Guides
When the lights go on: magical November nights in Dublin
Media captionWild Lights at Dublin Zoo.
Media captionWild Lights at Dublin Zoo.
The days may be getting shorter, but that doesn’t mean you need to hibernate this winter.
In Dublin, there are plenty of things to do on a November evening, from street festivals to special museum nights where you can kick off the season in style. Plus, there’s a certain charm to a winter’s night in the capital, when the city lights twinkle into life and people dash around town, between cosy restaurants and warm pubs.
Whatever you’re into, be it candlelit gigs in cathedrals or illuminated woodland walks, there’s something to tickle your fancy in Dublin this winter. Here are some great ways to spend a night in the city this November.
Winter is coming
Start things off at Dublin by Night Fest, a one-day event that celebrates everything that’s great about the city after dark. On November 1, Dame Street, College Green and Capel Street in the city centre will become a hub of arts, live music, theatrical performances and outdoor market stalls. If you fancy a bite, street food vendors will be serving up dishes to keep you fed and toasty.
Media captionEnjoy live music, great food and more at Dublin by Night Fest.
Take me to church
When it comes to magical concert settings, St Patrick’s Cathedral is tough to beat. And this November, there are a few gigs where you can enjoy some live music by candlelight under the grand vaulted ceiling. First up on November 1, spend A Night at the Opera and appreciate arias and overtures by Puccini, Verdi, Rossini and Mozart. Switch up genres on November 14 and 15 with songs by The Beatles. Sit back and listen to a live band and singers bring Fab Four classics like 'Come Together' and 'Hey Jude' to life. The songs will be equally catchy on November 28, when Kieshia Chun and her live band will perform the electric tunes of Whitney Houston. If none of those appeal, you can also take special night tours of the cathedral on Tuesdays throughout November.
Media captionAdmire the stunning interior of St Patrick's Cathedral.
A night at the museum
Louise Lowe's immersive take on 'The Dead', one of James Joyce's greatest short stories, is returning to Dublin on November 21. While last year's show was performed in the Museum of Literature, this year's production takes place in the rich historical interior of UCD Newman House. This uniquely intimate take on the seasonal Dubliners tale will run until February 1.
Dublin's haven for artefacts discovered in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe, the Chester Beatty is hosting Putting the Text in a Picture Frame on November 19. This talk will dive into the museum's Byzantine Gospel manuscript and its handwritten annotations that frame and contextualise the document.
Media captionEnjoy an evening at the Chester Beatty.
Turn the lights on
Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo has gotten bigger and better each year, with this year’s edition switched on the evening of November 6 and running until January 31. Book a ticket and you’ll experience the secret life of the zoo at night, with giant illuminated installations and silk lanterns spread between the enclosures. You can also sneak a peek at some of the nocturnal animals who usually hide away during daylight hours.
Media captionSpot the spectrum of displays of Dublin Zoo's Wild Lights show.
Wonderlights, Ireland's largest-ever light show, is returning to Malahide Castle on November 17 and Marlay Park on November 20 with its dazzling installations. Wander some of Dublin's beautiful woodlands and follow the paths lit by huge, colourful projections.
Media captionMarvel at the magical Wonderlights.
It's storytime
If you fancied yourself a bit of a storyteller when you were a teenager but never had the chance to share your material, The Tara Building will be putting on their own open mic night called Angst from the Archives. Come on down on November 6 and dare to read out the best of your worst poetry, journal entries or song lyrics. The cringier, the better. Don't worry, their welcoming audience love to hear from first-time attendees.
Cultural evenings
If you know where to look, you can get into some of the city's finest galleries and cultural institutions after-hours, with many offering special events and reduced rates. The National Gallery of Ireland is open late on Thursday evenings, with just €5 exhibition admission to Picasso: From the Studio. Presented in collaboration with Musée National Picasso-Paris, this new exhibition places Picasso in the context of his studios, featuring sculptures, ceramics, and works on paper, as well as photographic and audio-visual works.
Media captionBecome a connoisseur at the National Gallery of Ireland.
