Greetings from The Third Castle!
Spring is doing its thing (mostly), the streets are greener than usual, and the city has absolutely stacked the calendar for the next ten days. Whether you're emerging from the Paddy's Day celebrations looking for something cultured, hunting down a late-night gig, or just trying to find the best-value evening out in town, this edition has you sorted.
Here's what's in store this week:
β«οΈ St Patrick's Day: parades, cΓ©ilΓs, free gigs and festival fun
β«οΈ Live music all week: Ye Vagabonds, Sigrid, Alfa Mist, Bar Italia, Christy Moore and more
β«οΈ Theatre, opera, and arts: Macbeth, Rusalka, Heavenly Bodies, Sure Look It Fuck It
Let's dive in π
EVENT SPOTLIGHT
Rusalka Sunday 22 to Thursday 26 March Bord GΓ‘is Energy
Theatre Opera Ireland brings DvoΕΓ‘k's beloved fairy-tale opera to Bord GΓ‘is for a five-night run. Rusalka - the water nymph who trades her voice for a chance at love - is one of the most emotionally devastating operas in the canon, and entry, this is genuinely exceptional value for a full production. Book tickets
Sigrid Saturday, 21 March 3Olympia Theatre
Norwegian pop superstar Sigrid brings her There's Always More That I Could Say tour to 3Olympia. If you've not seen her live before, she's the kind of performer who makes a sold-out room feel like she's playing just for you. Get tickets
Macbeth Monday, 23 March Smock Alley Theatre, Main Space
A fresh production of Shakespeare's most visceral play, opening this week at Smock Alley. Ambition, blood, and madness in one of Dublin's more atmospheric theatres - a proper combination. Get tickets
LIVE MUSIC
Song Cycle Singer-Songwriter Night Monday 16 & Monday 23 March Whelan's Bar
Whelan's regular open-platform singer-songwriter night runs twice across the fortnight - free entry, original music, and the kind of unpredictable evening that can throw up real gems. Details
The Gralton Big Band Tuesday, 17 March | 20:00 National Concert Hall
A St Patrick's Day hoolie at the NCH - the Gralton Big Band bring colour, energy, and proper swing to what promises to be a celebratory night. Get tickets
Bricknasty Sessions Tuesday, 17 March | 20:00 The Sugar Club Get tickets
N.A.M.E. at Index: Chris Stussy Tuesday, 17 March Index / The Academy
House and techno DJ Chris Stussy plays Index for free as part of the N.A.M.E. series. Free entry makes this an easy yes. Details
Yasmin Gardezi Tuesday, 17 March The Academy Get tickets
Whelan's Full Irish - St Patrick's Day Tuesday, 17 March Whelan's
Whelan's annual Paddy's Day celebration - full Irish music programme, all day. Details
Paddy's Day Venue Takeover Tuesday, 17 March Button Factory
Funk, soul, R&B, and sing-along classics all day long at the Button Factory. Free in, which basically means there's no excuse not to at least pop by. Details
Bar Italia Wednesday, 18 March | 20:00 Button Factory
London three-piece Bar Italia showcase their new album Some Like It Hot live at the Button Factory. Post-punk, lo-fi, and pulsing with romance and intrigue - a good midweek pick if you're into that world. Get tickets
Rock Against Homelessness Tuesday, 17 March 3Olympia Theatre
A charity concert raising funds and awareness for homelessness. Good cause, good night. Get tickets
Audrey Hobert Thursday, 19 March 3Olympia Theatre Get tickets
Alfa Mist Thursday, 19 March Whelan's Main Venue
London producer and jazz pianist Alfa Mist brings his blend of jazz, hip-hop, and soul to Whelan's. One of the most interesting live acts working in that space right now. Get tickets
GMT Jazz Club Thursday, 19 March Glass Mask Theatre, Dawson Street
Blues and swing at the intimate Glass Mask Theatre - an underrated venue for a Thursday evening jazz night. Details
The Good Life: Remembering Tony Bennett Friday, 20 March National Concert Hall
A tribute to Tony Bennett's extraordinary career at the NCH - big-band jazz and classic standards in a beautiful room. Get tickets
NSOI: Louis Lortie plays Chopin Friday, 20 March National Concert Hall
National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland with pianist Louis Lortie on Chopin. For classical fans, this is a marquee evening. Get tickets
