This coming weekend locals and visitors alike are invited to immerse themselves in a range of vibrant and awe-inspiring cultural experiences, as the fabulous Culture Date with Dublin 8 festival celebrates its five year milestone. Festival goers can enjoy some fascinating talks, walks, markets, performances and tours, as part of a very special weekend featuring over 50 specially curated events, in a programme that includes exploring the area’s Viking and mediaeval history, while also taking in some incredible modern art.
This year also sees the festival commemorate 100 years since the end of the Irish Civil War, with a unique festival programming strand reflecting upon this emotional milestone in Irish history.
With a wealth of local historical landmarks, heritage sites and museums, celebrating everything from the world famous breweries, churches and hidden gems of Dublin 8, there’s a lot to see and do. Here’s a whistle stop tour of what’s happening in the historic area of the Liberties this weekend.
Civil War Reflection
This month 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 exploring the human tragedy of the war. It includes some of the cemetery’s most notable graves, including the final resting place of W.T Cosgrave, who was the first political leader of the new state.
Historian Donal Fallon and journalist Ronan McGreevy are scheduled for talks in Richmond Barracks on Saturday May 13th, which focus on particular aspects of the conflict. McGreevy is set to discuss “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”.
Heritage Sites & Museums
All of Dublin 8’s key landmark heritage and cultural sites will be hosting free specially curated tours and events as part of this year’s programme. Visitors can explore Christ Church Cathedral with the use of their new audio guide, or head over to the Irish National War Memorial Gardens and experience a guided tour there.
Dublinia offers a special preview of their latest Viking exhibition, while there’s a special children’s tour of Kilmainham Gaol for younger folk, with a fun lego hunt taking place at Marsh’s Library.
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”.
Slainte! Dublin 8’s World Famous Breweries
Dublin 8 is home to some of Ireland’s most historic and internationally acclaimed breweries, and the festival invites participants to step into the world of brewing at places including Pearse Lyons Distillery, Roe & Co, Rascals Brewery, and Stillgarden Distilleries.
Visitors can look forward to experiencing interactive tours showcasing the history and distilling processes practiced in each location, along with opportunities to sample the area’s unique drinks offerings with a series of special tasting opportunities and masterclasses. The Guinness Store House will be curating an evening event. while The Dublin Liberties Distillery will be hosting a cabaret show entitled Darkey’s Delights: A Burlesque Journely Through Dublin’s Underworld.
A Walk in The Past – Dublin 8 Walking Tours
A selection of great walking tours is also on offer, with the Liberties Cultural Association hosting a tour that explores the iconic churches and hidden gems of Dublin 8, along with and a tour dedicated to Irish Republican Michael Mallin, who took an active part in the Easter Rising of 1916.
The In Our Shoes Walking Tour journeys through some of Ireland’s oldest streets as local guides share tales from generations past. There’s also an opportunity to explore the biodiversity, history and heritage of Inchicore via a bracing walking tour in the company of Common Ground.
Local Cultural Events
There’s also an incredible programme of local cultural and satellite events taking place in Dublin 8 as part of this year’s programme. BLOCK T transforms 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.
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.
In the Coombe Pallas Projects features an exhibition by artist Venus Patel, while Mark Jenkins’ delivers a lecture entitled “History Through Images” at the Hyatt Centric Hotel. Meanwhile sports fans are in for a treat as Brian Kerr, former manager of St Pat’s Athletic, joins Dermot Looney in conversation at Richmond Barracks.
The Culture Date with Dublin 8 festival will take place on Saturday 13th – Sunday 14th of May. All events are free but booking is required.
Culture Date with Dublin 8 is an initiative led by the Dublin City Council South Central Area.
