Looking for a cosy corner after a stroll or a spot to catch up with friends over a pint this Christmas season? Here are Dublin’s best dog-friendly pubs! 1. The Bernard Shaw A Dublin institution, The Bernard Shaw is a hub that’s as welcoming to dogs as it is to people. The large outdoor space is perfect for letting your pooch stretch out while you enjoy a craft beer or something tasty from one of the resident food trucks. It’s a lively spot with plenty of character, making it a great choice for a laid-back afternoon or evening with your furry friend. Location: Cross Guns Bridge, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 Why Your Dog Will Love It: The spacious outdoor area offers plenty of room to explore and relax. 2. The Dog House Blues Tearooms True to its name, The Dog House Blues Tearooms in Howth is a dog lover’s dream. With quirky décor, fires, and a menu full of delicious options, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a walk. Dogs are more than welcome here, often receiving their own water bowl and a prime spot by the fire. Location: 3 Harbour Road, Howth, Dublin Why Your Dog Will Love It: The cozy atmosphere and warm fires are ideal for a post-walk rest, especially in the colder months. 3. The Bath Pub For those who enjoy something both trendy yet comfortable, The Bath Pub in Sandymount is a top pick. With a stylish interior and a dog-friendly outdoor seating area, it’s a favourite among locals, especially after a walk along Sandymount Strand. The pub provides doggy treats and water bowls, ensuring your pup is well cared for while you enjoy your drink. Location: 26 Bath Avenue, Sandymount, Dublin 4 Why Your Dog Will Love It: The outdoor area is perfect for soaking up the sun and people-watching. 4. MVP Located in Dublin 8, MVP is a cosy pub that’s as dog-friendly as they come. Known for its warm, welcoming vibe, this pub offers water bowls, doggy treats, and plenty of love from the staff. MVP is perfect for those looking for a relaxed atmosphere where both you and your dog can feel at home. Location: 29 Upper Clanbrassil Street, Dublin 8 Why Your Dog Will Love It: The laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff make it a great spot for a quiet drink. 5. The Fumbally Though more café than pub, The Fumbally is too good not to mention for dog owners. Located in The Liberties, this spot is perfect for a daytime visit. With a menu focused on wholesome, locally sourced food, and a fantastic atmosphere, it’s a great place to grab a bite with your dog by your side. Location: Fumbally Lane, The Liberties, Dublin 8 Why Your Dog Will Love It: The relaxed, community vibe and friendly staff make it feel like a second home.

Funderland (RDS, Dublin) There are still 6 (and a little bit) fun-filled days to pretend it’s Christmas at the RDS, with Funderland – celebrating its 50 th year, believe it or not! – running until January 12. It’s open daily between now and then from 12pm to 10pm. Blanchardstown on Ice (Millennium Park, Blanchardstown Centre, Dublin) The easiest and cheapest way to ice skate, this week, is via putting one foot outside your front door and then, involuntarily, scoot across the road. But, if you want to do it the fun way there are still numerous family ice skating events in full swing. One, is at the Blanchardstown Centre. It started way back on November 15; but the good news is it doesn’t end until January 26. Aladdin The Panto (Draíocht, Coolmine, Blanchardstown, Dublin) Forget Sammy Sausages and other double entendres, the Coolmine Panto Group brings the panto fun into the new year with a run of Disney’s Aladdin at Draíocht in Blanchardstown – running from January 2 to January 19. Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, the Genie and evil Nafar – all the gang is here. The story is endless, but so is the fun. One thing of note: Draiocht will hold a sensory-friendly version of the show on January 9 (this coming Thursday), where the volume and lights will be toned down a bit. Dundrum on Ice (Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin) One of the longest running and most popular festive ice rink events in Ireland, Dundrum on Ice is now in its 13 th year. Open for all the family, the fun may have started way back before Halloween, but it doesn’t finally wrap up until Sunday, January 26. Nollaig na mBan (North Strand, Ballybough, Dublin) Today, January 6, the communities of Ballybough, Clonliffe and North Strand in Dublin 3 will celebrate Nollaig na mBan (Little Women’s Christmas) with a day-long festival honouring local women and showcasing incredible talent. This unique festival, now in its third year, is Ireland’s only all-female cultural event. The day begins at 2:00 PM in Charleville Mall Library, where an Awards Ceremony will recognize 10 exceptional women for their invaluable contributions to the community. The ceremony will be hosted by Catriona Crowe, a former award recipient and respected local historian and archivist. At 4:00 PM, attendees will enjoy a special conversation between Councillor Nial Ring and local Olympic gold medalist Kellie Harrington, reflecting on her remarkable achievements and her roots in the community. Following the awards, a live music trail will take place across Ballybough and North Strand, featuring performances by celebrated artists: St. Columba’s Church: Muireann Bradley and Mary Stokes Trio Annesley House: Leslie Dowdall and Aoife Bridget Cusack’s Bar: Local favourite Sharon Clonliffe House: Mamma Mia ABBA Tribute Band The festival celebrates the spirit of community, culture, and the achievements of women in Dublin’s North Inner City.

