It seems like the festive season manages to arrive a little earlier each year - and with all the usual frenzied racing to work deadlines, stressing about "getting the last few items" for presents, catching up meals and drinks... and a whole load of other unplanned business!
With so much going on it can be tricky to nail down an event that'll suit all your crew. With this in mind, we've made a handy guide of a range of different events taking place over the coming weeks! There's a bunch of tasty events here that'll give your season an edge...
Have a read through our selection and let the jolly thoughts take hold!
Oil Can Harry's, Beggar's Bush
30th November & Other dates
If there’s one thing guaranteed to make a good book better, it’s whiskey. Oil Can Harry’s is stocked with the best of both worlds: fine literature and fine Irish whiskey. The amber nectar has fuelled many a great writer, and after sampling these superb single malts you’ll soon see why. It’s the perfect elixir to warm the soul and get the creative juices flowing. Sample three fine Irish whiskeys in the comfort of Oil Can Harry's.
The National Leprechaun Museum
4th December & Other dates
Join the National Leprechaun Museum as they explore the dark side of Irish story-telling. With their tongue buried deeply in their cheek, listen as the story-tellers tickle the dark underbelly of your mind. These stories definitely have a twist though, so definitely aren't for children or the faint of heart.
Dark Land is a chance to hear these blood-curdling stories for yourself. But beware, these tales will stay with you for a life time. No refunds for scaredy cats. Over 18s only. Valid ID required.
2nd December & Other dates
This comedy club is called Unhinged for a reason – absolutely anything can happen. The Ha'penny Bridge Inn plays host to half a dozen comedians every Wednesday and Sunday, turning the place into a chaotic concoction of jokes, stories, laughs and more.
The comedians, staff and the audience all get involved – this really is a comedy night like no other. Veteran MC Connor McDonough-Flynn will do his best to keep things on track, but with the crazy number of comics, who knows what will happen. Get down there and let the hilarity ensue.
Doors open: 9:00pm. Estimated end time: 11:20pm.
The Generator Hostel, Smithfield
Join the fun on Sunday December 13th from 12 till 7pm at The Generator Dublin, Smithfield Square for the annual Christmas market fair.
Expect lots of festive fun and gifts galore as you experience a magical market with over 40 traders, live music with very special guests,Christmas film screening, mulled wine & festive bites and lots, lots more...
17th December
Dublin's biggest hip-hop, rap, '90s nostalgia and R&B night.
After a sell-out show last month, District 8 are bringing you another back instalment of Notorious – Dublin's biggest and best hip-hop and rap party. Expect some fine ass tunes and big beats from the likes of Notorious BIG, Kanye West, Missy Elliot, Wu Tang Clan, Lil Kim, OutKast, Tupac and many more.
This is the music you weren't allowed listen to as a kid, but still know all the word to every song. Get on down!
1st December & Other dates
Tapas Trail is a modern twist on the traditional Spanish style of eating, drinking and socialising. Each tour will be led by friendly tour guides who know Dublin like the back of their hand, and can let you all in on some hidden secrets of the city along with recommendations off the beaten track.
What's included:
-A spread of tapas in three fantastic restaurants.
-A full glass of red or white wine in each venue, with alternatives available.
-A guided 3 hour tour of Dublin about the history and the culture of the city.
31st December
If you love New Year's Eve - but are after something a little different - then we've got the night for you.
Filmbase in Dublin has been changing the way people in Ireland socialise, sporting a strictly alcohol and drugs-free night.
Instead find yourself spoiled for choice with 3 floors of music fit for all tastes, head, neck and shoulder massages provided by renowned massage therapists, a juice and smoothie bar, an organic cafe, live musicians and stunning visuals, spacious and cosy chill out areas, interactive arts installations and a world class sound system.
This will be a NYE to remember, that you won't forget.
Location TBC.
11-13 December
This is a big one! Over 100 stalls selling: second-hand, collectibles, curios, bric-a-brac, hand-made craft, art, Irish design, antiques, retro, vintage, furniture, clothes, books, music - genuinely unique stocking fillers and one off gift ideas.
