Comedy, theatre and music: Five gigs to check out during your winter trip to Dublin

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Live performance is electric – so is our capital during this time of year.

Crisp weather, fairy lights aplenty and the chance to whip out your cosy layers – city trips are the MVP of winter-time, and Dublin comes alive this time of year like no where else.

With great places to eat, lots to see and an exciting calendar of live gigs to look forward to, Dublin is the perfect spot to spend a short break this winter. The city is alive with energy, and live events are at the centre of it all.

To help you plan your next trip, we've put together some of the most exciting events in comedy, theatre and dance on the horizon, as well as some of our favourite nearby spots to check out.

The Magnificent
The Abbey Theatre, 25th November - 30th January

This brand new play, written by Erica Murray and directed by Joe Dowling, follows a remarkable group of nuns enjoying their final Christmas together. It's a warm and touching story that explores a number of universal themes, including faith, friendship and human connection. After being inspired by the on-stage action, get a glimpse behind the curtain by booking a National Theatre Tour.

While you're in the area:

For a pre-theatre cocktail, make a booking in the ever-so-chic Sackville Lounge and sip on their fantastic creations. The Abbey Theatre is also close by to some of the city's best spots for Asian food, including Lee's Charming Noodles and Xi'an Street Food.

Concerts at Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral, various dates

How does a night of music in one of Dublin's most historic cathedrals sound? Throughout winter, Christ Church Cathedral will serve as a prime destination for a series of concerts. Expect choral recitals performed by a wide variety of choirs, including Mount Sackville, New Dublin Voices, Belvedere College, the Mornington Singers and more.

While you're in the area:

Bottega Toffoli on Castle Street pairs Italian culinary excellence with a cosy, intimate setting, making for a winter meal to remember. For something sweet in the area, check out Bakeology, an Argentinian bakery on the historic Meath Street.

Dún Laoghaire Comedy Festival
Various locations, 1st-8th November

Now in its 5th year, the Dún Laoghaire Comedy Festival is fast becoming one of our winter highlights. Across 14 venues, dozens of comedians will descend upon the seaside town for a week of belly laughs. Some of the biggest comics on this year's billing include Deirdre O'Kane, Emma Doran, Kevin McGaharn and Martin Angolo.

While you're in the area:

Dún Laoghaire – and its surrounds – is a culinary hotspot. Grab an outdoor spot and a coffee at Happy Out, enjoy some fish and chips at Fish Shack Sandycove or check out McKenna's if you're on the hunt for a cosy pint.

The Dead
Museum of Literature in Ireland, 20th November-31st January

This site-specific reawakening of James Joyce's beloved short story from Anu and Landmark Productions is a truly unique performance. As the eccentric cast of characters lead you through the historic building, you'll dance, you'll laugh and you'll cry, and you'll be left with a theatrical experience that will stay with you for years to come.

While you're in the area:

The Shelbourne Hotel on Stephen's Green takes decorating for Christmas very seriously, so pop in for a pre-theatre cocktail. MoLI is also a stone's throw away from Etto, a modern European gourmet spot that features in the Michelin Guide.

Romeo & Juliet
The Gaiety Theatre, 11th-14th November

Ballet Ireland, Ireland's national ballet company, present their choreographic interpretation of Shakespeare's most tragic love story. This ballet, choreographed by Morgann Runacre-Temple, is set to Prokofiev's spine-tingling score, and makes for a fantastic night out, for ballet enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

While you're in the area:

Check into the nearby MASA for authentic Mexican tacos, pop by Caribou for a Sunday roast and a cocktail and indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to Cookieboy.

Winter in Dublin celebrates the capital at its very best – from headline gigs and street festivals to immersive tours and striking light installations, the city comes alive this winter with a packed calendar of events for visitors to enjoy. Plan your Winter in Dublin break now at visitdublin.com.