Sharon Shannon, Luke Kelly Story & Bray Jazz

Greetings from The Bay Window

February's hitting its stride with a genuinely strong lineup. From Irish music legends to family theatre, film screenings to live sessions, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown's venues are earning your attention this week (and we've done the calendar-checking so you don't have to).

Here's what's in store this week:

⚫️ Sharon Shannon, Brian Kennedy & live music

⚫️ Luke Kelly tribute, Hamlet & Pavilion Theatre season

⚫️ Family shows, Bray Jazz & coastal adventures

Let's dive in 👇

Sharon Shannon

Friday, February 6 Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray Ireland's accordion queen brings her genre-crossing sound to Bray. Sharon Shannon's music pulls from traditional Irish, reggae, country, and whatever else catches her ear. Expect an evening that refuses to stay in one lane. Her live shows blend serious musicianship with genuine warmth. Worth the trip to Bray. Get tickets

The Dubliner: Luke Kelly Story

Friday, February 6 Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire One-man show celebrating Luke Kelly's life, music, and lasting impact on Irish culture. The Dubliners' iconic voice gets the theatrical treatment, combining his songs with the story of the man behind them. For anyone who grew up with "The Rocky Road to Dublin" or wants to understand why Kelly mattered so much. Book tickets

Brian Kennedy

Saturday, February 7 The Purty Kitchen, Dún Laoghaire Irish singer-songwriter Brian Kennedy performs at the Purty Kitchen. Known for powerful vocals and emotionally resonant songwriting, Kennedy delivers intimate performances that work perfectly in this venue's setting. Expect songs from across his career plus his signature covers. Event details

Mik Pyro (Full Band Show) + Guests

Friday, February 6 The Purty Kitchen, Dún Laoghaire Full band performance from Mik Pyro with supporting acts. The Purty Kitchen hosts this multi-act evening showcasing local talent. For fans of Irish indie and alternative music—the kind of night that introduces you to your next favorite band. Gig details

Full Circle

Sunday, February 8 The Purty Kitchen, Dún Laoghaire Sunday session at the Purty Kitchen. Full Circle brings live music to round out your weekend. Check venue for specific genre and timing - Purty Kitchen's Sunday programming tends toward acoustic and accessible. Performance info

Hope Collective and Irish Pop Archive: Document 9

Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire An evening of music scene interviews exploring Irish pop culture history. The Hope Collective teams up with the Irish Pop Archive for conversations about the people and moments that shaped Irish music. For anyone who's ever wondered about the stories behind the songs. Event details

Bray Jazz Festival Various dates Mermaid Arts Centre & Bray venues The festival continues with stellar lineups including the Harold López-Nussa Trio. Cuban jazz piano meets Irish audiences in what promises to be an evening of genuine musicianship. Check festival schedule for specific performances and venues throughout the week. Festival details

Afternoon Tea

Friday, February 6 Airfield Estate, Dundrum Traditional afternoon tea at Airfield Estate. Scones, finger sandwiches, and tea served in the estate's elegant setting. Perfect for treating someone (or yourself) to a proper afternoon out. Booking recommended—Airfield's food offerings are popular. Book table

Brunch Club

Airfield Estate, Dundrum Weekend brunch sessions at Airfield Estate. The farm-to-fork ethos means ingredients come from the estate's own gardens and producers. For brunch enthusiasts who care about where their food comes from. Brunch details

Date Night Cooking Class

Airfield Estate, Dundrum Couples cooking class at Airfield Estate. Learn new techniques while preparing a meal together, then enjoy what you've cooked. For couples looking for date ideas beyond dinner-and-drinks. Class info

Music & Brunch

Sunday, February 8 Críoch Café, Bray Live music over weekend brunch at this Bray spot. Críoch combines quality coffee and food with acoustic sessions, making Sunday mornings something to actually look forward to. Arrive hungry and prepared to linger. Event details

Killiney Hill Relay Charity Race

Killiney Hill car park (Dalkey/Killiney) Organized by the Irish Mountain Running Association. Whether you're a regular hill runner or someone who needs a reason to finally tackle Killiney Hill, this charity relay brings the local running community together. Check IMRA for registration and team details. Race details

Dun Laoghaire to Killiney Hill Park Loop

Starting point: Dún Laoghaire A scenic coastal-to-hill loop that's become a weekend staple for local walkers. The route takes in seafront views before climbing Killiney Hill for the payoff panorama. Moderate difficulty—wear proper shoes and check weather before heading out. Route map

Ticknock - Fairy Castle Circle

Ticknock Woodland and hillside trail with views across Dublin. The Fairy Castle Circle loop combines forest paths with open hillside, offering that satisfying mix of shade and summit. Popular with families on weekends—arrive early for parking. Trail details

Music for Babies

The Schoolhouse, Monkstown Parent-and-baby music sessions at the Monkstown Church of Ireland Schoolhouse. Designed for little ones who can't sit still (so, all of them), with interactive elements that won't drive parents mad. A genuine community music experience for the under-twos crowd. Book session

