Dublin’s Nollaig na mBan fes0val returns for its second year to celebrate outstanding local women and presents an exciting line-up of events including unique musical performances by Mary Coughlan & her band and Maria Doyle Kennedy, and the extraordinary story of Dr Katriona O’Sullivan, author of ‘Poor’ and former local resident in our Awards Ceremony.
Traditionally a day for Irish women to “put the feet up” after the tiresome work involved in the Christmas festivities, ‘Nollaig na mBan’ or ‘Women’s Christmas’ / ‘Little Christmas’ on 6 January, gave women the opportunity to get together and enjoy some time off with their female relatives and friends.
Emerging from a series of informal gatherings in the north east inner city over many years, the festival was established in 2023 to formally honour the contribution to the local area of exceptional women, provide an evening of entertainment and raise money for Sonas Services, which supports women and children experiencing domestic violence.
With the generous support of Dublin City Council and NEIC along with RTE Supporting the Arts and Dublin Port, 2024’s festival will take place in multiple venues across the north east inner city on Saturday afternoon and evening. Highlights include:
- Award Ceremony with award-winning author of An Post Irish Book Awards with ‘Poor’, Dr Katriona O’Sullivan, who will be interviewed by local journalist and author Aoife Barry at Charleville Mall Library, North Strand, Dublin 2pm – 3 pm – FREE.
- A double-headliner concert featuring Mary Coughlan & Band and Maria Doyle Kennedy with Kieran Kennedy, at Columba’s Church on North Strand Road. Doors open 5 pm, Mary Coughlan on stage 6 pm & Maria Doyle Kennedy on stage 7 pm.
- Jazz/blues singer Honor Heffernan at Annesley House, North Strand Road, Dublin 3, 10:00pm until late.
- Photography exhibition by local artist Paula T Nolan at Da Mimmo restaurant, North Strand Road, Dublin 3.
- Pub trail across the area with live bands and karaoke
Celebrating local women’s exceptional, yet often unacknowledged achievements, a series of portraits of this year’s honorees will be displayed across the streets of the north east inner city and the women will be honoured in a special award ceremony on the afternoon of 6 January at Charleville Mall Library.
A fundraising raffle will also raise money for Sonas Services as well as St. Francis Hospice, Raheny. For the full programme of events visit: www.nollaignamban.ie
Contact information: nollaignambanireland@gmail.com Tel: 087 090 8541 (Laura Williams, Festival Coordinator)
