This January, First Fortnight returns to challenge mental health stigma and promote mental wellbeing through a national celebration of arts and culture. With a dynamic programme spanning music, theatre, visual arts, and workshops, the festival brings communities together to spark conversation and inspire change. From marking Nollaig na mBan in Whelans with renowned singer Mary Coughlan and poet Paula Meehan to exploring homelessness through creative expression, the 2025 programme offers something for everyone. Below are some highlights: Festival Highlights Workshops ● Mini Placard Move

Calling all budding artists. We invite you to experiment with art at the Hugh Lane Gallery! Join artist Roxanna Manouchehri to be inspired by the portrait paintings on display to experiment with drawing techniques such as blind drawing and drawing from memory. No experience necessary and materials are provided.

Celtic Exodus tells the story of star-crossed lovers trapped by a family feud in the village of Kilturk in Ireland of the 1840s. As famine descends on the nation the families of young Sean McDonagh and Siobhan Buckley struggle with survival in the face of crop failure, starvation, and merciless oppression by landlords and British Government agents. The young lovers must hide their forbidden passion, yet find a way to somehow unite their clans in defiance of these challenging times. Ultimately, the young lovers will be forced to join the hordes of Irish people who leave their beloved h