Rumours persist that the self-styled greatest rock and roll band in the world, the Rolling Stones will be playing Ireland this summer, with one of the vacant/still-to-be-booked nights at Dublin’s Croke Park seemingly the front-runner in terms of venue. Never a band to need an excuse to tour, nonetheless the Stones embarked on a US tour last Spring in support of 2023 album Hackney Diamonds (their first album of original songs in 18 years); before wrapping it up in mid-Summer. Then, in November, talk – seemingly fuelled by none other than Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood – began of a possible European tour in 2025. Although frequent visitors to these shores, the Stones haven’t played Ireland since opening their #NoFilter European tour at Dublin’s Croke Park , in May 2018. While nothing has been confirmed – and a hotly anticipated December announcement never came to fruition – it is understood that a tour of Europe is likely this year and that it could feature an Irish date. As one industry source told Travel2Ireland : “Regarding an Irish date, it’s far from a done deal, but I would watch this space, as it were. They know Ireland really well and love playing here. And, while they don’t play here every tour, they’re certainly not getting any younger and who knows when – or even if – there will be another World Tour after this one. So, there’s every chance.”

Rumours of RnB-turned country royalty Beyoncé hitting the road on a mega world tour – in support of her recent Cowboy Carter album – this year have not dimmed, despite her publicist saying in November that she would not be playing any shows…and hot on the heels of that rumour is word that Queen Bey is eyeing a return to Dublin, where the last time she performed was at Croke Park in 2016. She is believed to have booked a number of UK dates, with Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in London, apparently having already been boxed off. Beyoncé is set to make a big announcement on her 2025 plans next week. Maybe a new album, or maybe a new tour. Which one?…Well, her recent appearance – as the halftime showstopper – at the NFL Christmas Day game between the Houston Texans and the Baltimore Ravens, in Houston (an event which is being referred to as the Beyoncé Bowl) has only fuelled rumours as to the latter.

Dublin is gearing up for Chinese/Lunar New Year 2025 – which will formally usher in the Year of the Snake. The festival runs from January 25 to February 2 , with January 29 the actual new year date. This year’s festivities, in Dublin, will cover food and culture with various events happening around the capital from galleries (National Gallery, Chester Beatty Library) to cinemas (IFI) to restaurants, workshops and street events – aimed at all ages. While the full programme of events is still being finalised, check out Dublin Lunar New Year 2025 | Events Archives – Dublin Lunar New Year 2025 for early details.

