EVENT: IRELAND'S EDGE
The discussion and performance series Ireland's Edge returns to Dingle for its 11th edition (alongside the Other Voices shindig, also running that weekend) bringing together artists, thinkers, organisers, activists and innovators to share ideas from the edge. This year's theme, "Welcome Here, Kind Stranger," is a invocation of empathy, belonging, and human connection: speakers include Human Rights Activist and organiser of the Global Samud Flotilla, Caoimhe Butterly and investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr, while musicians Gemma Dunleavy and Soak will perform (28–29 November | The Skellig Hotel, Dingle, Co Kerry)
THEATRE: MOULIN ROGUE!
Enter a world of splendour and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! Baz Luhrmann's revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. A celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and — above all — Love, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is more than a musical — it is a state of mind. Producer Carmen Pavlovich goes behind the scenes for RTÉ Arena below (Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin, until January 11th 2026)
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FILM: RETIREMENT PLAN
In the throes of his overstimulated, energy poor midlife, Ray fantasises about everything he'd love to do in retirement, once he finally has the "time"... Voiced by Domhnall Gleeson, John Kelly's stunning animated short film is a touching and funny examination on the beauty, curiosity and fears of our finite mortality. Trust us - it will stay with you for days afterwards. You won't see a finer Irish film all year, and it's only 7 minutes and 20 seconds long - watch it now, via the New Yorker's YouTube channel.
MUSIC: FIDELIO TRIO WINTER CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
Now in it's 13th year, the only chamber music festival on the north side of the Liffey returns with a three-day event at Belvedere House (St. Patrick's Campus, DCU) and The National Botanic Gardens. Glasnevin; it opens in style on November 28th with The Schumann Effect, where the Fidelio Trio will be joined by Mahler Chamber Orchestra principal violist Joel Hunter for an evening celebrating the music of Clara and Robert Schumann - find out more about the programme here (28th-30th of November 2025)
BOOK: IRISH WRITER'S HANDBOOK 2026
Would you like to know what a commissioning editor looks for in a book proposal? Or what a literary agent really does? Maybe you'd like to see what working life is like for a children's book illustrator or how to pitch your work to a literary festival? Whether you're just getting started or are ready to take the next step, this essential guide (edited by Ruth McKee) speaks with the voices of over 50 different industry experts to instruct and advise, as well as featuring comprehensive and up-to-date contacts and listings for all the publishers, writing services, and competitions every Irish writer should know. And while you're at it, get stuck into our Get Creative section here (Eastwood Books, out now)
Hear The Culture 5 every Friday on Aedín in the Afternoon on RTÉ lyric fm, from 1pm - listen back here
