Guides

When the lights go on: magical November nights in Dublin

Nicola BradyNicola Brady is a travel writer based in Dublin. She writes regularly for the Irish Independent, The Irish Times and Condé Nast Traveller, and has contributed to books on Dublin and Ireland for DK Eyewitness.

The days may be getting shorter, but that doesn’t mean you need to hibernate this winter.

In Dublin, there are plenty of things to do on a November evening, from street festivals to special museum nights where you can kick off the season in style. Plus, there’s a certain charm to a winter’s night in the capital, when the city lights twinkle into life and people dash around town, between cosy restaurants and warm pubs.

Whatever you’re into, be it candlelit gigs in cathedrals or illuminated woodland walks, there’s something to tickle your fancy in Dublin this winter. Here are some great ways to spend a night in the city this November.

Winter is coming

Start things off at Dublin by Night Fest, a one-day event that celebrates everything that’s great about the city after dark. On November 7, Dame Street, College Green and Capel Street in the city centre will become a hub of arts, live music, theatrical performances and outdoor market stalls. If you fancy a bite, street food vendors will be serving up dishes to keep you fed and toasty.

Media captionEnjoy live music, great food and more at Dublin by Night Fest.

Take me to church

When it comes to magical concert settings, St Patrick’s Cathedral is tough to beat. And this November, there are a few gigs where you can enjoy some live music by candlelight under the grand vaulted ceiling. First up on November 13, spend the night appreciating the 'King' at Elvis by Candlelight. Switch up genres the following night for the Music of ABBA, or snag tickets for a night dedicated to U2 on November 20. For their final show of the month, get ready for some 'Dancing in the Dark' with Bruce Springsteen's greatest hits.

Media captionAdmire the stunning interior of St Patrick's Cathedral.

St Patrick’s Cathedral celebrates its former dean, Jonathan Swift, with the annual Jonathan Swift Festival. Running from November 18 to 28, this year’s festival offers literature lovers plenty of ways to explore his life and work. And for those that appreciate fine flavours, the festival includes A Gulliver's Gala Dinner in St Patrick's Cathedral on November 19, featuring a festive menu inspired by lands explored in the novel. Discover his Dublin connections on the Swift Walking Tour, or enjoy an evening of music on November 27 celebrating 300 years since the publication of Gulliver's Travels.

A night at the museum

Louise Lowe's immersive take on 'The Dead', one of James Joyce's greatest short stories, is returning to UCD Newman House on November 20. This uniquely intimate take on the seasonal Dubliners tale will run until January 31.

Meanwhile, Chamber Choir Ireland joins English baritone Gabriel Crouch in the National Maritime Museum of Ireland in Dún Laoghaire on November 28 for a night of music. Together, they will perform The Irresistible Call, a cohesive compilation of pieces that explore the powerful call to a life at sea and the ups and downs that come with it.

Turn the lights on

Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo has gotten bigger and better each year. This year’s theme, Passport to Wonder, kicks off on the evening of November 12 and ends on January 5. Book a ticket and you’ll experience the secret life of the zoo at night, with silk lanterns and giant illuminated installations depicting celebrations and traditions from around the world. You can also sneak a peek at some of the nocturnal animals who usually hide away during daylight hours.

Media captionSpot the spectrum of displays of Dublin Zoo's Wild Lights show.

Wonderlights, Ireland's largest-ever light show, is returning to Malahide Castle on November 12 with its dazzling installations. Experience some of Dublin's beautiful woodlands illuminated by over 3 million twinkling lights, and follow the lit paths to enjoy immersive projections and composed soundscapes. Afterwards, treat yourself to sweet treats, hot chocolate or mulled wine in the lovely Alpine-style food village onsite.

Media captionMarvel at the magical Wonderlights.

It's storytime

Discover the dark side of Ireland's ancient past at Sin É's Irish Mythology Storytelling Experience. This one-man theatrical performance is available until November 15th and digs into the turbulence of Irish legends and folklore, sparing no gritty details. From heroism and violence to passion and fate, no stone will be left unturned.

Want to hear honest life stories from complete strangers? Sit back and enjoy personal, non-fiction tales of chance and fate at The Dublin Story Slam in the Sugar Club. The open mic competition kicks off on November 17 and welcomes storytellers from all walks of life. If you fancy getting in on the action, be sure to submit your own experience with chance or fate two weeks in advance. If you're lucky, you might get to perform it for a chance to win.

If you're a foodie and a history buff, kill two birds with one stone with Flavour Trails. From November 1 to January 31, its team of expert guides will lead the Storytelling Trail: A Winter Journey Through Dublin – a festive tour through the city that combines Irish folklore, seasonal traditions and flavourful pitstops around the city.

Dive into Irish history with an Irish coffee in hand at the Roe & Co Whiskey Distillery's very own Irish Coffee Experience. With the help of expert hosts, taste and distinguish the different notes present in three Irish coffee blends and learn the knack of creating the perfect Irish coffee before whipping up your own. Along the way, you'll hear interesting tidbits about the famous serve, from its true origin and the famous Hollywood star that made it happen.