January can be notoriously gloomy, but as we settle into 2025, the First Fortnight Festival returns to Ireland, combining art, culture, and conversation to shine a light on mental health and to help you through what feels like the longest month of the year. Running from January 4th to 18th, this unique festival challenges mental health stigma by bringing people together through creativity and dialogue. It’s not just about watching and listening—it’s about connecting, learning, and laughing along the way. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening at this year’s festival! What’s Happening at the First Fortnight Festival 2025? The lineup this year is packed with events that explore mental health in thoughtful, creative, and sometimes surprising ways. Whether you’re into music, theatre, visual art, or just good conversations, you’ll find something worth checking out. Here are some highlights: 1. Nollaig na mBan (Women’s Christmas) Celebrated on January 6th, this event dives into women’s mental health. It’s a mix of workshops, talks, and performances honouring the tradition of Women’s Little Christmas while creating space for important conversations about self-care and support. This event will take place in Whelans, Dublin 2. 2. Musical Strings Explore Light Painting in Wexford Town for a fun and creative light art photo painting experience! Participants of all ages are invited to these drop in workshops in FDYS to create their own unique light art pieces with the guidance of local photographer Louise Scally. This event runs from January 9th to 12th across multiple venues in Wexford. Light painting involves using long exposure photography to capture movement from a light source, allowing participants to play with light and jump, write, or create symbols in the air. Each participant will receive digital photos of their creations via email. The photographs will then be projected onto a wall in the town of Enniscorthy on 11th and 12th January, showcasing these images to uplift the community during the darker winter months. This event celebrates young people as artists, offering a playful, creative outlet, introducing them to photography and performance art, all while brightening Wexford’s winter experience. 3. Laughter’s the Best Medicine Laughter is definitely the best medicine ….. and the cheapest! In a world that is getting far too serious for its own good, you’re invited to come along and have a fun evening to celebrate The First Fortnight Festival. There will be jokes; there will be sketches; there will be entertaining conversation, and there will even be a few prizes – on from January 9th at the An Grianán Theatre in Donegal. 4. Creative Arts Therapy Exhibition This exhibition is an evocative response to the homelessness crisis in Ireland – through art you will delve into the mental health of support workers as they hold space for the people they accompany through difficult and sometimes chaotic situations. This impactful exhibition takes place at the Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin, featuring cement and plaster houses representing all those homeless in Ireland. Alongside the housing installation are artworks produced by support workers expressing their experience of the homeless sector. 5. Where’s Your head At What do you do to mind your mental health? Where’s your head at? First Fortnight and Emily Quinn collaborate in this new Portrait Project. A collection of artists and individuals connected to First Fortnight and the wider arts community sat with Quinn for a portrait photoshoot and discussed what they do to support their mental health. The resulting exhibition of smiling faces and stories of how we mind our mental health is a reminder that joy can exist alongside the tough conversations, that we can share hope of better days ahead, and that community is one of our most powerful assets. This event takes place at The Hunt Museum in Limerick, from the 5th to 14th of January. More to Discover That’s not all—First Fortnight Festival has plenty more to offer, from mental health workshops and film screenings to community events and panel discussions. You can find the full schedule and venue details on the official First Fortnight website . When and Where? Dates : January 4th – 18th, 2025 Locations : Events are happening in venues across Ireland, with something for everyone no matter where you’re based. Ticket Prices Many events at the First Fortnight Festival are free, making it accessible to everyone. For ticketed events, prices vary depending on the activity. Check out the festival’s ticket page to see what’s available and snag your spot.

