Something for the week

By Juliana Adelman

The hated January is finally coming to a close.  The days are getting longer.  We can almost smell spring.  My bulbs even came up in the thaw.  January seemed an endless parade of budgets, resignations, reshuffles, press conferences, political waffle and whinge.  We will not miss it.  Nonetheless, there are a few things you might not want to miss in this last week of darkness.  These are Dublin events, please feel free to add good things happening elsewhere in the comments.

IFI Archive at Lunchtime

Last year the IFI started a new effort to bring their archive to the public through free screenings at lunchtime.  Currently celebrating its one-year anniversary, the programme is continuing this year.  January’s theme is islands and you have seven days to catch the films before February brings new choices.  Today at lunchtime (13:10) there is a documentary about Achill Island.  For tickets (free, but advanced booking available) see the IFI website.

National Gallery of Ireland

‘Colour & Light: caring for Turner’s watercolours’ ends on the 31st of January.  From what I managed to see of it with one eye on a destructive 3-year-old it is worth a visit.

Natural History Museum

‘Herds, regiments and troops’ is a guided tour with a history of the museum’s trophy heads, conducted by Catherine McGuinness from 12 to 1230pm on Saturday, the 29th of January.  I’m hoping to join it, depending again on the cooperation of a certain small companion.

Lighthouse Cinema

Breakfast at Tiffany’s has been reissued for the 50th anniversary.  You can see it on the 26th, 30th or 1st.  Book tickets here.

The Irish Museum of Modern Art

‘The Moderns’, is on display until 13 February showcasing Irish modern art c 1900 to 1970s.  In conjunction with exhibition is a lecture by Brian Dillon linking writers and artists in Irish modernism on the 27th at 4pm, book here.

That should keep you busy!