Music
Christy Moore
11 March: One of Ireland's greatest ever musicians plays this Friday night in the Amber Spring Hotel, Co Wexford. With a career dating back to 1969, the Kildare legend has written and performed some of Ireland's best-known folk songs, such as Nancy Spain, Black is the Colour and Joxer goes to Stuttgart. For more information on this tour and his upcoming concerts, visit www.christymoore.com or see www.ticketmaster.ie
Dominic Kirwin
13 March: This Sunday night, the INEC in Killarney, Co Kerry, plays host to one of Ireland's most recognisable faces in the world of country music – Dominic Kirwin. It’s been 25 years since the talented entertainer signed a record deal with Ritz records and gave to the public his debut album Try a Little Kindness. Over 25 years on and the story continues. Dominic remains one of the most popular singers, touring, performing and recording, with a fan base of all ages throughout the world who enjoy his wonderful stage presence and performances. For more details, visit www.ticketmaster.ie
Damien Dempsey
16 March: The six-time Meteor award winner performs this Wednesday night in the Roisin Dubh in Galway. The Irish singer and songwriter mixes traditional Irish folk with contemporary lyrics and to masterful effect. The release of It’s All Good, the Best of Damien Dempsey in 2014 marked the release of his seventh studio album in 14 years. For more info, visit www.ticketmaster.ie
Festivals
Irish Beer and Whiskey
Village 2016
16-19 March: Running for its fifth year, the Irish Beer and Whiskey Village is a true celebration of beer, cider, whiskey, artisan food and entertainment. This festival is totally indoors so you don’t need to worry about the weather as you browse the stalls, enjoy a master class or two and soak up the festive atmosphere and live music. Come and celebrate St Patrick’s Week from the 16-19 March in the RDS, Dublin 4, at the Irish Beer and Whiskey Village. Tickets cost from €10 to €30. For more information, visit www.irishbeerandwhiskeyfestival.ie .
Kilkenny tradfest
16-20 March: The fourth Kilkenny TradFest showcases the best of Irish traditional music across Kilkenny city, with both free and ticketed events. Music by Hothouse Flowers, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Steve Cooney, John Spillane and more. For more information See www.kilkennytradfest.com for more information.
Theatre
Swan Lake
11 March: The Helix in Dublin plays host to one of the most popular ballet productions this Friday night. The performance, initially in two acts, was fashioned from Russian folk tales and tells the story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer's curse. The ballet has been subject to numerous television and play adaptations over the years, demonstrating its popularity. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.ie
Film
Anomalisa
11 March: Written and directed by Charlie Kaufman, and starring David Thewlis and Jennifer Jason Leigh, this film tells the story of an inspirational speaker who becomes reinvigorated after meeting a lively woman who shakes up his mundane existence. As with previous Kaufman productions, such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Being John Malkovich, this film is well received and takes an alternative view at storytelling. The release date is 11 March.
Dancing diary
CONNACHT
Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park, Sat 12th March, Jimmy Buckley
Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, Sun13th March, Robert Mizzell
Leinster
Meath: Navan, Ardboyne Hotel, Mon 14th March, Jimmy Buckley
Kilkenny: Rhu Glenn, Sat 12th March, Derek McEvoy
Kilkenny: Pilltown, Pilltown Gaa Complex, Sun 13th March, Teddy & Cathal Barry
MUNSTER
Cork: Mallow, Hazel Tree, Fri 11th March, Jim Devine
Cork: Glanmire, Vienna Woods,Wed16th March, Sam O'Doherty
Limerick: Bullgaden Castle, Wed 16th March, Michael Sexton
Limerick: Adare, Woodlands Hotel, Sun 13th March, Michael English
Limerick: Limerick, Greenhills Hotel, Thurs. 10th March, John McNicholl, Thursday 17th March, Jimmy Buckley
Tipperary: Roscrea, Racket Hall, Sat 12th March, Robert Mizzell
Tipperary: Times Hotel, Sun 13th March, Joe Davitt Country Band
Tipperary: Kilross, OBs, Thursday 17th March, Michael English
Tipperary: Newport, Aherns, Sat 12th March, One For The Road
ULSTER
Derry: Coleraine, The Bushtown Hotel, Mon14th March, Johnny Brady
Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, Wed 16th March, Jimmy Buckley
Monaghan: Four Seasons Hotel, Sun 13th March, Gerry Guthrie
Monaghan: Castleblayney, Glencarn Hotel, Fri 11th March, Declan Nerney, Wed 16th March, Michael English
Tyrone: Omagh, Mellon Country Inn, Fri 11th March, Lisa McHugh
Down: Newry, Mourne Country, Sat 12th March, Jim Devine
Tyrone: Moy, Ryandale Hotel, Sat 12th March, Michael English
Donegal: Letterkenny, Josies Country Tavern, Friday.