January in Dublin is getting a refreshing twist with the Dry January Festival , a city-wide celebration that proves you don’t need alcohol to enjoy life, discover new hobbies, and connect with others. Powered by Alternative Dublin , this month-long festival transforms Dublin into a hub of creativity, community, and cultural discovery with over 100 alcohol-free events! From pottery and painting to yoga and speed-friending, this innovative festival promises something for everyone, without the pressure of alcohol. A Packed Calendar of Events With activities running daily from January 1 to January 31 , you’ll never run out of things to do. Here’s a taste of the festival’s lineup: January 3: Vision Board Workshop Kick off 2025 by designing your own vision board to set inspiring goals for the year ahead. January 4: Art and Craft Galore Clay & Coffee: Make Your Own Pot Person Drop-In Tote Bag Painting Drop-In Paint Night (Dublin City Center Theme) Candle Painting: Design Your Own Masterpiece Beginners New Year Yoga Session January 5–6: Creative Crafts and Workshops Get hands-on with rug making , candle painting , and public speaking for beginners , or unleash your inner artist with themed pottery and painting sessions. January 7–9: Coffee Art, Board Games, and More Create a Painting Using Coffee Adult Board Games Social Night Paint Your Own Mandala Workshop Clay & Coffee: Mexican Skulls January 10–13: Jewelry, Pottery, and Unique Art From making DIY jewelry and painting Studio Ghibli pottery to participating in chess sessions , there’s plenty to keep your creativity flowing. January 14–18: Social and Sustainable Fun Speedfriending Festival Thrift & Threads Sustainable Charity Shop Crawl Yoga and Pottery Workshops January 20–31: Unique Themes and Lasting Memories The festival wraps up with quirky workshops like Paint with Coffee , Banksy-inspired Paint Nights , alongside inclusive social events such as clothes swaps and tarot pottery sessions . Additional Information The Dry January Festival 2025 isn’t just about staying off the booze; it’s about reconnecting with yourself, meeting new people, and rediscovering the joy of trying new things. Here’s everything you need to know to attend. Dates: January 1–31, 2025 Location: Various venues across Dublin Ticket Prices: Events range from free to low-cost —most drop-in activities are around €10-€20. Pre-booking is recommended for popular sessions. For the full schedule and to book tickets, visit the official Dry January Festival website .

Kick off the New Year with a cultural feast at Belfast’s Out to Lunch Festival, running from January 4th to 26th! Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this beloved winter festival fills the city’s Cathedral Quarter with music, theatre, comedy, literature, and delicious food. What’s On at the Out to Lunch Festival This year’s lineup is packed with talent and entertainment, offering something for everyone. Here’s a taste of what’s in store: – Music: Enjoy performances from blues sensation Muireann Bradley, the harmonious group Landless, and the legendary 808 State. Additionally, don’t miss the Ennio Morricone Experience, celebrating the iconic film composer’s work. – Comedy: Laugh out loud with comedians Lucy Porter in her show “No Regrets,” Andrew Maxwell, Shappi Khorsandi, and Josie Long’s work-in-progress about giant extinct animals. – Theatre and Literature: Experience James Joyce’s “Grace,” a tale of booze, bombast, and religious confusion, and join Belle and Sebastian frontman Stuart Murdoch as he discusses his debut novel, “Nobody’s Empire.” Also, don’t miss “Lies Where it Falls,” a compelling solo play by Downton Abbey’s Ruairi Conaghan. – Cultural Events: Participate in the festival’s first-ever Céilí for Lunch, an afternoon of traditional Irish dancing, and attend a Q&A with Linsey Young on the award-winning exhibition “Women In Revolt!” – For the Foodies: Join renowned chef Niall McKenna in conversation with Kathy Clugston as they discuss his first cookbook, “What’s It All About?” Additional Information The festival runs from January 4th to 26th, 2025, primarily in Belfast’s historic Cathedral Quarter. Afternoon shows are priced at €14, which includes a delicious lunch, maintaining the festival’s reputation for affordable tickets and a friendly atmosphere. Evening show prices vary; please check the official website for specific event pricing. Tickets can be purchased through the festival’s official website. Given the popularity of the events, early booking is recommended. Visit cqaf.com for more information.

