Living Life: this week's Going out Guide

Minor Monuments – 30 November: Minor Monuments is set around a small family farm on the edge of a bog, near the river Shannon. It is a live audio-visual essay. Take in the power of sound and music, portraying the effects of Alzheimer’s disease on a family. Ian Maleney questions the nature of home, memory and belonging. The show weaves live reading with voice recordings, music, the sound of the landscape and original film footage shot by Jamie Goldrick. Minor Monuments will be performed in the Source Arts Centre, Thurles. Tickets start at €10. For more see www.thesourceartscentre.ie.

The Biggest Little Farm – 29 November: The Biggest Little Farm follows John and Molly Chester and their dog on a journey to bring harmony to their lives and the land. Their barking dog leads to an eviction notice from their tiny LA apartment. The couple leave the city and take over 200ac aiming to build one of the most diverse farms of its kind, co-existing with nature. This land lacks nutrients and suffers from brutal drought. The film chronicles eight years of hard work and idealism as they plant 10,000 trees, over 200 different crops and introduce animals.

Home Alone in Concert – 30 November: Coming to Ireland for the first time to three different locations, Castlebar, Dublin and Killarney, is Home Alone in Concert. On 30 November in Castlebar, this holiday favourite will be performed live to picture by The Orchestra of Ireland. In the original, Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old kid who is accidentally left behind when his family leave for Christmas vacation. Kevin must defend his home against two bungling thieves. This is a movie for the whole family and is rated PG. Tickets start at €28 and are on sale at www.ticketmaster.ie.

The Blizzards – 30 November: The Blizzards will be playing Dolan’s in Limerick on 30 November at 8pm. Just back from touring abroad the band are currently touring Ireland with their new album The Last Great Algorithm. Some of their top hits include; The Reason, Postcards and Trust me, I’m a Doctor. The boys from Mullingar have extensively toured Ireland and the world achieving multiple platinum record sales and have won many awards. Their charisma and energy charm everyone who witness their magnetic and commanding performances. Their sound is guitar-driven songwriting with lyrical storytelling. For more information see www.dolans.ie or www.theblizzards.ie.

Taste of Dublin: Festive Edition – 28 November-1 December: The inaugural Festive Edition of the Taste of Dublin takes place in the RDS Dublin. This is considered the perfect event to kickstart the festive season for everyone. Graze your way through sample dishes from some of Ireland’s most exciting restaurant talents, discover ingredients from producers, stock up on the wine and more. Festive masterclasses are on offer which include cocktail making, butchery workshops, baking demonstrations and tablescaping. For tickets and information see www.dublin.tastefestivals.com.

Yulefest Kilkenny – Until 6 January: Wrap up warm and brave the cold at Yulefest Kilkenny until 6 January. There are a number of events to tickle your fancy including the Christmas Tree Festival and the Butler House Christmas Garden. This festival offers festive installations, seasonal dining, theatre, concerts, Christmas shopping, ice-skating, workshops and seasonal surprises to keep you entertained. The city itself can be accessed by bus, train or car and has historical attractions and scenic sights within walking distance of the city centre. For more see www.yulefestkilkenny.ie.

Connacht

Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, 1st December, (5-7pm) Jimmy Hynes & The Crusaders (9-12) Robert Mizzell

Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park,

Social Dancing: 29th November, Stuart Moyles & Robert Mizzell, 30th November, Stuart Moyles & Gerry Guthrie, 1st December, Stuart Moyles & Michael Collins

Leinster

Dublin: Dublin, Red Cow, 28th November, Robert Mizzell

Kildare: Celbridge, Celbridge Manor Hotel, 29th November, Gerry Guthrie

Kilkenny: Slieverue, The Rhu Glenn, 30th November, Michael English

Meath: Navan, Ardboyne Hotel, 2nd December, John Glenn & The Mainliners

Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 28th November, Brendan Lee, 30th November, Mike Denver, 1st December, John Molloy

Munster

Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 29th November, Michael English

Cork: Ballyvourney, Abbey Hotel, 1st December, Autumn Gold

Cork: Glanmire, Vienna Woods, 4th December, Mike Denver

Kerry: Tralee, Kerins O’Rahily’s, 4th December, Ger Healy

Kerry: Scartaglin, Heritage Centre, 1st December, Gerry McCarthy & Autumn Gold

Limerick: Adare, Woodlands Hotel, 22nd December, Derek Ryan

Tipperary: Roscrea, Racket Hall, 30th November, Ciaran Rosney

Tipperary: Thurles, The Premier Ballroom, 1st December, Pat Daly

Ulster

Cavan: Cavan, Hotel Kilmore, 21st December, Robert Mizzell

Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, 30th November, Cliona Hagan

Down: Newry, Mourne Country, 30th November, John Glenn & The Mainliners

Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, 30th November, Jimmy Buckley

Tyrone: Omagh, The Silverbirch, 29th November, John Glenn & The Mainliners