Ye Vagabonds Friday 20 March (tickets available) & Saturday 21 March (SOLD OUT) Vicar Street
Brothers BrΓan and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn bring their extraordinary vocal blend and Irish/Scottish folk repertoire to Vicar Street for two nights. Get tickets - Friday only
Odeal: The Shows That Saved Us Tour Friday, 20 March The Academy Get tickets
Gorgon City presents: Enter The Realm Friday, 20 March The Academy / Index UK house duo Gorgon City at The Academy and Index for their Enter The Realm event. Get tickets
TRAITRS Friday, 20 March Whelan's Upstairs
Toronto post-punk duo TRAITRS play Whelan's Upstairs. Dark, danceable, and very good. Get tickets
George Michael's Greatest Hits feat. James Bermingham Friday, 20 March The Grand Social
James Bermingham pays tribute to George Michael's catalogue live at the Grand Social. Details
Serena Terry Friday, 20 March 3Olympia Theatre Get tickets
U2 by Candlelight Friday, 20 March Saint Patrick's Cathedral
U2's greatest hits in the extraordinary candlelit setting of Saint Patrick's Cathedral. Details
Curveball: Sonia Bernardo w/ Aoife Wolf Friday, 20 March Button Factory
Sonia Bernardo makes her Dublin debut at the Button Factory's Curveball series with support from Aoife Wolf. Details
An Evening with Simon Delaney and the RTΓ Concert Orchestra Saturday, 21 March National Concert Hall
TV presenter and comedian Simon Delaney joins the RTΓ Concert Orchestra for what promises to be an enjoyable, accessible night of music and entertainment. Get tickets
14th EPTA Ireland Piano Festival Saturday, 21 March (all day, inc. evening with Thérèse Fahy) National Concert Hall
A full day of piano competitions followed by an evening concert with Thérèse Fahy - perfect for piano enthusiasts or anyone who wants to see exceptional young talent compete. Get tickets
Kesha Saturday, 21 March 3Arena Get tickets
Paradise Lost + Special Guests: CWFEN Saturday, 21 March The Academy
Gothic metal legends Paradise Lost with special guests CWFEN. A rare Dublin appearance from one of the genre's originators. Get tickets
MANILLA TIMES Saturday, 21 March Whelan's Upstairs Get tickets
Kofi Stone Saturday, 21 March Opium Live
Manchester MC and poet Kofi Stone at Opium Live - expect bars, flow, and something a bit more thoughtful than your average Saturday night. Get tickets
Curveball: Richard Youngs with Katie G. O'Neill Saturday, 21 March Button Factory
Experimental folk and avant-garde singer Richard Youngs performs at the Button Factory's Curveball series. Details
Celtic Soul - The Definitive Van Morrison Tribute Saturday, 21 March | 20:00 The Sugar Club
A deep dive through Van Morrison's catalogue, done right. Get tickets
Fleetwood Mac by Candlelight Saturday, 21 March Saint Patrick's Cathedral
Another candlelit cathedral concert - this time Fleetwood Mac's classics in the stunning surrounds of Saint Patrick's. Details
Paco PeΓ±a Sunday, 22 March National Concert Hall
World-renowned flamenco guitarist Paco PeΓ±a at the National Concert Hall. One of the greatest living practitioners of the form. Get tickets
ReneΓ© Rapp Sunday, 22 March 3Arena Get tickets
Ninajirachi Sunday, 22 March Opium Live
Australian electronic artist Ninajirachi - moved to Opium Live due to demand - brings her explosive, colourful production to Dublin. Get tickets
Waterparks: The Prowler EU/UK Tour Sunday, 22 March The Academy Get tickets
Miserable Faith Sunday, 22 March Button Factory Details
The Feeling: 20th Anniversary of '12 Stops and Home' Monday, 23 March The Academy
The Feeling celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album - if you were singing along to Sewn in 2006, this is for you. Get tickets
Jehnny Beth Tuesday, 24 March Workmans Club
Former Savages frontwoman Jehnny Beth plays Workmans. If you haven't caught her solo material, this is a good entry point - intense, compelling, and great in a small venue. Get tickets
Bullpen, Ally Hyland + More Tuesday, 24 March Whelan's Upstairs
A multi-act bill for eight quid - always good value at Whelan's Upstairs for catching emerging acts. Get tickets
