Wondering what’s happening in your area this week? We’re looking at some of the events and things to do in Balbriggan over the weekend.

Cecilia Ahern at Balbriggan Library

Ireland Reads 2025 is a celebration of reading and the joy of getting lost in a good book. Throughout February and and particularly on Ireland Reads Day on Saturday 22nd, people are encouraged to switch off and settle in for some reading time. A government initiative and funded by Healthy Ireland, Ireland Reads is supported by public libraries and a host of organisations. As part of the celebration, content editor and broadcaster Sarah-Jayne Tobin will interview best sellling author Cecila Ahern in Balbriggan Library, this Saturday.

Cecelia Ahern's novels have sold over 25 miliion copies in over fifty countries and have been translated into 35 languages. Her books have been adapted for the big screen and she has also created shows for television.

Sarah-Jane Tobin will be chatting with Cecelia Ahern about Ahern's new novel Into The Storm, at 11:00am on Saturday 22nd February at Balbriggan Library. This will undoubtedly be a very popular free event, so booking is essential. Contact Balbriggan Library on 01 870 4401 or balbrigganlibrary@fingal.ie to book your spot.

Phantom of the Opera Original Film Screening with Live Music

Definitely one for film buffs, this Sunday sees The Lark in Balbriggan screen the original Phantom of the Opera film, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. This screening will be accompanied by one of Ireland's most celebrated organists, Rónán Murray. Murray is also an accomplished pianist, composer and improviser and he'll be bringing all that talent to a live performance as he plays along to the silent movie. The Lark's recent screening of the original Dracula movie, with Murray's fun and expert organ accompaniment was a great success, so they decided to do it again, this time bringing the phantom to Balbriggan.

This is going to be a fun event with some classic cinema and seriously good music all in the one place. The Phantom of the Opera screening with Rónán Murray takes place at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday 23rd February. Tickets are available via The Lark website.

Stepping Out at Ardgillan Castle

If you fancy an evening of theatrical comedy, then Balbriggan Dramatic Society's production of Stepping Out might be the thing you're looking for. The play, a comedy about a disparate group of people who all go to tap-dancing classes in a run down church hall in 1980s London, won Comedy of the Year and went on Broadway. The Richard Harris play is also well known for its 1991 adaptation to the big screen, where Liza Minnelli took the lead role.

Balbriggan Dramatic Society shows are very popular as their six-night run proves and tickets usually sell out. You can book tickets over the phone with Argillan Castle on 01 8492212 or email eventardgillan@fingal.ie for more information.

So if you plan on going out in Balbriggan this weekend, there is a nice selection of events to attend.