A packed programme of cultural events are planned across Dublin 8 on 13th & 14th May
19.04.23
Culture Date with Dublin 8 is taking place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th May and Dublin 8 will come alive with over 50+ free events, exhibitions, guided tours, workshops, outdoor cinema, performances, family activities and much more in all of your favourite Dublin 8 venues, museums, parks, breweries and cultural amenities!
The full programme is now available to view online at www.culturedatewithdublin8.ie.
Now in its 5th year, the Festival introduces some new faces this year including local community groups, D8-based studios, some well-known pubs and venues and more of the area’s premier visitor attractions. The eclectic programme includes tours of many of the area’s most historic sights and buildings such as the cathedrals and Kilmainham Gaol, music and performance across parks and local venues, a special Twilight Flea Market at The Digital Hub, the chance to experience all the competitive fun of the Trinity Regatta on the Liffey at Islandbridge, the great outdoors of the Phoenix Park and much more.
This year, the festival will also 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.
All events are FREE however ticket booking may be required and the Festival team ask that, as some events have strict capacity you only book in for events you can attend. And if you cannot make the event anymore, please cancel your ticket, or get in touch so we can give the ticket to someone else!
Enjoy the programme!
All of Dublin 8’s key landmark heritage and cultural sites will be hosting free specially-curated tours and events over the weekend. 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”.
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”.
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 Storehouse will be curating an evening event with Happenings, while Dublin Liberties Distillery will be hosting a cabaret show entitled “Darkey’s Delights: A Burlesque Journey Through Dublin’s Underworld”.
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. Or join the In Our Shoes Walking Tour through some of Ireland's oldest streets as local guides share tales from generations past. Meanwhile Common Ground will host a walking tour exploring the biodiversity, history and heritage of Inchicore.
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.
Pick up your Dublin 8 Attractions Passport and stamp your way around some of the area's cultural delights over the festival weekend. Featuring beautifully designed icons by illustrator John Rooney, the Attractions Passport allows you to collect distinctive and individual stamps for 8 attractions and places of interest in Dublin 8 and create a memento. The Passport is available from Visit Dublin Centre and Discover Ireland Centre, participating attractions and hotels in the area.
