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It’s time for our weekend roundup! Here’s what’s on this weekend, between Friday the 14th and Sunday the 16th of February across Ireland. We’ve got a great lineup of things to do, from the world’s only LGTBQ+ Matchmaking Festival returning to Clare, to Valentine’s celebrations happening across Dublin, and much, much more! The Best Singles Events on in Dublin – 14.02-16.02 Valentine’s week is here, and whether you’re looking for love, new connections, or just an excuse to get out and have some fun, Dublin has plenty to offer. From stylish cocktail meetups to creative pottery nights and high-energy parties, the city is buzzing with events tailored for singles this weekend! Read more here. World’s Only LGTBQ+ Matchmaking Festival Returns to Clare – 14.02-16.02 The world’s only LGTBQ+ matchmaking festival will return to County Clare this Valentine’s Weekend, from the 14-16th of February! Here’s everything you need to know. Read more about the event here. Celebrate Valentine’s at the EPIC Museum – 12.02-16.02 As Valentine’s Day approaches, love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than by diving into the history of Irish romance at EPIC? Read more here. Make Your Own Teidi Bear and Explore the GAA Museum – 01.02-28.02 Get a cuddly kickoff to the mid-term break with the Teidí Tours which are back at the GAA Museum in Croke Park this February! Young GAA fans will have a ball as they get the chance to make their very own sports bear, followed by a guided tour of the iconic Croke Park stadium with their new furry friend. Read more about the event here. Truly Last, Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Getaways in Ireland – 14.02-16.02 So, Valentine’s Day is here, and you’ve got… nothing planned. No dinner reservations, no fancy gifts, and no grand romantic gestures. Don’t panic! Instead of scrambling for flowers at the petrol station, why not turn it into a spontaneous getaway? We’ve compiled the best getaways & activities with links and prices included, so that you can book, go, and save Valentine’s Day (and your relationship!). Read more here. Family Alpaca Walks, Dublinia, Airfield Estate & More: Activities for Kids – February There’s no shortage of fun family-friendly activities to enjoy this February! Whether you’re looking for unique experiences, outdoor adventures, or cosy indoor activities, Ireland is bursting with options for kids of all ages. Here’s a list packed with both general favorites and some gems to keep everyone entertained! Read more here. Discover the Beauty of Ards and North Down – Anytime With its stunning coastline, charming towns and picturesque countryside, this hidden gem, only two hours from Dublin, and all within an hour of Belfast, offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Located just minutes from Belfast city, you’ll discover a world apart! Slow down the pace and relaaaaaax. Read more here.

On from February 20th-24th the Russell festival Weekend in Doolin is a tribute to the famed Russell family —Micho, Packie, and Gussie—three brothers whose music put Doolin on the trad map. Expect live gigs, spontaneous pub sessions, workshops, album launches, and plenty of late nights filled with tunes, stories, and possibly a singalong or two (whether you planned to or not!). What’s On This festival is packed tighter than a session in McGann’s on a Saturday night. Here’s what you can expect: Thursday, February 20th – Gussie Mac Mahon Memorial Trophy Brand new to this year’s festival is a Sean Nós Dancing competition in honor of Gussie Mac Mahon and Brian Mc Mahon! There will be a novice competition for Under 18 (The Gussie Mac Mahon Memorial Trophy) and a juvenile competition for Under 12 (The Brian Mc Mahon Memorial Cup). This Sean Nos dancing competition is only open to students of Céim ar Chéim Dance School , but everyone is welcome to watch. The event begins at 7.30pm at The Attic in Hotel Doolin, and admission is free with optional donations at the door for the Irish Heart Foundation and Pieta House. Friday, February 21st – Opening Concert The Russell Festival’s main Friday event featuring  Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh & Dónal O’Connor  followed by  James & Carol Cullinan, Mick Conneely, Dermot Byrne & Steve Cooney . The event will take place at the Russell Community Centre with doors opening at 7pm. Admission is €25, and you can buy tickets on  Eventbrite.ie Get your weekend tickets here! Saturday, February 22nd – More Music, More Magic Kids sessions, traditional Irish singing, fiddle and flute workshops keep the energy going on Saturday! But don’t think the action stops there— Doolin’s pubs will be buzzing with live sessions . Throughout the Weekend The real magic happens in the pubs – wander into: McGann’s (from 11am) McDermott’s (from 3pm) Fitz’s Bar at Hotel Doolin (from 1.30pm) Russell’s Bar at Fiddle + Bow (from 5pm) All of these pubs will be hosting live trad sessions during the festival, with free admission! Workshops, Singing Circles & Album Launches Want to learn from the best ? Grab your fiddle, tin whistle, or bodhrán and join one of the instrument workshops led by top musicians. Love the sound of your own voice? Good news—there are singing circles too! And if you’re looking for something fresh, album launches will introduce you to new music from Ireland’s finest trad artists. More details on the events? Check out the full lineup here: Russell Festival Weekend Festival Essentials – What You Need to Know Dates: Thursday, February 20th – Monday, February 24th, 2025 Location: Doolin, County Clare, Ireland (Russell Cultural Centre + local pubs) Tickets: Weekend pass for concerts: €50 Instrument workshops: €40 for two days Grab your tickets here! For more details, check out the official festival site : Russell Festival Doolin . See you in Doolin—don’t forget your dancing shoes!

