Festival curator Grace McEvoy shares some of her top recommendations from this year’s line-up …
Family Fun Day at St Audoen’s Park
This initiative celebrates Dublin 8’s rich cultural, historical and architectural heritage while encouraging people who are living, working and visiting the area to explore what’s on their doorstep. A Fun Day in St Audoen’s Park allows grown-ups to connect and reflect while kids enjoy creative play and movement, storytelling and craft corners. Family-friendly guided tours at St Audoen’s Church – the oldest remaining parish church in Dublin – and visitor centre are open to all ages to get a glimpse into the city’s medieval past. There’s also a lego treasure hunt in Marsh’s Library and Primavera workshop at Clancy Quay Studio where kids and artists-in-residence will create a large-scale drawing that captures the spirit of spring and summer, with their artwork on display to revisit at their leisure.
Celebrating William (Billy) Mooney: A Photographic Exhibition
Billy was a proud Dubliner, the man behind thousands of powerful photographs capturing the heart and soul of Dublin for generations. Billy was the photographer for Dublin Corporation for nearly 40 years, documenting the development of the city, as well as historic moments such as the visit of Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa. A selection of his work is on exhibition at The Digital Hub.
Daniel O’Connell 250: A Monster Meeting in Goldenbridge Cemetery
Honouring the 250th anniversary of the birth of Daniel O’Connell – champion of equality and civil rights – this series of events celebrates his life and legacy including a keynote lecture with scholar Patrick M.Geoghegan, talks and seminars exploring his imprisonment and connection to Kilmainham Gaol, and an event at Tailor’s Hall curated by Caelainn Hogan exploring what liberation means for us today. The flagship Daniel O’Connell moment takes place in Goldenbridge Cemetery with a re-enactment of one of his well-known ‘Monster Meetings’. Actors Jim Roche will deliver his famous speeches alongside Peter M Smith who will portray the slave abolitionist Frederick Douglass, together with music and spoken word by Sive, Roxanna Nic Liam, John Cummins and Louise Mulcahy.
Guided Tours
Enjoy several tours over the weekend, including a guided tour of IMMA’s exhibitions and biodiversity tour of IMMA’s gardens, In Our Shoes and an Irish whiskey walking tour of Dublin’s Golden Triangle, ending with special evening tours of Marsh’s Library, Ireland’s oldest public library holding over 300 years worth of stories since the 18th century. Home to over 25,000 books, the library has welcomed visitors such as James Joyce, Bram Stoker and Jonathan Swift in the Old Reading Room, with the private visit recounting tales of book theft, bullet fire and even an Egyptian mummy!
Late In D8
Pint of The Past: Tales from Dublin 8 takes place in the stunning surrounds of St Patrick’s Cathedral, hosted by social historian Donal Fallon exploring the area’s rebellious brewing industry, local storyteller Helena Byrne, actor Pádraig O’Loinsigh, spoken word artist Stephen James Smith and Brendan Behan, and musician and traditional Irish singer Macdara Yeates. Experience a night to remember with stories of price-fixing cartels, explosive distillery disasters and the legacy of the Liberties. Don’t miss the late night music trail with bands and DJs taking over pubs and cultural spaces across the district.
Need to know: With over 100 events this year, there’s something for everyone to explore. Many events are free, but booking is required: www.culturedatewithdublin8.ie.