FESTIVAL

Letterkenny Trad Week: 19-27 January – Letterkenny Trad Week returns for the fourth year and will be showcasing some of the world’s finest traditional musicians including former electrician turned musician Daoirí Farrell, who is a folk singer and bouzouki player. One night of musical brilliance will take place at the An Grianán Theatre and five live performances showcasing a variety of artists and groups will be held at the Regional Cultural Centre throughout the week. Altan, one of the most renowned Irish bands who have been performing for more than 30 years, will be bringing Trad Week to a close on the final night. Ticket prices vary. See www.angrianan.com

COMEDY

Pat Shortt: 18-19 January – If you love a good laugh you will not want to miss Pat Shortt’s brand new stage show titled Hey! which is coming to the Royal Theatre in Castlebar. His latest comedy act follows on from the sell-out successes of The Hall, Selfie and How’s Tings? Hey! features a range of unique characters and peculiar situations, and a few songs as this performance puts a delightful twist on modern life. Tickets are €30. See www.royaltheatrecastlebar.ie

THEATRE

Aladdin Panto: 17-20 January – Sit back and enjoy one of the most-loved classics Aladdin. A panto performance will be taking place at the Cork Opera House and will tell the story of street roamer Aladdin who falls in love with Princess Jasmine, becomes acquainted with the fabulous genie and befriends a magic carpet. This is a perfect excuse to enjoy a night out with all the family and be whisked off on a magical adventure. Tickets are €35.50-€37.50. For more details, see www.corkoperahouse.ie.

FILM

Mary Queen of Scots: 18 January – Irish actress Saoirse Ronan returns to our screen for this thrilling motion picture, Mary Queen of Scots. This fascinating portrayal of history sees the Oscar nominee depicting the character of Mary Stuart, the Queen of France who is widowed at 18 and returns to claim her rightful throne in Scotland. However her ‘sister’, Elizabeth l, depicted by Margot Robbie, is the ruler of England and Scotland also falls under her reigning. Their initial friendship soon turns to hatred as they struggle to hold onto power in a male-dominated society and have to decide whether to marry or rule independently.

MUSIC

Gina & The Champions: 18 January – Gina and The Champions take their acclaimed show to the Brú Ború Theatre in Cashel on Friday night. This will be a special night in the company of this acclaimed and much-loved band from east Cork. The Champions enjoyed a huge following all over the country in the late 1970s, packing dance halls from Mayo to Kerry. They have been honoured with numerous accolades in the Irish music industry and their infectious show is always a winner with audiences. The special guest on the night is Marc Roberts, who represented Ireland in the Eurovision back in the mid-90s. Tickets are €25 and the show starts at 8pm.

DANCING DIARY

Connacht

Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park,

Social Dancing: 20th January, Jimmy Hynes & The Crusaders

Big Band Dancing: 19th January, Robert Mizzell

Leinster

Dublin: Dublin, Red Cow Inn, 17th January, Joe Davitt

Kilkenny: Slievrue, Rhu Glenn, 26th January, Joe Davitt Country Band

Kilkenny: Piltown, Piltown Gaa Complex, 20th January, Declan Aungier

Louth: Dundalk, The Lisdoo, 19th January, Jimmy Buckley

Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 17th January, Muriel O’Connor & Fran Curry, 19th January, Eamonn Jackson, 20th January, Jason Moyles

Munster

Clare: Ennis, West County Hotel, 20th January, Gerry Guthrie

Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 18th January, Gerry Guthrie

Cork: Ballyvourney, Abbey Hotel: 20th January, (4-6.30pm) Mike Condon

Cork: Glanmire, Vienna Woods, 30th January, Declan Nerney

Cork: Macroom, Riverside Park Hotel, 21st January, Caitriona O’Sullivan

Kerry: Tralee, Kerin’s O’Rahillys Clubhouse, 23rd January, Mike Condon

Limerick: Kilmallock, Bullgaden Castle, 23rd January, Checkers

Limerick: Newcastlewest, Longcourt House Hotel, 31st January, Michael Collins

Tipperary: Cahir, Cahir House, 20th January, (3-6), Dermot Lyons

Tipperary: Newport, Ballymackeogh, Aherns, 19th January, Eddie Keogh

Tipperary: Roscrea, Racket Hall, 19th January, John McNicholl

Ulster

Cavan: Cavan, Hotel Kilmore, 2nd February, Michael English

Derry: Coleraine, Bushtown House, 21st January, Paul Kelly

Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, 19th January, Mike Denver

Down: Newry, The Mourne Country, 19th January, Gerry Guthrie

Monaghan: Monaghan, Hillgrove Hotel, 20th January, Robert Mizzell

Monaghan: Castleblayney, The Glencarn, 18th January, The Outlaws

Tyrone: Omagh, Silverbirch Hotel, 18th January, Declan Nerney

Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, 19th January, Michael English

Tyrone: Omagh, Mellon Country Inn, 21st January, Gerry Guthrie