The Best Pop-Ups In Ireland This Summer

Brides Do Good, Kildare Village

For fashion-forward wedding dresses that give back, London-based initiative Brides Do Good champions a green approach to your big day, selling donated new, pre-loved and sample wedding dresses from brands such as Jenny Packham, Charlie Brear, Pronovias, Catherine Deane, Suzanne Neville and Jesus Peiro at up to 65 per cent off the asking price. As a guide, prices range from €900 to €3,500 and dresses are available in sizes six through to 16. The Brides Do Good pop-up at Kildare Village will run until June 26. Brides-to-be can book an appointment at the Brides Do Good pop-up by emailing info@bridesdogood.com; www.kildarevillage.com. 

Prada’s Tropico, Brown Thomas

Prada’s Tropico pop-up at Brown Thomas, Dublin has been designed as a tropical forest with neon signs, light effects and green metal branches on which hang striped bucket hats in raffia and nylon, part of Prada’s vibrant SS22 capsule collection. This also includes the Prada Triangle bag – a nifty interpretation of the brand’s iconic triangular logo, as well as ready-to-wear and accessories. Also on Level 1 of the Grafton Street store is the new Loewe Paula’s Ibiza pop-up. “The collection is sexy and liberated, with the carefree attitude that is quintessentially Ibiza. It gleams with sparkle of sequins, skin peeking through short hems, lacing and cut-outs. Everything is uncomplicated, cut close to the body, and easy to wear,” explains Loewe’s Creative Director Jonathan Anderson; www.BrownThomas.com. 

Continuous Patterns, IMMA’s Summer Party

“Continuous Patterns” is a two-day summer celebration of music, art, and atmosphere, taking place on Friday and Saturday July 15-16 in the grounds of IMMA. Live music, DJs, art, delicious food, interesting drinks, and some special surprises are all part of the line-up in the Courtyard of IMMA, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Military Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8. For example, on Friday, July 15 there will be performances from emerging RnB acts Jar Jar Jr, Negro Impacto and Efe; and a collaboration from power pop sensation Ae Mak and the renowned contemporary ensemble Glasshouse; www.imma.ie. 

Screenprinting, Damn Fine Print

If you fancy learning a new skill such as screen printing, book the fun-filled classes at Damn Fine Print, which are taking place over four Wednesday evenings from June 8, 15, 22 and 29. Participants will learn how to expose a screen, work with fresh ink and produce their own artworks under the tutelage of the studio masters. Class numbers are small, so it’s an ideal activity to offer as a birthday gift or complete with friends. The cost of the course is €250; Damn Fine Print, 32 North Brunswick Street, Stoneybatter; www.damnfineprint.com. 

Dublin Plein Air Festival 2022

Hosted by the North County Dublin/Fingal council, this event takes place from June 20-26 and is for both novices and experienced artists. There are different locations on different days from Skerries Town and Harbour on the first day to Farmleigh House and Ardgillan Castle. Pop along and have a look at the stunning locations, daily artist workshops and social evenings. A highlight is being able to buy some of the completed artworks each day; www.dublinpleinair.ie. 

Everything’s Rosé, The Westbury

If you can’t get to the south of France the next best thing is a visit to Wilde at The Westbury for its annual Everything’s Rosé pop-up, which takes place until August 31. The restaurant, which has partnered with Provence-based Maison Mirabeau and Irish artist Ciara O’Neill, is offering flights of rosé tasting experiences (€30) as well as special cocktails and menus. Ciara’s print inspired the overall look of the menu as well as the pretty floral installation created by Kasia Skopinska featured throughout the terrace overlooking Grafton Street. As for the wine, Maison Mirabeau’s award-winning range combines fresh ideas in winemaking with a mindful approach and a deep respect for the heritage and culture of Provence; www.doylecollection.com. 

The Big Grill, Herbert Park, Dublin 4

Returning to Herbert Park, Dublin 4 on August 11-14, early bird tickets are now on sale from €20, for what promises to be the biggest line-up of international and homegrown names creating “live-fire” dishes. Capacity has been increased to 30,000 over the four days, after sell-out sessions in previous years. The festival’s curated dining experience “Offside” will be back with more experiences and brunch additions. The popular Hot Wing and Chilli eating challenges will return along with a busy entertainment schedule including DJs, live music and more;
www.biggrillfestival.com/tickets. 

