Music

Jerry Fish
The Button Factory, Dublin (November 28)
Jerry Fish brings his first LP in 15 years to The Button Factory on November 28, promising an unforgettable night of party, punk, and pure showmanship. The shape-shifting troubadour, known for his unique blend of rock, blues, and soul, has crafted Dreaming of Daniel, a collection of 13 tracks inspired by his hero Daniel Johnston, reimagining some of Johnston’s best-loved songs in his own inimitable style with MayKay of Fight Like Apes fame sharing vocal duties.

Vampire Weekend
3Arena, Dublin (November 29)
The New Yorkers are set to take over 3Arena, bringing their Only God Was Above Us Tour to Dublin, joined by the Carlow-based folk duo, Ye Vagabonds. This performance marks the beginning of their highly anticipated European tour. With their signature sound and Grammy-winning acclaim, the band promises an unforgettable night of music, blending timeless melodies with fresh, soul-stirring energy. Don’t miss the chance to experience one of the most exciting acts of the
year, live in the heart of the capital.

Mick Flannery
Dolan’s, Limerick (November 29)
After taking North America by storm this summer, Mick Flannery returns home for a special performance on November 29. The singer-songwriter will take the stage at Dolan’s in Limerick, performing tracks from his ninth solo LP, Good Time Charlie. Having recently graced the 3Arena stage as a guest performer for the Leonard Cohen 90th Birthday Celebration Concert, the ex-Moving Hearts man is now set to deliver a memorable night of his own music for his Irish fans.

Mick Flannery. Credit: Susie Conroy

Pillow Queens
Set Theatre, Kilkenny (November 29)
The Dublin indie-rockers take to the stage in the Set Theatre Kilkenny at the end of November. The band started their Irish tour in October in association with Culture Ireland, along with support from local Irish artists in each of their 10 dates across the country. With tickets for their US and Canada dates flying out the door, the group has gone global, so make sure to catch them on home turf whilst you can!

The Saw Doctors
3Olympia Theatre, Dublin (November 29 & 30 )
The Saw Doctors have sold out two dates on Dame Street following their cracker of a performance at this year’s Electric Picnic. The eight-man line-up, led by songwriting duo Davy Carton and Leo Moran, have just finished up their three-month summer tour, selling out venues in New York and Manchester. The group’s latest EP *WHA’D’YA THINK A THAT* was released on November 1, so you can look forward to some new material in the 3Olympia.

Gavin James
Cyprus Avenue, Cork (November 30)
The Dublin singer-songwriter – and pub landlord – brings all of hits to the Real Capital for two back-to-back shows. He’s treating fans to both a matinee performance, perfect for the whole family, and an evening show. Having just headlined the Púca Festival in Trim, Co. Meath on Halloween night, Gavin is now set to deliver another unforgettable performance for his Cork audience.

Sam Fender
3Arena, Dublin (December 2)
The ‘Seventeen Going Under’ singer will kick off his People Watching Tour, returning to the North Wall on December 2. It’s been three years since the release of his last album, and fans are eagerly anticipating his third, which the singer has teased on Instagram, revealing that it’s already finished, mixed, and mastered. With his trademark Geordie sound and powerful stage presence, Sam Fender is set to deliver an unforgettable night of new tunes in the 3Arena.

Culture Club
3Arena, Dublin (December 3 )
The London new romantics, led by Boy George, will be celebrating their first two albums, Kissing To Be Clever and Colour by Numbers. Joining them are special guests Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet renown and Heaven 17, ensuring a night of unforgettable ‘80s hits and timeless live energy.

Myles Kennedy
The Academy, Dublin (December 5 )
The American singer-songwriter returns to Ireland following a year on tour with Slash and The Conspirators. He’ll perform tracks from his newly released third solo album, The Art Of Letting Go, alongside fan favourites. With Welsh band Cardinal Black providing support, it will certainly be a night of powerful rock and captivating performances.

Hermitage Green
3Olympia Theatre, Dublin (December 5 )
The Limerick folk-rock band bring their Connection Tour to the capital, before heading to Kilkenny, Limerick, and Galway around Christmas. The five-piece will be supported by singer-songwriter Brian O’Brien. Formed in 2010, Hermitage Green has toured the US and Australia, building a global fanbase with their energetic live shows.

