Mid-July, the evenings still stretching, and there’s more on than any one weekend can hold. Dublin’s stages are running hot, from a courtroom musical to three comedy greats sharing a dressing room. The one to circle, though, is out in Laois, where a small festival has quietly landed a lineup most bigger events would envy. More on that below. First, what’s on this weekend.
Events This Week
A busy stretch on Dublin’s stages, so here’s what’s worth booking before the weekend runs out.
Legally Blonde (Touring), Amber Davies leads this bright, big-hearted musical comedy, and today is the last day of the run.
Sat 18 July · Bord Gais Energy Theatre · Dublin
Riverdance 30: The New Generation, The Irish-dance show reimagined for its 30th year, with an early 5pm start that makes it an easy one with kids in tow.
Sun 19 July · Gaiety Theatre · Dublin
The Parables Tour with Fr. Mike Schmitz, An evening of faith and storytelling from the American priest and podcaster.
Mon 20 July · National Stadium · Dublin
December 10, Britain and Ireland’s brand-new boyband wrap their tour here.
Tue 21 July · National Stadium · Dublin
The Last Laugh, A West End hit that imagines Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse sharing a dressing room, trading stories about comedy and life.
Wed 22 July · Bord Gais Energy Theatre · Dublin
The Last Laugh, Paul Hendy’s play about three comedy legends returns for another night, sharp and surprisingly moving.
Thu 23 July · Bord Gais Energy Theatre · Dublin
County Spotlight
This week the spotlight falls on Laois, and a three-day festival that punches well above its size.
Forest Fest Music & Arts Festival 2026, Madness, James and Echo & The Bunnymen headline a family-friendly weekend in Emo that folds Britpop and indie into trad, folk, comedy and street food.
Laois
Making a weekend of Forest Fest?
Emo is a lovely spot but small, so if camping isn’t your thing, a base in Portlaoise or nearby keeps you within an easy run of the site. Rooms go early for festival weekends, so it’s worth locking something in now. Find a place to stay near Emo
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