About
Dublin 1 prepares to honour one of its most iconic literary figures, Brendan Behan, on what would have been his 102nd birthday. Sunday, 9th February 2025. Russell Street in Dublin will come alive with events celebrating Behan’s extraordinary life, works, and legacy. Join us for a day of walking tour, screenings, talks,…
Dublin 1 prepares to honour one of its most iconic literary figures, Brendan Behan, on what would have been his 102nd birthday. Sunday, 9th February 2025. Russell Street in Dublin will come alive with events celebrating Behan’s extraordinary life, works, and legacy.
Join us for a day of walking tour, screenings, talks, and live music, all inspired by Behan’s wit, artistry, and indelible mark on Irish culture.
Schedule of Events
The Hungry Feeling’ Walking Tour with Michael Kenny
Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Meet at The Five Lamps, finishes in Russell St, Dublin 1
Take a journey around the streets of Brendan Behan’s youth with National Tour Guide Michael Kenny. You will hear some stories, lore and truths of North Inner City Dublin.
Debut Screening of The Execution
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Fighting Words, Russell Street, Dublin 1
An adaption of The Execution by Brendan Behan from his book of short stories, After the Wake.
Directed by Colm Quearney, featuring a talented cast from the North Inner City.
Eventbrite – Limited capacity
Screening of Bargaintown
Time: 2:30 pm (70 minutes)
Location: Fighting Words, Russell Street, Dublin 1
This 1988 documentary by David Jazay and Judith Klinger offers a fascinating glimpse into Dublin before the Celtic Tiger. A Q&A session will follow the screening.
Talks on Brendan’s Life at Gills Pub
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Gills Pub, Russell Street/North Circular Road
Peter Sheridan: Songs and stories on the life and rebellious times of Brendan Behan. From his young days as an IRA volunteer to his taking Broadway by storm with his play the The Hostage, which was first produced in Irish as An Giall.
Sean Deegan: Insights into the local history of Dublin and Behan’s family connections to Ballybough.
Donal Fallon: A deep dive into Behan’s influence on Irish writers and his place in Dublin’s literary history.
Eventbrite – Limited capacity
Live Music with Mick McLoughlin
Close the night with live music celebrating Brendan Behan’s life and times. Ends approximately 9:00 pm.
Russell St Bakery, Russell St, Dublin 1
All day – Special offer of 25% discount on Coffee & Pastry, Coffee & Sandwich, Coffee & Cake
Instagram: russellst.bakery
Times subject to change
Tickets available on Eventbrite
Proudly supported by Dublin City Council – North East Inner City (NEIC)