The Magic Numbers
Button Factory, Dublin (December 7)
The UK-based band, made up of two pairs of siblings, are set to headline in Temple Bar. Known for their unforgettable harmonies and timeless sound, their live performances are truly special. With hits like ‘Forever Lost’ and ‘Love Me Like You’, this is a night you won’t want to miss!

HamsandwicH
Whelan’s, Dublin (December 5-7)
HamsandwichH bring The Albums Tour to their spiritual home with each of the nights dedicated to one of their albums, played in full from start to finish. The band will perform Carry The Meek on the first night, followed by White Fox on the second, and Stories From The Surface on the third. Along with each album, they’ll be sure to play a selection of hits from the others. Whatever your favourite, grab your tickets and enjoy the full album live.

Fontaines D.C.
3Arena, Dublin (December 6 & 7)
Grian Chatten and the chaps bring their highly anticipated Romance Tour home to the 3Arena for two extremely sold-out shows. If you’re lucky enough to have secured tickets, prepare for an electrifying, neon-drenched spectacle from the Dublin-formed band.

Fontaines D.C. - Credit: Theo Cottle

Soda Blonde
Vicar Street, Dublin (December 7)
The alt-pop band play a hometown gig, capping off a remarkable year. Following the success of their critically acclaimed album Dream Big, the band has gained international recognition and earned a RTÉ Choice Music Prize nomination.

Confidence Man
3Olympia, Dublin (December 10)
The Australian electro-pop band bring their infectious live show to Dublin following the success of their new album 3AM (LA LA LA). If you saw their Glastonbury set, which quickly went viral, you’ll know to expect the unexpected!

Villagers
3Olympia, Dublin (December 8 & 9)
After headlining the Trinity Summer Series, Ivor Novello Award-winner and Mercury Prize nominee, Conor O’Brien, plays a brace of (relatively) intimate shows in a venue he’s extremely familiar with. Following the release of his critically acclaimed sixth studio album, That Golden Time, he’ll bring a busy year of touring to a close with an unmissable performance joined by special guest Owen Pallett.

Mary Coughlan
An Grianán Theatre, Donegal (December 12)
Mary Coughlan brings her 40th anniversary tour to the no longer Forgotten County, before concluding the tour in Galway the following week. Marking 40 years since the release of her debut album, Tired And Emotional, the jazz and blues singer will perform a mix of classic tracks and new hits.

Andy Irvine
Spirit Store, Dundalk (December 13)
The Planxty founder member flies solo in one of the country’s finest intimate venues. With a career spanning over 50 years, Irvine has played in iconic bands like Planxty, Patrick Street and Mozaik, blending traditional Irish and Balkan influences. Expect an unforgettable evening of masterful musicianship and timeless songs from this truly legendary figure.

Picture This
Gleneagle INEC, Kerry (December 13 & 14)
The Athy pop-rockers will light up the Kingdom with a live performance of their fourth album, Parked Car Conversations. Wristbands will be provided to concertgoers, granting them early Christmas Day access to the live recording that’s taking place both nights. Don’t miss this unique experience!

Damien Dempsey
Vicar Street, Dublin (December 16-23)
Donaghmede’s favourite son returns to the Liberties with his traditional run of Christmas shows, which are truly spiritual affairs. Expect plenty of new tunes from his Hold Your Joy album, alongside his classic hits. If you aren’t based in the capital, fear not, as dates for a full Irish tour in 2025 have also been announced.

The Pogues
3Arena, Dublin (December 17)
Spider Stacy is curating this 40th anniversary performance of The Pogues’ debut album Red Roses For Me. The night will feature an incredible line-up of special guests, including Grian Chatten and Tom Coll from Fontaines D.C., Nadine Shah, Lankum, Kojaque, Junior Brother, and many more.

KNEECAP
SSE Arena, Belfast (December 21)
After selling out five shows in Dublin’s Vicar Street, Ireland’s favourite self-proclaimed “Fenians” will play a homecoming show just days before Christmas. The messers of the moment will round up an unforgettable year, following the release of their debut album, Fine Art, and their highly anticipated feature film KNEECAP, directed by Rich Peppiatt.

The Mary Wallopers
Gleneagle INEC Arena, Killarney (December 21)
The Dundalk folk band bring their Seven Drunken Nights tour to Kerry’s premier live venue. After rocking the Rankin Wood stage at Electric Picnic, the band is having their moment, blending folk and punk with high-energy performances. They’ll be supported by Junior Brother, adding to the night’s excitement.

