November Event Guide: From food festivals to light displays, here’s what’s happening around Ireland this month

Samhain Food Festival Kells

3-6 November, Kells, Meath

A festival of great gatherings and feasts, Samhain Food Festival welcomes one and all to the table for an exchange of food, drink and good conversation. Held in the heritage town of Kells, this weekend of celebration will take you on an exploratory journey, with a great line up of chefs, food writers, cookery demonstrations, food tours, workshops and competitions. There’s even a long table supper, and plenty of tastings to be had across the weekend.

Fever-Tree Winter Forest at Café en Seine

4-30 November, Café en Seine, Dublin

Fever-Tree have unveiled the fabulous festive city hideaway in Café en Seine, and it’s guaranteed to transport visitors to an idyllic escape. Perfect for a cosy afternoon with warm and welcoming interiors, glistening lights and wreaths and foliage that will exude Christmassy aromas, the winter forest will serve a selection of festive Fever-Tree cocktails, as well as a perfectly paired food menu set to delight your taste buds ahead of the Christmas period.

Hennessy Sound Lounge

Multiple events throughout November, Hen’s Teeth, Blackpitts, Dublin

The Hennessy Sound Lounge returns for the third iteration in a listening lounge connected to the Hen’s Teeth gallery, store and restaurant space. Across four nights in November, four of the country’s most talented and accomplished artists will showcase and discuss the records that mean the most to them, in a unique and intimate immersive listening experience. The lineup includes Pillow Queens, God Knows, Kean Kavanagh and Robyn Lynch.

The Night Sky at Malahide Castle & Gardens

4 November – 3 January, Malahide Castle & Gardens, Dublin

Bringing the Northern Lights to Dublin, Wonderlights at Malahide Castle is an enchanting evening spectacle for all the family, taking you on an awe-inspiring walking trail through the illuminated castle grounds. Guests can expect a magical mix of lights, colour, nature and sounds. The experience will captivate all ages – perfect for families, couples and friends.

Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo

Running until 9 January, Dublin Zoo

Wild Lights, the spectacular, night-time experience at Dublin Zoo, is back with an exciting brand new theme – The Magic of Life. Over a thousand breath-taking, dazzling lanterns will portray a fascinating and important story by shining a light on biodiversity. Giving guests the opportunity to learn more about the Magic of Life and the role they can play to help our planet, Wild Lights featuring everything from the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a stunning butterfly, to the intriguing co-operation between ants in a colony.

International Sherry Week at Cava Bodega

7-13 November, Cava Bodega, Galway

Bringing the world’s largest celebration of wines from southern Spain to Galway city, International Sherry Week at Cava Bodega will shine a spotlight on some of the finest fortified wine on both the wine and tapas menus. Favourites include clams, chorizo and Oloroso Sherry, free range duck with plums and PX Sherry, and pork fillet with serrano ham, apricots and Amontillado Sherry. On Thursday, 10 November, owner JP McMahon will host a special tasting event, where guests will enjoy tapas and sherry pairings personally selected and presented by the man himself.

The Clockworks at Róisín Dubh

12 November, Róisín Dubh, Galway

Irish four-piece The Clockworks are returning to their own stomping grounds in Galway this November with a highly anticipated gig at Róisín Dubh. Creation Records boss Alan McGee has sung their praises, lauding the alternative Galway band’s sound as reminiscent of early Oasis. High praise indeed.

Nutcracker Sweeties at The Gaiety Theatre

16-19 November, The Gaiety Theatre, Dublin

Ballet Ireland’s Nutcracker Sweeties is a re-telling of one of the world’s favourite Christmas ballets, telling the tale of a brother and sister on a magical Christmas Eve. Ciara and Fionn are on a shopping trip to a famous department store in Dublin. They wander off from their parents and are rescued by the Nutcracker doll, who comes to life before they are surrounded by a glorious blizzard of snowflakes.The Sugar Plum fairy greets them leading Ciara into the kingdom of the sweets where the beautiful Christmas windows come to life.

Santa’s House Express at Palmerstown

25 November – 23 December, Palmerstown House Estate, Kildare

Established in 2014, a visit to Santa’s House Express at Palmerstown House Estate has become a family tradition beloved by many for almost a decade now. With over 2km of spectacular displays and characters to see, the self-drive route of Santa’s Kingdom is a true delight. You can park up and stoll up Candy Cane Lane from Sant’a Manor, find the family funfair at the Winter Wonderland, and make some precious memories to last a lifetime.

Game Night at the g Hotel’s Supper Club

24 November, The G Hotel, Galway

Game Night Supper Club at the G Hotel takes place in the stunning surrounds of the Grand Salon, and will see head chef Dominique Majecki in conversation with local food suppliers about their own unique stories, experiences and love of foraging and game. The evening’s menu will be paired with wines from Les Deux Cols vineyard by Tindal Wines. To book the Game Night Supper Club email events@theghotel.ie

The Jungle Book at The Gaiety Theatre

27 November – 8 January, The Gaiety Theatre, Dublin

Fancy forgetting about your worries and your strife? Well, you’re in luck, because this year’s Gaiety Pantomime just so happens to be The Jungle Book. Head off on a tropical adventure with Mowgli, the man-child, as he swings and sings his way through this jungle journey. Filled with Panto monkey business and hiss-sterical shenanigans, you’ll meet all your favourite jungle friends along the way, plus a few familiar animal crackers.