EXHIBITION: MANUSCRIPTS & THE MIND
The new exhibition at the Chester Beatty, invites visitors to look beyond words and uncover the hidden language of books. Exploring "paratexts" — illustrations, bindings, annotations, and borders — the exhibition reveals how these features shape our understanding and engagement with text. Rare manuscripts from Buddhist, Christian, Islamic, Jewish, and Samaritan traditions illuminate centuries of interaction with sacred writing. A collaboration between the University of Glasgow, manuscript scholars, and cognitive scientists, the project explores how design influences memory and comprehension. Interactive elements, animations, and public lectures further immerse visitors in the sensory and emotional experience of reading (Chester Beatty, Dublin, until Spring 2026)
MUSIC: MR. ROMANTIC LIVE
Known for film roles in Boogie Nights, Chicago, and Walk Hard, Hollywood star John C. Reilly brings his acclaimed blend of vaudeville, cabaret, and comedy, to Dublin's Ambassador Theatre. Mixing humour and heartfelt charm, the performance features Reilly alongside a band of Grammy-winning musicians, celebrating the Great American Songbook through soulful melodies of love and longing - expect a night of wit, warmth, and timeless tunes (Ambassador, Dublin, November 20th)
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FILM: IFI FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL
Ireland’s largest celebration of French cinema returns with 34 films, 22 Irish premieres, and 12 female-directed features; highlights include the Hitchcockian thrillers of Claude Chabrol, the restored works of the Lumière Brothers, and new movies featuring the likes of Jodie Foster, Marion Cotillard, and Virginie Efira. With a programme rich in drama, documentary, and animation, guests including director Lucile Hadžihalilović and filmmaker Jean-Baptiste Bonnet, and select titles streaming via IFI@Home, the festival continues its mission to bring the finest French filmmaking to Irish audiences (Irish Film Centre, Dublin, November 19th – 30th)
EVENT: DESIGN KENMARE
This inspired new shindig aims to transform the scenic Kerry town into a hub of creativity and collaboration, celebrating Irish and international innovation across architecture, fashion, photography, and visual art. Featuring a dozen keynote talks and panels, the event explores sustainable design, storytelling, and the balance of form and function. Speakers include Dermot Bannon, Annie Atkins, Richard Mosse, and street artist Maser, blending inspiration, culture, and conversation for for promises to be a lively weekend (Various venues, Kenmare, November 14th –16th)
THEATRE: GOLD IN THE WATER
When Bart’s picture-perfect life unravels after a goldfish crashes his anniversary, chaos and hilarity ensue... Ronan Phelan.directs this dazzling new (family-friendly) Irish musical from Shane O'Reilly and Paul Curley; blending heart, humour, and a full live band, the show explores love, friendship, and the courage to change. With an ensemble cast that includes Matthew Malone, Domhnall Herdman and Clare Barrett, a new Irish musical (especially one as good as this) is to be supported and celebrated - especially one as good as this (Project Arts Centre, Dublin, 14th - 23rd November)
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