New Year’s Festival
Dublin Castle, Dublin ( December 31)
This year’s countdown concert features Cian Ducrot, Aby Coulibaly, Saibh Skelly and everyone’s favourite Cork kiddos, Kabin Crew, whose signature tune, ‘The Spark’, has been Grammy long-listed.

Arts, Comedy, Theatre

Emma
Abbey Theatre, Dublin (November 22- January 25)
The Jane Austen classic gets reimagined by former resident director of the Abbey Theatre, Claire O’Reilly. Fuelled by a contemporary soundtrack, this “period but playful” retelling of the 1815 yarn is guaranteed to be a hit with all of the family.

Rachel Galvo
Róisín Dubh, Galway (November 29)
The TikTok star reflects on her Catholic private school upbringing in her hilariously honest stand-up show The Shite Feminist. Following a sold-out run paired with five-star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe this September, expect the Dubliner to be in top storytelling form.

Rachel Galvo

Jarlath Regan
TF Royal, Castlebar, Co. Mayo (November 30)
The comedian and Irishman Abroad podcaster returns home after selling out venues across America. Regan will be previewing his brand new In-Bits show, which he’s taking to New York in April for a trio of dates in the famous Gramercy Theater.

Rigoletto
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre (December 1, 3, 5, 7)
The Irish National Opera returns with a stunning version of the classic Giuseppe Verdi opera. Featuring amazing talent Niamh O’Connor, Michael Chioldi, Julian Close and Bekhzod Davronov, Rigoletto will be sung entirely in Italian, but will feature English subtitles to keep you up to speed with the drama.

Rapunzel Panto
Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick (December 7 - January 5)
Rapunzel is an all-singing, all-dancing Christmas extravaganza set to leave the whole family in stitches. The show is suitable for everyone, with specific dates featuring sign language and others marked as a relaxed performance, devoid of any loud noises or flashing lights.

The 2 Johnnies Podcast Christmas Party
3Arena, Dublin (December 14)
Tipperary men Jonny Smacks and Jonny B bring their hilarious podcast show to the Big Smoke for a live Christmas performance. The duo will be performing hits from their album Small Town Heroes, plus plenty of chat and special guests throughout the night.

Annie
National Concert Hall (December 29 – January 3)
What is the Christmas season without a trip to the theatre? This new version of the much-loved Orphan Annie story features Rebecca Storm as the notorious Miss Hannigan. Brought to you by Festival Productions, the cast is filled to the brim with Irish talent; it won’t be one to miss.

Sport

Ulster vs Leinster
Kingspan Stadium, Belfast (November 29)
The arch-rivals go head-to-head this November in the United Rugby Championship. Leinster are on a roll at the moment, but with Ulster on home soil, there is no telling the outcome. One thing’s for certain: it will be a cracker of a match. Let’s hope there are no family feuds over this one before the Christmas season!

Leinster vs Connacht
Aviva Stadium, Dublin (December 21)
Leinster and Connacht are set to meet in this highly-anticipated showdown, just before Christmas, so the lads will have to hold off on opening their selection boxes until the New Year. With everyone in the Christmas spirit, the atmosphere will undoubtedly be electric.

Leopardstown Christmas Festival
Leopardstown Racecourse (December 26 - 29)
This thrilling annual meet returns with four days of racing, live music, fur shrugs, and fascinators. Just 40 minutes from the city centre, the festival is the perfect post-Christmas family day out, whilst everyone is still under one roof. To get a flavour of what’s in store, check out the new series of Bad Sisters, which includes a Garvey family outing to Leopardstown where their horse comes in!

Leopardstown. Credit ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Munster vs Leinster
Thomond Park, Limerick (December 27)
The boys in blue will play yet again, this time in their home stadium against Leinster, as part of the United Rugby Championship. There is no doubt Munster will come down hard on Leo Cullen’s men after their narrow loss to their old rivals this time last year. Tensions are set to be high at this match; it’s not one to miss for rugby fans.

Christmas Racing Festival
Limerick Racecourse (December 26 - 29)
The four-day festival begins on St. Stephen’s Day, promising fun, glamour and top-class jump racing. The Republic of Grill Mexican food truck will be in operation throughout for those who are sick of turkey sandwiches. The final day of the festival is Family Fun Day, which will feature children’s amusements, keeping kids of all ages happy!