With July 2023 looking like the wettest month ever in the well documented history of rain-sodden Irish summers, it’s fair to say that the past few weeks haven’t quite delivered the kind of weather we might have hoped for here in Dublin.
That aside, the universal consensus amongst the cognoscenti of Dublin’s hostelries and taxi cabs seems to be one of relief, acknowledging that “it beats frying in the Med all the same.”
Indeed there’s enough going on here to make a summer-time sojourn in the capital more than worth your while, so as the long weekend beckons, we bring you some of the highlights to be enjoyed in the city this August Bank Holiday weekend.
GAZE Film Festival
Lights, Camera, Glitter! The annual LGBTQIA film festival is back for what promises to be an inspiring few days of movie-going, catching up and craic as the community comes out in force to enjoy this year’s GAZE festival. There’s an enriching few days in store, with great films, lively discussions and an August Bank Holiday weekend buzz that’s second to none.
The programme features everything from a celebration of the centenary of Wilde’s Salomé, to Lucid Notions, AEMI (Artists’ and Experimental Moving Image) programming of shorts to a selection of choices by fellow queer cinephiles in Lisbon and producer Berwyn Rowlands.
As the event glides into its 31st year, tickets are as rare as hen’s teeth for the opening night on Thursday, which this year features Zeno Graton’s coming-of-age drama Le Paradis. Following a busy few days, the festival wraps on Monday night with Of An Age, director Goran Stolevski’s nostalgic road movie meets rom-com meets teen-drama.
Come for the flicks, stay for everything else.
Thursday August 3rd to Monday August 7th. Various locations.
First Fridays at MoLI
First
This month’s offerings include a discussion with poet Aifric Mac Aodha about her recent Decade of Centenaries commission and a talk by the always engaging artist Salvatore of Lucan.
A selection of refreshing beverages will be available courtesy of The Dublin Liberties Distillery, who will be on hand to offer an array of delicious (and free!) cocktails as part of the evening’s entertainment. The Commons Café will also be open late and dishing up some gorgeous fare for that all important post-cultural supper. Tickets are available via their website.
Friday 4th August from 6pm.
Get Thee To An Exhibition
Grab your coat, get your culture on and take in one of the incredible exhibitions currently on offer in Dublin’s art galleries and museums. Swing by The Douglas Hyde to see the debut Irish solo show by renowned Canadian artist Liz Magor, while there’s also time to catch the last day of the first solo exhibition by fashion designer Joanne Hynes at the Kevin Kavanagh Gallery before it closes on Saturday.
If photography is your thing, IMMA hosts Influence and Identity, featuring an awesome selection of photographers and their subject matter including Richard Avedon shooting Groucho Marx and Ezra Pound. Feat your eyes on the work of Yousuf Karsh who managed to persuade the likes of Churchill, Einstein, Costeau, Ali, Hemingway and Georgia O’Keeffe to stare down the lens. There exhibition also includes a photograph of literary genius James Joyce, captured for posterity in a 1925 study by Berenice Abbott.
IMMA until October 8th.
Check Out The August Libertine Market Crawl
Looking for something to do this Sunday? Check out an eclectic experience combining retro markets and live performances at the Libertine Market Crawl. Explore a rich selection of offerings ranging from vintage to local curios at fifty market stalls spread across 5 pubs within walking distance of each other in The Liberties, one of the oldest areas of the ancient city of Dublin.
Promising something for everyone, the independent flea market pub crawl takes in some diverse local hostelries including The Thomas House, Dudley’s, Lucky’s, All My Friends, and Arthur’s Blues and Jazz Pub, with plenty of entertainment to enjoy throughout the afternoon.
The Libertine Market Crawl takes place this Sunday, August 6th from 12pm-5pm – entry is free.
Instagram: @libertinemarket Facebook:@libertinemarketcrawl
Nothing Compares
If you’re planning on spending some time on the couch this weekend, we strongly recommend making some time to absorb Nothing Compares, Kathryn Ferguson‘s award-winning documentary about the life, art and activism of the incredible musician, protest singer and all-round mna-some Sinead O’Connor.
In the words of the producer director, “Watch the film, feel the rage, have a good cry and let’s remember the woman for her radical, magical ways and all she has done for us. I’ve never been prouder to be an Irish woman. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”
We second that.
Nothing will ever compare.
Nothing Compares is available to stream on Now TV and Sky Documentaries.
Feature Image by Rachel Regan, from Totally Dublin’s specially commissioned Wish You Were Here feature for the August 2023 issue of the magazine.
Like this? Check out our guide to 5 of the best places to enjoy culture and food in Dublin This Summer.
