HAPPENINGS:

Nature Heroes

Drop into the Natural History Museum on Merrion Street Upper, from 10am-4pm on Saturday, February 22 and meet some real nature heroes from organisations such as BirdWatch Ireland, Irish Whale & Dolphin Group, Seal Rescue Ireland, Inland Fisheries Ireland, The Herpetological Society of Ireland and more.

Learn about sustainability and how to be more environmentally friendly towards wildlife in Ireland. There are lots of different activities and short talks on the day during this free, fun and educational event. No booking required.

Casino Model Railway Museum

The Casino Model Railway Museum, Malahide, opened again recently following the completion of a €4 million restoration programme on the historic Casino building and conservation of the Fry Model Railway Collection.

As well as the Fry Model collection, the museum also accommodates a large modern model railway layout depicting several railway scenescapes in Ireland, interactive displays, soundscapes, an education and exhibition space and historical interpretations and memorabilia from Irish Railways. 

To book a visit see www.modelrailwaymuseum.ie

Mamafesta Memorialising

This spring critically acclaimed choreographer Philip Connaughton brings his beautiful, sparkling, laugh-out loud meditation on the fear of forgetting and of being forgotten Project Arts Centre with performances from February 19-22. Mamafesta Memorialising is woven from inspirations including musical theatre, Bruce Forsythe’s Generation Game and most importantly, Philip’s mum Madeleine, who has senile dementia. Tickets cost from €16-18. Booking via www.projectartscentre.ie or call 01-8819613.

Mother Tongues Festival

The Mother Tongues Festival will take place in Rua Red, the Civic Theatre, and Tallaght Library this weekend on February 22 and 23.

The festival celebrates the best in contemporary theatre, poetry, dance, music, literature and visual arts through some of the many languages spoken in Ireland today.

Events are held in a mixture of English and the artist's mother tongue, offering an opportunity for you to have an immersive experience. For details see mothertonguesfestival.com

Brownies & Cookies

Bring your young bakers along and together create some delicious Brownies & Cookies in the new Inspiration Kitchen at Airfield Estate, Dundrum.

This adult and child baking workshop is perfect if you're looking for a mid-term activity to enjoy with the little ones. It’s happening on Saturday, February 22, from 10.30am to 1pm. For tickets see airfield.ticketsolve.com.

Derek Jarman, PROTEST!

There’s a final chance to see a major retrospective of the work of acclaimed British artist and filmmaker Derek Jarman (1942-1994), at IMMA, Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

Marking 25 years since his death, this is the first time that the diverse strands of his practice have been brought together in over 20 years.

The retrospective ends on February 23. Visitors are advised that this exhibition contains adult themes that may not be suitable for all audiences.

Scene + Heard

Running until February 29 at Smock Alley Theatre, this festival showcases the best tasters of never before seen theatre, comedy and music from the north, south, east and west of Ireland. Organisers programme a variety of wild and wonderful performances. The public can then give their honest feedback in a variety of ways – secret ballot, video booth, or tablet tale. You buy a €10 ticket (if booked in advance) to a specific ‘block’ containing two short shows, performed one after the other, lasting about an hour in total. See smockalley.com/sash-2020-whats-on for details.

A Holy Show

It’s 1981. Step on the plane with us and experience the most Irish of hijackings, featuring an ex-Trappist monk with a bottle of water as his weapon, the Pope as his nemesis, and a burning desire to know The Third Secret of Fatima. Featuring actors Roseanna Purcell and Mark Fitzgerald, it’s playing at Draíocht on Saturday, February 22 at 8pm. Tickets cost €18. See www.draiocht.ie.