March 2010

Friday 1st January to Thursday 13th May

Dublin: the College and the City 1250 - 1950

This exhibition will explore Trinity College Library Dublin’s collections relating to the city of Dublin. Intended as a celebration of city life, it will examine the historic life of the city and Trinity College Dublin’s interaction with it.

Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm Sunday 12 noon to 4.30pm. Also includes
a viewing of the Book of Kells exhibition.

Friday 1st January to Sunday 7th March

Francis Bacon: A Terrible Beauty

Francis Bacon: A Terrible Beauty celebrates the centenary of Francis Bacon's birth in 63, Lower Baggot Street, Dublin. This exhibition comprising paintings, drawings, photographs, unfinished works and slashed canvases will offer the viewer an astonishing new look at Francis Bacon, the great figurative painter of the 20th century. It will provide an opportunity to reappraise his oeuvre through the selected paintings, several of which haven’t been on public exhibition for many years. The mastery of Francis Bacon is revealed through these works and will be fully supported by an extensive and previously unseen selection of items from Bacon’s Studio.

Friday 1st January to Saturday 30th October

An Evening of Food, Folklore and Faires

Experience this unique and enchanting evening of Irish folklore and storytelling while enjoying a traditional Irish candlelit dinner in Dublin's oldest Pub, The Brazen Head.
Hear how Irish people lived off the land and why the humble potato so influenced our history.
Explore their beliefs and superstitions surrounding the other world of the fairies
Listen to the magical stories they told as they gathered around the fire at night.
Come back with us to the fascinating world of Ireland long ago when the culture was one of the mind, spirit, and the imagination and where the unseen world was never far away.

Friday 1st January to Friday 31st December

Yeats: The Life And Works Of William Butler Yeats

The Yeats Collection at the Library includes more than 2000 items, stored in 100 archival boxes, occupying 24 metres of shelf space.
In the exhibition, visitors can trace WBY's descent from the conventional Pollexfen and Yeats families, through his unconventional father (a lawyer turned artist) and his increasingly silent and depressed mother, to WBY and his brother and sisters, who became the single most significant artistic family in twentieth-century Ireland.

Saturday 16th January to Monday 24th May

Witness to War: the War of Independence and the Civil War through the lens of W.D. Hogan

The photographer WD Hogan had unique access to the events of the War of Independence and Civil War in Ireland between 1920 and 1923. Hogan had a ringside seat at many historically significant events during these years. While many critics argue that his photographs of this key period in Irish history are one-sided, they provide an undeniably powerful record nonetheless.

Saturday 16th January to Monday 24th May

Witness to War: the War of Independence and the Civil War through the lens of W.D. Hogan

The photographer WD Hogan had unique access to the events of the War of Independence and Civil War in Ireland between 1920 and 1923. Hogan had a ringside seat at many historically significant events during these years. While many critics argue that his photographs of this key period in Irish history are one-sided, they provide an undeniably powerful record nonetheless.
The exhibition will be of particular interest to schoolchildren

Wednesday 20th January to Friday 31st December

Discover your National Library

The Library’s new exhibition, Discover your National Library: Explore, Reflect, Connect provides a unique opportunity to view first-hand a representative selection of the Library’s holdings – the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of Irish documentary material numbering almost eight million items including maps, prints, drawings, manuscripts, photographs, books, newspapers and periodicals.
Among the artefacts to go on display are rare manuscripts such as the Book of Maguaran dating from the Middle Ages and a deed signed by Sir Walter Raleigh. There are also curiosities such as a 1795 lottery ticket (we don’t know if it won), and more contemporary items such as a set of cigarette cards illustrated by Jack Yeats from the 1920s.
Throughout, the exhibition makes extensive use of digital media, with special features including a series of screened talks by the Library’s curators. One of the most popular features is an interactive table using Microsoft Silverlight technology, which enables the visitor to zoom in on images of objects from the collections which can be seen in amazing detail.

