Dublin 8 is once again taking centre stage, as the free ‘Culture Date with Dublin 8’ festival celebrates its 5th year in what Time Out magazine refers to as one of "the coolest neighbourhoods in the world". From Saturday 13th - Sunday 14th of May, visitors will be immersed in a vibrant and inspiring experience; discovering local historical landmarks, heritage sites and museums, celebrating the area's world famous breweries, churches and hidden gems. Over the course of the weekend the Dublin 8 area will come alive with over 50 specially curated events including talks, walks, markets, performances and tours, perfect for locals or travellers alike! This year, the festival will commemorate 100 years since the end of the Irish Civil War with a unique festival programming strand that reflects upon this emotional milestone in Irish history.
Speaking at the programme launch the festival’s curator Grace McEvoy invited attendees to come and be inspired:
“We are delighted to announce the launch of this year’s Culture Date with Dublin 8 festival! Revel in a range of awe-inspiring cultural experiences while enjoying what has been hailed as one of Ireland's most vibrant and diverse areas. Explore millennia worth of Viking, mediaeval history and modern art. Visit exhibitions, take part in guided tours around local landmarks and uncover hidden gems right on your doorstep. There is something for everyone at this unique event that celebrates all things Dublin 8”.
Heritage Sites & Museums
As part of this year’s programme, all of Dublin 8’s key landmark heritage and cultural sites will be hosting free specially curated tours and events. Visitors can explore Christ Church Cathedral with the use of their new audio guide or experience a guided tour of the Irish National War Memorial Gardens. Families can dress like a viking whilst taking a family tour of Dublinia with a special preview of their latest exhibition, enjoy a lego hunt at Marsh’s Library or attend a special children’s tour of Kilmainham Gaol. The Irish Museum of Modern Art will host guided tours of their retrospective exhibition of the work of Irish artist Patricia Hurl, alongside a “Gate to Gate” heritage tour of their grounds and a biodiversity tour of their “Green Cube”.
Civil War Reflection
This May marks a century since the conclusion of the Irish Civil War and to mark this momentous event, Goldenbridge Cemetery is set to host an engaging tour that will explore the human tragedy of the war as well as some of the sites notable graves including the resting place of W.T Cosgrave the first political leader of the new state. On Saturday May 13th, Journalist Ronan McGreevy and historian Donal Fallon are scheduled for talks in Richmond Barracks which focus on particular aspects of the conflict - with McGreevy discussing "The assassination of Sir Henry Wilson MP – prelude to civil war" while Fallon will delve into the significant 'Sites of Civil War in Dublin 8”.
World Famous Breweries
Dublin 8 is home to some of Ireland’s most historic internationally acclaimed breweries. This year the festival invites attendees to step into the world of brewing at Pearse Lyons Distillery, Roe & Co, Rascals Brewery, and Stillgarden Distilleries where visitors can experience history-rich tours showcasing distilling processes along with special tasting opportunities and masterclasses that highlight this nation’s unique drinks offerings. The Guinness Store House will be curating an evening event and The Dublin Liberties Distillery will be hosting a cabaret show entitled “Darkey’s Delights: A Burlesque Journely Through Dublin’s Underworld”.
Walking Tours
Over the course of the festival weekend Dublin 8 will come alive with walking tours. The Liberties Cultural Association is inviting visitors on a tour that will explore the iconic churches and hidden gems of this historic area and a tour about Michael Mallin, the Irish Republican who took an active part in the Easter Rising of 1916. Join the In Our Shoes Walking Tour through some of Ireland's oldest streets as local guides share tales from generations past while Common Ground will host a walking tour exploring the biodiversity, history and heritage of Inchicore.
Satellite Events
An incredible programme of satellite events will take place in Dublin 8 as part of this year’s programme! Visitors can enjoy the Trinity Regatta on the banks of the Liffey or head to The Digital Hub for We Love Markets, where they may catch a special performance by the MaSamba Band. BLOCK T is transforming the former BOI bank at Watling Street into a spectacular exhibition space, while photographer Sorcha Frances Ryder will show her latest body of work at an exhibition hosted by The Magnet Bar. Pallas Projects, in the Coombe, will feature an exhibition by artist Venus Patel’s and the Hyatt Centric Hotel plays host to Mark Jenkins' “History Through Images” lecture. If that wasn't enough, Richmond Barracks provide another treat - catch Brian Kerr, former manager of St Pat’s Athletic, as he joins Dermot Looney in conversation.
The Culture Date with Dublin 8 festival will take place on Saturday 13th - Sunday 14th of May. All events are free but booking is required. See www.culturedatewithdublin8.ie Culture Date with Dublin 8 is an initiative led by the Dublin City Council South Central Area.
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