Curveball: The Scarlet Goodbye with OVERHAUL Tuesday, 24 March Button Factory
The Scarlet Goodbye - featuring ex-Soul Asylum member Dan Murphy - plays the Curveball series. Details
ARTS & CULTURE
St. Patrick's Festival Hub at EPIC Monday 16 March onwards EPIC
The Irish Emigration Museum, Custom House Quay EPIC hosts a special St Patrick's Festival Hub celebrating Irish culture and heritage across the festival period - great if you're showing visitors around town or want something to fill the Paddy's Day afternoon. Details
Fair Deal Tuesday, 17 March Abbey Theatre
A sharp, funny play about family dynamics and unexpected twists - catch it while it runs at the Abbey. Get tickets
Live Aid Exhibition Tuesday, 17 March onwards
Irish Photographic Archive Over seventy photographs from the iconic Live Aid concerts - a fascinating slice of pop history and photojournalism. Details
BΓ©ar FΓ©ile 2026 Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 March The George, Bridie's Bar, and venues across Dublin City Centre
Dublin's bear community festival runs across four nights at The George and other city centre venues. Votes are open for Mr Bear Ireland 2026 as part of the wider programme. Details
Doomslayers LIVE! Season 3 Premiere Thursday, 19 March Smock Alley Boys' School
The Doomslayers podcast goes live for their Season 3 premiere - tackling modern issues with humour and a live audience. Details
Curator's Talk: Visual Poetry - The Photography of John Minihan Thursday, 19 March National Gallery of Ireland
The exhibition curator introduces this new photography exhibition. Free to attend - a good lunchtime or afternoon option. Details
National Gallery Drawing Workshop Thursday, 19 March National Gallery of Ireland
A tutored drawing session in the exhibition space. Good for anyone who wants something hands-on and a bit different. Book
Sure Look It, Fuck It Wednesday 18 March onwards Project Arts Centre
Clare Dunne's solo show - a grungy, warm ode to Dublin and home. A proper Dublin City Centre show for a Dublin City Centre audience, and 7pm at the Project is always a civilised way to spend an evening. Get tickets
Do I Love You? Wednesday, 18 March Smock Alley Theatre, Main Space
A comedy about love and Northern Soul - described as hilarious and exploring the challenges of youth today. Get tickets
Heavenly Bodies Thursday 20 to Thursday 26 March The Lir Academy
A production of Dublin-born Dion Boucicault's most audacious work, running all week at The Lir. Seven nights gives you plenty of options - and at these prices, a reasonable evening out. Get tickets
Visual Arts CPD for Teachers: Under the Big Oak Saturday, 21 March The Ark, Temple Bar
A workshop for teachers inspired by The Ark's newest exhibition, led by curator Jole Bortoli. Details
Memory of a Free Festival Saturday, 21 March Ormston House
A special visual art event celebrating freedom and community through the spirit of a free festival. Details
Women Take Centre Stage Tuesday, 24 March Abbey Theatre
A celebration of women's contributions to theatre and the arts at the Abbey. Details
The Centenary of The Plough and the Stars - Special Event Tuesday, 24 March Abbey Theatre
A special event marking 100 years of Sean O'Casey's most celebrated play, for patrons and prospective patrons of the Abbey. Details
Double Indemnity Tuesday, 24 March Gaiety Theatre
Hollywood actor Mischa Barton returns to the Gaiety stage in a thriller adaptation. Details
An Evening with OisΓn Fagan / Γire to Everywhere Tuesday, 24 March EPIC
The Irish Emigration Museum Author OisΓn Fagan discusses his novel Eden's Shore at EPIC - a bargain for a properly engaging literary evening. Get tickets
Simple Creatures Tuesday, 24 March Smock Alley Boys' School
A new production exploring violence among youth and societal pressures. Details
The Perfect Vehicle Tuesday, 24 March The New Theatre, Temple Bar
A stage adaptation of Melissa Holbrook Pierson's work. The New Theatre always punches above its weight for new and adapted work. Details
Bookbinding Workshop with Caroline Byrne Sunday, 22 March National Print Museum