This February, the historic city of Derry and its surrounding district will once again celebrate its exceptional culinary heritage with a month-long programme of unique events and experiences, including Cheese and beer tastings, Al fresco food tours, Cookery classes exploring local produce, Seafood Festivals and Interactive food tours! Additionally, there are unique dining experiences such as the Wild & Fired Dining at Brook Hall Estate and the Oyster & Stout Festival. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the city’s culinary heritage and enjoy some delicious food.  Couples Cookery Classes – 15.02 An interactive cooking experience where couples get to cook and eat their way through dishes made with local produce and LegenDerry ingredients. On arrival you’ll be greeted with a delicious cheeseboard with products from Dart Mountain Cheese, as well as soft drinks, tea and coffee. You’ll then go to your cooking stations and be shown how to make a beautiful sweet and savoury charcuterie board, filled with local and LegenDerry produce.  Deadly Dinner – 15.02 Join Chemist and Writer Kathyrn Harkup alongside Master Brewer James Huey for an evening inspired by the Golden Age of crime fiction. It will be an exploration of poisonous plots and deadly detective work. How do you spot strychnine in the soup or cyanide in the champagne? Between delicious courses we will find out more about some possibly deadly ingredients, symptoms and signs to look out for as well as some fictional and real life cases. The ticket includes complimentary drink on arrival and 3 Courses and drinks paired with each course. Oaks & Embers – The Science Behind Nature Lovers – 16.02 Decades of research show that outdoor activities, including dining in natural settings, can reduce stress, enhance relaxation, and boost mental well-being.  Studies have shown that couples who spend time in nature are more connected, communicative, and experience a greater sense of togetherness.  Building on this connection, Oaks & Embers offers a unique outdoor experience, combining hands-on BBQ cooking with elements of outdoor wellness. Enjoy a communal meal cooked over an open flame, paired with simple yet invigorating activities to foster relaxation and deeper connection in the serene surroundings of Brook Hall’s historic landscape. What’s Included: A unique outdoor experience combining hands-on BBQ cooking with elements of outdoor wellness A bespoke tour of the estate and gardens, noting history and horticulture The dining experience will be comprised of a fully live fired meal, including a local drinks pairing and interactive dessert. Sperrins Goat Cheese Experience – 16.02 The Sperrin Goat Cheese Experience, for parents with kids, will involve a goat’s cheese sampling and cheese making tour followed by a visit to the Craigbane Goat Farm to meet the baby goats. You will also meet their local LegenDerry producers.  Derry by Fork Tour – 22.02 Experience Derry’s culinary story on this riverside journey that begins in the historic Ebrington Square and leads across the iconic Peace Bridge. Along the way, you’ll visit 8 unique dining locations, discovering the flavours of local artisan producers, indulging in seasonal treats, and hearing the fascinating and inspiring stories behind Derry’s food heritage. Seafood Supper Club – 01.03 A celebration of local seafood with local fishmonger Moore on the Quay and  Pyke ‘N’ Pommes . Hop aboard ‘Big Decky’ for a unique dining experience overlooking Lough Foyle, featuring 7 courses showcasing the regions local fish and shellfish.

