers and has impacted radio. Wayne’s most recent album, Tha Carter IV (Cash Money Records), released in August 2011, was the highest-selling hip-hop album of the year. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, selling over 964,000 copies in its first week, making it the second highest week one sales of 2011, second only to Lady Gaga's Born This Way.   In September 2012 it was announced that Lil Wayne overthrew Elvis's record, when Lil Wayne secured 109 entries on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, beating the 108 posted by the late Elvis Presley between 1958 and 2003. Support on this tour comes from Mac Miller. The rapidly rising star has gone from being a local sensation in his native Pittsburgh to selling out venues all across the United States and Europe. A multi-talented musician who can play numerous instruments and a young novice of the freestyle/cipher/battle circuit of his hometown, he was inspired by artists such as The Beastie Boys, Outkast and Big L to develop his own art of rhyme and to deliver his jaw dropping freestyles. In November 2011, Mac became the first independent artist to debut at #1 on the Billboard album charts since 1995 with his Blue Slide Park project.  He is currently preparing his sophomore release Watching Movies With The Sound Off which will be released in 2013. Ticket information: Tickets go on sale this Friday 7th December at 8.00am via Ticketmaster.ie By telephone +353818719300 http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Kieran_GossLong hailed as one of Ireland's leading songwriters and performers, Kieran Goss’s music has won him fans across the globe. But if his songs have made him a star, his live shows have made him a legend–live on stage is where Kieran Goss really shines. It has been 10 years since Kieran Goss last appeared at the Olympia Theatre and 6 years since his last Irish tour, but a quick look at his website will explain why: almost 200 shows a year, every year, touring in six different countries. Kieran explains: “I never intended to stop touring in Ireland–it just worked out that I was touring more and more abroad in recent years as my audience grew, particularly in Germany, the U.K. and Canada. But I've made a decision that I want to play more in Ireland and I'm delighted to be asked to play at the Olympia. I've had some of the best nights there in the past and I know that the show on October 11th will be no different. It feels like a homecoming to me.” This is a rare chance to see Kieran performing live. Don’t miss it! “I've toured with Kieran and watched him perform many times. I've seen him win the hearts of everyone in the room, not just with his great songs and instinctive musicality, but with his warmth and humour. It's the performance of an artist at the top of his game, delivered with intelligence and integrity...Kieran Goss is one of Ireland's national treasures.” Rodney Crowell “The sense of fun is tremendous, the playing first rate and the songs are sheer quality. The encores were genuine, but only because the man is too.” The Irish Times “Kieran Goss is one of the most gifted performers around today. He has an amazing ability to reach out to his audience and connect with them in a very special way. This guy is the real deal, and that's what makes him the star he is.” Don Williams Ticket Information: Tickets for Kieran Goss at The Olympia Theatre on Friday 11th October cost €19, €27, €30 including booking fee on sale now via www.ticketmaster.ie and all usual ticketmaster outlets nationwide http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Micky_Flanagan_Back_In_The_Game_TourMicky Flanagan has added an extra Irish show due to phenomenal demand for tickets. He will bring his new tour ‘Back In The Game’to The O2 on Saturday 12th October 2013. Micky Flanagan – one of British comedy’s biggest stars – will travel the length and breadth of the UK & Ireland for what will be the most anticipated comedy tour of 2013. The ‘Back In The Game’ tour follows on from the huge critical and commercial success of last year’s ‘Out Out’ tour where over 200,000 tickets were sold and all 150 dates a sell out. The DVD - ‘Micky Flanagan Live: The Out Out Tour’ -- has been the number 1 selling stand up DVD in 2012 with his show stealing performances on the small screen earning him a prestigious British Comedy Award nomination and The Sun’s Comedian Of The Year Award. Micky has appeared on The Royal Variety Performance, Mock The Week, Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats – amongst others – and next year will cement his reputation as one of the superstars of British Stand Up. “Shakes the rafters with laughter ....” Evening Standard “Gut-wrenchingly hilarious”  – Daily Mirror “Excellent, funny and poignant” - The Observer “Side-splitting” The Sunday Times Ticket Information: Tickets from €33.50 including booking fee are on sale Friday now from www.ticketmaster.ie and all usual ticektmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Rep_of_Ireland_v_Kazakhstan_FIFA_World_Cup_QualifierIreland play Kazakhstan in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier on the October 15 2013. More details TBC.http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Roisin_ORóisín O has announced her first big hometown headline show of the year in Whelan's on Friday, October 18th. She will be returning fresh from her debut US shows this summer and will be debuting a new live set, along with some more big announcements to make ahead of the show. Róisín O recently performed for 'Glaoch ThePresident's Call', as part of a special Saint Patrick's Day 2013 broadcast on RTÉ from Áras an Uachtaráin, alongside other Irish performers such as Bono, Christy Moore,Glen Hansard, Imelda May, The Script, and Lisa Hannigan. The programme receiving ratings of over 900,000viewers. Fans will have a chance to catch up with Roisin and her Band's highly polished live set  that has impressed anyone who saw  them support both The Coronas in The O2 Dublin, and Lionel Richie in The O2 Dublin & the Odyssey Arena, Belfast. Ticket Information: Tickets €12 available from online at www.ticketmaster.ie  and all usual Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Keywest_Vicar_Street"Keywest are reminiscent of Bands from their home land like U2 and Snow Patrol...a vocalist who hits notes most singers can only dream of reaching, simply put these guys are incredible live , potentially the next international super stars". L.A. magazine Keywest recently signed in the US to global publishing giant Peer Music following the release of their highly acclaimed debut album ‘The Message’ which saw 4 successful chart topping single releases. They have gone from writing and producing songs in their garage in Artane, to busking on Grafton Street, Dublin & Shop Street, Galway to selling out Nationwide tours. They have also become one of the most played acts on the Irish Radio and have emerged as one of Ireland’s rawest, most exciting talents - a must see live act in 2013. Teaming up in L.A with Multi Grammy Nominated Mixer/Producer Mark Needham (The Killers, Pink, My Chemical Romance) and the likes of Dan Frampton (The Script)  they released their album "The Message" which went straight in to the top 20.  They are putting the finishing touches to their second album which they wrote and recorded in L.A and London. The success of this Irish/English outfit is driven by their ever growing and loyal fan base – they have over 20,000 Facebook & Twitter followers & have raked up over 1.3million views on youtube. Keywest have sold out shows in the Academy & The Button Factory and now make the highly anticipated step up to Vicar St. Ticket Information: Tickets go on sale this Friday 17th May. Early bird tickets priced €10 (including booking fee), followed by full price tickets priced €19 (including booking fee) available from www.ticketmaster.ie and outlets nationwide. This show is 16+. Under 18's to be accompanied by an adult http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Jose_CarrerasThe World Renowned Tenor With Special Guest Soprano Celine Byrne, The Opera Petite Ensemble Quartet and Pianist Lorenzo Bavaj. Tickets priced from €79.50* on sale Friday 26th April The evening promises to be intimate affair as the Tenor will be joined on stage by guest Soprano Ms Celine Byrne, a native of County Kildare, who wooed both her audience and Mr Carreras when she appeared along side the artist at Killruddery in 2010. Mr Carreras, easily the most famous Tenor of our time, last appeared in Ireland in 2010 to a packed amphitheatre in Killruddery House and Gardens where his performance gained immense praise from all reviewers. Mr Carreras, a native of Barcelona, was first inspired to explore his gift at 6 years of age when he heard Mario Lanza perform. He followed the Great Caruso on to the stage at the tender age of 11 and has been wooing audiences and melting hearts ever since. ‘I am very much looking forward to visiting Ireland again’ Mr Carreras says. ‘Irish people have such a love of music and art it is always a pleasure to perform in their company’. Commenting on the venue the Tenor added ‘It will be my first appearance in the new Dublin Theatre which I understand lets the audience and performers thoroughly share the intimacy of the evening, which is very satisfying’ http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dine_In_DublinDine in Dublin, the bi-annual event brought to you by Dublintown.ie, returns again on Monday 21st to Sunday 27th  to celebrate the fantastic food offering in Dublin’s city centre. The week-long event promotes city centre dining and showcases offerings of city centre eateries through fantastic value meals, specials offers, and great events. The Dine in Dublin experience is not just about ‘dining’ but also about getting out and ‘doing’, so whether diners are passionate about food or simply want a new experience, Dine in Dublin has something to suit every palate. In the past, restaurants have served mouth-watering menus including a starter, main course and dessert which included a 20% saving off regular á la carte menus. Diners can expect similar offers again this time with additional offers and events from both bars and cafés.  This year’s Dine in Dublin brings together a unique mix of demonstrations, competitions, prosecco evenings, wine-tastings, trad sessions, belly dancing events, and much more. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Tindersticks_21st_Anniversary_ConcertTickets on sale Friday March 8th @ 9.00am Tindersticks are 21 this year, 20 years since the release of their groundbreaking first album. "...Tindersticks is sprawling, ambitious, faltering, brilliant, romantic, spontaneous, spooky, flawed and delightful. About f**king time." - MELODY MAKER, ALBUM OF THE YEAR 1993 Along the way they have made 8 more studio albums, music for film, museums, fashion shows, installations, they have toured the world, played with various orchestras, dueted and collaborated with many great singers and musicians, lost their mojo, split up, rearranged, reformed, found their mojo and in 2012 made what they , and many others , consider to their finest album: The something rain. 2013 will see the release and tour of ‘Across six leap years’ a retrospective recording session and album and a tour of Europe’s capital cities upon its release in October. The year will also see ‘Les Salauds’ a new soundtrack work for the renowned film director Claire Denis. Stuart A. Staples, the bands singer/writer will also release the book ‘Singing Skies’ with his wife, painter, Suzanne Osborne. A collaboration featuring her work from ‘A year in small paintings’ and the first time Stuart’s songs have been written down. Other exciting special releases, events and appearances are also being planned to mark this anniversary year. Ticket Information: Tickets on sale Friday March 8th @ 9.00am priced €33.50 (including booking fee) from www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.     http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Bram_Stoker_Festival Dates to be confirmed 3 days, over 30 events, 3 strands – Film & Theatre, Street Animation, Literary Dublin City will celebrate the life, work and legacy of Irish horror novelist Bram Stoker and his gothic novel 'Dracula'.  The three-day festival will peel back the layers of the city to reveal Stoker's Dublin. Prepare for a  weekend for all the family with walking tours through the lane-ways and hidden steps of the Victorian macabre of the city; literary workshops exploring horror writing with award winning authors for both teens and adults; Stoker-themed theatre, lively discussions on all things vampire, and a highlight being an evening of spooky spectacle from renowned street theatre company Spraoi in the grounds of Dublin Castle.  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Marathon Dublin Marathon 2013, one of the great European city marathons, takes place in Dublin City on the October Bank Holiday. This will be the 34th year of this great event which is run through the capital's historic Georgian streets and its magnificent Phoenix Park. Thousands of boisterous spectators will line the route and in fact, such is the buzz from the crowd, that overseas participants in the Dublin Marathon have dubbed it the 'friendly marathon'.   Dublin is only an hour by air from most UK and European cities, and a large number of the expected entry of 14,500 will be made up of overseas runners, many of whom will be returning to sample Irish hospitality once more. So why not come and experience the occasion for yourself? A warm and friendly welcome is guaranteed. But be warned, once you have tried it, you'll want to come back again!   Enter online or by contacting us. Entries must be received by 5.00pm on October 1st. There will be no late entries at registration or on race day. Once entry is confirmed by e-mail we cannot refund or exchange numbers. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/West_Side_StoryTickets on sale Friday 29th March Bb promotion in collaboration with Sundance productions inc., NY and Howard Panter for Ambassador Theatre Group are delighted to announce the international sell out hit “west side story” coming to Dublin this autumn. This production of “west side story” features the entire original Jerome Robbins choreography. Over christmas 2012, this production played a completely sold out season at the Chatelet Theatre in Paris, having previously sold out in cities around the world, including Sydney, Melbourne, Tokyo, Berlin, Madrid, and Beijing. This production was last seen in the UK in 2008/9 when it also sold out for a season at Sadler’s wells and played to capacity houses throughout a year long UK tour. “west side story” changed the course of musical theatre when it opened on Broadway in 1957 and it still remains one of the most successful stage shows of all time. The 1961 film version won ten academy awards. Based on Romeo and Juliet, “west side story” is set on Manhattan’s upper west side and explores the rivalry between two teenage gangs; one white, the other puerto rican. When tony falls in love with Maria, the sister of the rival gang’s leader, the feud takes on a new dimension, and as their love blossoms so begins a fatal journey overshadowed by violence and hatred. The score includes the unforgettable songs ‘maria’, ‘tonight’, ‘somewhere’, ‘america’ and ‘i feel pretty’. This production is directed and choreographed by Joey Mckneely using the full original Jerome Robbins choreography. Joey is the former assistant to Jerome Robbins. He has worked extensively on Broadway where his choreography credits include “smokey joe’s café” (tony award nomination) and “the boy from oz” starring Hugh Jackman. His other credits include Hal Prince’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “whistle down the wind” and Nicholas Hytner’s production of “twelfth night”. Ticket Information: Tickets from €17.50 on sale Friday 29th March from online at www.ticketmaster.ie and all usual Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Billy_JoelTickets go on sale Thursday 30th May at 9.00am Aiken Promotions announced that BILLY JOEL will return to Dublin for the first time in seven years to perform at The O2 on Friday 1 November 2013 in what will be his first time ever performing at an indoor venue in Ireland.   Having sold more than 150 albums worldwide, Billy Joel is one of the most popular and well-respected entertainers in the world. The six-time Grammy Award Winner has also earned numerous awards and honors including induction into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, The Songwriters Hall of Fame, The Tony Award, The Billboard Century Award, and the RIAA Diamond Award.  Recently, the legendary composer was honored by Steinway &Sons with a painted portrait that hangs in Steinway Hall in New York City, the first non-classical pianist to be immortalized in the collection. As a humanitarian, Billy Joel was honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year and has launched an educational initiative providing endowments and musical scholarships to a variety of universities and music schools. Ticket Information: Tickets go on sale from sale Thursday 30th May at 9.00am  from all Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide and online at www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Delorentos_Vicar_Street“The sound of a band who have found their musical and lyrical groove.” - Irish Times “One of the finest Irish releases of recent times” - www.entertainment.ie “The Little Sparks EP hinted that Delorentos had some new tricks up their sleeve, but it didn’t fully prepare the listener for the quality and consistency of this hugely assured album.” - Irish Independent Early Bird tickets on sale now €10 (including booking fee)! Dublin-based Delorentos are delighted to announce a headline show in Vicar Street, Dublin on 1st November. Early bird tickets €10 (including booking fee) on sale now, followed by full price tickets priced €17 (including booking fee) available from www.ticketmasterie and outlets nationwide. After a dizzyingly great year in 2012 - that saw the band release their 3rd album, Little Sparks (Delo Records), to a hail of fantastic media reaction, the band knuckled down to a touring schedule that saw them playing the length and breadth of Europe winning new fans every step of the way and climaxing with a sold out Vicar Street show just before Christmas. 2013 started with a bang! Delorentos won the Meteor Choice Music Prize Irish Album of the Year for Little Sparks and were in Dublin airport at 6am the next morning to start a very successful whistle-stop tour of North America (New York, Austin’s SXSW, Memphis, Toronto’s CMW) and Russia – from the sublime to the absolutely freezing!! Amidst all of this activity an email from the office of the President of Ireland arrived congratulating the band on their Irish Album of the Year success and inviting them to play at The President’s annual Garden Party this summer! Meanwhile the band’s summer schedule is suitably full of interesting shows and festivals – including a month of festivals in Spain as well as Summer shows in Paris and Vienna http://www.visitdublin.com/event/KT_TunstallAhead of her sold out show in The Pepper Canister Church, KT Tunstall has announced details of a second headline show in The Olympia theatre Dublin on the 1st of November. Tickets for this very special show go sale Friday 24th May at 9.00am from Ticketmaster outlets and online from www.ticketmaster.ie. Tickets priced at €25.50 including booking fee. Multi-platinum selling singer songwriter KT Tunstall is set to release her much-anticipated fourth studio album ‘Invisible Empire // Crescent Moon’ through Virgin Records on 10th June. Starting in May, the summer will see a run of dates, giving the new material its first live airing. Since scoring a worldwide hit with her debut album Eye To The Telescope in 2005, which went on to sell more than 4 million copies worldwide and over 1.8m in the UK alone (and a million plus in the US), KT Tunstall has remained at the forefront of UK singer-songwriter talent. Two critically acclaimed albums, Drastic Fantastic and Tiger Suit followed in 2007 and 2010 respectively, keeping the platinum sales rolling and cementing the Scottish songstress’s reputation as a major recording talent, as well as a mesmerising live artist. ‘Invisible Empire // Crescent Moon’ represents a return to the delicate simplicity of KT’s early work and an evolution of her sound, with its country-folk tinged undercurrents. Travelling to Tucson, Arizona to record her new album with alt-country leading light Howe Gelb (AKA Giant Sand) KT describes the stunning album as "full of songs from the heart”. Ticket Information: Tickets for this very special show go sale Friday 24th May at 9.00am from Ticketmaster outlets and online from www.ticketmaster.ie. Tickets priced at €25.50 including booking fee. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Lloyd_Cole_solo_acoustic_showTickets on sale Thursday 18th April Lloyd Cole will release his new album ‘Standards’ on 24th June ’13 on Tapete Records.  Recorded in late 2012 to early 2013 in Los Angeles, New York and at his home in Easthampton, Massachusetts, ‘Standards’ is produced by Lloyd and mixed by maverick German producer Olaf Opal.  