Film

Pitch Perfect 3

23 December: The Barden Bellas are back – and this time for the third instalment of Pitch Perfect. The last film in this trilogy, Pitch Perfect 3 sees the girls split apart after the high of winning the world championship, quickly discovering there are few or no jobs in the field of a cappella music. They reunite for one last competition, but face off against a group that uses both their voices and instruments. Directed by Trish Sie and featuring a star-studded cast of Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfield and Ruby Rose, this film has the makings of a box-office success.

Theatre

The Sound of Music

21 December-6 January: One of the greatest family musicals of all time, The Sound Of Music, comes to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre this festive season. With matinee and evening performances, this show is sure to be a hit with all ages. Irish West End star and The Voice UK finalist Lucy O’Byrne will play the lead role of Maria in this Bill Kenwright production, while Celine Byrne plays mother of Abbess. The Sound Of Music tells the true story of the world-famous singing family the Trapps. For a full list of dates and booking, see www.ticketmaster.ie.

Music

Sharon Shannon

27 December: One of Ireland’s most renowned traditional musicians, Sharon Shannon will the play the Royal Theatre and Event Centre in Castlebar, Co Mayo. The accordionist famously played on the track Galway Girl sung by Mundy and at various times has collaborated with Bono, Willie Nelson, Christy Moore and John Prine. The Clare woman has also entertained dignitaries such US presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Irish presidents Mary Robinson, Mary McAleese and Michael D Higgins. For more information and booking, see www.ticketmaster.ie.

Comedy

The Rubberbandits

27 December: This Rubberbandits home gig in Dolan’s in Limerick, is sure to be a popular choice for those wishing to head out in the Treaty City over Christmas. The comedy and music duo are likely to have audiences guffawing at their jokes and singing along to their songs. Made up of Blindboy Boatclub and Mr Chrome, The Rubberbandits initially were recognised for prank phone-call sketches and went on to receive wider recognition with a regular spot on RTÉ’s Republic Of Telly and their most famous song to date, Horse Outside. For booking, see www.ticketmaster.ie.

Dancing Diary

Connacht

Leitrim: Carrick-on-Shannon, Landmark Hotel, 26 December. Johnny Brady 30 December, Michael English.

Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park, Big Band Dancing, 26 December, Michael English, 27 December, Patrick Feeney 1 January, Mike Denver. Social Dancing (9-12): 22 December, Jimmy Hynes & The Crusaders.

Mayo: Crossmolina, Hineys Upperdeck, 29 December, Gerry Guthrie.

Roscommon: Boyle, Saddlers Inn, 30 December, Patrick Feeney.

Leinster

Dublin: Dublin, Red Cow, 21 December, Declan Nerney.

Kilkenny: Slievrue, Rhu Glenn, 23 December, Michael Collins. 26 December, Gerry Guthrie. 27 December, Derek Ryan.

Kilkenny: Piltown, Piltown GAA, 26 December, Pat Hayes. 31 December, Pat Hogan. 7 January, Tom Healy.

Louth: Dundalk, The Lisdoo, 26 December, Jimmy Buckley.

Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 21 December, John Molloy. 23 December, Robert Mizzell. 26 December, Patrick Feeney. 27 December, Declan Nerney. 28 December, Paul Leavy. 29 December, Ciaran Rosney. 30 December, Mick Flavin. 31 December, Jimmy Buckley.

Munster

Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 22 December, Declan Nerney. 26 December, Mike Denver. 31 December, Michael English.

Cork: Glanmire, Vienna Woods,3 January, Michael Collins. 6 January, Dickie Rock.

Cork: Macroom, Riverside Park Hotel, 1 January, Michael Collins.

Clare: Ennis, West County, 23 December, Eamon Jackson.

Limerick: Kilmallock, Bullgaden Castle, 27 December, Finbar Dennehy. 31 December, Caitriona.

Tipperary: Newport, Ballymackeogh, Aherns, 23 December, Singing Jarvey. 26 December, PJ Collins. 30 December, Caitriona & High Country. 31 December, Laurence Campion.

Tipperary: Thurles, Premier Ballroom, December, 31 December, Checkers.

Tipperary: Kilross, OBs, 27 December, Johnny Brady.

Tipperary: Roscrea, 30 December, Gerry Guthrie.

Ulster

Cavan: Cavan, Hotel Kilmore, 23 December, Patrick Feeney. 30 December, Robert Mizzell. 31 December, Shane Owens.

Derry: Coleraine, Bushtown House. 27 December, Cliona Hagan. 1 January, Jim Devine.

Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, 23 December, Mike Denver. 27 December, Robert Mizzell. 28 December, Michael English. 29 December, Lisa McHugh. 30 December, Jim Devine. 31 December, Cliona Hagan and Philomena Begley. 1 January, Jimmy Buckley. 6 January, Robert Mizzell.

Donegal: Drumoghill, Biddy Friels. 21 December, Patrick Feeney. 27 December, Michael English.

Donegal: Cranford, Louges, 28 December, Gerry Guthrie.

Donegal: Letterkenny, Josies Country Tavern, 22 December, Jimmy Buckley.

Donegal: Donegal, Abbey Hotel, 29 December, Jimmy Buckley.

Down: Newry, Mourne Country, 30 December, Johnny Brady.

Monaghan: Castleblayney, Glencarn Hotel, 22 December, Derek Ryan. 29 December, Jim Devine. 31 December, Mike Denver.

Monaghan: Monaghan, Hillgrove Hotel, 31 December, Patrick Feeney.

Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, 23 Michael English. 26 December, Lisa McHugh. 27 December, Mike Denver. 30 December, Jimmy Buckley. December, Robert Mizzell.

Tyrone: Omagh, Silverbirch Hotel, 22 December, Lisa McHugh. 26 December, Ritchie Remo. 29 December, Patrick Feeney. 31 December, Johnny Brady.

Tyrone: Omagh, Mellon Country Inn, December, 23 December, Mick Flavin. 30 December, Lee Matthews.