You walk into the Merchant Hotel in Belfast, take a seat at the bar, and order a cocktail that costs more than your last holiday. No, this isn’t a joke—this is the Midleton Forêt de Tronçais cocktail , a €1,200 drink that is as posh as it sounds. The question is—what exactly makes it worth the price of a second-hand car? Let’s dive in. What’s in This Wallet-Busting Wonder? If you’re expecting gold flakes and unicorn tears, think again. This cocktail is all about rare Irish whiskey —specifically, Midleton Forêt de Tronçais , a ridiculously fancy whiskey that comes from the masters at Midleton Distillery. A bottle of this stuff will set you back about €4,800, so a single measure in your glass is already worth more than your monthly grocery bill. But the Merchant’s mixologists didn’t stop there. To balance out the whiskey’s rich, oaky magic, they added: Antica Formula Vermouth – a top-tier Italian classic Dubonnet – a fortified wine with a royal reputation (literally, it was Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite) The result? A boozy, velvety dream in a glass , designed to make you feel an old-money vibe, if only for a few sips. Who’s Behind This Madness? The brains behind this creation are Aaron Dugan (the Merchant Hotel’s general manager) and Emily Doherty . Their goal? To create a “once-in-a-lifetime” drinking experience —because let’s be honest, most of us aren’t exactly throwing down €1,200 on cocktails every weekend. And if you’re in the mood to splash out even more, the Merchant’s new cocktail menu has an entire “ultra-premium” selection, featuring other rare whiskey-based drinks. Prices start at €942 (bargain?), and you’ll find gems from Midleton, Macallan, and Michter’s. The Merchant’s History with Crazy Expensive Cocktails Believe it or not, this isn’t the Merchant Hotel’s first rodeo when it comes to ridiculously-priced drinks . Back in 2007, they landed in the Guinness Book of Records for the world’s most expensive cocktail—a £750 Mai Tai . It held the record for a while, but these days, there are drinks in Dubai that cost more than a house deposit, so they had to step up their game.  Should You Try It? Look, if you have €1,200 lying around , love whiskey, and want a story that will outshine anything your friends have ever posted on Instagram, then sure—go for it. But if spending that kind of money on a drink makes your bank account cry , maybe just grab a regular whiskey and admire this one from afar. Either way, the Merchant Hotel remains THE place in Belfast for a bit of fancy cocktail action, whether you’re a millionaire or just someone who appreciates a well-made Old Fashioned. So, what do you think? Are you tempted to try the €1,200 cocktail experience , or are you happy sipping your Guinness and calling it a day?

Step into the heart of a high-stakes trial with  The Jury Experience in Dublin. In this live theatre show, YOU are the jury—the power to deliver justice is entirely in your hands. You’ll examine every piece of the puzzle, from witness testimonies to forensic data, and ultimately decide: guilty or innocent? The Jury Experience You’ve been called for jury duty. Step into the heart of a high-stakes trial that will challenge your beliefs about guilt, innocence, and the true meaning of justice.  The Jury Experience  takes live theatre to the next level, as the audience becomes part of the show. As a member of the jury, you’ll analyse witness testimonies, cross-examinations, and forensic evidence in your search for the truth. Every word matters. Every detail counts. And at the end, you must cast the vote that will determine the fate of the accused. Will justice be served? Well, that’s up to you! Highlights Enjoy a live theatre courtroom drama where YOU decide the final verdict Dissect witness testimonies, unpack evidence, and weigh every argument Watch riveting performances from live actors playing various characters Face complex moral dilemmas that challenge your convictions The final decision is yours: will the accused be set free or found guilty? General Info There are plenty of dates available – check them out here. The event takes place at the O’Reilly Theatre in Dublin, and the show lasts an hour. For more information on the experience, check out this FAQ. Tickets range from €26-€47, and they’re selling fast, so get booking here!

Get ready to samba your way into the heart of Dublin as Wigwam proudly presents Carnaval 2025—a week-long party celebrating the spirit of Brazilian culture! Partnering with Botequim and Hopfully, Wigwam will be hosting a series of music, dance and foodie events for this years Carnaval celebration, culminating in an all-day and night event on Saturday, February 22nd. What’s On at Carnaval 2025 Brazilian Basement Karaoke : Unleash your inner performer and belt out classic Brazilian tunes in a karaoke session. Traditional Brazilian Games : Participate in fun-filled games that capture the playful essence of Brazil! Live Music Performances : Groove to the rhythms of live bands bringing the infectious beats of Brazil to Dublin. Brazilian Bottomless Caipirinha Drag Brunch : On Saturday, February 22nd, at 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm, join Brazilian Queen Vicky Volts and her bestie Grainne Knees for a special drag brunch. For €45 per person, enjoy any main course accompanied by unlimited Caipirinhas for 90 minutes—a true Carnaval indulgence. Food and Drink Specials : Enjoy Brazilian dishes and refreshing beverages. Event Details Dates : The main event takes place on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, with a week of celebrations leading up to it. Location : Wigwam, 54 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1. Admission : Entry is free until 8:00 pm on February 22nd. After 8:00 pm, a €10 ticket is required for entry. Tickets can be purchased in advance, and a limited number will be available at the door. For the Bottomless Caipirinha Drag Brunch, reservations can be made under the ‘Bottomless Caipirinha Brunch €45pp | 22nd Feb’ booking type. Pricing Daytime Entry (Before 8:00 pm) : Free Evening Entry (After 8:00 pm) : €10 per person Bottomless Caipirinha Drag Brunch : €45 per person, including a main course and unlimited Caipirinhas for 90 minutes Don’t miss out on this celebration of Brazilian culture in the heart of Dublin! For more information and to secure your tickets, visit Wigwam’s official website .