Italian Month, Fallon & Byrne

If you visit the Food Hall of Fallon & Byrne you will notice it is celebrating Italian month in June, and on Thursday June 23, The Ballroom will be the backdrop for a celebratory dinner pairing traditional Italian dishes with some intriguing wines. Beginning at 6.30pm, with tickets available via Eventbrite for €75 per person, the Italian feast starts with a selection of antipasti paired with Sampagnino Bulli Rosa, a slightly spicy pet-nat style blend of indigenous grapes whose name is a cheeky take on an Italian pronunciation of Champagne. The primo piatto is a classic from the Veneto — risi e bisi, or rice and peas. This creamy, soupy, not-quite-risotto is paired with Saltatempo Verdicchio from Le Marche, an organic verdicchio with a full, fresh, beautifully textured palate. The secondo piatto is agnello e carciofi or lamb with artichokes, paired with an elegant and complex San Fereolo Dogliani Superiore. For the finale, there are Venetian biscuits with a secret surprise wine pairing. It promises to be an evening full of flavour and anecdotes from hosts and wine connoisseurs Enrico Fantasia and Leslie Williams; www.fallonandbyrne.com.

Cafollas on the Pier

Just in time for the summer, there’s yet another great reason to visit the Dun Laoghaire Pier – the new Cafollas on the Pier, serving coffee, sandwiches, treats, nibbles and more. There’s even Puppachinos and drinking water for pets! Two Fifty Square speciality coffee is served barista style (as a price guide an Americano is €3, a Cortado for €3.20), with teas sourced from Wall & Keogh. Visitors will find soft serve ice cream from sundaes to waffle baskets, in flavours such as Bueno Delux, Oreo Nutella, Biscoff Lotus Crunch and Rocky Road, and a range of 17 toppings, syrups and sauces. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, all products are not only sourced ethically, but also recyclable or compostable. Open seven days, from 8am to 9pm, each week, a favourite will be picked from photos uploaded and tagged #cafollasonthepier – with the winner getting their next order free! www.cafollasonthepier.ie 

ProBox, Pops, both at Dundrum Town Centre

Before you start shopping at Dundrum Town Centre, stop by the new ProBox pop-up truck located at Pembroke Square for one of its trendy smoothies, acai bowls or juices. The healthy treats are sure to leave you feeling nourished and boosted. Post retail therapy, if you are in need of a sugar fix, another new addition to Pembroke Square is Pops. Known for their luxurious “no bake” dessert submerged in fine chocolate callets and a range of luxury toppings, they create the ultimate, finger-licking cheesecake pops; www.dundrum.ie. 

Muse Coffee + Food Summer Series, Butler Gallery

Muse café, in the grounds of Kilkenny’s magnificent Butler Gallery has a “Summer Series” of outdoor food, drink and health and wellness-focused events. The series comprises Yoga + Sunday brunch sessions in the gallery’s courtyard with instructor David Mooney. After a revitalising hour of hatha flow yoga – covering mindful movement, relaxation, clarity and connection – there’s a healthy two-course Muse Coffee + Food Brunch at a communal table on the adjoining terrace. Each of the Yoga + Sunday Brunch sessions are priced at €30 per person and will run (weather dependent) on June 5, 12, 19, and July 17, 24, and 31 . These can be booked individually online, in addition to Yoga + Light Breakfast option, €20. Muse Coffee + Food’s health and wellness theme continues on Sunday, July 10 when yoga and meditation teacher, Liz Reilly, from Bhakti Healing will host a half day (9am to 1pm) “Yoga + Cocoa Workshop”. This is €60 per person and can be booked online at www.musecoffeefood.ie. 

