BOOK: THE POEMS OF SEAMUS HEANEY
The Poems of Seamus Heaney encompasses all the poems that the Nobel Prize winner published in his lifetime as well as the small number that appeared after his death: twelve single volumes, from Death of a Naturalist (1966) to Human Chain (2010), plus those poems published in pamphlets, journals or magazines - in addition, and rather thrillingly, the book includes a selection of previously unpublished material. File under: Major Literary Event (Faber, out now)
TV: OBITUARY
Following a well-received first outing, the Donegal-set blacker-than-black RTÉ comedy returns for a second season; it follows the exploits of Elvira (The Dry star Siobhán Cullen) an obituary writer on a smalltown newspaper who turns to murder to drum up business. This time out, struggling with the death of her beloved father, Elvira seeks relief in killing - but is beaten to the act by a mysterious new murderer in town... If you've yet to catch up, binge the first season here (New episodes weekly on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, from October 14th)
ART: PICASSO AT THE NGI
For the first time the National Gallery of Ireland hosts an exhibition dedicated solely to the legendary Pablo Picasso; featuring paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and works on paper, as well as photographic and audio-visual works, Picasso: From the Studio explores the life and work of the Spanish titan through the unique lens of the spaces he created in (NGI, Dublin, until 22nd of February 2026)
DANCE: DANCEHALL
Described as 'an unrestrained tribute to what it means to be alive', the latest must-see show from Ireland's new national all-island dance company Luail is drawn from the shadows of Ireland's Public Dance Halls Act, revelling in the powerful simplicity and raw humanity of a space where freedom, resistance and individuality unapologetically meet in messy, sweaty, chaotic joy. Choreographed by Emma Martin, it's touring Ireland through October, with stops in Belfast, Donegal, Cork, Dublin, Galway and Limerick - find a date near you here (The Mac, Belfast, 15th Oct, then on tour)
EVENT: COMMON THREADS
Running in the breathtaking surrounds of the Burren, this unique event offers a three-day trail of musical and cultural discovery, featuring performances from Martin Hayes, Morgana, Daithi, RÓIS, Niamh Regan and more. With a focus on new approaches to Irish music, the 2025 edition deepens its commitment to site-specific storytelling, taking attendees on a bus-led voyage through natural and cultural landmarks in the region - take a deeper dive here (Various venues, The Burren, North Clare, Oct 10th-12th)
BONUS: BOYFRIENDS
Ultan Pringle's acclaimed play follows a three month affair between two anonymous men, played by Pringle and Emmanuel Okoye, charting the ups and downs and roundabouts of a modern situationship with humour and sensitivity; one of the best new Irish plays of recent years, it's touring nationwide in October and November, with dates in in Donegal, Limerick, Roscommon, Galway, Clare, Kildare, Longford and Dublin - find a venue near you here
Hear The Culture 5 every Friday on Aedín in the Afternoon on RTÉ lyric fm, from 1pm - listen back here