All songs are by Lloyd Cole apart from ‘California Earthquake’, which was written by American folk artist John Hartford. Inspired in part by the vitality he found in septuagenarian Dylan’s acclaimed 2012 album ‘Tempest’ - says Cole, 52: “I took it as a kick up the backside…” – ‘Standards’ is a gloriously electric rock’n’roll record and arguably the best thing he has made since his groundbreaking debut with the Commotions, 1984’s ‘Rattlesnakes’. The band Lloyd assembled for ‘Standards’ comprises Fred Maher (Material, Scritti Politti, Lou Reed) on drums and Matthew Sweet on bass reforming the rhythm section from Lloyd’s debut solo album 1990’s ‘Lloyd Cole’ and its follow up ‘91’s ‘Don’t Get Weird On Me Babe’.  With Joan (As Police Woman) Wasser on piano/backing vocals, and Lloyd not only singing but playing synths amidst some of the crispest, stormiest, most stinging electric guitar, it’s a tight ship with a tight sound which tautens and relaxes according to the temper of the song.  Augmenting the basic band are Mark Schwaber, Matt Cullen and Lloyd’s son Will on guitars, Commotions keyboardist Blair Cowan, percussionist Michael Wyzik and backing vocalist and Negative Dave Derby. Says Lloyd: “I wanted to make an album with a small fixed palette of sounds, like a Van Gogh, like ‘Highway 61’.  The format is supposedly dead, but I still want to make albums. Not bunches of songs - albums.  For the last 10 years I’ve been primarily an acoustic musician but this is an album for electric guitars, electric bass and loud drums, with piano and a synthesizer for measure.  Not quite monochrome, then, but not ever-changing either: it has a sound.” Ticekt Information: Tickets on sale Thursday 18th April priced €25.00 (including booking fee) available from www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Silent_AbbeyTheatreSilent is the touching and challenging story of homeless McGoldrig, who once had splendid things. But he has lost it all, including his mind. He now dives into the wonderful wounds of this past through the romantic world of Rudolph Valentino. Fishamble return to the Abbey Theatre with this theatrical, beautiful production that delves into the dark corners of the Irish psyche. We are delighted to present Silent once again on the Peacock stage following its run here in 2012 and its 2011 national and international tour. During its run at Dancebase for the Edinburgh Fringe, Fishamble and Pat Kinevane won both Fringe First and Herald Angel awards. Get to know the show with this interview from RTÉ Radio 1 – Today with Pat Kenny ‘a striking performance under Jim Culleton’s effective direction…a moving story, which, until its end, pulses with the erratic noise of life’ – Irish Times ‘riveting’ – Sunday Times ‘a must-see if ever there was one’ – The List ‘fabulous dance of whirling words..a bravura outpouring of sorrow, anger, hurt and lacerating wit’ – The Herald (Scotland) ‘unflinching, intensely physical performance..bristling with black humour’ – The Scotsman ‘remarkable range of styles and devices…to be in that audience was to experience a rare synergy between performer and the performed-to’ – Irish Independent Booking details: Wednesday 6 November – Saturday 7 December on the Peacock stage Time: Wednesday – Saturday 8pm http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Beatles_Festival_2013Various venues in Dublin City Centre Yes. A Festival celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Beatles in Ireland can only be held in 2013 as the band performed in Dublin only in 1963; two performances in the Adelphi on Abbey Street. 5,200 audience members attended those performances and thousands of ecstatic fans thronged the streets, causing near riots, a sight never before seen in the city, and key to the development of a 'youth culture' in Ireland. In celebration of The Gathering, the Dublin Beatles Festival intends to put out a special call for those who attended the 1963 gigs to come and stay in Dublin in November 2013 and attend Festival events. Many well-known Irish people were there in '63 including a 12 year old Bob Geldof. We particularly intend to target the UK and US markets as these were countries receiving a large influx of Irish emigrants from the '60s to the '80s. We have had approaches from a number of tv documentary production companies who wish to work with us prior to and during the Festival and would hope to use a documentary to highlight the 'return home' of potential candidates. We will also highlight their Irish roots. John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison were particularly proud of their Irish heritage. George's mother took the opportunity of their Dublin performances to come and stay with her cousins in Drumcondra. Liverpool, of course, has been referred to as the 'real capital of Ireland'! We will be issuing our next press release on November 7th, 2012 (next week) and will include our call-out. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Depeche_Mode_The_Delta_Machine_World_TourTickets on sale Friday 12 April at 9.00am DEPECHE MODE, one of modern music's most influential groups with album sales in excess of 100 million, will bring The Delta Machine World Tour to Dublin this November. It was announced today that Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Andy Fletcher will play the The O2 on Saturday 9 November. Tickets go on sale Friday 12 April at 9am from all usual outlets. Depeche Mode’s European summer tour has enjoyed sensational sales success and due to overwhelming demand, the pioneers of electronic music, have announced a second leg of dates for their ‘Delta Machine World Tour’. Celebrating over three decades at the top of the musical landscape, Depeche Mode have recently released their hotly anticipated 13th studio album, Delta Machine. The album has been described by one critic as the best, most powerful, gothic, twisted, electronic album since Violator. “I’m really looking forward to getting out there and performing. There are so many die hard Depeche Mode fans who have been with us every step of this journey that I can’t wait to see. I also hope that we gain some new fans with the release of Delta Machine, and I look forward to exposing them to a great Depeche Mode live performance," said Dave Gahan. Martin Gore added, “I enjoy being in front of an audience because our songs really take on a life of their own when performed live. When we’re performing, the stage almost becomes a mirror for the people who have been there since the beginning, and we become a reflection of our audience. I’m looking forward to this tour for that very reason.” Ticket Information: Tickets for go on sale Friday 12th April at 9.00am, Book on line www.ticketmaster.ie Also available from all usual Ticketmaster outlets http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Rachel_SermanniHighland troubadour Rachel Sermanni has been casting spells across the country with her beautifully crafted folk-noir. The Scottish singer has supported Mumford & Sons, Michael Kiwanuka and Elvis Costello winning over audiences with her range of captivating ballads. Guy Garvey has described Rachel’s voice as ‘quite astonishing’ and the Elbow frontman isn’t wrong. Rachel mixes up fast flowing poetical verses, rousing choruses and tender moments with ease.  “As close to a perfect folk record your likely to hear this year”, says The Line of Best Fit . “Folk Noir Gem - The Times “Striking” - MOJO “Folk of the highest order” - Time Out “A pure Delight” - Sunday Mail Ticket Information: Tickets on sale Thursday May 16th priced €15 (including booking fee) from www.tickets.ie, www.ticketmaster.ie and outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_NationalTickets on sale Thursday 11th April at 9.00am Having sold out their show at the Marquee in Cork on June 28th in just over an hour, The National have now confirmed two more Irish concerts in Belfast and Dublin in November. The National have also announced their sixth studio album “Trouble Will Find Me” which is released May 17th in Ireland and May 20th in the UK on 4AD. Trouble Will Find Me, The National’s new album will be released on 4AD on May 21st  .  This is the sixth studio album for the Brooklyn band, and follows 2010’s critical and commercial success High Violet. The album is the most self-assured collection of songs produced by The National in its 14-year career. In an interview with UK’s UNCUT Magazine, front man Matt Berninger described the songs as more “immediate and visceral” than their previous work. Trouble Will Find Me possesses a directness, a coherency and an approachability that suggests The National are at their most confident.   After a 22-month tour following the release of High Violet the band returned home. Regardless of plans to wait to record new music for another year or two, guitarist Aaron Dessner began working on sketches of new songs that the other members were too inspired by to not fully realize. Matt confesses, “For the past ten years we’d been chasing something, wanting to prove something. And this chase was about trying to disprove our own insecurities. After touring High Violet, I think we felt like we’d finally gotten there. Now we could relax—not in terms of our own expectations but we didn’t have to prove our identity any longer.” The results are simultaneously breakthrough and oddly familiar, the culmination of an artistic journey that has led The National both to a new crest and, somehow, back to their beginnings—when, says Aaron, “our ideas would immediately click with each other. It’s free-wheeling again. The songs on one level are our most complex, and on another they’re our most simple and human. It just feels like we’ve embraced the chemistry we have.”   In advance of the release, the documentary Mistaken For Strangers will premiere at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival as the festival opener on April 17th. The film, directed by Tom Berninger, follows The National on its biggest tour to date. Newbie roadie Tom (lead singer Matt Berninger’s younger brother) is a heavy metal and horror movie enthusiast, and can’t help but put his own spin on the experience. Inevitably, Tom’s moonlighting as an irreverent documentarian creates drama on the road. The film is a touching look at two very different brothers and an entertaining story of artistic aspiration.   Following the May 21st release of Trouble Will Find Me, The National will embark on a world tour. Highlights include Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Bonnaroo Arts & Music Festival, the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles and Red Rocks Amphitheater and for a sold-out show in The Marquee in Cork, which sold-out in a record time in just under an hour! Formed in 1999, The National consists of vocalist Matt Berninger fronting two pairs of brothers: Aaron (guitar, bass, piano) and Bryce Dessner (guitar), and Scott (bass, guitar) and Bryan Devendorf (drums).  