Thursday 25th February to Saturday 17th April

Les Liaison Dangereuses

Based on the classic French novel by Laclos, Christopher Hampton’s iconic, Tony-Award-winning play tells the sordid tale of the cunning and confident Merteuil and the wickedly charming Valmont, two high-society rivals who use sex as a weapon to humiliate and destroy.

Laced with seduction, betrayal and spectacular revenge, Les Liaisons Dangereuses is a thrilling dark comedy of mannered decadence and sexual intrigue that will take you to another era and leave you wanting MORE.

Saturday 27th February to Sunday 7th March

Romeo et Juliet Opera

The RTE Concert Orchestra will bring to life this dramatic opera under renowned conductor Jerome Pillement. Directed by Annilese Miskimmon with sets and costumes by Leslie Travers this promises to be one of the most romantic operas of the season.
Opera Ireland continues its Shakespearean programme with the ever-popular tragic tale of the star-crossed lovers. Gounod's opera was first performed in Paris in 1867 where its lavish score proved to be an immediate success. The opera captures the most famous scenes from the play including the Capulet's ball, the balcony farewell, the secret marriage and the anguish in the tomb.
French soprano Nathalie Manfrino, sings the role of Juliette with American tenor, Michael Spyres as her doomed lover. Baritone Marcel Vanaud returns to sing the role of Count Capulet. The cast also features a host of Irish singers including Imelda Drumm as Stephano and Victoria Massey as Gertrude.

Wednesday 3rd March to Wednesday 3rd March

Elvis Presley In Concert

Elvis Presley In Concert will return for another European tour in 2010. This astounding production reunites some of Elvis' former bandmates live on stage with a state of the art video-projected Elvis. This latest tour will include engagements in England, Ireland, Scotland, Holland and other European countries to be announced soon.

Thursday 4th March to Saturday 6th March

I Capuleti E I Montecchi

Thursday 4th March to Thursday 4th March

Jason Byrne

Jason Byrne’s inspired, original brand of high-energy lunacy ensures that there is no other comedian presently like him. His brand new show The Byrne Supremacy sees Jason at his finest, with his fast, freewheeling style, fused with an array of offbeat props, making it a helter-skelter show not to be missed.

'Stand-up so joyous, the clinically depressed should get it on prescription' -(Metro).

Saturday 6th March to Monday 8th March

Dublin Book Festival

Dublin's historic City Hall will be transformed into a book lover's paradise for the third annual Dublin Book Festival.
Come and meet some of Ireland's greatest writers, poets, children's authors, thinkers and media personalities in a relaxed atmosphere; immerse yourself dozens of free readings, interviews, debates and book launches; or just grab a book from the festival’s bookshop, and enjoy a cup of coffee while you admire the grandeur of one of Ireland's most magnificent Georgian buildings.

Sunday 7th March to Sunday 7th March

Star Wars: In Concert

Massive multi-media event features stunning visuals, a live orchestra, choir and narration, plus an exclusive exhibit of Star Wars costumes, props and production artwork.
Star WarsTM: In Concert, a unique multi-media event featuring music from all six of John Williams’ epic Star Wars scores has just confirmed a performance at The O2 Sunday 7th March 2010.

Tuesday 9th March to Saturday 10th April

Philadelphia Here I Come

Philadelphia, Here I come! was first produced here at the Gaiety Theatre on the 28th September 1964. It went on to Broadway to universal acclaim. The play is considered as Brian Friel’s masterpiece and for its time, the theatrical devise of Gar Public and Gar Private was extremely unusual.The production arriving at the Gaiety in March 2010, will be produced by Noel Pearson who produced the multi Tony Award winning production of Dancing At Lughnasa in New York

Tuesday 9th March to Tuesday 9th March

Dave Matthews Band

Dave Matthews Band return to Ireland and the UK for five hotly anticipated shows in March to bring their 2010 European tour, which kicks off in February to a spectacular close.
The band's latest studio album 'Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King' (Released June 1st) sold 424,000 copies in its first week of release stateside and was the band's fifth consecutive album to enter the Billboard 200 at No.1.

