Weekend Guide: 9 brilliant events to have on your radar

Electric Galway grand reopening

22 March, Galway, more info here

This weekend is going to be a big one for Galway folk, as their beloved nightclub Electric is finally reopening after what feels like a lifetime. The long awaited event, which has been aptly dubbed ‘At F*cking Last’, kicks off at 11pm and features Bongani on the main floor, and Cormac & Lolz in the garden. At long last, the good times have come to fruition.

Cocktails at Pen and Player

Open seven days a week, more info here

If you’re after an evening of opulence, a trip to Pen and Player cocktail bar on Harcourt Street is an absolute must. Inspired by a place in time, by mystery, temptation and desire, the interiors have the feel of an elevated speakeasy lounge feel, inviting you to get comfortable and spend a while, and the delicious food and premium cocktails will assert it as your new go-to destination for date night.

MotherKraft

Until 23 March, Project Arts Centre, Dublin, more info here

MotherKraft is a call to her arms, a gathering, inviting the audience to witness a ritual to reconceive the power of creation. A theatrical performance journey through movement, weaving stories with original music, song and video, MotherKraft celebrates vulnerability, reparenting, acceptance and the hardcore, pandemonium of being simultaneously two bodies and one.

Making A Show of Myself

22&23 March, Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin, more info here

Back by popular demand, following a sellout run last year, an Irish raconteur shares the most ridiculous, embarrassing, hilarious and tragic episodes of her life, showing there’s a story in every stumble – and a little magic in every story. Mary Kate explores how her lifelong fascination with story has shaped and sustained her and makes a compelling case for how stories shape and sustain the human race.

Wander Wild Festival

22-24 March, Killarney, more info here

Described as Ireland’s own ‘great outdoors festival’, Wander Wild is designed to make getting active feel more accessible. They’ve got workshops and excursions for any range of skill levels, from thrilling climbing sessions for the adrenaline fuelled among us, to calming mindfulness sessions to help you heal. Through the three-day programme, you can opt to challenge yourself as much as you’d like, from strenuous hikes and rock climbing to yoga sessions and breathwork classes.

Galway Indoor Market

23 March, Outset Gallery, Galway, more info here

The next instalment of Outset Gallery’s Indoor Market is bringing a diverse range of stalls that showcase the best of vintage, retro, second hand and hand made wares from independent businesses and creative individuals to Galway’s Corn Store. There’ll also be music from Yawlag Collective, and good vibes guaranteed.

Raquel Welch, One in a Million

Running throughout March, Newbridge Silverware, Kildare, more info here

Raquel Welch, ‘One in A Million’ is a ‘free to enter exhibition’ featuring several garments, gowns, jewellery, and personal items once worn by the famous actress. It is the only European exhibition for the public to view this never before seen collection of the Hollywood superstar’s most famous and iconic costumes, garments, and personal property prior to its auction presented by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles.

WAKE by THISISPOPBABY

Until 23 March, National Stadium, Dublin, more info here

WAKE, the smash-hit theatrical phenomenon, features wild acrobatics, trad-with-a-twist, searing hot circus and outrageous cabaret. It’s a high-octane, heart-thumping celebration of life, of togetherness, of grabbing the ones you hold dear and screaming, ‘I love you’ over the music. Described as “the moment we’ve all been waiting for” and “the best show in town”, WAKE is the entertainment event of the decade, and everybody is invited.

Na Peirsigh / Persians

Throughout March, Abbey Theatre, Dublin, more info here

Experience Europe’s oldest known surviving play retold in Europe’s oldest spoken language at the National Theatre of Ireland. A new Irish-language production of the Greek drama Na Peirsigh / Persians by renowned Irish writer and poet Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill, the play tells the story of a surprising victory, extraordinarily told from the perspective of the losing side. It will be a thrilling opportunity to encounter a rich new version of Europe’s oldest known surviving play retold in Europe’s oldest spoken language.