SAVOUR food like you never did before in the Harbour Hotel, Galway on 22 November. This is part of the Dine in the Dark experience by Specsavers and the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI). This campaign challenges people to dine blindfolded in restaurants across the country aiming to raise awareness and funds for life-changing sight-loss services in Ireland. The events will ensure that sighted people become aware of some of the challenges people who are blind or visually impaired experience on a daily basis. Contact the Harbour Hotel for more information. To find your nearest participating restaurant see www.dineinthedark.ie.

EXPERIENCE a virtual reality and psycho-acoustic installation in Carnegie Library, Swords running from Tuesday to Sunday until 15 December. Take a journey into the personified, conscious mind of Technology. The sensory artwork is experienced alone, one person at a time, hearing the inner dialogue of Technology’s mind as it muses over both sides of a lovers’ quarrel. Technology and Nature argue about the sustainability of their relationship and their future as a couple. The viewer will travel through intense audio and visual experiences in a dream-like conscious realm. For tickets and more information see www.siliconsynapse.net.

DISCOVER the new wave of Irish folk and traditional music at Quiet Lights on 22-24 November in various venues across Cork city. The programme has a variety of music styles and the musicians are at various stages of their careers. Music promises to fill the streets of Cork city in nooks, crannies, chapels, bars and more, spreading a bit of warmth and light in the dark evenings ahead. Artists playing include Lankum, Rozi Plain, Cormac Begley, Ye Vangabonds and Peter Broderick. Ticket prices vary from €8 up to €20. For more information see www.quietlights.net.

CELEBRATE the Christmas spirit as Winterval kicks off on 23 November at 4.15pm with Santa and the Mayor of Waterford city and county turning on the Christmas lights at 5pm. Winterval’s programme of events includes over 60 free and ticketed events running from 23 November to 23 December. These events include Winterval On Ice, the Winterval Express Train, Horse Drawn Sleigh rides, new 3D music and lights show and the Garter Lane Christmas Craft Fair. Santa’s Giant Post Box will be stationed at the Applemarket to make sure all children can post their special letters. For more information see www.winterval.ie.

The festive illuminations at the Titanic Belfast kick off 24 November and run until 23 December

ENJOY the festive illuminations at the Titanic Belfast from 24 November. Father Christmas is due to arrive at 1pm and there will be a show to welcome him from 12.30pm-3pm and the lights display will be switched on. There will be brass bands, fun fair entertainers, spot prizes and seasonal food and drinks. This event marks the start of the Magical Christmas Experience which runs from 24 November to 23 December. Children can enter the Elves’ Workshop, join Mrs Claus in her kitchen, listen to Christmas tales, play festive games and meet Father Christmas himself. For more information see www.titanicbelfast.com.