RTÉ is Supporting 29 Arts and Cultural Events across Ireland this November

RTÉ continues its proud tradition of championing Ireland’s vibrant arts and cultural landscape through its RTÉ Supporting the Arts initiative. This November, RTÉ is delighted to support the 70th Cork International Film Festival, Light Moves Festival in Limerick, Dublin Book Festival and 26 other arts and cultural events that celebrate creativity, community, and storytelling across the country. 

From the 6th to 16th November, Cork becomes the beating heart of Irish and international cinema as the Cork International Film Festival marks its landmark 70th edition. With 75 Irish feature premieres, including Blue Moon by Richard Linklater, Song Sung Blue starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, and Pillion featuring Alexander Skarsgård, the festival promises a rich tapestry of storytelling. Special guests such as Gabriel Byrne, David Puttnam, and Joan Bergin will join audiences for screenings, panels, and celebrations of cinematic excellence. 

The Dublin Book Festival returns, from 5th to 9th November, with over 100 events citywide, celebrating Ireland’s literary talent. Highlights include an evening with Michael Palin, bilingual poetry with Éilís Ní Dhuibhne, and panel discussions on sustainability, identity, and social justice. Family-friendly activities, walking tours, and the DBF After Dark Festival Club ensure there’s something for every reader. The Festival Hub at IMMA provides a welcoming space to explore the written word in all its forms. 

From 6th to 8th November, Limerick hosts the 8th edition of the Light Moves Festival, a dynamic celebration of dance, film, sound, and media art. Highlights include Invein by street dance artist Tobi Omoteso, the immersive Groundwork performance, and they shoot horses, a poignant video installation by Phil Collins. The festival also features workshops, installations, and a focus on Palestinian voices in art, offering audiences a deeply engaging and thought-provoking experience. 

November brings a rich tapestry of literary celebration across Ireland. The Dingle Literary Festival (21–23 Nov) returns to the scenic Dingle Peninsula with a bilingual programme featuring acclaimed authors like Eimear McBride, Gabriel Byrne, and Xiaolu Guo, alongside workshops, Irish-language panels, and children’s events. In Waterford, The Lit Young Writers Festival (7–9 Nov) empowers young creatives through youth-led workshops, performances, and showcases. The Leaves Festival of Writing & Music (4–8 Nov) in Laois offers a vibrant mix of literature, music, and film, with highlights including Pulitzer Prize-winner Paul Muldoon, a tribute to Mary Lavin, and the One County One Book initiative featuring Róisín O’Donnell. Finally, Library Ireland Week begins on 30th November celebrating the transformative role of libraries with events, campaigns, and the Library Staff Champion Award. Dublin hosts IMRAM Féile Litríochta Gaeilge (8–23 Nov), a dynamic Irish-language literature festival featuring multimedia performances, poetry, music, and tributes to Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, with events like Amhráin na Gealaí and Dán na Caillí drawing audiences into a rich cultural voyage. 

November’s musical offerings span genres and geographies, celebrating both cultural fusion and classical excellence. The Italian Fusion Festival (15 Nov, Dublin) returns with its Jazz Edition, showcasing collaborations between Irish and Italian artists, alongside visual art, short films, and Italian cuisine in a vibrant celebration of cross-cultural creativity. In Fingal, the International Perspectives Chamber Music Series (14 Nov) continues with world-class performers such as soprano Orla Boylan and horn player José Sogorb, presenting works by Mendelssohn, Schubert, and Ravel, plus a new Irish ballad-inspired piece by composer Aristide Moari. Meanwhile, the NSQF Autumn Concert Season brings chamber music to 27 towns across Ireland performing diverse programmes that include Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Florence Price, and contemporary Irish composers such as Michael Doherty and Deirdre Gribbin. The West Wicklow Winter Festival (14–16 Nov) offers a magical weekend of chamber music at the Manor House, Tulfarris, featuring artists such as Finghin Collins, Rosanne Philippens, Sara Ferrández, and Fiachra Garvey. 

Also not to be missed this month, The Waterford International Film Festival (15–22 Nov) celebrates its 19th edition with a hybrid programme of short films, screenplays, and photography competitions, showcasing emerging and established talent from Ireland and beyond. Meanwhile, the IFI French Film Festival (19–30 Nov, Dublin) returns for its 26th year with 34 French-language films, including 22 Irish premieres, tributes to Claude Chabrol and the Lumière Brothers, and performances by Jodie Foster and Marion Cotillard.

For more information about the events we are supporting this month, see below: