The Culture Date With Dublin 8 Festival Launched

Its surely now a staple of May in Dublin’s coolest neighbourhoods. Culture Date With Dublin 8 returns from 7th to 11th May and promises a packed programme of events, exhibitions, walks, talks, music and performance and much more all across Dublin 8.

This year’s week-long offer promises to be the biggest yet, with over 100 fun and fabulous events across some of the capital’s most historic neighbourhoods.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of the Great Liberator, Daniel O’Connell, and a number of key events are planned to mark this great man, with a focus on the theme of ‘liberty’. O’Connell was of course a prime mover behind the establishment of Goldenbridge Cemetery in Inchicore – a D8 oasis and one of venues for the festival each year – and the Goldenbridge will host a reenacted Monster Meeting in D8 on Sunday 11th May, alongside speciality talks, tours and performances in our series of events that celebrate his life and legacy.

Also marking an anniversary this year is the infamous Great Whiskey Fire of 1875, when the streets of The Liberties ran with liquid fire from a bonded warehouse near Ardee Street. Fittingly, there are a few whiskey-themed events to tickle the tastebuds.

The Tenters’ very own William ‘Billy’ Mooney will be the subject of a photographic exhibition in the Bank Venue on James Street. Billy was an official phootographer for Dublin Corporation in the 1970s, 80s and 90s and amassed a huge archive of photos of physicla and social change in the city over his career.

Anne Devlin, the Rebel Liberty Belle will be the focus of a walking tour by local historian Liz Gillis. While the famous Dean Jonathan Swift, who left an indelible legacy in The Liberties will also be celebrated.

Of course, you’ll find firm favourites in the programme, including the area’s cultural institutions throwing open their doors for a packed programme to help you discover the best of D8, as well as guided walks, open air events, music and performances and a special We Love Markets Food & Flea Market.

The area’s vibrant and eclectic nightlife will also be marked with an expanded Late in D8 programme, supported by Dublin.ie.  Look out for music, spoken word, performances and more across some of the area’s best-known watering holes and venues.

Full details at www.culturedatewithdublin8.ie or follow on social channels.

Culture Date With Dublin 8 is brought to you by Dublin City Council together with partnering cultural institutions, visitor experiences, galleries, businesses and community groups all across Dublin 8.