Head along to a face-off
Now in its third year, the Hennessy Portrait Prize brings together some of the best Irish artists living at home and abroad. The 14 finalists for this year’s competition were chosen from nearly 400 entries across a range of media. All works that reached the shortlist are on display in a free exhibition at the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin. They include Imran by Gavan McCullough, right, photographic artist Kim Haughton’s portrait of actor Gabriel Byrne and Gerry Davis’s winning oil painting, Seán. The exhibition runs until March 26.
nationalgallery.ie
Sport winning jerseys
Wear your GAA jersey to the home of the gaelic games throughout January and get half-price entry to Croke Park’s stadium tour, which gives a behind-the-scenes perspective on the 82,300-seater stadium, its dressing rooms, warm-up areas and media centre, and a visit to the pitch via the tunnel. Entry to the GAA Museum is included. The offer applies to adults, children, seniors and students who wear their club, county or Cul Camp jerseys.
crokepark.ie
Shape up with a run
With the 2017 series of Operation Transformation underway on RTE1, it’s time to start working off those selection boxes consumed over Christmas. Operation Transformation’s association with Parkrun continues for a second year with events at nearly 60 locations across the country, every Saturday at 9.30am. There’s help for first-timers and encouragement for everyone; participants must register in advance to gain free entry.
parkrun.ie
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Weave your way in
Find inspiration among the 450 exhibitors at this year’s Showcase Creative Expo at Dublin’s RDS. Starting next Sunday, the four-day art fair features the work of leading designers and emerging, home-grown talent working in fashion, jewellery, home and giftware. It’s a chance to catch up on the latest trends and stock up on must-have items. Exhibitors include Avoca, Emblem Weavers and Irish fashion designers Peter O’Brien and Emma Manley.
showcaseireland.com