Get ready to experience Halloween like never before at the Púca Festival, on from October 30th to November 2nd! Celebrating the roots of spooky season, Púca brings Ireland’s Samhain traditions to life with jaw-dropping fire shows, live music, and eerie storytelling in some of the country’s most magical spots. If you’re up for a celebration filled with myth, mystery, and a whole lot of fun, this is the place to be. Here’s what’s on! The Púca Procession Four supernatural nights of music, comedy, and Halloween spectacle await you in the historic town of Trim and its magnificent castle grounds, all free to attend and open to the public. The highlight? The Púca Procession – The Gathering of the Spirits on Saturday, November 1st. This free, public procession  will weave together outdoor theatre, street performance, and traditional music in a wild celebration of Samhain lore, nature, ancestry, and the looming darkness. As the veil between worlds thins, be prepared to witness shape-shifting spirits and otherworldly creatures emerging to join the revelry this year! The procession will transport you into a world where tradition meets creativity, telling the age-old story of the veil between worlds in a new way. A live traditional Irish music score will bring the procession to life, featuring the talents of local Meath musicians, sean-nós singers, ancient horns, and a chorus of singers. Come dressed in a disguise of nature foraged locally and bring along a hag stone (a stone with naturally occurring holes) to safely see who is Púca and who is not. Following this spellbinding procession, the celebration continues at Trim Castle, where the ever-popular Pyro Collective will light up the night with a breathtaking fire display. Lighting of the Samhain Fire The town of Athboy is steeped in the ancient traditions of Samhain, with historical records pointing to Tlachtga, or the Hill of Ward, as a significant gathering place during this time. On the eve of Halloween, Friday, October 31st, as the sun dips below the horizon, the Fair Green in Athboy will come alive with the ceremonial lighting of the Samhain Fire.  This is a public event and tickets are not required. This powerful ritual serves to honour ancestors and bridge the gap between the physical and spiritual worlds. The flames will symbolically link the landscapes of Tlachtga, Tara, Loughcrew, Tailteann, and Uisneach, carrying messages to those who have passed before us. Starting at 5:15pm (subject to change) , the ignited fire will signal the beginning of a night of music and celebration, featuring captivating performances by the renowned Irish band Kíla and the fire artistry of the Pryo Collective. Their performances will add to the vibrant energy of the night, creating an unforgettable experience for all. Join the community of Athboy as they embrace the spirit of Samhain, celebrating their heritage and the power of tradition. The Púca Harvest Market Here, you can explore the art of wood sculpting, discover the secrets of Neolithic bread making, or indulge in the age-old pastime of board games. From learning about archaeology to intricate willow sculpture, the Harvest Market is like a portal! Déise Medieval Village Come and explore how our ancestors from over 2000 years ago survived the cold winter nights that followed Samhain. Learn how they cooked and the foods that they ate. Spinning & Weaving From a sheep in the field to the clothes on your back, the story of everyday work with wool. Spinning, dyeing and sophisticated weaving made the Irish Celt’s renowned as a well-dressed people. Samhain Festival Food What did our ancestors eat at the Samhain Festival? Our food display shows a typical Samhain feast in Ireland featuring seasonal foods such as fruits, nuts, grains and meat from the ever-popular homely pig. Learn about the old tradition of leaving out a plate of colcannon to feed those from the underworld who were wandering the earth on all hallows night or peel an apple to find your future partner! Cooking Display Púca’s resident homemaker will keep the fires burning and keep the cold out of the whole village with a hearty meal made from authentic ingredients and cooked in the traditional way over an open fire. Boardgame & Pastime Display There is no Netflix or XBox…what to do? Play Bran Dubh, an ancient and popular board game something akin to draughts or try your hand at the original version of skittles called Kubb. Health & Hygiene Not for the faint hearted! The ancient Irish lived a hard and risky life, failing to dodge a sword or plough would mean a visit to the local healer…. Sometimes it might be best to let nature take its course. Wandering Wise Woman Talk with our wise woman on how she took care of the people of the village when they were ill using herbs and homemade remedies. Arrow Making & Fletching Used for hunting and warfare, the bow and arrow have a long history. Different arrowheads have different uses, and to this day the Longbow is still considered a formidable weapon. Ancient Bread Making Join us at our Ancient Irish bread making workshop. How did we make bread before we could just