Theatre

Aladdin – until 20 December: Aladdin will be performed in the Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo until 20 December. It is performed by the Coolera Dramatic Society who make their return with this, their 41st annual pantomime. This year they will enthuse and delight audiences with their rendition of Aladdin. All the fan-favourite actors are returning with some exciting new talent, wonderful music, dance and of course lots of magic. General admission tickets cost €17. For more information see www.hawkswell.com.

Music

Nathan Carter – 14 December: Nathan Carter will be performing in the Longcourt House Hotel, Newcastle West, Co Limerick. This is part of Nathan Carter and his band’s Christmas concert tour. Nathan became the first country act to reach number one in the Irish charts in 2013 since Garth Brooks, six years before. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets priced at €30. Tickets can be bought from Ticketmaster. For more information see www.nathancartermusic.com.

Fontaines D.C. – 12 December: Fontaines D.C. are playing the Empire Music Hall, Belfast on 12 December at 7.30pm. Tipped as the band to watch in 2018, they have played many sold out shows and have even appeared on the Jimmy Fallon Show in New York city. They are currently touring the UK and Ireland with shows scheduled in New Zealand and Australia as part of the St Jerome’s Laneway Festival Tickets are on sale from Ticketmaster. For more information see www.fontainesdc.com.

Film

Ordinary Love – out now: Ordinary Love is a 2019 romantic drama film directed by Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn, adapted from Owen McCafferty’s screenplay. It stars Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville. Joan and Tom have been married for many years. When Joan is unexpectedly diagnosed with breast cancer, the course of her treatment casts a light on their relationship. They face the upcoming challenges and the future prospects of what might happen to her. Ordinary Love is a story about love, survival and the questions life throws are all of us. This movie is rated 12A.

Festival

Lullymore Christmas – until 23 December: Enjoy Lullymore Christmas in the Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park, Co Kildare. Visit Santa and receive a gift from the busy elves in their workshop. The Lullymore Christmas Express will take you on a magical trip through ancient woodlands, glassy lakes and a beautiful peatland landscape. There will be Christmas holograms in the old-style thatched cottage, a crib scene in the Early Christian Centre and an illuminated walkway to Fairy Bower. Prices range from €12 to €20. For more information see www.lullymoreheritagepark.com.

Home Brewing Class – 12 December: The Franciscan Well in Cork will host a once-off home-brewing class, run by one of their very own beer experts. The class will run for approximately two hours and you will learn what equipment you need to do an at home brew, understand the use of the different ingredients, their impact on the flavour and colour of beer and where the Franciscan Well brewing team sources them. To finish off the class, there will be a beer-tasting session where you will be shown how to judge beer by appearance, aroma, taste and mouthfeel. The class costs €40. To book email franciscanwellbrewery@gmail.com.

Dancing diary

Connacht

Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, 15th December, (4.30-7.30pm) Brendan Magee(9-12) Gerry Guthrie with support John Molloy

Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park,

Social Dancing: 15th December, TR Dallas

Big Band Dancing: 26th December, Patrick Feeney, 27th December, Michael English

Leinster

Dublin: Dublin, Red Cow, 12th December, John McNicholl, 19th December, Declan Nerney,

Kildare: Celbridge, Celbridge Manor Hotel, 21st December, Liam Mannering & Maria and Chris Dallat

Kilkenny: Slieverue, The Rhu Glenn, 14th December, Johnny Brady

Kilkenny: Pilltown, Pilltown GAA complex, 15th December, Dermot Lyons

Meath: Navan, Ardboyne Hotel,16th December, Robert Mizzell

Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 12th December, Michael Collins, 14th December, Cliona Hagan, 15th December, Andy Feery

Munster

Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 13th December, Robert MIzzell

Cork: Ballyvourney, Abbey Hotel, 15th December, Patrick O’Sullivan

Cork: Glanmire, Vienna Woods, 18th December, Patrick O’Sullivan

Kerry: Tralee, Kerins O’Rahily’s, 18th December, Mike Condon

Kerry: Scartaglin, Heritage Centre, 15th December, Mike Condon

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

Limerick: Kilmallock, Bulgaden Castle, 18th December, Michael Collins

Tipperary: Thurles, The Premier Ballroom, 15th December, The Moynihan Brothers

Ulster

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

Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, 14th December, Jimmy Buckley

Down: Newry, Mourne Country, 14th December, Gerry Guthrie

Down: Banbridge, Banville House Hotel, 13th December, Johnny Brady

Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, 14th December, Michael English

Tyrone: Omagh, The Silverbirch, 13th December, Derek Ryan

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