From your last chance to see Jane Austen’s Emma at the Abbey Theatre to more Dry January antics, here are some of the best events happening around Ireland this weekend.
The Next Big Thing Festival
Until 24 January, The Workman’s Club, Dublin, more info here
Curated by musicians for musicians, The Next Big Thing Festival puts independent artists at the centre of the industry, giving them a platform, and ensuring that they not only get the recognition they deserve but are paid fairly for their craft. This year’s line-up includes AILSHA, Vaticanjail, Still Blue and more.
This Wonderful World: The Concert
25 January, The Wonderful Barn, Leixlip, more info here
As part of Brigit 2025 celebrations in Kildare, some of Ireland’s leading female artists are banding together for a star-studded concert celebrating the theme This Wonderful World. Set on the specially built stage of the Wonderful World marquee with the iconic Wonderful Barn as a backdrop, this concert will connect the spirit of Brigid with the primal power of This Wonderful World we are determined to safeguard to love and to enjoy. Musical stylings come courtesy of Mary Coughlan, HamsandwicH, Orla Gartland, Lisa O’Neill and more.
TradFest
Until 26 January, Dublin city and county, more info here
TradFest is a joyful celebration of Irish identity through music. Each January, it showcases the best of established and emerging musical talent at a landmark festival which is rooted in the historic and atmospheric setting of Dublin. Reimagining and redefining Irish music and reaching growing Irish and international audiences at live events and through digital channels, TradFest 2025 features Wallis Bird & The Spark, The Scratch, Transatlantic Women and many, many more familiar names.
The Last Man in Ireland
Until 25 January, Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin, more info here
For reasons currently unknown, rising sea levels have inexplicably affected Ireland and Ireland only, reducing the island to one small indistinct piece of land owned by one remaining Irish civilian. The Last Man in Ireland is a surrealist three-hander that explores the cyclical themes of family dysfunction, grief and identity. Using the lens of millennial angst, the play delves comedically into the past to present the story of an imagined future.
Emma
Until 25 January, Abbey Theatre, Dublin, more info here
A spectacular reimagining of Jane Austen’s Emma is making its European premiere on the Abbey Stage. Centring on the charming, clever and flirtatious title character, Emma follows the privileged lives and relationships of the smart set and those who wish to join them. Skewering social norms of the day, it examines love, desire, class and the effort it takes to sustain a life of luxury. Ripping the bodice of tradition, Emma is thrilling audiences with a contemporary soundtrack and a period-but-playful retelling of this classic comedy of manners.
Dry January Festival
All January, venues across Dublin, more info here
For those partaking in Dry January, this festival is inviting you to discover a whole new Dublin—no booze required. With a month-long programme designed to spark creativity, build connections and maybe even leave you with a new hobby or two, this weekend’s events include a make-your-own mirror rug workshop, a glow-in-the-dark paint party, some speed friending and poetry yoga.
The David Kronn Collection
Until 27 January, IMMA, Dublin, more info here
This exhibition of photography from the David Kronn Collection celebrates the fourth donation to the IMMA Collection from Irish-born, US-based collector David Kronn. The donation includes a diverse selection of works, ranging from the 19th century to the present day by modernist and contemporary photographers.
Photography from Emma via Ros Kavanagh.