The day has come: we have returned to full capacity freedom! February will see us in the first full month of concerts, sports venues and theatre, back to almost pre-pandemic days. This month, try and take it all in. Sing and dance at a concert, laugh to your hearts content, run/walk for a good cause or take your kids to a magic show. Whatever you do, enjoy it and feel the buzz. It’s been a while.

Activity

Love Run, nationwide

12-13 February: Grab a colleague, motivate your office team and move with love on Valentine’s weekend, all in aid of those living with heart conditions. The Irish Heart Foundation is organising a virtual 5km love run or walk and are encouraging companies to sign up. The registration fee is €25 per person and you can register as individual members or workplaces can register and pay for an entire team. The funds raised will help the Irish Heart Foundation provide services such as CPR training, heart attack and stroke support groups, an expert nurse support line and more. What better way to show love? For more information, see www.irishheart.ie

Music

Derek Ryan

12 February: Get your dancing shoes and singing voice out for this one – Derek Ryan will be performing in the National Opera House in Wexford. It will be a concert to soothe your country soul. He will be singing songs from his recent album and include some classics such as Down on Your Uppers and Hold On To Your Hat. There will be plenty of opportunity for a sing along and maybe even a line dance, while you’re at it. For more information and to book tickets, see www.nationaloperahouse.ie

Comedy

Bernard Casey’s Local Gossip Tour

18 & 26 February: What’s the gossip? You will just have to come along and find out! Following his online success with his hilarious characters in his comedy videos, Bernard Casey is ready to return to the live stage. He will be performing in Cork on 18 February and Castlebar on 26 February. Time for some good old belly laughs! Tickets are between €20-29. To find out more, visit www.corkoperahouse.ie and www.royaltheatrecastlebar.ie

Science Magic Show, Limerick

25 February: Looking for family-friendly entertainment this month? Comedian and scientist Donal Vaughan will be performing scientific tricks and adding a little bit of magic to them at the Belltable in Limerick. Donal will use things you can find around the house to perform his tricks. Word on the street is you will learn what a potato rocket launcher is or how to beseech dragon’s breath. Your kids might just turn into scientists after this show. Or magicians. There will be a school show as well as a family show on the day. The event is suitable for children over five years. For more information, see www.limetreetheatre.ie

Read more

Damien’s Diary: dear younger me, life is for living

The Podcast Playlist: something for everyone