Trinity College is home to the historic Book of Kells, and this winter season, they are offering exclusive guided tours in the evening from 5pm to 6.30pm. Expert guides will lead you through the beautiful Old Library to marvel at the Gaia installation and Brian Boru Harp before reaching the famous vellum manuscript. From there, attendees will be brought to the Red Pavilion where they can explore the new digital exhibition at their own pace.
Over at the National Concert Hall on November 28, the National Symphony Chorus Ireland are celebrating its 40th anniversary with a night dedicated to classical icons, plus some new tunes created by homegrown talent. Sit back and appreciate the works of Wagner, Bruckner and Irish composer Rhona Clarke as she debuts her lastest piece, 'Points of Light.'
Media captionCelebrate 40 years of the NSCI at the National Concert Hall.
There are some special events coming up in the Lighthouse Cinema, too. On November 11, the Lighthouse will screen Exhibition on Screen: Caravaggio, a digitised exhibition of the artist's work which features testimony from Caravaggio himself from the night before his death.
The IFI French Film Festival is back on November 19 with 12 days of screenings for Francophiles. This year's programme is packed with 22 Irish premieres, including multiple films that had their world premiere at this year's Cannes Film Festival, alongside a spread of Lumière Brothers restorations to celebrate 130 years of their filmmaking.
All the world’s a stage
Fancy a night at the theatre? There are loads of productions taking the stage across the city in November. At the Abbey Theatre, catch the world premiere of Barbara Bergin's tragicomedy Dublin Gothic on November 21. Directed by Caroline Byrne, the show follows a house in the heart of Dublin city through three generations of its residents.
Neil Bartlett's adaptation of Charles Dickens' festive classic A Christmas Carol is gracing the stage of the Gate Theatre from November 15 until January 18. Bring the kids along and get into the spirit as you follow Ebenezer Scrooge as he discovers the true meaning of Christmas.
Media captionCatch a show at the Gate Theatre.
If you’re quick, you’ll catch the last few performances of Mark O'Rowe's new play Reunion in the Gaiety Theatre before it wraps up on November 2. Follow along as a family celebration in the west of Ireland is gatecrashed by an unexpected visitor. After that closes, welcome the season with A Fairytale for Christmas, running from November 4-7. Not only will The Pogues' festive choon be on the setlist, but the international cast will perform a spread of Christmas classics.
The State Ballet of Georgia will bring The Nutcracker back to Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from November 10-15. Moulin Rouge! The Musical will then light up the theatre with the glitz and glamour of turn-of-the-century Paris for the Christmas season, running from November 20 through to January 11.
There are a mix of dramatic and quirky performances at the more alternative Smock Alley Theatre. Catch short runs of shows like The Sh*t Table, a dark comedy about what happens when wedding guests sat at the worst table band together, as well as the stage adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic Our Town.
Shining stars
Some of the world’s hottest musical acts continue to flock to Dublin for big ticket gigs in November. Swedish sensation Zara Larsson hits the 3Arena on November 7, with Loyle Carter playing on November 9 and The Offspring taking over on November 12. The Wran will be at Whelan’s on November 14, and Beoga is in Vicar Street on November 22. In the 3Olympia, Oh Wonder are playing on November 4 and Aminé takes to the stage on November 24.
Media captionCapture incredible musical moments at Vicar Street.
Have a laugh
From November 5 to 9, Dún Laoghaire becomes a hub of hilarity as it welcomes comedians from all over the country and beyond for its annual Dún Laoghaire Comedy Festival. Held in venues across the seaside village, the festival will welcome over 50 comedians, some well-known and others brand new to the circuit. Join powerhouse Jarlath Regan on November 6 in The Purty Kitchen, enjoy the craic with Sharon Mannion in The Eblana Club at the Dún Laoghaire Chess Club on November 7 and giggle at the dry antics of Dylan Moran as he takes the stage in The Royal Marine Hotel on November 9.
Winter in Dublin
Looking for some more inspiration? Browse the bounty of things to do and see this Winter in Dublin.
