Culture Night is upon us with a hefty line-up of over 1,700 events countrywide, making it a task to schedule your experience. However, we’ve selected the top ten activities to indulge in within the capital this Friday. From captivating history discussions, guided tours, stimulating live performances to creative art workshops and film viewings, an enticing array for all.
One on the list is an event run by the students of the Royal Irish Academy of Music. You will have the chance to be moved by their musical prowess as you attend a variety of surprise concerts and open rehearsals throughout their newly refurbished €27 million campus. A special concert is slated for 7pm in the stunningly designed Whyte Recital Hall. Located at 36-38 Westland Row, Dublin 2, additional information is available here.
Another recommendation is a tour of Marsh’s Library, a cultural gem hidden within Dublin and the oldest public library in Ireland. Established in 1707, it boasts an array of renowned visitors from the past including Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, Joyce and Jonathan Swift. You can tread the path of these literary giants by joining a guided tour of this extraordinary Georgian structure, which still serves its original function. The tours are every 15 minutes from 5:30pm to 9pm. Situated at St Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8, further information can be found here.
Embark on an amalgamation of art and social change in the event EARTH RISING at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA). The purpose of this unique three-day flagship festival is to address climate change and foster a cooperative effort towards it. You will get to explore a plethora of exhibitions, workshops, lectures and installations occupying the comprehensive building and premises of IMMA on Friday. Participate in designing your own eco-friendly jewellery in their studios or check out Eco-Unesco’s climate justice workshop to make some creative protest banners. Walk around to find alluring outdoor exhibits or relish the flavour of African diaspora in the cellars. The event will run from 5-9pm at Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin 8. Further details are available here.
End the evening observing the three types of ageing Englishmen as they roam the lands one final time.
“If FG and FF TD members previously supported an early election, their enthusiasm is likely to have spiked even higher now.
Prepare yourself for a delightful performance by the funny David O’Doherty that guarantees to leave the crowd wiping their eyes from laughter.
One can enjoy a fusion of Ukrainian and Irish traditions that Two Paths Meet offers. The event boasts a variety of activities – from learning to craft Ukrainian dolls to witnessing sean-nós dances and getting acquainted with Ukrainian traditional music tools. The event culminates with a splendid live concert where Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh and Victoria Zhadko synthesise different music forms. Located at The Old Courthouse, Rathcoole, Two Paths Meet operates from 2pm to 10pm as a part of this year’s South Dublin Live programme. Booking in advance is advised. More information is available on the Main Street, Rathcoole.
The National Archives is a perfect place for history enthusiasts. Here, one can attend a lecture by Dr. John Gibney who will talk about the society and the state – Ireland and its records – an exhibition shedding light onto life in Ireland after its independence. Key topics like sport, popular culture, religion and identities will be reflected upon, focusing on Ireland during the 1920s and the first ten years of its independence. This talk will take place at 6pm at 8 Bishop Street, Dublin 8. Click here for more details.
A unique tattooing experience awaits curious souls at Dublin Ink. The expert tattoo artists here will teach people the technique of tattooing on bananas – an interactive and fun session scheduled to begin at 7pm. For the kids, a temporary tattoo desk will be available in the studio. Visit the studio at 6 South Great George’s Street for this distinctive experience.
Lastly, a combined event of art and history will be hosted at the National Maternity Hospital for a delightful evening. ”
Delve into the rich history of Ireland on Friday evening by visiting the National Maternity Hospital’s famous boardroom. Trace the milestones of Irish history, explore the hospital’s striking art collection, and get enlightened about its deep-rooted past which ties in with the 1916 Rising, the master literary work Ulysses by James Joyce, and the Hospital Sweepstakes. This adult-only event will run from 5pm to 9pm at Holles Street, Dublin 2.
Another Friday night event to look forward to is a night filled with laughter, culture and fun at Dublin’s sole pub favouring Irish language, Conradh na Gaeilge. All the proceeds from the evening will be donated towards supporting Palestine. Club Chonradh on Harcourt Street, Dublin will host special guests like Seán Ó Beaglaoich, Seán T Ó Meallaigh, and Hugh Carr. From 7pm, attendees can enjoy performances by Amhránaithe an Chlub and poetry readings by Roxanna Nic Liam from Fair City. The pub is located at 6 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2.
Celebrate the diversity of world cinema at the GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival, at The Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre at 105 Capel Street, Dublin 1. Spend Culture Night admiring the creativity of queer film-makers globally with a whole evening’s programme that includes discussions with film-makers, gallery-style installations and screenings. The festival will welcome the public from 6-9pm.
Experience ‘Nocturnal Beats’ on a late-night venue trail. Make sure to check individual event details for full information.
If you’re in search of an exhilarating climax to your festivities, Nocturnal Beats extends an invitation for you to immerse yourself in music and dance until the break of dawn at some of Dublin’s most lively late-night hotspots. With a selection of seven new venues, spread across different neighbourhoods and cultural centres, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice. Experience the vibrant DJ scene in Dublin at places like Wigwam, Love Tempo, Tengu, and beyond. Every location has a distinct line-up of songs to take you into the early hours of Saturday, so find what appeals to you most by visiting culturenight.ie. The start time for Nocturnal Beats is 9pm. Locations: Various venues across Dublin, specifically in areas 7 and 8. Complete details are available here.