ART: ISABEL NOLAN
Ahead of artist Isabel Nolan's forthcoming representation of Ireland at the 61st Venice Biennale in 2026, her new solo exhibition Look at the Harlequins! offers an insight into the artist's practice characterised by its shifting movement between mediums, where sculpture, textiles and works on paper are held in lively dialogue, celebrating and communing with historical figures and works of art that speak to us across centuries (Kerlin Gallery, Dublin, until 22 November)
THEATRE: DENOUEMENT
It's 2048. Armageddon is coming. In a remote Irish farmhouse, Edel and Liam are living out their final hours, cut off from friends and family with only their memories for company. Liam hammers away on a battered typewriter, desperate to record every detail of their life together, whether anyone will read it or not. Edel, on the other hand, is glued to the outside world, trying to reach their children and loved ones for one last goodbye... Jimmy Fay directs two of Ireland's finest actors - Anna Healy and Patrick O'Kane - in the world premiere of John Morton's bold new play, a highlight of this year's Belfast International Arts Festival (Lyric Theatre, Belfast, 21 Oct - 15 Nov)
MUSIC: IRISH CHAMBER ORCHEATRA
Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) marks 30 wonderful years at the University of Limerick with an unforgettable night of music, including Micheál Ó Súilleabháin's Must Be More Crispy, featuring special guests Mel Mercier on percussion and Niall Vallely on concertina. For the very first time, ICO Youth joins forces with the orchestra and violinist Henning Kraggerud to perform his Little Suite in Old Style, alongside works by Piazzolla, Sam Perkin, Atterberg and Grieg’s mighty String Quartet in G minor, promosing a celebration to remember (University Concert Hall, Limerick, Saturday 18 October)
POETRY: BILLY COLLINS
Poetry Ireland presents an unmissable evening with one of our generation's most-loved poets, former US Poet Laureate, Billy Collins, reading work from across his career, including his upcoming collection Dog Show, which celebrates the joy of our canine best friends, honoring the love we feel for the animals who play such vital roles in our lives. Known for the distinct humour and tenderness in his poetry, and much beloved (and often quoted) by many famous faces, from Bill Murray to Barack Obama - he talks to Brendan O'Connor below (Findlater's Church (The Abbey), Parnell Square, Dublin, 21st of October)
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EVENT: CONNIE
Written and created by Joanne Ryan and Ann Blake and staged in Limerick's historic Theatre Royal – the first public performance in the building for almost 30 years - this is a bold, immersive theatrical event that reimagines the incredible life of Limerick-born Hollywood actress Constance Smith. The cast features the incomparable Pom Boyd as Connie alongside Shirani Bolle, Meg Hennessey, Gene Rooney and Johanne Webb. Oliver Callan talks to Joanne Ryan below (Theatre Royal, Cecil Street, Limerick, October 18th – November 2nd)
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BONUS: WEXFORD OPERA LIVE
The 74th Wexford Festival Opera will light up the National Opera House from 17th October, and the festival will once again join forces with RTÉ to bring a taste of that operatic magic to audiences at home and abroad. Audiences in Ireland can tune into Opera Night with Paul Herriott on RTÉ lyric fm or watch live online via RTÉ Culture to experience the three mainstage operas at Wexford this year: Le Trouvère by Giuseppe Verdi (Friday October 17th at 8pm), Deidamia by G.F. Handel (Saturday October 18th at 7.30pm) and a recording of The Magic Fountain by Frederick Delius (Saturday October 25th at 7.00pm) - find out more here.
Hear The Culture 5 every Friday on Aedín in the Afternoon on RTÉ lyric fm, from 1pm - listen back here