Their first full-lengths, The National and Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers, and a crucial mini-album, Cherry Tree, preceded their signing to Beggars Banquet in 2004. Alligator (2005), included underground anthem “Mr. November,” and raised their profile as the National grew into an incendiary live band. Boxer (2007), featuring songs like “Fake Empire”, “Mistaken For Strangers” and “Start A War,” sold over three times as many copies as its predecessor. The National's 2010 release, High Violet sold over 600,000 copies and was widely recognized for its critical and commercial success around the world and hit platinum in Ireland. Both individually and collectively The National’s members have been involved in countless artistic, charitable and socio-political pursuits.  Ticket Information: Tickets go on sale Thursday 11th April at 9.00am from on line www.ticketmaster.ie  also available from all usual Ticketmaster outlets http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Stereophonics_November_TourTickets will be available at 9.00am this Friday, March 22nd With their sublime new LP ‘Graffiti On The Train’ just released, Stereophonics have announced date at The O2 in November. The Telegraph called ‘Graffiti On The Train’ “a tough and tender pop rock gem in which every track punches above its weight,” and the album – written by Kelly Jones and produced by Kelly and Jim Lowe – also sees the four-piece collaborate with David Arnold, who arranged strings on several tracks. It features the current single ‘Indian Summer’, their 26th top 40 hit, as well as the dark and compelling ‘In A Moment’. Stereophonics are: Kelly Jones- vocals/guitar, Richard Jones-bass, Adam Zindani –guitar and Jamie Morrison – drums. Ticket Information: Tickets will be available at 9.00am this Friday, March 22nd from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and online at www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/romeo_and_julietRomeo and Juliet meet at a ball and fall passionately in love. But their families are sworn enemies, divided by a bitter feud. The Tchaikovsky Perm State Ballet are returning to Dublin in November after their highly successful performances of Swan Lake and The Nutcracker last December – and they will be presenting Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet – with choreography by Kenneth MacMillan “A  tragic tale of star-crossed lovers: Kenneth MacMillan’s poignant Ballet is a twentieth century classic” To be premiered in Russia in May, The Tchaikovsky Perm State Ballet will be accompanied by The RTE National Symphony Orchestra in Dublin. “This will be the biggest production we have ever staged in Ireland, enthused the organiser Simon Walton of International leisure and Arts, “it is the same version as presented by The Royal ballet  (originally starring Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn) and The American Ballet Theatre.  I am really excited that our audiences are going to see something very special!” Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy has never been interpreted better or more beautifully. Running time: 3 hours, including 2 intervals. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Book_Festival_2013This year's Dublin Book Festival has a packed programme of events, almost entirely free of charge with readings, interviews, debates, book launches and workshops for adults, children and schools – as well as a number of special guest appearances. Events take place in and around Smock Alley Theatre which was, throughout the eighteenth century, predominantly home to printers and publishers. It is very fitting that the Dublin Book Festival which celebrates Irish publishing and Irish-published authors should return to this area. The central aim of the festival is to create a community atmosphere in which to show the diversity, vitality and talent of Irish publishers and writers. Wondering what to do with the children during the cold winter days? A vibrant children's programme of free weekend events is in store for them. Children will be able to hang out at the Children's Corner to read or try their hand at writing their own story. You can get an early start on your Christmas shopping in the festival bookshop, learn more about Dublin's literary history on walking tours, listen to readings and talks from your favourite authors, ask the questions you've always wanted to, get your books signed and enjoy a cup of coffee with a good book. The Dublin Book Festival confidently promises something for everyone and – there is plenty to entertain and inspire this November. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Nathan_Carter He made his Dublin debut in March to a sold out Olympia Theatre. Now Nathan Carter announces his return on Saturday 16th November due to overwhelming demand. The affable twenty two year old singer with the film star good looks has already recorded four CDs and a hugely successful DVD in his short career to date. Some of his hit songs, include `One For The Road` and `Caledonia` - his single “Wagon Wheel” was a huge hit with RTE Radio 1 and Today FM. His current single “Where I Wanna Be” is climbing the charts by the day. Described by many in the music media as a `breath of fresh air` to the Irish Country music scene, Nathan Carter has brought a whole new generation of country music fans on board. Nathan and the band have a highly polished live show gained from constant touring for the past three years. And with a high tech stage set with video walls, pyrotechnics and special effects they have justifiably earned their reputation for putting on a great live show.  Don’t miss country music’s brightest star with his band at The Olympia Theatre on Saturday 16th November. Ticket Information: Tickets from €23 including booking fee are on sale fro www.ticketmaster.ie and all usual ticektmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Sigur_RosSigur Rós announce details of their new studio album. Titled Kveikur, the album is Sigur Rós’s first since signing to XL Recordings worldwide and will be released on 17th / 18th June 2013.   To mark the news, the band today reveal new song “Brennisteinn”, the first track to be taken from Kveikur which was self-produced by the three members of Sigur Rós: Jón Þór Birgisson, Georg Holm and Orri Páll Dýrason. It’s accompanied by an Andrew Huang-directed video that can be viewed right now at www.sigur-ros.co.uk  As fans who’ve heard new songs performed on the band’s current tour will testify, “Brennisteinn” marks a shift towards a more direct, aggressive sound on the new record.   To further celebrate the announcement, and to preview the band’s forthcoming 25th March show at New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden, Sigur Rós are also set to appear on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon tonight. The live performance will see them playing another new song from Kveikur.   Meanwhile, Sigur Rós will play a series of European dates in November, including their biggest ever Irish headline show at The O2, Dublin on Saturday 16th November.   Ticket Information: Tickets priced €40.00 inclusive of booking fee go on general sale on Thursday 28th March at 9am from Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Three_PhantomsCelebrating the World’s Greatest Musicals! Star cast to be announced Three Phantoms from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s eponymous musical are set to haunt, host and perform in a unique event where musical theatre meets the Rat Pack! Three Phantoms features songs from Les Misérables, West Side Story, Spamalot, Kiss Me Kate, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Rock of Ages and Wicked to name but a few. This unmissable concert concludes by celebrating what has become the world’s most successful entertainment phenomenon, the story of The Phantom of the Opera. “Simply phenomenal” whatsonstage Ticket Information: Tickets are on sale from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and online at www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/KodalineThursday 21st (tickets on sale now), Friday 22nd (Sold Out) & Saturday 23rd (Sold Out) November 2013 Due to phenomenal public demand Dublin natives Kodaline have added a third and final date at The Olympia Theatre on Thursday, November 21st 2013. Following what can only be described as an incredible breakout year, Dublin natives Kodaline  have announced details of three exclusive headline performances at The Olympia Theatre on Thursday 21st, Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd November 2013. Two years ago, Steve and his childhood friend Mark Prendergast helped each other through respective recent break-ups by shaping their thoughts into songs about love and loss. “Break-ups make it really easy to write,” laughs blonde-haired Steve. “When we write music, the first thing we think of is, it’s therapy for us. Then we think of how we can use that feeling to touch as many people as possible.” Teaching each other the principles of songcraft, the music they came up with isn’t wan or introspective or self-serving. Currently maintaining an air of understated mystery (their Facebook bio states, merely, “we’re four lads in a band”), Kodaline are soon set to unveil themselves to the world with the four track The Kodaline EP - recorded with Steve Harris (producer for Dave Matthews band, mixer for U2); four tracks that are bold, epic and stirring and the perfect introduction to a band who aren’t afraid of grand gestures. Steve and Mark met aged eight, when they were the only boys in the school choir. “We were there to pick up girls, of course,” jokes Mark. The pair though grew up in houses just two minutes away from each other in Swords, a working class town near Dublin airport. Six years later, at a youth retreat, Mark and Steve were placed in the same house and both took guitars. A musical bond was formed over late night singalongs. Returning to Swords, they recruited another childhood friend Vinny. “Swords is a small place, for a big town,” says Steve, and the three of them set about forming the first of myriad bands. It is with Kodaline though that Steve, Mark and Vinny – all aged 22 and 23 – have been working towards for much of their young lives, with the line-up being recently completed by bassist Jason Boland. Having spent two years doing nothing but writing, with just a belief in their talent keeping them afloat, Kodaline is their be-all and end-all. “I dropped out of college and my parents were just freaking out saying, What the fuck are you doing?” says Steve. “There was no deal in place and no money, we just thought, Fuck it, let’s have a crack at it.” The band’s name, incidentally, means absolutely nothing for the moment – they wanted something they could take ownership of. “We made it up ourselves, but we later found out it’s a character on fuckin’ World Of Warcraft,” says Mark. “I promise you, we’ve never even played the game. It’s just a bizarre coincidence.” Mark and Steve clearly have a strong friendship. “We can basically read each other’s mind at this point because we’ve known each other so long,” says Steve. Music isn’t the only thing that unites the foursome. “We also like cliff jumping and pier jumping,” says Mark. “I don’t know, each to their own I suppose.” Ticket Information: Tickets are on sale from online www.ticketmaster.ie  and all usual Ticketmaster outlets nationwide http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Wicked_The_Hit_MusicalThe Award-Winning Musical Comes To Dublin Tickets On Sale Friday 25 January at 10.00AM Experience this unforgettable, award-winning musical and discover that you’ve not been told the whole story about the Land of Oz… The incredible Wicked has been casting its spell over audiences across the world for nearly a decade and continues to be a “West End sensation” (Daily Mail) at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, where it’s already the 16th longest-running musical in London theatre history. Brilliantly re-imagining the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, Wicked tells the remarkable untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two girls who first meet as sorcery students. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. Prepare to be spellbound by a captivating story, spectacular costumes, thrilling technical wizardry, and a phenomenal score that features the show-stopping ‘Defying Gravity’. The musical runs approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes (including an interval) and is recommended for children aged 7+. Children under the age of 3 will not be admitted into the theatre. All persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Ticket Information:   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Boyzone_BZ20_The_Anniversary_TourTickets go on sale Thursday 14 February at 9:00am Life was very different in 1993. We bought our music on CD's and vinyl, mobile phones looked like bricks, there were only four channels on the telly and no-one had the `X Factor' or a `Big Brother'. Meatloaf would do `Anything For You', Tom Hanks & Meg Ryan were `Sleepless in Seattle', David Beckham was in his first season at Man Utd and Facebook, YouTube, iTunes & Twitter were just pipe dreams. But in November 1993 a bunch of young lads from the North side of Dublin would infamously appear on `The Late Late Show' and the rest, as they say... is history. Twenty one singles, seven albums, twenty five million record sales, hundreds of gigs, millions of memories and twenty years later, Boyzone are still going strong. December 2013 will see Ronan, Keith, Shane & Mikey take to the road once more to thank their fans for the incredible support and dedication they have shown over the past twenty years. Join them as they celebrate BZ20 - The Anniversary Tour. Ticket Information: Tickets go on sale Thursday 14 February at 9:00am http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Jimmy_Carr_Gagging_OrderFriday 29th & Saturday 30th November 2013 are on sale now Tickets for December 1st  are on sale:Tuesday 26th March @  9:00am This is the last chance to see the Gagging Order Show delivered by the award-winning comedian at his near-the-knuckle best. 'A comedy hero for our times' - Guardian 'Jimmy Carr is a world-class comedian...I envy his brilliance with words' - Independent Following another stellar year for Jimmy Carr, which saw him host 10 O'Clock Live, the eleventh and twelfth series of 8 Out Of 10 Cats and release his seventh live stand-up DVD, Being Funny, Jimmy brings his Gagging Order tour to an end in Dublin. Having now played to over 1.2 million people on his live tours Jimmy knows a thing or two about making people laugh. Gagging Order saw Jimmy play over 200 dates around the UK and Ireland , with the tour running throughout 2012 & 2013. The show will be packed with one-liners, stories & jokes. Some clever, some rude & a few totally unacceptable. Everybody's welcome. Just leave your conscience, sense of common decency & moral compass at home & come on out for a laugh. Over the past 10 years, Jimmy has deservedly earned his place amongst the very best of British comics. His stand-up achievements to date include a British Comedy Award for Best Live Stand Up Tour, a Loaded LAFTA Award for Best Stand-Up & a Perrier Award nomination. Ticket Informaiton: Tickets for this unmissable show are priced from €33.00 and are on sale now via Ticketmaster. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Diversity_Limitless_2013Fresh from performing at the Royal Variety Performance Diversity have announced a brand new arena tour  ‘Limitless’ for 2013 which will open at The O2  on 30th November  and as always will feature some very special guests. Spurred on by the group’s motto "Dream, Believe, Achieve", Diversity are a remarkable example of what can be accomplished with hard work, dedication and belief. Since winning Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, Diversity have won numerous awards, been the first act to perform outside No. 10 Downing Street in front of the Prime Minister and have sold out three UK & Ireland tours -  “Diversitoy’s: Bringing A Toy Story To Life” and ‘Digitized – Trapped In The Game’. Previous Diversity tours have seen them travelling the length of the country performing for their legion of devoted fans, and delivering exceptional entertainment with stand out reviews. Normally incorporating several genres of music from classical to hip-hop, their diverse eye-catching routines won the hearts of the nation. So far they’ve performed live to over 1 million people across the world.    Creator Ashley Banjo will start his fourth season as a judge on the Sky 1 show ‘Got To Dance’ in January 2013 followed by another series of the Sky 1 hit show ‘Ashley Banjo’s Secret Street Crew’. 2013 looks set to be another busy year for Diversity and the new arena tour will be everything you already love about Diversity on a much bigger scale, with loads of surprises! Don’t Miss Out!!   Ticket Information: Tickets are available from ticketmaster outlets nationwide and online at www.ticketmaster.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Electric_SixDetroit based rock six piece Electric Six are thrilled to announce that the band will return to The Academy on Saturday 30th November. Always a high energy show Electric Six are famous for banging tracks ‘Danger High Voltage’, ‘Gay Bar’ and ‘Dance Commander’. Electric Six’s 2002 breakout single ‘Danger! High Voltage’ was an infectious dance-rock number, the single reached number 2 on the UK singles chart, and they enjoy icon status in that nation. Their second single, ‘Gay Bar’, released in 2003, became a hit as well in the UK, reaching #5 in the charts and further aided the group’s growth. Since the release of their debut single ‘Danger High Voltage’ Electric Six have released 8 studio albums, the latest ‘Heartbeats and Brainwaves’ was released in October 2011. Their last album was bursting with a multitude of sounds from dance, RnB, nu garage and pop. For more info on Electric Six click here www.electricsix.com or check out the video for the hit single 'Danger High Voltage' Ticket Information: Electric Six play The Academy on Saturday 30th November. Tickets €20 on sale from www.ticketmaster.ie and Ticketmaster outlets. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Snow_White_and_the_Seven_DwarfsMatinee performances Saturdays 1.30pm Sundays 1.00pm Weekdays 1.30pm* *from 18 Dec 2013 - 3rd Jan 2014   Evening performances Mon-Sat 6:30 pm Sunday 5.30pm   Previews 1st - 4th December 2013 Sun 1st Dec 5.30pm Mon 2nd - Wed 4th Dec 6:30 pm   Schools Mon-Fri 11.00am* *on 5th, 6th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 15th and 16th December 2013 and 9th & 10th January 2014   Ticket Information: Evening & Matinee shows: €25.00 - €35.00 Previews: €19.50 - €21.50 School Groups: €15.00 - €18.50 http://www.visitdublin.com/event/JLS_Evolution_TourJLS Announce They’re Calling It a Day Aston, Marvin, JB and Ortise will split up following a final career-spanning Album ‘Goodbye: The Greatest Hits’ and the subsequent farewell tour at the end of the year including a date at The O2 on 2 December. Tickets are on sale now from all usual outlets. Since JLS came second on X Factor in 2008, they have been one of the most successful acts in the show’s history. They are the only act from the show to have had five number one singles. Over the last four years they have sold over six million records. The JLS live experience has been one of the hottest tickets over the last few years. They are only one of three British bands ever to sell out more than ten dates at The O2 Arena in London, along with the Spice Girls and Take That. JLS have also racked up a number of impressive awards over the years. They have won 2 Brit Awards, 4 MOBOS and 4 Urban Music Awards. Dublin Tickets are on sale  from  online at  www.ticketmaster.ie also available from all usual Ticketmaster outlets http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Yo_La_TengoNew Jersey indie veterans Yo La Tengo have announced their rescheduled Dublin date for Vicar Street in December 2013, following the release early next year of their 13th studio album. Thursday 5th December 2013 will see the beloved Hoboken trio play their first Irish show since 2010’s appearance at the Forbidden Fruit Festival. They are currently finishing work on their new long-player “Fade”, the follow up to 2009’s album “Popular Songs”. Fade is due for release early in the new year. Formed in 1984, Yo La Tengo have undertaken a huge number of creative projects, consisting of over 20 full length studio albums and side projects, including the 2009 film Adventureland soundtrack, a song on the Dark Was The Night compilation, and numerous “request-any-song” sets for WMFU's marathon fundraisers. All Original tickets valid || New Tickets go on sale @ 9.00am Friday 19th April Tickets €22.50 standing / €25.50 seated (inc. booking fee) available from Ticketmaster and usual outlets. www.ticketmaster.ie Yo La Tengo – “Fade” New album released early 2013 Fade is the most direct, personal and cohesive album of Yo La Tengo's career. Recorded with John McEntire at Soma Studios in Chicago, it recalls the sonic innovation and lush cohesion of career high points like 1997‘s