A Gin Tasting Cruise, Carlingford Lough Cruises

The new Carlingford Lough summer cruise schedule starts with a “Meet the Maker” summer gin tasting cruise on Friday, June 3. This features collaborations with renowned local distilleries Woodlab Distillery, Co Down, Bohann Distillery in Co Meath and Killowen Distillery, Co Down. These will operate every weekend to Saturday, September 10. Also in the summer line-up, the popular Sunset cruises and Lough & Lighthouse cruises are back, when guests on board can expect live bands on board from traditional music to jazz with plenty of room for dancing on deck. “There’s not a car or tractor to be seen on the cruises just people out to enjoy themselves and appreciate the spectacular scenery of Carlingford Lough,” says organiser Irene Hamilton. With the backdrop of the Cooley peninsula and the majestic Mourne mountains, participants should look out for the Lough’s most famous residents – the grey seals! www.carlingfordferry.com 

Beyond The Pale, Glendalough Estate

Ireland’s newest music and arts festival will take place from Friday, June 10 to Sunday, June 12 in the valleys of Glendalough Estate, Co Wicklow. There are 33 acts in the line-up which is a smorgasboard of just about every musical genre. The boutique festival is all about the careful curation of music, art and food in a beautifully intimate location fit for 5,000 people. The organisers have created a “Comfy Camping” option for those who want to bring their own tent but enjoy some extra comfort. For an extra fee, you can get a prime location, phone charging service, access to a carpark to campsite buggy service, complimentary shower, hot tubs, sauna, massages and of course, posh loos! On-site glamping, motorhome and caravan facilities are also available. Three day tickets start at €149 with no booking fees; www.ItsBeyondThePale.ie. 

Hot Box Mobile Sauna, Causeway Coast

HotBox is an authentic Finnish wood burning sauna located on the Causeway Coast. Benone Beach is its home base, and it’s there from Wednesday through to Sunday. Sauna sessions are 90 minutes long and seat up to six people at a time from a single social bubble. Also available for event hire and pop-ups, bookings and enquiries can be made through via www.hotboxseasauna.com. 

Cinemagic Dublin Summer Season

A summer season of family movies and workshops for all ages begins on Saturday, June 11 at Liffey Trust Studios and Odeon Point Square Dublin. Film, TV and media professionals involved in creative workshops and opportunities for young people include writer director Aisling Walsh, TV and radio presenters Stephen Byrne, Zainab Boladale and Clara Murray, character design artist Matthew Howorth from Brown Bag Films, George Watson from Aardman Animation and Science Media guru Mark Langtry. A film academy will bring together students to work under the guidance of film industry professionals in the production of a new short film giving aspiring filmmakers an insight to the different disciplines on a film set. Young filmmakers aged 4-25 who have already crafted a short or wish to take on a summer challenge are invited to submit their short films to the Cinemagic Young Filmmaker competition for 2022 and the entry deadline is August 1; www.cinemagic.ie. 

Yoga Weekend, Titanic Hotel Belfast

Discover your inner Zen at Titanic Hotel Belfast this summer with a specially curated yoga weekend retreat from Friday, July 1-3. Starting from €370 per person sharing a double or twin room, the yoga weekend is suited to all levels and includes two Vinyasa flow sessions, two restorative yoga sessions and opening and closing ceremonies led by experienced yogi Tara O’Rourke. A day rate option also available from €190 per person; www.titanichotelbelfast.com. 

Pride Party, The National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks

After three years without a Pride party, The Mother team has pulled out all the stops and are throwing the Mother of all Pride parties, on Saturday and Sunday, June 25- 26 at Collins Barracks. Headlining this special Pride Block Party weekend are Brazilian superstar Anitta, on Saturday and iRina Sawayama on Sunday, June 26. Other acts appearing across the weekend include Peaches, electro-pop sensation Le Boom, Ru Pauls Drag Race UK VS The World winner Blu Hydrangea, Jodie Harsh, the Mother DJ , Panti Bliss and lots of local talent. Mother is installing two stages, lots of bars, food stalls, activations, art installations and a few fabulous surprises. Early Bird weekend tickets, from €70, are on sale on Eventbrite.

Human Collection at Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford

Launched just last year, Human Collective has been on a mission to spread the message of equality and social inclusion through the “=” sign in their logo while also committing to producing their line ethically and sustainably through certified organic and recycled materials. A two-week pop-up shop, at Unit 13 Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford, offers customers the opportunity to shop the full collection and have the chance to feel the quality that the inclusive range has to offer. Visitors will also get a first look at some yet-to-be released items including the new half-zip sweatshirts and organic T-shirts in new colourways. Customers at the pop-up will have an exclusive discount – 33% off selected items. The Human Collective Pop-up Shop opens from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday and 10am-5pm on Saturday; www.wearehumancollective.com.