From busking on Grafton Street to global stardom: Violinist turns spotlight on housing crisis

Eve Kelliher checks out three top must-sees and must-do's this season

Vladimir Jablokov busking in 2004, left, an, right, on Grafton Street in 2025.

Music man

He arrived in Ireland from Slovakia at 19, having dropped out of music college because he felt constrained by the regimented classical training.

That was in 2004, and violinist Vladimir Jablokov left behind a very disappointed father, who was a music professor. “My dad, Alexander, didn’t talk to me for a few months when I said I wanted to quit and do something else,” says Vladimir.

The budding performer had chosen to move to Dublin because a cousin of his was already living there. But his funds soon ran low — and his second month’s rent was due. So, he tuned up to busk on Grafton Street. Not only did his virtuoso, playful style win him legions of fans, but his vibrant fusion of classical compositions with pop and folk music also helped cover his bills.

Now his live shows sell out across Ireland, and Vladimir is about to return to the 3Arena on December 6 and 7 for the fourth year in a row with his festive concert, Vladimir’s Family Christmas. But he’s never forgotten his busking days and how they opened his eyes to the plight of those without a place to live. 

Vladimir Jablokov busking on Grafton Street in 2025.

Ahead of those eagerly awaited December dates, Vladimir is again taking to the streets — to help the charity that works to address homelessness, Focus Ireland. “When I was busking, I used to see homeless people living on the streets and I realise how fortunate I was not to end up in that position,” says the dad-of-four. 

“I arrived here with no money and nowhere to stay, and I couldn’t speak English. I have now made my home here for the past 21 years and am married to Nicola, and I am so grateful that my life turned out the way it did.” 

As he rehearses for the 3Arena shows, the acclaimed musician will pop up on streets around Ireland, busking in aid of Focus Ireland and to raise awareness about Ireland’s housing and homelessness crisis. “The numbers are shocking — 16,000 people, including over 5,000 children, are without a home,” he says. 

Vladimir Jablokov with his guests Katherine Jenkins and Sean Costello at the 2024 3Arena concert.

“Every euro I earn from these busking sessions goes directly to Focus Ireland, which provides shelter, support and hope for those who need it most.”

His December concerts also feature celebrated Welsh singer and BBC Songs of Praise presenter Aled Jones and Irish soprano and radio presenter Claudia Boyle. Also on the bill is a full orchestra, a 100-piece choir, Ceol Aoine, Dublin, and Kerry Concert Choir.

• See idonate.ie/fundraiser/VladimirJablokov

On the small screen

A fire-ravaged cinema that soared into new life as a theatre in Cork’s market town of Macroom. A gate lodge that opened a brand-new chapter as a library and a former railway building that was fast-tracked into the future as a digital hub. These are just three ways communities are breathing new life into Ireland’s derelict properties and abandoned spaces. The revamps will star among six remarkable restorations shown in a TG4 six-part series in November.

There are over 166,000 vacant buildings in Ireland today. Throughout Buildings Beo, presenter Carrie Crowley meets with the builders, architects, and communities driving restoration projects, offering us a behind-the-scenes look at the transformation process.

Two Cork buildings feature — in episode four, we watch Carrie delve into the transformation of a disused old mill building in Kinsale (The Old Mill/James O’Neill Building) into a vibrant community space and library.

Carrie Crowley in Macroom with librarian Lorraine Lynch.

In another episode, the presenter visits Macroom, where the iconic Briery Gap, a beloved theatre and cultural hub left derelict since a fire in 2016, takes centre stage as the community joins forces, eager to see it restored.

• Buildings Beo starts on TG4 on Wednesday, November 19, at 8.30pm

The Ikea Sandlopare collection.

An eye for the birds

Transform your home into an adventurous African savannah with Ikea’s Sandlopare children’s collection. 

Box, giraffe, Ikea, €6.

It features 29 products developed in collaboration with Swedish wildlife conservation centre Nordens Ark to inspire families to care for endangered animals through play.

Until November 30, for every Ikea soft toy sold (including those from the sustainable Sandlopare range), €1 will be donated to BirdWatch Ireland to support its work conserving populations of Ireland’s wild birds, many of which undertake migratory journeys to distant lands, including the African savannah. “This partnership is a powerful reminder that our actions here in Ireland have global implications, especially for our migratory birds,” says Andrew Kelly, CEO, BirdWatch Ireland.

• See Ikea.ie