After the madness that is Dublin at Christmas, January might seem a little calmer. It is, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t lots of things to see and do in and around our great city.
From big Broadway shows to uniquely Irish events, here are our picks for the best things to do in Dublin in January:
1. West Side Story
It’s one of the all-time great Broadway shows. Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and music by Leonard Bernstein, West Side Story is the ultimate tragedy. Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, it tells the tale of two New York gangs and a young couple torn between them.
This is an all-star production in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre – don’t miss it.
2. David Bowie Festival
Dublin is planning it’s own tribute to this iconic artist.
The David Bowie Festival runs from January 5th to the 10th and includes live music, movies, documentaries and quiz nights. There will also be a guest appearance by Bowie co-songwriter and collaborator Gerry Leonard in Whelans on Wexford Street.
3. WedFest
WedFest 2017 is the biggest “alternative wedding event” in Ireland and it takes place in Dublin’s Chocolate Factory on Sunday January 22nd.
It’s basically a wedding fair for people who want their day to be very different and not the usual wedding format. You can meet celebrants, music acts, event planners and representatives from venues all over the country at the event.
4. The Pillowman
Martin McDonagh is Ireland’s greatest living playwright and one of the best Irish writers of all time.
The Pillowman is a great example of his genius at work, it’s won two Tony Awards and the Olivier Award for Best New Play. The play follows a police interrogation of a young writer and the fantastical tales he creates – it will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very last line. The show runs at the Gaiety Theatre from Tuesday 24th – Sunday 5th February.
5. Temple Bar TradFest 2017
Temple Bar TradFest 2017 features over 200 traditional Irish music and culture acts over five hectic days from Wednesday 25th January to Sunday 29th January.
This is an incredible opportunity to see act like The Dubliners, Paddy Casey, Mundy, Clannad, Moya Brennan, Sharon Shannon and many more. The venues include St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin’s City Hall, House of Lords, Dublin Castle and The Button Factory.
6. Dublin Chinese New Year Festival
Every year, Dublin embraces the Chinese New Year and 2017 will be no different. It’s the Year of the Rooster and it’ll be marked with a series of events running from Jan 28th to Feb 12th.
Chinese New Year’s Day itself falls on Saturday 28th of January and there will be lots to do on and around that day, including musical, cultural, dance and culinary events.
Thought that January in Dublin would be a quiet affair? Think again.