Grammy-nominated American singer-songwriter  Lana Del Rey  comes to Ireland this year as part of her Britain and Ireland tour, when she will play  Dublin’s  Aviva Stadium  on June 30th, with additional tickets available now! Fans can expect to enjoy some new music at the gig as Del Rey’s tour announcement was closely followed by news of her latest album, The Right Person Will Stay, set to release on May 21st, 2025. She is due to perform in Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool and Dublin, ending her run at London’s Wembley Stadium. The soulful star has had a busy 2024 – featuring headline performances at festivals such as Coachella, Reading and Leeds, and Rock en Seine, as well as her first stadium show at Boston’s Fenway Park. Best-known for her hit song Summertime Sadness, Del Rey promises to serve up a wide range spanning her nine (soon-to-be 10) studio albums. Tickets are currently upwards of €100, and are available on the Ticketmaster Resale platform. For more information, visit ticketmaster.ie.

Dublin is no stranger to quirky attractions, but the viral rise of the Cherry Tomato Bridge has left many scratching their heads—and maybe reaching for a snack. This unassuming bridge in Drumcondra has become an unlikely landmark thanks to TikTok. Intrigued? Let’s dive into the juicy details. How Did This Tomato Trend Begin? The Drumcondra Bridge recently found fame on TikTok, with visitors capturing videos of cherry tomatoes left scattered along its surface. It is unknown how the tomatoes got there in the first place, but the cold snap earlier in the week froze them to the surface of the bridge. Then, new tomatoes started to appear… Eventually, other tomato paraphernalia was placed on the bridge, like tomato paste, ketchup and framed, AI generated photos of a tomato-headed man. However, tomatoes of the non-cherry kind are prohibited on the bridge, and a brief incident of a large sliced tomato amongst the cherry tomatoes sparked outrage online, leading to it being thrown off the bridge. Now, netizens refer to visiting the cherry tomato bridge as a ‘pilgrimage’ due to its shrine status. Why? Why tomatoes? No one seems to know for sure. Some believe it started as a joke or art installation, while others see it as a playful way to leave a mark on the city. Whatever the reason, the bridge’s connection to cherry tomatoes has now become a viral sensation – so much so that the location is marked as a ‘Shrine’ on Google Maps, complete with reviews: “Questions the nature of self” , “ I thought the Split Rock of Dromore was great, and it is, but this is in another league. Unmissable” , “A must see. Will go again.” are just some of the reviews left by visitors. People are encouraged to bring their own cherry tomatoes, place them carefully on the bridge, snap a photo or grab and video, and post it online with the hashtag #CherryTomatoesBridge. The Bigger Picture The Cherry Tomatoes Bridge might sound like an odd addition to Dublin’s attractions, but it reflects the city’s unique ability to embrace fun, whimsy, and creativity! Why not grab a punnet and head over?