I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One and 2000’s …And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out. Fade is a tapestry of fine melody and elegant noise, rhythmic shadow play and shy-eyed orchestral beauty, songfulness and experimentation. But Fade attains a lyrical universality and hard-won sense of grandeur that’s rare even for this band. It weaves themes of aging, personal tragedy and emotional bonds into a fully-realized whole that recalls career-defining statements like Blood on the Tracks, I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight or Al Green's Call Me. "Nothing ever stays the same / Nothing’s explained", the band sing in unison on the reflective opening track ‘Ohm’. "We try not to lose our hearts / Not to lose our minds", it’s a straightforward sentiment for a band that prefers private intimation to forceful expression, making the song’s resistance to resignation feel that much more earned. This is the first time Yo La Tengo has collaborated with producer John McEntire, best known for his work in post-rock band Tortoise as well as his work with such artists as Bright Eyes, Stereolab and Teenage Fanclub. He has helped the band hone a set of songs as multifaceted as they are seamless - flowing from the low-key shimmy of ‘Well You Better’, to the muted motorik kick of ‘Stupid Things’, to the cozy distortion of ‘Paddle Forward’ and right through to the cagey groove, horns and strings of the gorgeous album closer, ‘Before We Run’, in which Georgia Hubley and Ira Kaplan sing "Take me to your distant lonely place / Take me out beyond mistrust." Fade's emotional core sits at its very centre with two songs, one sung by Kaplan and one by Hubley. The tender, raw, Kaplan-sung ballad ‘I'll Be Around’ pivots around a circular guitar figure set against James McNew's calm, pulsating bass line. The song's simplicity and starkness stand like a beacon against the emptiness. The following track, ‘Cornelia and Jane’, features Hubley gently singing, "I hear them whispering, they analyse, but nobody knows what's lost in your eyes / Sending the message that doesn't get to you, how can we care for you?" supported by whispering cushions of horns and delicate vocal harmonies. The effect is both heartbreaking and reassuring. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Irish_Open_BadmintonBadminton is a sport for all ages.  It is relatively cheap by comparison to other sports and with the Irish weather, as it is played indoors, it is never cancelled. The hall has 8 courts and can be accessed easily from all parts of Dublin   This event has many of the top Irish players playing along with players from 10 other Continental countries. Irish Olympians Scott Evans and Chloe Magee will be playing! Venue: Baldoyle Badminton Centre Grange Road Dublin 13   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Original_Rudeboys_at_The_Olympia_TheatreFollowing two sold out Olympia Theatre dates last month, The Original Rudeboys have confirmed a hometown headliner at The Olympia on Thursday 12th December. The Original Rudeboys are currently on tour of Australia as special guests to The Script. The two Dublin bands have toured Europe and The UK together earlier this year performing to over 150,000 people. Their debut album 'This Life' has been certified gold in Ireland. It's an outstanding achievement for the band that only formed in March 2011 and is a testament to their dedicated work ethic, relentless gigging, and their winning way with a memorable tune. 'This Life', which was produced by Jake Gosling (Ed Sheeran, Paloma Faith), was released in March 2012, charting at # 3, and has been a permanent fixture on the Irish album charts ever since. The Original Rudeboys have also performed as special guests to Cheryl Cole in Dublin and Belfast, and have played sold out shows with Professor Green, Maverick Sabre, Example and Rizzle Kicks. 2013 is already shaping up to be an even bigger year for the band, with more domestic and international dates to be announced shortly. With their YouTube viewing figures of over 3 million and rising, 45,000 fans on Facebook and 30,000 followers on Twitter; The Original Rudeboys story is getting bigger and stronger by the day. Ticket Information: Tickets cost €20.00 including booking fee on sale from online at  www.ticketmaster.ie and all usual ticketmaster outlets nationwide. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Shakespeare_in_Music On the Abbey stage Ireland’s national theatre and national orchestra join forces for two performances at the Abbey Theatre celebrating the works of William Shakespeare with words and music. Shakespeare in Music presents the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Gavin Maloney, performing excerpts from orchestral works by composers including Sibelius, Prokofiev, Berlioz and Mendelssohn. Actors will recite some well-known monologues from plays that inspired this music such as Romeo and Juliet, King Lear, The Tempest and A Midsummer Night’s Dream among others. The works of William Shakespeare have been brought to life on the Abbey stage since King Lear was first performed in 1928. Shakespeare in Music brings together Shakespeare’s words and the music which they inspired. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Tenacious_D_The_AcademyUS comedy rockers Tenacious D announce that Christmas 2013 will see them play a special intimate date at The Academy, Dublin on December 17th. This won’t be Tenacious as you know them, the December 2013 tour will see the band play their stripped down acoustic set as a duo. Still going strong since forming in 1994 and following on from 2012’s spectacular show at the O2 Dublin, 2013 will see the band back on the road and causing chaos in Ireland and the UK performing as the original duo! The band’s third and most recent release in over six years, Rize of the Fenix along with a plethora of older/classic material will be recreated as stripped back acoustic renditions. Released May 14th 2012 via Columbia Records, Tenacious D describes the making of the album as a“journey similar to that of Gandolph in The Lord of the Rings.” Produced by the brilliant John Kimbrough, Rize Of The Fenix was recorded in the garage behind his LA home and features Jack Black and Kyle Gass (Tenacious D’s core duo), performing with Dave Grohl (drums), John Spiker (bass, piano, organ) and John Konesky (electric guitar). The album was engineered and mixed by John Spiker who has been touring with the band for years. Don’t miss the masters of musical and sexual prowess when they land in the Ireland this Christmas. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/NYE_DublinCelebrate New Year’s Eve 2013 in Dublin with the street party to beat them all - NYE Dublin Festival. The city centre will be buzzing as we bring the music straight to you with a host of world class acts taking to the College Green stage for the Countdown Concert. The main event of the NYE Dublin Festival is the New Year's Eve Countdown Concert at College Green, the only ticketed event of the festival.  In addition, there are a series of free events over the course of the two day festival including: fireworks display in St. Stephen's Green; Procession of Light through Dublin's streets broad and narrow; 5 festival zones located around Dublin City Centre and the Big Brunch which takes place in Meeting House Square on New Year's Day. So, whether you are young or old, native Dubliner or visitor, performer or spectator, NYE Dublin has something exciting for you. We can't wait to party with you in Dublin and celebrate the arrival of 2014. More information to come..... http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Chinese_New_Year_Festival_DublinDates TBC 2014 celebrates the Year of the Horse. Established in 2008 the Dublin Chinese New Year Festival (DCNYF) showcases the best of Sino Irish Culture in Ireland and 2014 marks the seventh year of this internationally recognised festival. As Dublin continues to build on its twinning with Beijing, the festival is delighted to deliver our high profile cultural programme including many diverse and exciting events. DCNYF would like to thank everyone involved for assisting in all ways to make the Festival such a success and we would like to wish you the very best for a prosperous and healthy year ahead. Keep an eye on our website as we will have further events and links we will be supporting throughout the year. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Maroon_5 Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, Maroon 5 have been forced to postpone their forthcoming Irish show at The O2 Dublin on June 29th. A new date has been confirmed January 16th and all tickets purchased for the original date will be valid for the new date. The support acts for the new date will be Grammy Award winning R&B singer Robin Thicke and P J Morton. This 3 time Grammy-winning quintet are considered one of the most popular bands of the last decade and have topped the charts with massive hits including “This Love”, "She Will Be Loved”, "Makes Me Wonder" and more recently the Multi-Platinum selling #1 Single Moves Like Jagger, which held the #1 spot in the Irish Chart for over 4 Weeks and was one of the most successful singles of 2011. Following the massive success of Moves Like Jagger and the follow up single, the Platinum selling #1 Payphone, Maroon 5 released their 4th studio album Overexposed to critical and commercial success, with the album debuting at #1 on the iTunes Chart.  Their newest album captures Maroon 5’s decision to open itself up to risk. The album contains collaborations with legendary hitmakers Max Martin (Britney, Justin Bieber) Benny Blanco (Katy Perry, Gym Class Heroes) and Ryan Tedder (Beyoncé, OneRepublic). Adam Levine acknowledges that the title of the new Maroon 5 album is something of an inside joke. The name is a wink at the Los Angeles-based band’s seeming omnipresence, particularly since Levine joined the cast of NBC’s The Voice. Levine says that of all the band’s albums, Overexposed feels “both most and least like Maroon 5. There are lots of traces of the past, but it also hints at a new idea,” the singer explains. “More than anything I think this record says that it’s always cool to try—that you should always be willing to take a step beyond whatever feels comfortable.” The new single One More Night, taken from Overexposed, is available to download now.   