Whether it’s a meal out for a good cause, live theatre on a massive scale or an energy-fuelled celebration of self-expression, we’ve selected the best events happening throughout the weekend.
Paint for Peace
24 July, The Tara Building, Dublin, more info here
Paint for Peace is an uplifting evening of creativity and community in support of the Irish Red Cross Gaza Appeal. You’ll get to design your own hand-painted tote bag, enjoy tunes in a relaxed, welcoming space, and connect with others — all while raising vital funds for humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza. No experience needed, just head along as you are.
Little Shop of Horrors
From 25 July, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin, more info here
This beloved musical, packed with unforgettable songs and quirky characters, is set to bloom like never before. The show follows Seymour, a hapless florist who stumbles upon a mysterious plant with a dark secret—a promise of fame, fortune, and romance, as long as he can keep it well-fed. It’s a spellbinding blend of comedy, horror, and rock ‘n’ roll.
Irish Design Works
From 25 July, Ballymaloe Grainstore, Cork, more info here
Irish Design Works is an exhibition of contemporary work by a select group of Ireland’s top designers and makers hosted in the Ballymaloe Grainstore. Showcasing a mix of disciplines including furniture, ceramics, artisan rugs and knives, and sculptural works in wood and glass, you can enjoy exceptional craft and design, acquire a unique investment piece, or commission something bespoke.
Dancing At Lughnasa
Until 26 July, 3Olympia, Dublin, more info here
In the warmth of the Donegal harvest of 1936, the five Mundy sisters, Kate, Maggie, Rose, Agnes and Chris, love, survive, fight, and dance. This unforgettable summer brings the possibility of joy and love to these extraordinary, ordinary women. Brian Friel’s moving and heartwarming masterpiece about family, home and belonging continues to resonate with this acclaimed production, directed by Caroline Byrne.
One Plate for Palestine
Until 27 July, eateries across Ireland more info here
This fundraiser campaign invites Irish food and hospitality businesses to add a special Palestinian-themed dish to their menu, with all funds raised from the sale of that dish going towards the people of Palestine who are at risk of starvation. If you’re heading out for a meal this weekend, check out the map of participating restaurants on their Instagram page.
The Hat Party
27 July, Curveball, Temple Bar, Dublin, more info here
Zeda & Friends are bringing their signature culture-led energy to Temple Bar with The Hat Party, a playful and stylish day event celebrating music, self-expression, and connection. Guests are invited to arrive in any hat from buckets to berets, fitted caps to crowns for an afternoon of great music, style, and good vibes. Expect themed drinks, high energy sounds from DJ Uzumaki, and prizes for Best Hat, Best Dressed, and Most Creative Look.
Rosie O’Donnell: Common Knowledge
27 July, 3Olympia, Dublin, more info here
Now living in her newly adopted hometown of Dublin, Rosie reflects on the move, the culture shift, family life, and the humbling and hilarious realisation that maybe you don’t have it all figured out. Known for her razor wit and magnetic stage presence, Rosie’s career spans stand-up, hit films like A League of Their Own and Sleepless in Seattle, her groundbreaking daytime talk show, and a current star turn on HBO Max’s And Just Like That.
Galway International Arts Festival
Until 27 July, Galway, more info here
A true highlight of Galway’s festival calendar, the Arts Festival brings together an exciting mix of homegrown and international talent across theatre, music, visual art, and more. Music highlights include Interplanetary Criminal, HousePlants, and The Stunning, and top theatrical picks include Scorched Earth by Luke Murphy, Shakespeare’s Macbeth directed by Garry Hynes, and the once-in-a-lifetime, thrilling circus spectacular Sabotage.
The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh
All July, Gate Theatre, Dublin, more info here
A totalitarian regime. A missing child. A killer on the loose. A writer is arrested when a series of murders, bearing a chilling resemblance to his own stories, come to light. As two detectives chase a confession, they discover a truth much stranger than fiction. Martin McDonagh’s savage tale is about the stories we tell to keep the monsters at bay, directed by Olivier Award-winning Lyndsey Turner and starring FRA FEE, recently seen in the BAFTA-nominated series Lost Boys.
A Misanthrope
All July, Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin, more info here
In this swirling and sexy comedy of bad manners, Molière’s France becomes Dublin’s FRANS, a Silicon Docks megacorp brimming with pissants, posers and plutocrats all grubbing for power and pleasure. As terminally over-it Alceste navigates a tempest of HR complaints and office warfare, his vexed and oversexed lover Celimene treads her own social minefield as she prepares to launch a venture that could liberate her from FRANS and all her hangers-on for good.
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