Friday 12th March to Wednesday 17th March

Saint Patrick's Festival 2010

The whole world is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! And Dublin is the stage for the biggest and best St. Patrick’s celebrations in the world, the St. Patrick’s Festival. From March 12th – 17th thousands of Irish people and visitors alike will paint the town green for six fantastic, fun-filled days.
St. Patrick’s Festival is virtually bursting at the seams with street theatre, Irish music, dance, street spectacles, comedy, film, a treasure hunt, Irish language events, family fun and of course the best St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the world.

Saturday 13th March to Saturday 13th March

Rugby Six Nations Championship - Ireland V Wales

Europe’s six top rugby playing nations will be aiming for glory in another hotly contested championship. Once again the inspirational venue of Croke Park will act as the backdrop to the unfolding match excitment. A visit to Croke Park is an experience in itself - the third largest stadium in Europe holding in excess of 82,000 people!
Whether you have a ticket to the game or not the magical atmosphere of a rugby weekend in Dublin is not to be missed! Watch the game in a local bar or restaurant and you'll feel like you are in pitchside...almost!

Saturday 13th March to Saturday 13th March

St Patrick Tour

This themed tour explores the links for St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, in the National Museum Collections. No booking required. First come, first served. Tour limited to 30.

Sunday 14th March to Sunday 14th March

KBC Asset Management St.Patrick's 5K Festival Road Race

The event will take place in Dublin on Sunday, 14th March beginning at 12.00 noon from the Mansion House where it will be officially started by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr. Emer Costello. From there it will follow a route through Georgian Dublin returning again to the finish line at the Mansion House.
This is the fifth year of the event which is being held as part of the St. Patrick’s Festival Week and the first city street race in a year when Dublin celebrates its status as European Capital of Sport. Open to elite athletes and fun runners alike, it is hoped that some 5,000 runners will take part.

Monday 15th March to Saturday 20th March

An Appointment with Mr. Yeat`s

What would happen if the words of one of Ireland’s greatest literary figures were merged with the music of one of the most legendary live bands in rock’n‘roll?
The answer is An Appointment with Mr Yeats, a show fusing the poetic power of W.B. Yeats and the visceral music of The Waterboys.
For five nights in March 2010 An Appointment with Mr Yeats, will receive its world premiere at the Abbey, performed by a unique extended line-up of The Waterboys featuring Mike Scott and Irish fiddler extraordinaire Steve Wickham.

Tuesday 16th March to Tuesday 16th March

X Factor Live Tour

The X Factor Live Tour will be packed full of special guests and will include performances from some of the show’s more memorable characters, but you’ll have to keep watching this year’s series and turn up to find out just who we are talking about!

Wednesday 17th March to Wednesday 17th March

St Patrick’s Day Special Event: Storytelling and Harp Playing

Stories and legends from before and after the time of St. Patrick, with storyteller Nuala Hayes and music from harpist Anne Marie O’Farrell. No booking required. First come first served. Event limited to 60.

Thursday 18th March to Sunday 21st March

The Russian State Ballet - Swan Lake

With 70 dancers performing their sparkling version of this classic ballet on the new stage, accompanied by a full symphony orchestra, this show will provide a spectacular way to experience the full grandeur of Dublin’s brand new 2,100 seat theatre, designed by Daniel Libeskind. The theatre has been designed as a receiving house for musicals, theatre, ballet and opera. It is owned by Harry Crosbie and will be operated by Live Nation. It will bring the largest and most successful productions from Broadway and the West End to Ireland.

Impressario Simon Walton, who has been bringing the finest Russian ballet companies to Ireland since 1995, said: “it’s a very exciting prospect to be staging one of the world’s greatest ballets in what is set to be Dublin’s most impressive and luxurious new performance space. Our production team have seen the specifications of the new theatre in terms of staging, sound, lighting, and other features, and I can honestly say that the audience should experience the finest ballet production ever seen in Ireland.”