Joe the Magician - Live

Saturday, February 7 dlr Mill Theatre, Dundrum The RTÉjr favourite brings his comedy magic show to the Mill Theatre. Perfect for families with younger kids (think ages 4-10) who love a bit of theatrical wonder. Expect card tricks, illusions, and the kind of wholesome entertainment that keeps children genuinely engaged. Book tickets

St. Brigid Cross-Making with Wicklow Willow

Various sessions Deansgrange Library & Dundrum Library Traditional craft workshops for children using Wicklow willow. Kids learn the ancient art of rush weaving while making their own St. Brigid's crosses. A hands-on cultural experience that's genuinely educational (and keeps little hands busy). Check your local library for specific session times. Deansgrange session Dundrum session

Hand-Weaving Event: Live Willow Fence & Tunnel

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council venue Family-friendly outdoor event where kids (and adults) can help weave living willow into fences and tunnels. Part nature, part art, part satisfying manual work. Great for families who prefer their activities outdoors and hands-on. Event details

New Lambs Arrival

Airfield Estate, Dundrum Spring lambing season at Airfield Estate. Children can meet the new arrivals and learn about farm life. Airfield makes agricultural education genuinely engaging for city kids. Check estate for visiting hours and lambing updates. Visit info

Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere

Thursday, February 5 Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray Film about Bruce Springsteen's "Nebraska" album and the creative process behind one of rock's most stripped-down masterpieces. For Springsteen fans and anyone interested in how artists work through creative turning points. Mermaid's cinema programming consistently delivers quality. Screening details

The Mysterious Case of Kitsy Rainey

Friday, February 5 Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire New Irish theatre exploring mystery, identity, and small-town secrets. The Mysterious Case of Kitsy Rainey brings contemporary storytelling to the Pavilion stage. Check with theatre for content guidance and age recommendations. Get tickets

Paddy: The Life & Times of Paddy Armstrong

Sunday, February 7 Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire One-person show exploring the life of Paddy Armstrong, one of the Guildford Four wrongfully convicted in the 1970s. This production tells Armstrong's story through his own perspective, decades of imprisonment for a crime he didn't commit, and the life built afterward. Powerful, essential Irish theatre. Book tickets

Hamlet

Monday, February 8 Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire Shakespeare's tragedy comes to the Pavilion. Hamlet's eternal questions about action, revenge, and mortality get fresh treatment. The Pavilion consistently brings quality Shakespeare to Dún Laoghaire—check their production details for specific interpretation and casting. Theatre tickets

Caravaggio

Monday, February 8 Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire Exhibition on Screen presentation exploring Caravaggio's revolutionary paintings and turbulent life. Art documentary bringing the Italian master's work to cinema with expert analysis and stunning visuals. For anyone who finds gallery visits overwhelming but genuinely wants to understand major artists. Screening info

Sentimental Value

Monday, February 9 Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray / Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire. A performance exploring memory, attachment, and the objects we can't seem to let go of. Expect thoughtful theatre that asks genuine questions about why we keep what we keep. Adults who enjoy their art with a side of introspection will find this one rewarding. Mermaid tickets Pavilion tickets

Woolf Works

Wednesday, February 10 Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire Dance or theatrical work inspired by Virginia Woolf's writing and life. Woolf Works translates literary modernism into movement and performance. The Pavilion's programming tends toward intelligent adaptations—expect this to challenge and reward in equal measure. Get tickets

Story of a Day Scéal Lae

Wednesday, February 11 Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray Irish-language performance exploring daily life and routine through theatrical storytelling. Mermaid continues its commitment to Irish language arts with this new work. Check if subtitles or translation support is available if needed. Event details

I Hear You and Rejoice T

uesday, February 4 Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire New performance at the Pavilion. I Hear You and Rejoice suggests themes of connection, listening, and response. Check theatre programme for specific content, genre, and creative team details. Theatre info

WAS #14: Portrait of the Artists

Saturday, February 7 16:00 Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray Part of the Work-in-Autumn-Spring series showcasing local artists. This screening explores creative processes and the people behind the work. For anyone interested in the making of art rather than just the finished product. Event details

Movie Icons Show

Saturday, February 7 Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray A celebration of cinema's most recognizable faces and moments on the big screen. The Mermaid presents iconic film sequences and performances that defined generations. Worth a visit for proper film fans. Get tickets

One Battle After Another

Monday, February 2 Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray New theatre exploring conflict, resolution, and the ongoing nature of struggle. One Battle After Another brings contemporary Irish performance to Bray. Mermaid's theatre programming tends toward challenging, worthwhile work. Performance details

YARN Story Circle

Wednesday, February 4 Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray Storytelling session bringing together community voices and narratives. YARN Story Circle creates space for sharing personal stories in supportive group setting. Perfect for anyone interested in oral tradition and community connection. Circle info

WAAG – an archive

Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray Exhibition or archival project at Mermaid. WAAG explores preservation, memory, and documentation. Check Mermaid for opening hours, guided tours, and interactive elements. Exhibition details

If you enjoy the newsletter or you find it useful here are some ways you can help us:

See you next week 👋

P.S. Not feeling it anymore? No hard feelings. You can unsubscribe from the email footer below