Cultural evenings

Some of Dublin’s finest galleries and cultural institutions stay open after hours, with special events and reduced rates on selected evenings. The National Gallery of Ireland opens late on Thursdays, hosting events like Feis Ceoil 130, a series celebrating the organisation’s 130th anniversary and the connections between music and visual art in Ireland. On November 19, explore contemporary Ireland from 1990 to 2026 through selected works from the gallery’s collection, then enjoy a live performance by internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano and Feis Ceoil alumna Tara Erraught.

Media captionBecome a connoisseur at the National Gallery of Ireland.

Dublin Gallery Weekend offers even more to explore. From November 5 to 8, 40 galleries across the city will host over 60 events, including behind-the-scenes studio tours, talks, workshops and art trails.

For a quieter encounter with one of Dublin’s best-known treasures, join an exclusive evening tour of the Book of Kells Experience at Trinity College. Running from 5pm to 6.30pm this winter, the guided visits take in the Old Library, the Gaia installation, the Brian Boru Harp and the celebrated manuscript. Afterwards, explore the digital exhibition in the Red Pavilion at your own pace.

There’s plenty for music lovers, too. At the National Concert Hall on November 13, German cellist Daniel Müller-Schott performs Elgar’s Cello Concerto. On November 21, the Rathmines and Rathgar Musical Society takes to the stage for Magic of the Musicals, an evening of favourites from classic and contemporary shows.

Media captionTake in Elgar's Cello Concerto at the National Concert Hall.

There are some special events coming up in the Lighthouse Cinema, too. On November 5, you can catch Sam Yates' spin on Clifford Odets' American classic Golden Boy, starring Josh O'Connor. Then, on November 19, it will screen Nicholas Hytner's critically acclaimed play, Giant, which sees award-winning actor John Lithgow disappear into the character of Roald Dahl.

The IFI French Film Festival is back on November 18 with 12 days of screenings for Francophiles. This year's programme is yet to be announced, but previous line-ups tease a programme packed with newly released films from around the world and classics given a new lease of life.

All the world’s a stage

Fancy a night at the theatre? There are loads of productions taking the stage across the city in November. At the Abbey Theatre, catch the world premiere of Eoghan Quinn's novel-cum-play visions before it exits stage right on November 14. Directed by Claire O'Reilly, the show follows four people as they plan a fundraiser in tense circumstances. If you find yourself missing out, come back for the world premiere of Erica Murray's The Magnificent on November 25. This warm and witty tale is brought to life by director Joe Dowling and follows a group nuns and their last Christmas spent together.

Mary Elliott Nelson's adaptation of the festive Hollywood classic It's a Wonderful Life is gracing the stage of the Gate Theatre from November 17 until January 10. Bring the kids along and get into the spirit as you follow George Bailey as he discovers the true meaning of community.

Media captionCatch a show at the Gate Theatre.

Between November 11 and 14, if you’re quick, you’ll catch one of the few performances of Ballet Ireland's take on the Shakespearean tragedy Romeo & Juliet in the Gaiety Theatre. Sit back and marvel as dancers glide across the stage to the powerful score of Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. After that closes, treat the kids to a show with this year's panto production, Robin Hood. Catch the loveable rogue as he and his band of rebels steal from the rich to give to the poor, just in time for the festive season.

Who doesn't love a sing-song in the pub? From November 10 to 14 at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, catch the Olivier Award-nominated show The Choir of Man – an energetic musical which follows a group of lads enjoying a night out in their favourite pub. Come back the following week to relive an 80s cult classic with the stage production of Heathers. Fresh off of two smashing stints in both London and New York, the production is set to take over Grand Canal's landmark theatre from November 17-21. Follow the struggles of new girl Veronica as she navigates a new school, its cruel mean girls and the dangers of falling in love with the bad boy.

For the gaeilgeoirí out there, the IMRAM Féile Litríochta Gaeilge will take over the more alternative Smock Alley Theatre from November 10-14. Catch Gabriel Rosenstock's Irish translation of Richard Berengarten's poem 'Tree', hear new works inspired by a well-known Connemara bus route performed by poets and novelists at An 424: an Bus go dtí an Ghealchathair, or experience famous tunes written by Bob Dylan and Joan Baez in Irish at Diamaint agus Meirg.

Shining stars

Some of the world’s hottest musical acts continue to flock to Dublin for big ticket gigs in November. Elephant Sessions will be sharing their award-winning electronic folk sound at Whelan’s on November 7. Over in the 3Arena, Irish-born artist Niall Horan hits the stage on November 9 for four nights, with Myles Smith playing on November 17 and indie group Jungle taking over the following evening. In the 3Olympia, Blossoms headline on November 24 ahead of their biggest tour to date, while Bell X1 will perform in Vicar Street for three nights, starting on November 27.

Media captionCapture incredible musical moments at Vicar Street.

Have a laugh

From October 30 to November 8, Dún Laoghaire becomes a hub of hilarity as it welcomes comedians from all over the country and beyond for its annual Dún Laoghaire Comedy Festival. Held in venues across the seaside village, the festival will welcome over 80 comedians, some well-known and others brand new to the circuit. Join powerhouse Jarlath Regan on November 4 in The Purty Kitchen, enjoy the craic with Deirdre O'Kane at the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel on November 5 and giggle at the cheeky antics of Paddy McDonnell as he takes the stage at the Eblana Club in the Dún Laoghaire Chess Club on November 7.