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Unsure how you should spend your break? Heather Reynolds breaks down some of the best things to see and do in Dublin this Winter.
So, you’ve got a fair bit of time to kill in the capital this Christmas season, and your not sure how to do it. This is completely understandable, as Dublin seems to be a place where there is simultaneously nothing and everything happening at any given moment. So, setting aside the obvious events, like the Gaiety Panto, which is a good shout if you and your gran want to see a hoard of sugar-high theatre tweens perform a copyright dodging version of Aladdin, this is your go to guide for the festivities in this fair city.
A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings
10-28 Dec - The Peacock Stage at The Abbey Theatre
A dark comedy, billed as suitable for ages 8 and over, A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings is coming to the Abbey after winning Best Design at this years Dublin Fringe Festival. It received brilliant reviews at it debut, so if you missed it in September now is your best change to experience the magic of magical realism live on stage.
Tickets start at €16, with concession tickets starting at €14.
The Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market
Every weekend from Nov 30th to Dec 23rd - 11am to 7pm
One of Dublin’s best Christmas markets is back with hand made gifts and wonderful food. This market is definitely worth a trip out to see, hosting everything from hot chocolate stalls to hemp products for pets. It is also, shockingly, the home to a ferris wheel that was apparently the original one used in the filming of Grease. This market holds a lot, and very little of it is something you would like to miss.
Sketching Tour
1:30pm, 21 Dec - National Gallery of Ireland
This free event is a must see for anyone interested in the fine arts. The gallery hosts some of the most beautiful works you can find in Dublin, and is always well worth the visit. The tour is free, and all materials are provided, so this is a perfect chance go appreciate the collection and architecture of the gallery, while also getting those creative juices flowing.
Once Upon a Time at Bingo Loco
30 Nov-31 Dec - Collins Avenue
With many, many sessions running over the month of December, bingo’s favourite wild child is adding bundles of festive cheer to their usual madness. Catered by Eddie Rockets and with a full bar, this fan favourite for anyone who likes a bit of bingo and loves a bit of craic is selling out fast, so get your tickets before they’re all gone.
Tickets start at €22.03 on the Bingo Loco website.
This is NOT a Cult
9-14 Dec - Boys’ School at Smock Alley Theatre
No Desserts are bringing their post-apocalyptic play with music (not a musical) to one of the most interesting performance spaces Dublin has to offer. Come on down the winding ramps to the basement and hear the good word of Jesus 2 at this historic theatre in the centre of Dublin.
Tickets are €15, with a student and OAP concession rate of €12.
Irish Museum of Modern Art
Open Tues-Sun - Royal Hospital Kilmainham
There are too many exhibitions running here over the Winter break to even attempt to list, but rest assured they are all incredibly interesting. Specific exhibitions are typically ticketed in IMMA, however they’re free to enter for full time students, and on Tuesdays to the general public, although they do suggest booking in advance to ensure you get in.
If you’re bringing friends or family with you, or you forgot your student card, tickets start at €5 and don’t run higher than €8.