Five For Your Radar: Sirens in Cork, theatre fest in Dublin
Louise O'Neill is in Coughlan's, Cork; while Lisa Hannigan is part of the Sirens event at Cork Opera House.
The 15th edition of the Coughlan’s extravaganza features lots of old friends and stars and new up-and-coming acts too. Lisa O’Neill, Mick Flannery, and Jack O’Rourke will get heroes’ welcomes at their intimate shows. Meanwhile, Jean Pack and the Slay Babies are one of the best new bands in Ireland, let alone Cork, while George Houston looks like he’s gearing up for a breakout. There’s plenty on across the weekend, including a silent disco and trad session.
This year’s Dublin Theatre Festival boasts a programme spanning Irish and international theatre, new writing, adaptations, and experimental performance. Highlights include , a stage adaptation of Blindboy Boatclub's stories at the Abbey Theatre; Druid's acclaimed production of ; and ANU Productions' immersive . International visitors include Palestinian production and New York collective The Goat Exchange with .
This new drama traces the life of Ted Kaczynski, the notorious Unabomber, from his years as a gifted but isolated Harvard student to the FBI investigation that eventually brought him down. Starring Jacob Tremblay, Russell Crowe, and Shailene Woodley, the film explores the controversial psychological experiments Kaczynski underwent as a young man and their lasting impact on his life.
First developed during the Sounds from a Safe Harbour 2025 residency, Sirens us a live music project hosted by Lisa Hannigan, bringing together a shifting ensemble of artists from Ireland and around the world for a series of one-off performances. The line-up changes from venue to venue, with artists including Amanda Bergman, Kate Stables, Angie McMahon, Loah, Anna Mieke, and The Staves.
Stories From the Sea sees renowned wildlife filmmaker and broadcaster Ken O'Sullivan share highlights from more than 25 years exploring Ireland's seas and the North Atlantic. Blending footage with personal stories, the live show features encounters with whales, dolphins, and other marine life while reflecting on Ireland's maritime heritage and the conservation challenges facing our oceans. Suitable for all ages.
