Sharon Shannon, Daredevil Circus & Howth Oyster Festival

👋 Greetings from The Fingal Scoop

February in Fingal: when the half-term circus literally arrives in a shopping centre car park, the castle hosts a four-course murder mystery, and Martin McDonagh's darkest comedy runs for a full week at Skerries Theatre. Throw in fresh Howth oysters, free trad sessions across the county, and a K-Pop camp at Malahide Castle, and this is one of the better weeks we've had to report on. Let's get into it.

Here's what's in store this week:

⚫️ Sharon Shannon live, trad sessions & Smithwick's free gigs across Fingal

⚫️ Murder mystery dinners, The Beauty Queen of Leenane & Witches of Eastwick

⚫️ Howth Guinness Oyster Festival, Daredevil Circus & half-term fun across the county

Let's dive in 👇

Sharon Shannon — 2026 Irish Tour Friday 20 February Main Auditorium, Draíocht

Ireland's best-loved accordion player, back on tour and as vital as ever — Sharon Shannon live is foot-stomping, heart-lifting stuff that reminds you exactly why trad music has such a grip on this country. She plays with a joy that's genuinely infectious. Get there early. Get tickets

Howth Guinness Oyster & Music Festival Friday 27 February – Sunday 1 March Howth Village

Fresh local oysters paired with Guinness, live music, and the kind of warm community atmosphere that Howth does better than almost anywhere else. Whether you're a seafood devotee or just looking for a very good reason to get out to the coast at the end of the month, this one's worth planning ahead for. Full programme

Daredevil Circus Thursday 19 February – Sunday 1 March Swords Pavilions Shopping Centre

Motorbike stunts, acrobats, and monster truck performances running through to March 1st — this is the kind of half-term spectacle that children will talk about for weeks. Evening shows from 18:30. Get tickets

The Pure Drop — Traditional Irish Music Series Friday 20 February The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre

The Pure Drop trad series at one of Fingal's finest arts venues - properly good traditional music in a room that was built for it. The Séamus Ennis Centre is worth the drive to Naul on its own. More info

TSEAC Singing Session Thursday 19 February The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre

A lively communal singing session — come along for the craic and the company as much as the music. More info

A Dinner To Die For Friday 20 & Saturday 21 February Malahide Castle and Gardens

A four-course Agatha Christie-inspired murder mystery dinner at Malahide Castle - Bloody Mary reception included. Considerably more memorable than a Valentine's hangover restaurant booking, and the castle setting does a lot of heavy lifting. Running on both Friday and Saturday this week. Book here

Ardgillan 5k Parkrun Every Saturday 09:30 Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan Free

Join the Ardgillan 5k parkrun every Saturday morning for a fun and active start to your weekend. Beautiful coastal route through castle grounds. Parkrun info

Coastal Sauna Experiences Ongoing Various locations across Fingal

Whether you're after relaxation, recovery, or just a moment of peace, Fingal's coastal sauna spots offer heat-therapy experiences with sea views. Mercury Sauna at Portmarnock South Beach, The Wood Fired Sauna at Red Island Skerries, and Mobile Saunas at Martello Tower Balbriggan. More info.

The Little Mermaid Wednesday 25 & Thursday 26 February Main Auditorium, Draíocht

Under the sea and onto the Draíocht stage - a magical production of The Little Mermaid for all the family. Perfect for half-term or a treat at the end of the week. Get tickets

K-Pop Camp Sunday 22 February Malahide Castle and Gardens

A high-energy half-term camp for children, inspired by the choreography and performance style of K-Pop - expect dancing, costumes, and a lot of enthusiasm. Book here

Daredevil Circus Thursday 19 February – Sunday 1 March, Swords Pavilions Shopping Centre

Motorbike stunts, acrobats, monster trucks — the full works running all through half-term. If you want to absolutely guarantee your kids have a brilliant time, this is the surest bet on the list. Get tickets

The Beauty Queen of Leenane Tuesday 17 – Wednesday 25 February Skerries Theatre

Martin McDonagh's searing dark comedy about Mag and Maureen Folan - a mother and daughter locked in a suffocating rural existence - is one of Irish theatre's most powerful and disturbing plays. Skerries Theatre Group have taken it on for a full run this week, which takes some nerve. Well worth the trip out to Skerries. Get tickets

Witches of Eastwick — Musical Production Wednesday 18 – Tuesday 24 February, 19:00 Malahide Community School

The hit musical based on John Updike's novel - three women, one very charming stranger, and a whole lot of supernatural chaos. A community production that promises high energy and big voices. More info

And Then There Were None Saturday 21 February onwards Millbank Theatre

Ten strangers. A remote island. And then they start dying. Agatha Christie's most celebrated thriller is in safe hands at the Millbank — a gripping mystery that still lands every time. Get tickets

Neil Delamere — Reinventing the Neil Wednesday 18 February Main Auditorium, Draíocht

One of Ireland's sharpest comedians doing what he does best — warm, observational, brilliantly timed. A proper night out at Draíocht. Get tickets

Story of a Day | Scéal Lae Saturday 21 February Main Auditorium, Draíocht

A performance exploring the arc of a single day through art and music — Draíocht's programming consistently turns up interesting work like this. Get tickets

Crimson & Velvet Saturday 21 February Malahide Castle and Gardens

An interactive evening of historic gossip, immersive theatre, and culinary delights at Malahide Castle. The kind of thing that sounds like it shouldn't work and then absolutely does. More info

Pop Up Gaeltacht Thursday 19 February The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre

A fun, informal evening of Irish conversation and culture — suitable for all levels, from fluent speakers to anyone who remembers a bit of school Irish and wants to dust it off in good company. More info

Visitor Night at DIAS Dunsink Observatory Thursday 19 February Dunsink Observatory

A night-long celebration of space and Ireland's long history of exploring the universe - Dunsink is one of those genuinely special places in the Dublin area that most people have never visited. More info

The Last Pint Monday 23 February, 20:00 Peacocks Bar & Lounge (Upstairs)

A fundraiser from Swords Theatre Company in partnership with Irish and Ukrainian volunteers and veterans — worth supporting both for the cause and for what promises to be a memorable evening. More info

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