Ticket Information: Tickets are available from online at www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Temple_Bar_TradFest_2014Dates to be confirmed Dublin’s biggest and best festival of Irish Music and Culture. The Temple Bar TradFest is back for its 9th year. In 2014 the festival will be bigger than ever with 6 days and 6 nights of trad, music, dance and craic. The festival features over 200 free events, an outdoor stages, family programme, children’s club, street performers, pipe bands, music trail and much more. Experience Irish and International music talent in some of Dublin’s most iconic venues like Christ Church Cathedral, St Patrick's Cathedral and the glorious rotunda of City Hall. More details to be announced http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Seven_Brides_for_Seven_BrothersTickets from €17.50 on sale now. Starring Sam Attwater as Adam Pontipee Set in Oregon in 1850, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers is the story of Adam Pontipee who goes to town looking for a bride. He finds Milly working in a restaurant and convinces her to marry him. Milly’s ecstasy quickly sours when she finds she is to also take care of Adam’s six unkempt, burly brothers. Deciding to make the marriage work, Milly sets a plan into motion to marry off the brothers, including teaching them how to court girls. Includes the songs, Bless Your Beautiful Hide, Wonderful Wonderful Day, One Man and many more. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_Jameson_Dublin_International_Film_Festival_2014Dates TBC An acclaimed and popular showcase of world cinema, the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival is dedicated to presenting and supporting the very best in Irish and international film. Held annually each Feburary since 2003, the eleven day event showcases 130 feature films, alongside public interviews, industry workshops and masterclasses. Over 70 directors, actors and producers attend the festival to meet Irish filmmakers and audiences and discuss their work; recent guests include Marjane Satrapi, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Tilda Swinton, Colin Firth, John Sayles, Glenn Close, Mike Leigh, Daniel Day Lewis, Patricia Clarkson, Paolo Sorrentino and Kristin Scott Thomas amongst others. The 2013 lineup included a special focus on Scandinavian Cinema, workshops with Margery Simkin and Tobias Lindholm and a special concert of the film music of Dario Marianelli. The very popular Audience Award was won by the Irish Documentary Broken Song and thefestival bestowed its annual Volta Awards for Career Achievement upon Tim Roth, Costa-Gavras, Danny DeVito & Joss Whedon. The Jameson Dublin International Film Festival (JDIFF) is Ireland's largest feature film festival which takes place in Dublin city centre every February JDIFF proudly held its tenth anniversary in February 2012, to an audience of over 40,000. Over the course of the eleven day festival the event presents over 140 feature films, public interviews, industry workshops and master classes with international guests.The festival celebrates film and presents the very best of international and Irishfilm to an audience who each year vote for the best feature film. In addition, the festival bestows its annual Volta Awards for Career Achievement to key international figures in the film industry and in 2013, recipients included. Tim Roth, Costa-Gavras, Danny DeVito & Joss Whedon http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dine_in_Dublin_in_MarchDates TBC Dine in Dublin, the bi-annual event, celebrates the fantastic food offering in Dublin’s city centre. The week-long event promotes city centre dining and showcases offerings of city centre eateries through fantastic value meals, specials offers, and great events. The Dine in Dublin experience is not just about ‘dining’ but also about getting out and ‘doing’, so whether diners are passionate about food or simply want a new experience, Dine in Dublin has something to suit every palate. In the past, restaurants have served mouth-watering menus including a starter, main course and dessert which included a 20% saving off regular á la carte menus. Diners can expect similar offers again this time with additional offers and events from both bars and cafés.  This year’s Dine in Dublin brings together a unique mix of demonstrations, competitions, prosecco evenings, wine-tastings, trad sessions, belly dancing events, and much more. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/ireland_v_serbia_2014The Republic of Ireland will play Serbia in the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday, 5 March, 2014. Serbia were the opposition for Giovanni Trapattoni’s first home game in charge of the Republic of Ireland in May 2008. That game finished in a 1-1 draw thanks to a late Andy Keogh strike. The Serbs are currently ranked 32nd in the world. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Russell_Howard_WonderboxTickets go on sale Friday 26th April Russell Howard, one of the funniest and most successful comedians, returns to his first love, live stand-up with his first tour for three years. Wonderbox follows his sell-out, thrice-extended, 2011 UK tour, which included three sold out dates at London’s O2. We are delighted to announce Russell Howard will be bringing his show to Dublin’s Vicar Street 7th March. In this new show, the star and creator of the award-winning hit TV show, Russell Howard’s Good News, promises us more of his trademark brand of upbeat and razor-sharp comedy. Don’t miss the chance to see this unique comedian on his biggest tour to date; back on stage, on-top of the world, doing what he does best. ‘Energetic, uncynical and, most importantly, very funny.’ The Times Ticket Information: Tickets go on sale Friday 26th April priced €32.00 (including booking fee) available from www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. By Phone+353818 719 300 - Republic of Ireland customers http://www.visitdublin.com/event/St_Patricks_Festival_2014The St. Patrick's Festival 2014 will come alive again with pageantry, carnivals and free entertainment from 14th – 17th March 2014, drawing from the very best in Irish and international talent. The principal aim of St. Patrick’s Festival, since its inauguration, is to develop a major annual international festival around the national holiday over which the ‘owners’ of the festival, the Irish people, would stand proud. It sets out to reflect the talents and achievements of Irish people on many national and world stages, and it acts as an exciting showcase for the manifold skills of the people of Ireland, of every age and social background. As the one national holiday that is celebrated in more countries around the world than any other, St. Patrick’s Day is the day when everyone wants to be Irish. Futhur details of The St.Patrick's Festival to be announced. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/All_Ireland_Club_Championship_FinalTaking place on St. Patrick's Day each year in the GAA's national stadium Croke Park, both Gaelic football & Hurling games are played on the day where the club, the cornerstone and bedrock of the GAA take centre stage.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Warhorse_Bord_Gais_Energy_Theatre The National Theatre’s award-winning production of War Horse comes to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from 26th March – 26th April 2014. Seen by over 2.4 million people worldwide since its premiere at the National Theatre in 2007, War Horse is the powerful story of a young boy called Albert and his beloved horse, Joey, who has been requisitioned to fight for the English in World War I. Caught in enemy crossfire, Joey ends up serving on both sides during the war before landing in no man’s land, while Albert, not old enough to enlist, embarks on a treacherous mission to find his horse and bring him home. A remarkable tale of courage, loyalty and friendship, War Horse features ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing and galloping horses to life on stage. War Horse is based on a novel by Michael Morpurgo, adapted by Nick Stafford. Now in its fourth year in London’s West End, War Horse consistently attracts sell-out houses at the New London Theatre. The Broadway production, which continues its run at the Lincoln Center until 6 January 2013, was the winner of six Tony Awards, including ‘Best Play’ and a ‘Special Tony Award’ for Handspring Puppet Company. Michael Morpurgo has written over 100 books and was Children’s Laureate from 2003 – 2005. A major feature film of War Horse, based on his 1982 novel and directed by Stephen Spielberg, was nominated for six Academy Awards in 2011. Ticket information: Tickets are available from the Ticketmaster desk in the Dublin Discover Ireland Centre, Suffolk Street, Dublin 2 or online at www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. Tickets from €20.00 on sale from Friday 5th October 2012.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_One_City_One_BookDublin One City One Book is a project designed to encourage everyone in the city to read the same book during the month of April. 2013 featured Strumpet City by James Plunkett. Partners across the city are organising imaginative, fun, informative events. See also: www.dublinonecityonebook.ie Furthur Details to be announced. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/In_Handels_Day_2014To celebrate George Frideric Handel and his connections to Dublin, Temple Bar Cultural Trust will host a daylong celebration to include the famous Messiah on the Street performance as well as additional free activities featuring music and history from 18th century Dublin that will appeal to all ages. On 13 April 1742, Handel's Messiah, one of the most famous musical pieces in the world, premiered on Fishamble Street in Temple Bar and each year the streets and surrounding areas are filled with the sounds from Our Lady's Choral Society as they sing excerpts from Handel's Messiah. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Spar_Great_Ireland_RunIt's the big day with the bigger atmosphere, both on and off the course. The Phoenix Park in Dublin will be hosting excited adults and children from near and far for the SPAR Great Ireland Run, now in its twelfth year.       The only event in Ireland recognised by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the 10km road race is a highlight in Dublin’s sporting calendar. Last year saw Ireland's most successful female athlete as the honorary starter for the Junior Run, Sonia O’Sullivan standing alongside Catherine McKiernan, the Irish marathon record holder, to fire off the 9-15 year old category. It will be the second time the 3-8 year old Mini 1.6k will take place in Ireland, and the pace is always fast from the off. We cannot wait to see what 2014 has in store! More Details to be announced http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Franco_Irish_Literary_FestivalDates TBC Now a significant date in Dublin's annual literary calendar, The Franco-Irish Literary Festival, held in Dublin, is preparing for its 15th edition continuing the tradition that led to Dublin's nomination as a UNESCO City of Literature.  