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

Following on from the success of their tour around James Joyce’s ‘Ulysses’, Janet Moran and Ronan Guilfoyle join forces again, this time to explore the intricacies of Joyce’s final novel ‘Finnegan’s Wake’. Janet is an award-winning actor and playwright, and Ronan is one of Ireland’s best-known jazz musicians, with an international career spanning more than forty years. ‘Earwicker’s Dream’ is a concert piece that unites spoken word, jazz composition and improvisation, and explores the central characters in the book. Joyce’s brilliant text will be illuminated by a wond

Ashley Campbell and Thor Jensen form a unique meeting of musical genres as the duo Campbell/Jensen. With Ashley coming from the world of country and Americana and Thor having a diverse background from rock to gypsy jazz, they create a fresh sound as a duo. Ashley Campbell, daughter of country legend Glen Campbell began her career playing in her father's band on several world tours and has found success as a solo artist in the country music scene; most notably with her debut single "Remembering" which she wrote for her father. Her original music has taken her all over the world, from China to J