Looking for a way to brighten up the long, dark days of January? Look no further than Adventure Lights at Skypark Carlingford , where the magic of lights meets outdoor adventure! Located in the Cooley Peninsula, this experience combines excitement, family fun, and a touch of wonder, making it the perfect way to kickstart your year. Here’s why Adventure Lights at Skypark should be at the top of your January to-do list. What’s on at Adventure Lights? Skypark is Ireland’s largest adventure park, and during winter it’s transformed into a sparkling wonderland with Adventure Lights . Here’s what’s on: Illuminated Forest Walk Take a stroll through a stunningly lit woodland trail. As you walk beneath a glowing canopy, the lights and atmosphere make this the perfect setting for photos or a romantic evening. Skypark Activities Under the Lights Many of Skypark’s most popular activities, including high ropes courses, ziplining, and climbing walls, are open during Adventure Lights, making for a pretty special aerial experience. Fire Pits and Hot Drinks Cosy up around the fire pits with a steaming mug of hot chocolate, tea, or mulled wine. It’s the perfect way to warm up! Kids’ Adventure Zone Little adventurers will love exploring the kid-friendly activities tailored to their age group. Stargazing Opportunities Away from the bright city lights, Skypark offers a chance to spot constellations and admire the beauty of the night sky—a magical addition to your evening. Why Adventure Lights is Perfect for January Beat the Winter Blues January can feel long and dreary, but Adventure Lights injects some much-needed brightness into the season. The lights and outdoor activities will leave you feeling re-energized. Family-Friendly Fun It’s a fantastic outing for families, with something to entertain everyone, from toddlers to teens—and the grown-ups too! Fresh Air and Exercise After the indulgence of the holiday season, this is the ideal way to get moving while enjoying Ireland’s natural beauty. Romantic Evenings Couples will love the atmosphere of the illuminated trails and the cosy fire pits—the perfect way to spend quality time together. When and Where Adventure Lights runs at Skypark Carlingford , located in County Louth, on the Cooley Peninsula. Surrounded by stunning views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains, it’s a destination worth visiting in its own right. Dates : Adventure Lights is open on select evenings in January. Check the official website for specific dates and times. Pricing Tickets for Adventure Lights start at just €15 per person, with family packages available for a great value. Be sure to book in advance, as this experience is hugely popular and spots fill up fast. Plan Your Visit What to Bring : Warm clothing, sturdy shoes, and gloves (especially for the high ropes courses). Food and Drink : On-site refreshments are available, so you can grab a snack or warm beverage during your visit. Booking : Advance booking is essential to secure your spot! Book through the official Skypark Adventure Lights page . For more information on opening hours, tickets and what’s on, visit Skypark Adventure Lights .

This Saturday, January 18th, the sky has a special treat in store for stargazers – a six-planet “parade”! That’s right, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Saturn, and Venus are set to align in a stunning arc across the cosmos, visible to the naked eye. Here’s everything you need to know about this spectacle! Mark your calendars—this is a starry event you don’t want to miss! What’s Happening in the Sky? Dr. Dan Brown, an astronomy expert from Nottingham Trent University, describes this planetary parade as a rare visual treat. These four visible planets will stretch across the evening sky, creating an arc so large it just fits into your eye’s field of view. Starting at 5pm and peaking at 6pm local time, here’s what to look forward to: Mars : The fiery red planet will anchor the left corner of your view. Venus : Brilliant and glowing, it’ll be right near Saturn, lighting up the right corner. Jupiter : One of the brightest objects in the sky, it’ll be impossible to miss. Saturn : A touch dimmer, but still easily spotted near Venus. For optimal viewing, Mars, Venus, and Saturn will appear roughly 20 degrees above the horizon—so find a good vantage point! Where and How to Watch To make the most of this event, follow these tips: Pick the Perfect Spot : Choose an open area with clear views from the north-east to south-west horizons. Avoid places obstructed by tall trees or buildings. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best stargazing spots across Ireland, which you can find here. Timing is Everything : Arrive early, around 5 PM, so your eyes can adjust to the dim light of the early evening sky. The best viewing conditions will be at 6 PM. Look for Bright Objects : Mars, Venus, and Jupiter will be the brightest objects in the sky—your guiding beacons. No Equipment Needed : Leave the telescopes and cameras at home; these planets are bright enough to be seen with the naked eye. However, a camera with a wide lens could beautifully frame Venus and Saturn. Use a Sky Map App : If you’re struggling to locate the planets, apps like Night Sky can guide your gaze. Why Do Planets Align? This isn’t magic—just orbital mechanics! Planets align like this every so often due to their individual orbits around the Sun. What’s special about this alignment is how it stretches across the sky in a visually stunning arc. But wait—there’s more! February promises another planetary alignment, featuring Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, and Mercury . This parade, on February 24th, will offer a slightly closer grouping, though still spanning a wide 117 degrees. A Night to Remember Don’t forget to wrap up warm, pick your perfect stargazing spot, and prepare for a night you’ll never forget. January 18th is a date with the stars—don’t miss it! For more information on stargazing tips, check out resources like Night Sky or our guide to the best stargazing spots in Ireland.