In addition to all the usual Dublin Flea bargains and rummaging there will be an injection of local craft and design focused stalls, bringing you the most unique selection of handmade gifts you will find under one roof for Christmas.
2nd December & Other dates
With Winter on our doorsteps, it's no excuse to stop being active, but we should retreat indoors.
That's what Happenings are doing with their yoga classes, taking them inside Wesley House, just 200m from Dartmouth Square. Accessible to all ages and abilities, it's the perfect chance to stretch those chilly winter bones of yours.
Just remember to bring a mat!
5th December, 8pm
Get down here for two rooms of music, with live bands providing the bachata and kizomba salsa for you to groove to, four shows put on by the pros, free snacks and unlimited drinks throughout the night.
Make sure you to dress to impress with your fanciest tuxes and dresses (trying to keep to the red, white and black theme) and get ready to dance the night away. The party goes on from 8pm all the way till 3am. All abilities are welcome for a lavish evening of footloose and fancy-free fun.
Unit D1 Centrepoint Business Park, Clondalkin
4th December & Other dates
Do you think you can escape the room? Xit is the first live escape game in Ireland. The goal is simple yet challenging: get out in time or face the consequences. The guys will lock you in a room with some fiendish challenges, and you'll have one hour to find your way out. Most of the Xit fun requires brains and teamwork, however there are some smaller physical parts of the game. So grab a bunch of mates, family or strangers off the street and get cracking on the case.
This time around, it's your job to get your hands on the elusive Philosopher's Stone. Able to turn metal into gold and grant eternal life, this is surely an artefact not to be reckoned with. Crack the series of clues based on the seven deadly sins, find the stone and get out while you still can, or find yourself trapped in the room forever. Get a team of between 2-8 people and get sleuthing!
The Porterhouse Central, Nassau Street
4th December & Other dates
Up and down every city street, whether cobbled or paved, the Dublin City Pub Crawl will expose the true Dublin pub scene, sharing with you the authentic soul of this magnificent capital.
With passion for Dublin in one hand and a pint of Guinness in the other, their experienced tour leaders will enthusiastically share with you their intimate knowledge of Dublin. With a tour of some of Ireland's best pubs, we bring the excitement of Dublin to life as we encapsulate both the traditional and the contemporary.
The pub crawl lasts for approximately three hours and features live Irish music, a pint of Irish-brewed beer, pub grub and culminates by dancing the night way in a top Dublin nightclub.
8th December, 8pm
Returning to the Civic in December, The Dublin Gospel Choir are probably the only act in the world to collaborate with artists as diverse as John Legend, Riverdance, Rod Stewart, The Chieftains and Ennio Morricone.
Having formed in the mid 1990’s – they are the only gospel artist to break into the Top 20 Irish Charts, and the only act to play The Main Stage every year at Electric Picnic.
Their show contains the most uplifting and powerful gospel choir arrangements with seasonal songs to send you home full of the joys of Christmas!
The Irish Whiskey Museum, College Green
1st December & Other dates
Join the Irish Whiskey Museum as they take you on a journey through the history of one of Ireland's favourite drinks. This fantastic museum unveils the intriguing tale of Irish whiskey through an interactive experience in a totally unique setting.
Starting with whiskey’s humble beginnings, where this liqueur eased the woes of a troubled and poor nation, right through to the current revival of whiskey as a top-range alcohol. Saving the best for last though, at the end of every Irish whiskey tour there’s a generous whiskey tasting led by one of our master tasters. You will try three excellent Irish whiskeys and learn an appreciation of the flavours locked inside.
What’s included:
- Fully guided tour
- Visit 5 unique rooms set within the backdrop of Trinity College
- Full tasting experience of three of Ireland's finest whiskeys
The Grand Social, Ha'pennny Bridge
1st December & Other dates
Revisit the jazz age with a night of swing dancing.
The Happy Feet Swing Dance Club have a weekly swing dance night with a vintage aesthetic and a welcoming, fun atmosphere.
Join them for an evening of twirling and swinging at The Grand Social. that will teach you a selection of vintage dances and put a smile on your face. You don’t even need to bring a partner: just show up and prepare to dance yourself happy!
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