Weekend Guide: From festive train rides to comedy sets, here’s what’s on this weekend

The Guinness Storehouse’s ‘Welcome Home’ Christmas Experience

Until Friday 6 January

Behind the famous black gates of The Guinness Storehouse, visitors can experience a state-of-the-art projection mapped Christmas tree installation in the atrium measuring 16-metres tall, a cinematic film inspired by the iconic surge of a Guinness pint, and bespoke large scale prints created exclusively by Dublin-born award-winning multimedia artist, GRIF. Tickets cost €29 and available here.

Failte Ireland’s ‘Winter in Dublin’ festivities

Friday, 25 November

How about spending the afternoon aboard a polar express? In celebration of the launch of Winter in Dublin, Fáilte Ireland have teamed up with the folks at Fáilte Ireland to host six specially chartered train carriages running across selected services until Friday, 10 December. This Friday 25 November, the Cork-Heuston 11.25AM train will be transformed into a ‘Winter Wonderland’ and passengers will be treated to an exciting, festive VIP trip including live entertainment from Dan Elliott, and festive treats from local suppliers.

‘The First Irish Coffee’ at The Laughter Lounge

Until Saturday, 26 November

If you fancy some comedy this weekend, this high-octane two-man play will be right up your street. ‘The First Irish Coffee’ features more than 60 characters, including Winston Churchill and Marilyn Monroe, and spills the beans on whether Dublin or Limerick gave birth to Ireland’s national cocktail, the humble Irish coffee. Tickets are available here.

Taylor’s Christmas Experience

From Sunday 27 November

Santa officially arrives at Taylor’s Christmas Experience this Sunday… so best be there to greet him! The elves will check you in once you arrive at Taylor’s Christmas Experience, before showing you to your seat for a thoroughly entertaining live performance by Mrs Claus. After that, you’ll be brought through a magical walkway to meet the big man himself in his grotto! All children will also leave with a beautiful present specially made by the elves at their workshop.

IRIS: The Conscious Christmas Fashion Experience

Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 November

Taking place at Studio 10, Wicklow Street, this Irish festive gifting-conscious concept pop-up store brings together a range of leading and award-winning conscious, independent Irish brands. Aiming to create a memorable Christmas shopping experience full of magic and festivities, the events feature meet and greets with the designers, a fine art print for everyone who comes, refreshments, music and more.

Winter Wonderland at Barretstown

Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 November

This weekend, Barretstown — the Irish Children’s charity for children living with a serious illness — will be transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland where you will have the chance to visit Santa in their wonderful grotto, browse through the Christmas market stalls, soak up the Christmas music, make your own decorations, and enjoy festive story telling. More information can be found here.

50 First Skates’ Swap Shop

Sunday 27 November

The folks at 50 First Skates — a weekly quad skating meet up for gays, gals and non binary pals in Dublin — are hosting a Christmas swap-shop at Juno, Dorset street from 2PM this Sunday. Having curated an array of vendors from a variety of creative spheres in the greater Dublin area, the event includes accessories and stylish attire from independent sustainable Irish vendors, as well as unique visual artists pedalling their creations in a variety of forms from stained glass art to roller skate accessories. Just bring along up to 5 items of clothing/accessories to swap and there’ll be a whole area specifically dedicated to the swap shop.