The Festival is organised by the Alliance Française Dublin and the Cultural and Scientific Service of the French Embassy. Our intention is to invite Irish and French writers.  We feel sure that it will be a great success and hope for significant participation from our English-speaking audience.  For that reason simultaneous interpretation will be provided. All events open to the public - Admission Free. More Details to be announced http://www.visitdublin.com/event/International_Dublin_Gay_Theatre_FestivalThis evenleth anniversary International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival takes place in venues across Dublin city centre and will feature a diverse programme of drama, musical theatre, music and comedy over two weeks. Founded in 2004 to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth in Dublin of Oscar Wilde, the IDGTF has grown to become the largest of festival its kind in the world.  It showcases works with a gay theme or playwright or addressing broader themes of masculinity, feminism, gender-identity and sexuality and presents these to a diverse, mainstream audience.  Many works are Irish, European or world premieres and are performed by a wide variety of artists, in a diverse programme of over 30 plays carefully selected from over 100 submissions. There will also be a range of free events including play-readings and a seminar on gay theatre as well as a nightly Festival Club. More details to be announced http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Waterways_Ireland_Docklands_Summer_FestivalDates TBC Location: Grand Canal Dock and Plaza, Dublin The Waterways Ireland Docklands Summer Festival's purpose is to provide people with an opportunity to enjoy an exciting world class urban recreational environment. The refurbished canal dock, originally build in the 1790s, now provides a world-class recreation space right in the centre of Dublin. The mix of on water activities is designed to give everybody an opportunity to participate or sit back and enjoy the show. The newly developed Grand Canal Plaza and surrounding quays provide a uniquely modern and dynamic unban space for all the family to enjoy. The local cafes, bars and restaurants, many of which face onto the water, provide wonderful al fresco facilities. These are complemented by the festival's many on land attractions and activities located on Grand Canal Plaza. On water activates include a wakeboarding competition, charity rubber ducky race, tour of naval vessel, water sport 'Come and Try It' sessions in sailing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, windsurfing and a canal barge gathering. On land activities include food market, corporate golf challenge, street performers, balloon artists, face painters, fun fair attractions, open air art gallery & children's arts centre in the Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre. Good clean fun for all the family! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/One_DirectionTickets on sale Saturday 25th May 2013 at 10:00am Record-breakers across the globe and stars of their own forthcoming 3D concert movie, the world's biggest pop band, One Direction, today announce the first legs of an incredible stadium tour for 2014 including a concert at Croke Park on Saturday 24th May. Fans globally have patiently been watching the #1BigAnnouncement site countdown for the last week, and today the first set of dates can be revealed. Set to stop in stadiums all around the world, the band kick off in Latin America in April before returning home to the UK and Ireland. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/The_World_Flower_ShowThe World Flower Show is set to be held in Ireland for the first time in 2014, with the RDS today named as the venue for the event. Due to take place in June 2014, the event will include a flower arrangers’ conference with over 1,200 participants, and the World Flower Show, an exhibition of flower arrangements, which will be open to the public. According to its organisers, this exhibition will showcase the beautiful and extravagant creations of flower arrangers from all over the world and is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors per day from Ireland and abroad. The Association of Irish Floral Artists (AOIFA) has been chosen by the World Association of Flower Arrangers (WAFA) to manage a three year programme, on its behalf, that will include organising an international seminar, publishing of a book, running educational events and tours, and staging the 11th World Flower Show at the RDS. “During our three year tenure, the World Flower Show will be one of our largest events,” said Kitty Gallagher, president of WAFA Ireland. “We chose the RDS because of its great location along with its excellent conference and exhibition facilities. They also have the experience of managing and marketing large public events and we are expecting huge numbers to this exciting show”  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dirty_DancingTickets on sale Monday 2nd September 2013 The producers of the smash hit show Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage are delighted to announce that the show will once again set pulses racing at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Dublin when it returns in July 2014 as part of a brand new tour of the UK and Ireland. Since opening in September 2011, the first ever tour of the UK and Ireland has wowed audiences across the country, breaking box office records and playing to standing ovations and 5 star reviews. Producer Karl Sydow said, “We are so pleased to be returning to Dublin where the record-breaking first ever UK and Ireland tour wowed the public in January 2012. The unique combination of Eleanor Bergstein’s iconic story and the breathtaking dancing for which the show is renowned has proven so popular that we are really looking forward to allowing audiences to relive this iconic story live on stage.” Tickets will go on sale to the public on Monday 2 September. Demand is expected to be high, so early booking is advisable! Written by Eleanor Bergstein, script writer and co-producer of the phenomenally successful 1987 film, the production features all the much-loved characters and original dialogue from the iconic film with exciting extra scenes added in. The tantalising dance sequences and brand new choreography come alive on stage, set to all the hits from the unforgettable soundtrack, including ‘Do You Love Me?’, ‘Hungry Eyes’ and the Academy Award Winning ‘(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life’, plus many additional songs, making the show a truly extraordinary live experience. Over five million people worldwide have now seen this sensational production, with the London show alone having been seen by over one million audience members. Having opened in London in 2006, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage was sold out six months in advance. The show played for five triumphant years at the Aldwych Theatre, breaking all box office records with advance ticket sales of over £15 million, which made it the fastest ever selling West End show. www.dirtydancingontour.com http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Lee_Evans_MonstersTickets from €39.50 including booking fee go on sale on Monday 20th May at 9.00am Wired and Wonderful was huge… XL was big… BIG was even bigger… Roadrunner was record breaking… and now the legendary Lee Evans embarks on his most ambitious tour to date. Monsters is Lee’s amazing new show with over 50 nights in the biggest arenas in Ireland and the UK. Lee will be playing to more fans than ever on this hotly anticipated tour. Lee’s manic energy, uncanny observations, hilarious delivery and side-splitting material have made his live performances a must-see for comedy fans worldwide. His tours and DVD releases year-on-year continue to smash sales and box office records. From 2002 to 2011 alone he has performed to over 1,605,000 people through his four live arena shows (‘Wired & Wonderful’ - 2002, ‘XL’ - 2005, ‘Big’ 2008, ‘Roadrunner’ 2011). In 2011 Lee embarked on a 67 arena date tour, which included a staggering six nights at both the O2 and Wembley Arenas, played to a sell-out 600,000 people across 16 arena stages throughout the UK and Ireland. First day sales saw an amazing 227,424 tickets sold and firmly established Roadrunner as the fastest and biggest day one selling UK comedy tour of all time. The release of Roadrunner in 2011 was groundbreaking as the first ever 3D stand-up comedy DVD. His previous DVD release in 2008 ‘Big – Live At the 02’ broke all previous stand-up DVD sales records when it sold a staggering 259,399 during its first week and became the biggest week one release for a non film DVD of all time – a record it still holds today! In September 2011 Lee’s autobiography The Life Of Lee was released becoming a number one bestseller and making the top 30 bestselling books of 2011. Lee Evans has won many accolades in the comedy world including ‘Special Contribution To Comedy’ Award at The British Comedy Awards 2011, the highly coveted ‘Perrier Award’ and the Time Out Award for Comedy. He has experienced huge success as an international film star in The Martins (2001), There’s Something About Mary (1998), The Fifth Element (1997), Mouse Hunt (1998) and Funny Bones (1995). In addition to his film work, Lee has also appeared on BBC ONE in his own sitcom series Lee Evans- So What Now? and he appeared in the 2009 Doctor Who Easter special (BBC ONE), where he played an evil Welsh scientist, again to much critical acclaim. During the past six years Lee has received rave reviews for his West-End theatre roles. These include; Samuel Beckett's Endgame alongside the legendary Michael Gambon, Mel Brooks’ musical The Producers with Nathan Lane plus the Harold Pinter play The Dumb Waiter, with Jason Isaacs, where he received the London Theatregoers’ Choice Award. In September of this year, Lee will return to treading the boards of the West End, starring alongside Sheila Hancock and Keeley Hawes in Clive Exton’s new play Barking In Essex at The Wyndham’s Theatre in London. "The must see comedy event of the autumn"  Daily Telegraph "Stand-up doesn't get much bigger" Evening Standard "A master of large-scale comedy" The Guardian "If comedy is the new rock 'n' roll, then behold the new Elvis Presley" The Sun Ticket Information: In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide By Telephone (24 Hour): ROI - 0818 719 300, Northern Ireland - 0844 277 44 55 Buy Online: www.ticketmaster.ie Show 8pm sharp – over 15’s.