FILM
A Space Odyssey: 16 August: Don't miss your last chance to see The Irish Film Institute's screening of the epic science fiction masterpiece A Space Odyssey. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the film tells of a voyage to Jupiter to explore a black monolith discovered on the planet that is emitting radio signals. The tranquil trip through the solar system, however, is disrupted when the ship’s on-board computer, HAL, begins to act erratically. Widely recognised for its revolutionary use of special effects and mixture of music and scientific accuracy, it is always worth revisiting, especially on a large cinema screen. Check out www.irishfilminstitute.ie for more information.
THEATRE
Hysterical Histories: 21-23 August: Hysterical Histories, a unique dinner and theatrical experience, takes place at An Spailpín Fánach in Cork city, on 21st or 23rd August. Enjoy three sumptuous courses of traditional fare in an 18th century tavern, then be taken back on an explosive journey through the untamed history of the rebel county. The tales of Cork's most infamous characters will be revived through story and song. Tickets range from €25 - €45. Find Chatty Boo Productions on Facebook to find out more.
MUSIC
Maria Doyle Kennedy: 10-25 August: Film, TV and music star Maria Doyle Kennedy entertains at Hook Lighthouse, Wexford, until Saturday 25 August. Having performed to audiences for over 20 years, she now brings her magical melodies to this 800-year-old lighthouse in Wexford. Maria will perform plenty of old favourites along with some new songs from her upcoming album, which is set to be launched later this year. A limited number of tickets to this fully seated event are now on sale for €35. See www.hookheritage.ie for more information
Sean Keane: 20 August: See traditional musician Seán Keane at An Taibdhearc, Galway, on Monday 20 August. This truly unique talent won the first of his 13 Fleadh Cheoil medals for solo singing at just seven years of age. Touring the States with his sister Dolores Keane, the pair recorded 10 albums. Sean’s most recent release, New Day Dawning, in late 2016 features favourites such as One More Hour and Nature’s Little Symphony. Joining Sean on stage are Fergus Feely on mandocello and Pat Coyne on guitar. Tickets cost €25. For more details, see An Taibhdhearc on Facebook.
COMEDY
The League of Gentlemen: 17 August : The 3Arena in Dublin welcomes BBC’s The League of Gentlemen this Friday, 17 August, as part of the group’s first live tour in over 12 years. The League of Gentlemen is made up of four hilarious British comedians. The show returned to TV screens in late 2017 with three special episodes. Set in Royston Vasey, a fictional rural town in Northern England, the pitch-black comedy is made up of desperate, villainous, and troubled characters. Their dark and often surreal tales are certainly not for the faint-hearted. Tickets cost €44 - €50 and can be purchased on www.ticketmaster.ie.
Dancing diary
Connacht
Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, 19 August, Gerry Guthrie
Leitrim: Carrick on Shannon, Landmark Hotel, 25 August, Mike Denver
Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park,
Big Band Dancing: 18 August, Michael English
Social Dancing:19 August, Chris Dallat
Leinster
Dublin: Dublin, The Red Cow, 16 August, Joe Davitt
Kilkenny: Slievrue, Rhu Glenn, 18 August, Brendan Shine
Kilkenny: Piltown, Piltown Gaa Complex, 19 August, Teddy & Cathal Barry
Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 16th August, J&S Sound, 18 August, Eamon Jackson
Munster
Clare: Ennis, The West County, 19 August, Mike Denver
Cork: Macroom, Riverside Park Hotel, 20 August, Michael Collins
Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 17 August, John McNicholl
Cork: Glanmire, Vienna Woods, 22 August, Michael Collins
Limerick: Kilmallock, Bulgaden Castle, 22 August, Declan Aungier
Limerick: Adare, Woodlands Hotel, 19 August, Michael English
Tipperary: Newport, Ballymackeogh, Aherns, 18 August, The Singing Jarvey
Tipperary: Thurles, The Premier Ballroom, 19 August, Caitriona
Ulster
Cavan: Cavan, Hotel Kilmore, 18 August, Mick Flavin
Derry: Coleraine, The Bushtown House, 20 August, The Indians
Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, 18 August, Gerry Guthrie, 19 August, Robert Mizzell
Down: Newry, The Mourne Country, 18 August, Declan Nerney
Monaghan: Monaghan, Hillgrove Hotel, 19 August, Patrick Feeney
Monaghan: Castleblayney, The Glencarn, 17 August, Jimmy Buckley
Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, 18 August, Robert Mizzell
Tyrone: Omagh, Silverbirch Hotel, 17 August, Patrick Feeney