When the lights go on: magical November nights in Dublin

Start things off at Dublin by Night, a two-day festival that celebrates everything that’s great about the city after dark. On November 1, parts of South Dublin will become a hub of live music, theatrical performances and outdoor market stalls for the Dublin by Night Fest: Drury Street and South William Street. The following evening, the Dublin by Night Fest: Capel Street and Lower Mary Street comes alive for more of the same, with the addition of a giant outdoor movie screen for an al fresco film. At both events, 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.

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 8 and 9 are the songs by The Beatles, where a live band and singers will bring Fab Four classics like 'Come Together' and 'Hey Jude' to life. The songs will be equally catchy on November 29 and 30, when Dixie Daye and her lively band will perform the electric tunes of Tina Turner. If none of those dates work, you can also take special night tours of the cathedral on Tuesdays throughout November.  

Media captionAdmire the stunning interior of St Patrick's Cathedral.

Starting on November 22, the Museum of Literature are bringing one of James Joyce's short stories to life with their production of 'The Dead'. Book your ticket to Louise Lowe's adaptation and sit back as the talented cast take on Joyce's inquisitive dive into the nature of the Irish identity. 

Every Thursday in November, the Hugh Lane Gallery is keeping their doors open after sunset for their special After Hours events. With a variety of free and ticketed events, there will be an eclectic mix of art workshops, musical performances, exhibitions as well tasty snacks and beverages. 

Media captionMake your way to the Hugh Lane Gallery when the sun goes down.

Dublin's haven for artefacts discovered in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe, the Chester Beatty is hosting their own series of fascinating discussions throughout the month. Open until 8pm on Wednesday evenings, interested intellectuals can tag along and learn about everything from 18th century Buddhist hangings at the Qing Court to Arabic manuscripts. 

Media captionEnjoy an evening at the Chester Beatty.

Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo has gotten bigger and better each year, with this year’s edition switched on the evening of October 24 and running until January 5. 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.

Over at Malahide Castle, Ireland's largest-ever light show Wonderlights is returning for its fourth year on November 7, with the gardens and woodland glowing with huge installations. 

Thanks to its success in the past few years, Wonderlights will also be taking over Marlay Park from November 14 to January 5. Wander the grounds of the 300-year-old demesne and admire the dazzling light shows as you go. 

Media captionMarvel at the magical Wonderlights at Malahide Castle.

The tale of Irish whiskey is full of twists and turns, and so are the stories of Irish folklore. Dive into haunting Celtic traditions with a tumbler of whiskey in hand at the Irish Whiskey Museum's Samhain Storytelling event. Hosted by Candle Lit Tales, the special occasion runs from October 31 to November 2 and marks the official start of winter. 

Media captionLearn the tales of Samhain at the Irish Whiskey Museum.

If you're a bit of a storyteller yourself, The Tara Building will be putting on their own open mic night. Starting on November 15 and finishing up on November 29, relax and listen to famous winter stories or brave the stage and showcase some tales of your own. Don't worry, their welcoming audience love to hear from first-time attendees. 

Galleries aren’t just for daytime. You can wander the National Gallery of Ireland on Thursday evenings or stop by for a ticketed special event. Feed your mind and your appetite at Plates and Palettes on November 21 – attendees will experience four distinct table settings and meals, each inspired by the gallery's artwork and brought to life by modern Irish artisanal produce. On November 28, enjoy a glass of Prosecco (or a soft drink) and try your hand at recreating some of the gallery's collection of pieces at Tipple with Art. 

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 4.30pm to 6pm. 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 RTÉ Concert Orchestra are paying homage to the 'Rocket Man' himself, Elton John. Tag along and tap your foot along to their rendition of some of the artist's best-known tunes, from 'I'm Still Standing' to 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart.' 

Media captionListen to Elton John's greatest hits at the National Concert Hall.

There are some special events coming up in the Lighthouse Cinema, too. The EUNIC Short Shorts Film Festival 2024 is on November 6, with a selection of short films from all around Europe screened throughout the evening. On November 6 and 10, the Lighthouse will screen Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers, a digitised exhibition of the artist's work which dives into his unique creative process and the pivotal impact his years in France had on his artistic style.  

Kicking off on November 13, the IFI French Film Festival is entering their 25th year and will be hosting a number of screenings across two weeks. Catch Stéphane Brizé's new romantic drama Out of Season on opening night and share your thoughts during the post-film Q&A, or revel in the tension of Xavier Legrand's thriller The Successor.

Fancy a night at the theatre? There are loads of productions on stage all over the city throughout November. At the Abbey Theatre, enjoy the stage adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma, which is kicking off the European leg of its tour in Dublin on November 22. Kate Hamill and Claire O'Reilly put their own twist on the 19th century period comedy with the help of a contemporary soundtrack. Tony award-winning playwright and director Enda Walsh's premieres his latest creation Safe House on October 3 to November 16. Charles Way's take on Mary Norton's quirky novel The Borrowers is gracing the stage of the Gate Theatre from November 11 until January 12. Bring the kids along and follow the adventures of the tiny Clock family as they search for a new home to call their own.  

Media captionCatch a show at the Gate Theatre.

If you’re quick, you’ll catch the last few performances of Michael Scott’s award-winning production of Brinsley McNamara's novel, The Valley of Squinting Windows in the Gaiety Theatre, where its third Irish run is wrapping up on November 2. When that finishes, get into the Christmas spirit Fairytale of New York, opening November 7. Not only will The Pogues' festive choon be on the setlist, but the cast of international singers, musicians and dancers will also perform all of the Christmas classics. 

If you’re a fan of the ballet, make your way to the State Ballet of Georgia's performance of Swan Lake in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, which kicks off on November 20. 

There is mix of dramatic and quirky performances at the more alternative Smock Alley Theatre, with short runs of shows like The Sceptical Suffragette, a fascinating retelling of the tumultuous life of female activist Sylvia Pankhurst, and the drag show Gwyneth Goes Skiing. There are also performances as part of IMRAM Féile Litríochta Gaeilge, with poetry, dramatic readings and music as Gaeilge (in Irish) on November 7-16.  

Some of the world’s hottest musical acts continue to flock to Dublin for big ticket gigs in November. Interpol are playing the 3Arena on November 10, with Vampire Weekend taking over on November 29. Allie Sherlock will be at Whelan’s on November 12, and Stephanie Rainey is in Vicar Street on November 14. In the 3Olympia, The Academic are playing on November 7 and Ezra Collective take to the stage on November 11. 

Media captionCapture incredible musical moments at Vicar Street.

From November 7 to 10, Dún Laoghaire becomes a hub of hilarity as it welcomes comedians from all over the country and beyond for the third annual Dún Laoghaire Comedy Festival. Held in several venues across the seaside village, the festival will welcome over 50 talented comedians, some well-known and some brand new to the circuit. Join powerhouse Emma Doran on November 4 in Walters, enjoy the craic with Al Porter in The Eblana Club on November 8 and giggle at the antics of David McSavage as he takes the stage in McLoughlin's on November 9. 

Looking for some more inspiration? Browse the bounty of things to do and see this Winter in Dublin.