Friday 19th March to Friday 19th March

Tiësto in Concert

Tiësto is a man of “firsts”. He was the first DJ to sell out dates at the Brixton Academy (two nights in a row), Alexandra Palace, The O2 Arena London, and last summer he was the first DJ to headline and sell-out a truly wondrous show at Victoria Park, London to 25,000 fans. He is the only DJ ever to sell out a three-month residency at Priviledge in Ibiza last summer, where he played to over 100,000 people. And now Tiësto returns to Ireland following previous sellout shows in the Point Theatre 2005 and 2006 and his legendary 5 hour set in Ballinlough Castle in 2007, to become the first DJ to perform at the The O2 on 19TH March 2010.

Saturday 20th March to Saturday 20th March

Rugby Six Nations Championship - Ireland V Scotland

Europe’s six top rugby playing nations will be aiming for glory in another hotly contested championship. Once again the inspirational venue of Croke Park will act as the backdrop to the unfolding match excitment. A visit to Croke Park is an experience in itself - the third largest stadium in Europe holding in excess of 82,000 people! Whether you have a ticket to the game or not the magical atmosphere of a rugby weekend in Dublin is not to be missed! Watch the game in a local bar or restaurant and you'll feel like you are in pitchside...almost!

Sunday 21st March to Sunday 21st March

50 Cent in Concert

Now on his fourth album, Before I Self-Destruct, 50 surveys a reshaped rap topography from the one he toppled and topped with Get Rich or Die Tryin.’ Wading through the detritus of faddish, unfulfilling MCs and ducking potshots from peers and media outlets alike, 50 Cent withdrew into himself, his camp, and emerged with another magnum opus.

Monday 22nd March to Sunday 28th March

Dine in Dublin - Restaurant Week

From 7pm each evening, customers will be presented with a three course dinner menu at a set price of at least 20% below what the menu would cost outside Restaurant Week. There are over 50 restaurants participating in the initiative including Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse & Grill, Fallon & Byrne, Bleu Bistro, Saba, Brasserie 66 and many more.
‘Dine In Dublin- Restaurant Week’ will allow culinary enthusiasts to please their palates without draining their wallets, experience new gastronomic delights and discover new cuisines. A complete list of participating restaurants and hotels will be available online within the coming days

Tuesday 23rd March to Tuesday 23rd March

Ronan Keating

RONAN KEATING will be taking to the stage in February and March 2010 on a UK & Ireland Tour to showcase classic tracks from his album 'Songs For My Mother' released in March this year as well as performing some of his greatest hits including a date at the New Grand Canal Theatre on 23rd March 2010, on sale this Thurs 19th Nov at 9am.

'Songs For My Mother', went to No 1. in the UK and Ireland, and is a beautiful and evocative collection of songs that Ronan remembers his mum listening to throughout his childhood. All of the songs on the album were carefully selected by Ronan and so have a special place in his heart. Along with traditional folk songs such as ‘Wild Mountain Thyme' and ‘Carrickfergus', the album includes tracks by revered musicians such as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Elvis as well as Ronan's version of Joshua Kadison's song ‘Mamas Arms', a song that helped Ronan through his grieving for his mother Marie.

Wednesday 24th March to Saturday 27th March

Rodgers & Hammerstein - An Evening with the Musical Greats!

The Rathmines & Rathgar Musical Society presents an evening of some the most memorable melodies from Rodgers & Hammerstein with guest soloists and the renowned chorus of the R&R. Enjoy some of the most memorable melodies from hits shows such as Oklahoma! The Sound of Music, South Pacific and many more!

Monday 29th March to Monday 29th March

Trio Festivale

Trio Festivale perform an evening recital of well loved flute trio repertoire for their National Concert Hall debut recital. This concert is the culmination of a spring recital tour of China and Korea for this Irish based ensemble

Tuesday 30th March to Wednesday 31st March

The X Factor Live Tour

See this year's X Factor's hottest starts live!

One of the must-see highlights of the X Factor year is the all-singing, all-dancing annual X Factor Live Tour. If the previous tours are anything to go by, demand is going to be huge, so get your tickets now for The X Factor Live Tour 2010.