NEWS & UPDATES

Greetings from The Fingal Scoop

Spring has arrived, the Draíocht programme is stacked, and Millbank Theatre in Rush is mid-run on what sounds like a very good musical. Whether you're heading out for the parade on Tuesday, catching a show later in the week, or looking for something to do with the kids over the last days of the school break, this one's got you.

Here's what's in store this week:

⚫️ St Patrick's Day parades, sessions, and shenanigans across Fingal

⚫️ The Drowsy Chaperone running all week at Millbank Theatre in Rush

⚫️ Cookery at Howth Castle and comedy at the Abbey Tavern

Let's dive in 👇

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

The Drowsy Chaperone Thursday 19 to Wednesday 25 March | 20:00 Millbank Theatre, Rush

A meta-musical that lovingly parodies the Jazz Age Broadway shows - a man alone in his apartment narrates and performs his favourite cast recording, and the fictional 1928 musical springs to life around him. It's clever, funny, and a genuine treat in a small community theatre. Seven nights running in Rush - plenty of chances to catch it. Get tickets

Paddy - The Life and Times of Paddy Armstrong Friday, 20 March | 20:00 Draíocht, Blanchardstown

The story of one of the Guildford Four - a man wrongly convicted and imprisoned for fifteen years for an IRA bombing he had nothing to do with. A powerful piece of Irish theatre that deserves a big audience. Get tickets

LIVE MUSIC

St Patrick's Day Shenanigans Today, Monday 16 March | 15:00 The Bloody Stream, Howth

Live music, DJs, and a proper festive atmosphere at one of Howth's most characterful pubs. It’s a day early but we’re not complaining. Get tickets

St Patrick's Day Sessions Tuesday, 17 March | 14:00 & 19:00 The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre, Naul

Two sessions at TSEAC for Paddy's Day - an afternoon traditional music session and an evening one. The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre in Naul is one of those genuinely special music venues; worth the trip. Details

Singing Session with Emma Langford Thursday, 19 March The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre, Naul

A monthly singing session at TSEAC featuring guest performers and open contributions. Emma Langford is one of the most talented folk singers working in Ireland right now - a great excuse to get out to Naul. Details

The Magic of Linda Ronstadt and Carole King - Natural Women Thursday, 19 March | 20:00 Draíocht, Blanchardstown

A tribute concert celebrating two of the most influential voices in American popular music. If you grew up with either of their catalogues, this is a warm and well-crafted evening. Get tickets

The Legends of American Country Show Wednesday 25 & Thursday 26 March | 20:00 Draíocht, Blanchardstown

Robert Mizzell headlines this two-night celebration of classic American country music at Draíocht. Country fans in Blanchardstown, this one's for you. Get tickets

ARTS & CULTURE

Hamnet Wednesday, 18 March | 19:30 Draíocht, Blanchardstown

A stage adaptation exploring the short life of Hamnet Shakespeare - the eleven-year-old son whose death haunts his father's most famous play. Tender and beautifully staged. Get tickets

Four Old Broads - Balbriggan Dramatic Society Tuesday, 17 March | 19:30 Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan

A comedic evening in the Drawing Room of Ardgillan Castle - Balbriggan Dramatic Society doing what they do in one of Fingal's most atmospheric venues. Get tickets

Pop Up Gaeltacht Thursday, 19 March | 19:00 The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre, Naul

A relaxed monthly Irish language conversation evening - no pressure, just chat, community, and a good excuse to blow the dust off the cúpla focal. Details

D'ale Carnavalului Saturday, 21 March | 19:00 Draíocht, Blanchardstown

A theatrical performance directed by Dan Tudor, based on the classic comedies of Romanian playwright Ion Luca Caragiale. A nice bit of European theatre culture landing in Blanchardstown. Get tickets

Tony Cantwell - You Cry Weird Saturday, 21 March | 20:00 Abbey Tavern, Howth

One of Ireland's sharpest stand-up comedians brings his show to the Abbey Tavern. Tony Cantwell has built a deserved reputation for deeply funny, slightly unhinged storytelling - a great Saturday night in Howth. Get tickets

Talk with David Caron: Ireland's Stained Glass Tradition Wednesday, 25 March | 20:00 Bracken Court Hotel

Art historian David Caron presents a talk on Ireland's extraordinary stained glass heritage - a tradition that produced some of the most remarkable religious art of the 20th century, most of it made right here. Details

National Famine Way Roadshow Thursday, 19 March | 14:00 Blanchardstown Library

Talks and presentations by local and international famine historians as part of the National Famine Way Roadshow. A rich and sobering afternoon for anyone interested in Irish history. Details

FOOD & DRINK

Go To Meals Cookery Class Thursday, 19 March | 19:00 Howth Castle Cookery School

Practical techniques for quick, healthy midweek dinners - time-saving tips and smart ingredient swaps. The Howth Castle Cookery School is a lovely setting and these classes fill up fast. Book

Tour and Whiskey Tasting Sunday, 22 March | 14:00 Malahide Castle and Gardens

A guided tour of Malahide followed by a special whiskey tasting experience. History, grounds, and something warming to finish - a proper Sunday afternoon. Book

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Spot the Leprechauns along the Fairy Tree Trail Tuesday, 17 March | 10:00 Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan

A St Patrick's Day trail for kids through the grounds of Ardgillan Castle - spotting leprechauns along the Fairy Tree Trail. Simple, free, and genuinely fun for small people. Details

FAMILY FRIENDLY

St Patrick's Day Celebrations across Fingal Tuesday, 17 March | Various times Various locations across Fingal Fingal County Council has expanded St Patrick's Day this year with eight local family-friendly parades bringing colour, music, and community spirit across the county. Full details

Spot the Leprechauns along the Fairy Tree Trail Tuesday, 17 March | 10:00 Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan

A St Patrick's Day trail for kids through the grounds of Ardgillan Castle - spotting leprechauns along the Fairy Tree Trail. Simple, free, and genuinely fun for small people. Details

Family Day: Meet, Think, Talk, Draw Saturday, 21 March | 13:00 Draíocht Foyer & Galleries, Blanchardstown

A free drop-in family session at Draíocht encouraging creativity, conversation, and drawing. No booking needed - just turn up. Details

Up In The Clouds Wednesday, 25 March | 17:00 Draíocht, Blanchardstown

Family-friendly theatre for younger audiences exploring imagination and connection through storytelling and movement - a lovely after-school option near the end of the month. Get tickets

UNTIL NEXT WEEK

Thanks for reading The Fingal Scoop

If you enjoy the newsletter or you find it useful here are some ways you can help us:

  • 💌 Forward it to a friend, neighbour, or your local WhatsApp group

  • 📝 If you were sent this and want in on the action, sign up here.

  • 📲 Follow us on Instagram, and Facebook

  • 💛 Consider supporting the newsletter with a monthly subscription (coming soon)

See you next week 👋

P.S. Not feeling it anymore? No hard feelings. You can unsubscribe from the email footer below

Keep Reading