pop to the shops to buy some? A workshop to join in making neolithic bread – thrashing the grain, milling, kneading dough and baking on a raised oven. This workshop is interpretively guided by historical records and artefacts. An Gobha Pendant Workshop Learn how to hand-craft pieces from the forge of Tom King, ‘An Gobha’, or shop some of the pieces made at his forge in the heart of the Boyne Valley. These creations are all hand-made from mild black steel. Live Music & Entertainment There will be musical performances by top stars like Blindboy, Block Rockin Beats & Groove Armada DJ set , as well as entertainment from The 2 Johnnies (with Chasing Abbey & Mark McCabe) . Additional Information & Tickets The Púca Festival will take place from October 30th to November 2nd, bringing Halloween spirit to life across three main locations in Ireland: Trim , County Meath: Home to one of Ireland’s largest and most famous Norman castles, this town is a focal point for the festival. Athboy , County Meath: A place deeply connected to the ancient Samhain rituals, Athboy’s Hill of Ward is where the Celtic new year was once celebrated. Drogheda , County Louth: With its mix of history and modernity, Drogheda is another key location for festival events. There’s a variety of events, and many are free to attend! However, some of the larger shows, tours, and banquets require tickets. Here’s a general breakdown: General Admission : Free entry to many of the street performances, light installations, and markets. Ticketed Events : Prices range from €10 to €50, depending on the event. For example, guided tours and fire shows generally start at around €15, while certain music acts can cost upwards of €50. Be sure to book early, as many events have limited capacity! You can purchase tickets directly through the Púca Festival website and keep an eye on any updates regarding new events or availability.

Located at the tip of the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal , lies a place of breathtaking beauty and undeniable charm - Malin Head . This remote destination, often referred to as the "Banba's Crown," is an exquisite gem that deserves a spot on every traveler's bucket list. Here are several compelling reasons why you should make the journey to Malin Head. 1. Stunning Natural Scenery: Malin Head is renowned for its rugged coastal landscapes, towering cliffs, and pristine beaches. The dramatic cliffs, such as Hell's Hole and Banba's Crown, provide awe-inspiring views of the wild Atlantic Ocean. The contrast between the turquoise waters and the emerald-green fields is a sight to behold. 2. Northern Lights Spectacle: If you're lucky enough to visit during the winter months, Malin Head offers a unique opportunity to witness the Northern Lights in all their glory. The clear, unpolluted skies and the northern location make it one of the best places in Ireland to catch this mesmerising natural light show. 3. Star Wars Connection: Film buffs and fans of the Star Wars franchise will appreciate the fact that Malin Head served as a location for the filming of "Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi." Walking the same paths as Rey and Luke Skywalker adds an extra layer of excitement to your visit. 4. Historical Significance: Malin Head has a rich history, with ancient forts, ruins, and Martello towers dotting the landscape. The signal tower at Banba's Crown, built in 1805, once served as a defense post during the Napoleonic Wars. It's a fascinating place to explore and learn about Ireland's past. 5. Thriving Wildlife: The diverse ecosystem of Malin Head is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the seabird colonies that inhabit the cliffs, while dolphin and whale sightings are not uncommon. Keep your eyes peeled for seals basking on the rocks as well. 6. Coastal Walks: Malin Head offers a variety of walking trails that cater to all levels of hikers. The famous "Inishowen 100" scenic drive circles the peninsula, offering numerous opportunities to stop and admire the stunning vistas. For a more immersive experience, tackle the exhilarating "Malin Head Trail" that winds along the rugged coastline. 7. Friendly Locals: The people of Malin Head are known for their warmth and hospitality. Visiting this part of Ireland is a chance to engage with the local culture, enjoy traditional Irish music, and savor delicious seafood in the welcoming local pubs. 8. Peacefulness and Solitude: Unlike some of Ireland's more crowded tourist destinations, Malin Head remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. This means you can enjoy the calmness of this beautiful spot and truly connect with nature without the hustle and bustle of larger tourist hubs. Malin Head is a charming destination that combines natural beauty, rich history, and a warm community spirit. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a Star Wars enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Malin Head has something special to offer every traveler. So, pack your bags and prepare to be stunned by the magic of Ireland's northernmost point - Malin Head awaits your discovery.