The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival returns to Belfast for its 14th year, and will feature everything from music and theatre to street art and – but of course – comedy! Running from May 2 – 12, events will take place all around the city, with a special festival marquee set up smack-bang in the middle of Custom House Square especially for the larger shows.

Among the top-notch comedians set to perform during the fest are Dubliner Andrew Maxwell, political satirist Abie Philbin Bowman, UK stand-up Diane Spencer, beardy Northern Irish funnyman Martin ‘BigPig’ Mor, and last month’s Hoot Press interviewee, Sean Hughes – to name but a few. More info and tickets can be found at cqaf.com.
This fortnight also sees spoof play 51 Shades Of Maggie head out on tour around the Emerald Isle. Starring Scottish actress Leah MacRae, the play follows Maggie Muff and her friends “on this (slightly filthy) journey of love, booze and whips”. Saucy.
An equally filthy-minded, but far hairier Scot – Billy Connolly – continues his mammoth Irish tour, with stop-offs in Royal Theatre, Mayo (April 30), INEC (May 2), Cork Opera House (3, 5) and University Concert Hall, Limerick (6, 7).
A newbie next – the Bachelor Comedy Lounge is Dublin’s newest comedy club, and will open its doors every Sunday night in the Bachelor Inn. As well as welcoming some top-quality homegrown talent, the club will also – crucially – offer pints for €4. SOLD!
Similarly, if you’re keen to follow up-and-coming Irish comedians (but like to do so from the comfort of your couch) be sure to tune into RTÉ Two’s New Comedy Awards. Hosted by Jennifer Maguire and Bernard O’Shea, it’s a nationwide search to find the hottest emerging stand-ups. Catch the first episode on April 30 at 10.45pm.

BEST OF THE REST
Colm O’Regan – Ireland’s Got Mammies: Roscommon’s Arts Centre (April 25), Pat Shortt – I Am The Band: Set Theatre, Kilkenny (27, 28), David McSavage: Spirit Store, Louth (28), Trailer Park Boys, Olympia (May 8).