What's Happening in Dublin this weekend (Jan 16th) - Free Events

Howdy

January can be a funny one. Some people are hibernating, others are itching to get moving.

This week’s events cover both ends of that spectrum: thoughtful arts, work‑in‑progress comedy, a proper Dublin Mountains hike, and even a short road trip to something ancient.

Here’s what’s on:

• First Fortnight Festival

• Sausage Factory: Work‑In‑Progress Comedy (& Poetry!) – Fionn Cleary

• Letter and Drink

• DMP Hike: Tibradden to Ballyedmonduff Cairn

• Explore the Ancient Fourknocks Passage Tomb

First Fortnight Festival
Various locations | Saturday 17th January
First Fortnight returns with a full programme of music, theatre, spoken word and film — all aimed at challenging mental health stigma through the arts. Run by a charity that also provides free creative therapies to marginalised communities, it’s one of the most meaningful festivals on the calendar.
👉 Learn more

Sausage Factory: Work‑In‑Progress Comedy (& Poetry!) – Fionn Cleary
Sin É | Sunday at 8pm
See how the comedy sausage is made. Fionn Cleary brings a work‑in‑progress comedy poetry show to Sin É as part of Hysteria Comedy’s ongoing series. Expect sharp writing, odd turns, and a bit of experimentation — always a good night in this room.
👉 Reserve a spot

Letter and Drink
Mary’s Bar & Hardware
Dublin’s first social meet‑up for people who love letters. Fonts, hand‑painted signs, calligraphy, doodles, typography debates — all welcome. Part drawing, part chat, part showing your work for friendly critique. Come with a project or just curiosity.
👉 Learn more

DMP Hike: Tibradden to Ballyedmonduff Cairn
Tibradden Wood | Sunday at 10am
A big one. This guided 16km hike takes in Tibradden Cairn, Fairy Castle, Three Rock and Ballyedmonduff Cairn, with Dublin Bay views on a clear day. Moderate to strenuous, and proper gear is required — but the payoff is huge.
👉 Book a space

Explore the Ancient Fourknocks Passage Tomb
Co. Meath | Open daily until 6pm (best before sunset)
If you’re up for a mini adventure, Fourknocks is one of Ireland’s oldest passage tombs — and you can unlock it yourself. You’ll need to collect a key from the nearby White family (cash deposit required), but stepping inside a 5,000‑year‑old tomb is worth the effort.

Bonus suggestion: call into La Cocina Cuevas for tacos on the way home.

Please share this event guide with your friends or family who might enjoy some of the events in here!

We’re working on something new to bring to the free events scene in Dublin and hope to publish soon.

If you have an event to share or to support The Dublin Buzz and have a shout out, you can contact me here!