When it comes to planning your weekends in Ireland, you really are spoiled for choice. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Mastercard to bring you the ultimate event guide every weekend for the rest of the year. Your weekend starts here:
Dublin
A first-of- its-kind Christmas party venue in Dublin, Aprés Dublin at CHQ will see the 900sqm venue turned into a giant custom-built ski lodge in the city centre, with Aprés social activities and entertainment at its heart.
The Aprés Lodge will offer a truly unique festive party experience, with delicious street food options and an in-house DJ, as well as a traditional Austrian house band who will provide live music as you munch on Bratwurst.
Mulled wine, beautiful handmade gifts and festive treats will be on offer within the free-to- attend village, supported by magical Christmas shows suitable for all the family, such as winter choir sing-a-long sessions and a rich variety of pop-up market stalls. Aprés Dublin is on until the 23rd December.
The most festive run of the season, this 5k and 10k run on North Bull Island, Clontarf will see hundreds of participants dressed in Santa Suits compete for customised Christmas medals and a gift from Santa himself, who will be waiting in an igloo at the finish line.
Everyone who enters to run the race on Sunday at 2pm receives a free Santa costume, and the atmosphere is exhilarating even for bemused onlookers.
Finish off the festivities with a stroll back down along the strand for brunch at Bay restaurant, which overlooks Dublin Bay with a spectacular view.
The Dublin Santa Dash 2013 from Aideen McFadden on Vimeo.
This Saturday, on the back of their newly recorded Christmas album, Dublin Gospel Choir return to Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire, bringing a selection of Christmas favourites; some joyful, some uplifting, some nostalgic and some just downright funky.
Dublin Gospel Choir have long been a household name in Ireland – versatile, passionate and vibrant, they uplift and energise with powerful voices and rich harmonies. They have shared the stage with industry heavyweights such as Rod Stewart, John Legend, Kodaline, Outkast, Damien Rice and Ennio Morricone, to name but a few.
While they are best known for their gospel, soul and RnB repertoire, their creative interpretation of contemporary pop and rock numbers are always fun and exciting - tickets from €18.
A post shared by Dublin Gospel Choir (@dublingospelchoir) on
A pop-up Christmas market organised by The New Market Collective & Purevintage Fair, this yuletide fair on Sunday will feature a tempting display of over 100 stalls.
Artisan foods, hot beverages and snacks will be accompanied by live music and Christmas carols, while the stalls will be selling a plethora of gift ideas for all ages, including organic skincare products, handmade cards, silk cushions, jewellery, art prints and upcycled vintage homeware.
The market will be located in the The Green Door Market and Dublin Food Co-op in Newmarket and will be open from 11am - 7pm.
Handmade Christmas cards by @little_paper_mill 3rd DEC
A post shared by The New Market Collective (@newmarket_collective) on
Galway
As seen on Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, David O'Doherty – the Aldi Bublé, the Ryanair Enya – presents an evening of his latest jokes and songs at Galway’s Town Hall Theatre.
David has spent the last year on tour around America with Flight of the Conchords and performed at the Edinburgh Fringe and Melbourne Comedy Festival. His witty stand-up has won many international awards including the if.comedy award in 2008, and Best International Comedian at the 2014 Sydney Comedy Festival.
Describing himself as a “failed jazz musician, scrambling about for something else to do with his life", O’Doherty’s stand-up is a must-see.
Jaysus @phlaimeaux is some man for the jokes. #davidodoherty #somemanforthejokes #dlnights
A post shared by Alan Rowlette (@alanrowlette) on
Biteclub brunch is back with a jazz twist as the John Conneely Inc.Trio bring their Jazz, Swing & Big Band inspired sound to Biteclub in Galway city centre on December 3rd at 12pm.
Biteclub brings together a mix of styles that fit together seamlessly while providing its customers with a place to eat, drink and on occasion dance while the disco ball spins - or in this case, jazz notes play.
Their now infamous boozy brunch features buttermilk pancakes served with roast plums and pecans while poached eggs come with kale, avocado, hollandaise and sour dough, not to mention exclusive brunch cocktails that are created especially for the event. Whether it's a breakfast bacon ciabatta or a Bloody Máire you’re after, this will have you covered.
A post shared by Biteclub Galway (@biteclubgalway) on
Kerry
One of Ireland’s most unique music events since 2002, the annual gathering has established itself as a musical pilgrimage for the mind and the soul, with past performances from Glen Hansard, Amy Winehouse, and Elbow.
Taking place in Dingle from December 1st-3rd, while the musical heart of eir Other Voices beats stronger than ever within the walls of St. James’ Church, beyond the chapel gates a three-day festival of music, song and story has evolved on the streets, laneways, pubs, cafés and restaurants in the village of Dingle.
With more than 70 free events on the Music Trail in association with Heineken, a multitude of venues hosting the eir live-stream from St. James’ Church, debate and discourse at Banter and a feast of local food and refreshments, eir Other Voices Festival is a unique celebration enjoyed by thousands every year.
A post shared by Other Voices (@othervoiceslive) on
This event guide was brought to you with thanks to Mastercard®. Register on Priceless.com today to discover exclusive experiences and get privileged access to sporting events, shopping, dining and travel.
