Happy Birthday Brendan Behan!


Posted 2 weeks ago in Arts & Culture Features

Sunday 9th of February – Russell Street, Dublin 1 Celebrating 102 Years of a Dublin Legend

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 sees Russell Street in Dublin 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 & 8:00 pm (2nd show added due to demand)
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.
Tickets via 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

Happy Birthday Brendan Behan takes place on Sunday February 9th on Russell Street, Dublin 1

Cirillo’s

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