Event guide: Cork International Film Festival, Niall Horan and the other best things to see in Ireland in the week ahead

November 2026 promises a vibrant cultural calendar across Ireland, featuring a multitude of film premiers, musical debuts, and theatrical performances that underscore the country’s dynamic arts scene.

Kicking off the month, the Cork International Film Festival returns with an ambitious program that surpasses its previous milestone 70th edition. Attendees can anticipate a diverse array of screenings and discussions, including its opening gala at the MTU Cork School of Music on November 12. The festival spotlights "Lucy Lost," a French animated feature by Olivier Clert, setting a tone of innovation and artistic flair. Later in the month, the festival continues to draw attention with James Gray’s "Paper Tiger," starring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, scheduled for November 21 at the Everyman Theatre.

The festival's conclusion is marked by "The Debut," directed by Jesse Eisenberg and featuring Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti, offering a compelling finale to a packed schedule. Alongside film showings, the festival enriches the experience with engaging side events: Cork actor Éanna Hardwicke will participate in a public conversation at Arc Cinema on November 13, and a discussion on the cinematic portrayal of the future with filmmaker Paul Duane and Irish Times correspondent Donald Clarke is set for November 14 at the Triskel Arts Centre.

In parallel, Ireland’s music landscape is energized by cross-continental collaborations and emerging talent showcases. The American multi-instrumentalist Joachim Cooder, known for his work with icons like Johnny Cash and Sinéad O’Connor, teams up with Adriano Viterbini, a leading figure in European blues and experimental guitar. Their inaugural tour visits some of Ireland’s most distinctive music venues, promising audiences a unique fusion of styles.

Contemporary music enthusiasts will find much to explore at Foggy Notions’ inaugural multivenue event, which champions new and emerging artists. Notably, Swedish singer Anna Von Hausswolff presents material from her 2025 album "Iconoclasts" at the National Concert Hall on November 11. Meanwhile, Irish audiences will encounter the New York electronic duo Mgna Crrrta performing at the Grand Social on November 8, alongside other international debuts by Wendy Eisenberg and Search Results later in the month.

Pop music aficionados are also catered to, with Niall Horan continuing to build his solo career following One Direction’s split a decade ago. His latest performances underscore his evolution as a songwriter focused on reflective and well-crafted pop compositions.

Adding to the diversity of Ireland’s music talent, Clare Sands stands out not only for her musical heritage and bilingual singing but also her dedication to activism, all encapsulated in her praised album "They Tried to Bury Us." Her concert at St Luke’s in Cork on November 20 is one of several scheduled shows across the country through the end of the year.

Theatre-goers can look forward to Clare Monnelly’s new play exploring the complexities of friendship and maturity. The production, staged at the Droichead Arts Centre and later at the Pavilion Theatre in Dún Laoghaire, balances humor with emotional depth, featuring a strong ensemble cast under Aaron Monaghan’s direction.

Closing the month, Music Network presents the Canadian siblings Bryan and Sylvie Cheng for their first Irish performances, offering interpretations of classical works by Brahms, Poulenc, and Janacek. Their concerts, complemented by a new composition from Welsh-Irish composer Anselm McDonnell, will tour until November 20, reflecting the initiative’s commitment to cross-disciplinary artistry.

Film enthusiasts can also engage with the Dingle Film Festival, which blends screenings, masterclasses, and workshops. Highlights include the documentary "Everybody Digs Bill Evans" and other notable features scheduled between November 13 and 15, enriching the cultural offerings beyond Cork and Dublin.

Looking ahead, Ireland’s summer and spring music calendars already feature high-profile acts such as Paul Heaton, Texas, and the band Sombr, though specific details for some events remain forthcoming.

Together, these events underline a robust and varied artistic landscape in Ireland, reflecting both established and emerging creative voices across multiple disciplines in the weeks ahead.