Make your own hardbound notebook in this hands-on bookbinding workshop. A genuinely lovely thing to do on a Sunday afternoon. Details
Flux Soft Pastel Sunset Painting Workshop Saturday, 21 March | 14:00 Flux Studios
A calm afternoon workshop painting sunsets in soft pastels. Family-friendly. Details
FOOD & DRINK
Winning Ribeye at FIRE Tuesday, 17 March (ongoing) FIRE Steakhouse & Bar
The Irish Steak Challenge Winner 2026 from O'Leary Family Butchers is being featured as a guest steak at FIRE. If you're particular about your beef, this is worth a visit. Details
Eggspresso Martini Giveaway at Stillgarden Ongoing Stillgarden Distillery
Stillgarden is running a competition for four lucky winners to experience their giant house-made "Eggspresso" Martini. Worth a punt. Details
Hot Wings Challenge Thursday 19 & Thursday 26 March The Back Page, Phibsborough
Test your spice tolerance at The Back Page's hot wings challenge. Entry is free, dignity is optional. Details
FAMILY FRIENDLY
All Things Irish Takeover at Dublin Zoo Monday 16 to Thursday 19 March | Standard admission Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo's four-day St Patrick's Day and Mother's Day celebration with themed activities across the park. Standard admission applies - good value for a full family day out. Book ahead
The Family Village Tuesday, 17 March St Patrick's Festival Family Village
A free family area as part of St Patrick's Festival - face painting, live music, family-friendly entertainment, and community performances. One of the best spots in the city for keeping kids happy during the parade. Details
Sm(All) Folk Festival Tuesday, 17 March Axis Ballymun
A joyful festival of theatre created for children and young audiences, celebrating imagination. Details
CΓΊpla Focal Guided Tour - EPIC Tuesday, 17 March EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
A Paddy's Day guided tour focusing on the Irish language and culture - a good educational option for kids and families visiting the museum. Details
Sunday Family Drop-in Workshop: Monochrome Memories Sunday, 22 March National Gallery of Ireland
Shaw Room Drop-in creative workshop in the magnificent Shaw Room. Bring the kids; it's free. Details
Schools: Make Your Mark Workshops at The Ark Monday 23 to Wednesday 25 March The Ark
Visual arts workshops with artist RΓ³isΓn White for school groups - exploring nature and character through mark-making. Details
OUTDOOR & WELLNESS
St Patrick's Day Parade Tuesday, 17 March | 12:00 Dublin City Centre, from Parnell Square The big one.
The National St Patrick's Day Parade begins at noon, running from Parnell Square through the city. This year's festival theme is Roots - expect colour, Macnas spectacle, community groups, and a lot of green. Worth getting there early for a good spot. Route info
CΓ©ilΓ MΓ³r Tuesday, 17 March | 14:00 Merrion Square West
An open-air cΓ©ilΓ at Merrion Square where visitors and locals come together for traditional Irish music and dancing. Free, outdoor, and a lovely way to spend a Paddy's Day afternoon. Details
Dublin City Colours Boat Races: Trinity vs UCD Saturday, 21 March River Liffey
The annual Trinity versus UCD boat race on the Liffey - a free spectator event and genuinely enjoyable if you're anywhere near the riverbank. Details
Morning Movement - Yoga and Pilates Wednesday, 18 March | St Philips Hall
Start the day strong with this hybrid yoga and Pilates class. Details
Sonic Awakening Restorative Workshop Friday, 20 March | 19:30 Segotia
A sound bath journey welcoming in Ostara - the Celtic celebration of spring equinox. Calming, restorative, and a very different kind of Friday evening. Details
UNTIL NEXT WEEK
Thanks for reading The Third Castle
If you enjoy the newsletter or you find it useful here are some ways you can help us:
π Forward it to a friend, neighbour, or your local WhatsApp group
π If you were sent this and want in on the action, sign up here.
π Consider supporting the newsletter with a monthly subscription (coming soon)
See you next week π
P.S. Not feeling it anymore? No hard feelings. You can unsubscribe from the email footer below