Festivals & events in Dublin
The annual agenda keeps readers, artists, boozers & sportsmen entertained
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Docklands Martime Festival
Recently, the ring of entertainment has grown and chocolate lovers, circus wannabes and film buffs have been invited into the fold.
There are quite a few annual events worth knowing about before you book your holiday. First, of course, there's St Patrick's Day, still by far the biggest entry in the Dublin calendar. It's now celebrated with plentiful pints of the black stuff the world over, but Dublin is the fun's epicentre. As long as you can cope with the crowds, the weather and the queues, there's no better place to enjoy it.
Calmer heads prevail in the summer at the excellent Dublin Writers Festival and the Bloomsday Festival: the latter celebrates the works of James Joyce, while the former pulls in some of the world's best writers. That sort of thing would bore the bejaysus out of most of the people packed into the stands for the Six Nations rugby tournament each spring, of course. But then, to each his own.
Critic's choice
Jameson Dublin International Film Festival
Where: (information) 50 Upper Mount Street, around St Stephen's Green
When: Feb
Tel & website: 635 0290/www.dubliniff.com
Rising from the ashes of the much-maligned Dublin International Film Festival, this new event seems to be succeeding where the other failed. It celebrates the best of Irish and world cinema in screenings across the city, backed up by events that let fans meet Irish screenwriters, directors and actors.
St Patrick's Day Parade & Festival
Where: various venues
When: 17 Mar
Tel & website: 676 3205/www.stpatricksfestival.ie
It's the world's best excuse for a drink or seven: the feast day of a Welshman who ran the snakes out of Ireland. Over the past few years, the day has been comprehensively glammed up. The parade still forms the core of the celebrations, with some of Europe's brightest street performers and some of the world's loudest pyrotechnics. There's also a five day festival of top-class entertainment including concerts, exhibitions, street theatre, deafening fireworks and general frivolity. Pubs and bars are packed to the rafters from morning to night.
Dublin Writers Festival
Where: various venues
When: June
Tel & website: 881 9613/www.dublinwritersfestival.com
Drawing together 50-odd writers and poets from all over the world, this increasingly high-profile literary event dishes up a banquet of readings, discussions and public debates. Programmes tend to be adventurous, with readings from heavyweights like Julian Barnes sitting comfortably beside an introduction to contemporary Arab writing. Try not to miss the Rattlebag poetry slam, where members of the public compete for a prize.
Bloomsday Festival
Where: James Joyce Centre
When: 16 June
Tel & website: 878 8547/www.jamesjoyce.ie
Held every year around 16 June, the date on which Ulysses is set, and taking its name from the novel's central character, the Bloomsday Festival commemorates Bloom's 'walking out' with a week-long celebration. Readings from Joyce, performances, excursions and meals help recreate the atmosphere of 1904 Dublin. Booking is strongly advised.
Oxegen
Where: Punchestown Racecourse
When: mid July
Website: www.oxegen.ie/www.mcd.ie
Filling the gap left by the much-missed Witness festival, Oxegen is one of Ireland's only multi-stage festivals. Staged over three days at the Punchestown Racecourse in County Kildare, the 2008 line-up included the Kings of Leon, Editors, REM, Kaiser Chiefs, Stereophonics, Groove Armada, the Pogues and the Prodigy, among many others.
Electric Picnic
Where: Stradbally Estate, County Laois
When: last weekend in Aug/first weekend in Sept
Tel & website: tickets 0818 719 300/www.electricpicnic.ie
Billed as a boutique music and arts festival, the three-day Electric Picnic is in its sixth year. Old and new acts join the line-up in the music arena. Musical talent is joined by comedic talent for the International Comedy Club Stage and those looking for an holistic experience may embrace the Body & Soul Village. A performance art troupe, fire installation by David Best, poetry, political debate, a cooking stage and circus completed the rounded entertainment. For the first time, in 2008, a family ticket granted entrance to a specially designated family campsite. Music fans loved the 2008 music line-up - the Sex Pistols, Grace Jones, Franz Ferdinand, My Bloody Valentine, Goldfrapp and Underworld all took to the stage.
Liffey Swim
Where: Rory O'More Bridge to Custom House Quay
When: Sat late Aug/early Sept
Website: www.dublincity.ie
Attempted generally by the very brave or the extremely foolhardy, this annual swimming race begins at the Rory O'More Bridge (near the Guinness Brewery) and ends 1.5 miles (2km) downstream at the Custom House. It was first undertaken by a handful of cold water enthusiasts back in 1920, and these days it attracts about 400 swimmers of all ages. It is organised by the Irish Amateur Swimming Association.
Dublin Fringe Festival
Where: selected venues across town
When: Sept
Tel & website: 817 1677/www.fringefest.com
The Fringe is such an established event it hardly deserves the term 'fringe'. It's usually a mixed bag, but it has its moments. The festival is dedicated to providing a focus for new companies, though it also acts as a test bed where veteran companies can try out new material. The emphasis is on the unusual, and performances are innovative. The huge demand for venues during the event has sometimes forced companies to adapt quickly: previous performances have taken place in the city's public toilets and in parked cars.
Dublin Theatre Festival
Where: various venues
When: Sept-Oct
Tel & website: 677 8899/www.dublintheatrefestival.com
This has been a showcase for the best of Irish and world theatre since its foundation in 1957. It not only provides a stage for emerging local talent, but also attracts international productions. Most of the city's theatrical venues host festival events, and the
programme is usually varied; sometimes it follows a specific theme. Be sure to book in advance.
Spring
12 Points! Festival of Europe's New Jazz
Where: Project Arts Centre
When: March
Tel & website: 881 9613/www.project.ie/ www.improvisedmusic.ie/12points.php
Organised by the Improvised Music Company, the new 12 Points! European Jazz festival offers a sassy mix of jazz from all points of the European compass. As well as the many gigs at venues across town, including Vicar Street and the National Concert Hall, there are movies, workshops and exhibitions.
St Patrick's Day Parade & Festival
Where: various venues
When: 17 Mar
Tel & website: 676 3205/www.stpatricksfestival.ie
It's the world's best excuse for a drink or seven: the feast day of a Welshman who ran the snakes out of Ireland. Over the past few years, the day has been comprehensively glammed up. The parade still forms the core of the celebrations, with some of Europe's brightest street performers and some of the world's loudest pyrotechnics. There's also a five day festival of top-class entertainment including concerts, exhibitions, street theatre, deafening fireworks and general frivolity. Pubs and bars are packed to the rafters from morning to night.
Convergence Festival
Where: 15-19 Essex Street West, around Trinity College
When: early-mid April
Tel & website: 674 6396/www.sustainable.ie/convergence
This week-long event favours a simple, ethical approach to the business of urban living. Its programme features conferences, theatre, film screenings and exhibits, and themes that include slow food, sustainability, eco-design and plant medicine.
International Dance Festival Ireland
Where: 26 South Frederick Street, Southside
When: April-May
Tel & website: 679 0524/www.dublindancefestival.ie
This innovative and often provocative annual event brings the best international dance companies to perform in the Abbey and the Project. Despite a rocky start (when an audience member sued the festival for programming a show that featured nudity and urination), the festival has been a success.
Summer
Women's Mini-Marathon
When: early June
Tel & website: 293 0984/www.womensminimarathon.ie.
This annual run is the largest event of its kind in the world, attracting upwards of 30,000 participants (not all of them female). It's less a competition than an opportunity to raise money for charity, and the vast majority of people walk rather than run the 10km (six-mile) course.
Dublin Writers Festival
Where: various venues
When: June
Tel & website: 881 9613/www.dublinwritersfestival.com
Drawing together 50-odd writers and poets from all over the world, this increasingly high-profile literary event dishes up a banquet of readings, discussions and public debates. Programmes tend to be adventurous, with readings from heavyweights like Julian Barnes sitting comfortably beside an introduction to contemporary Arab writing. Try not to miss the Rattlebag poetry slam, where members of the public compete for a prize.
Bloomsday Festival
Where: James Joyce Centre
When: 16 June
Tel & website: 878 8547/www.jamesjoyce.ie
Held every year around 16 June, the date on which Ulysses is set, and taking its name from the novel's central character, the Bloomsday Festival commemorates Bloom's 'walking out' with a week-long celebration. Readings from Joyce, performances, excursions and meals help recreate the atmosphere of 1904 Dublin. Booking is strongly advised.
Docklands Maritime Festival
Where: Liffey Quays, Docklands
When: June bank holiday weekend
Tel & website: 818 3300/www.dublindocklands.ie/maritimefestival
A festival for sealovers and landlubbers. Maritime attractions include a flotilla of tall ships on the River Liffey while on land there's street theatre and a huge market for foodies.
Music in the Park
Where: various venues
When: June-Aug
Tel & website: 222 2242/www.dublincity.ie
The sun is shining, there's laid-back jazz or rousing opera in the background and all is right with the world. Dublin City Council's free open-air concerts and recitals in the city's parks have been a huge success. Bands can be heard Wednesdays and Friday lunchtimes at Wolfe Tone Park and Herbert Quay. Make your way to the Civic Offices Park on Wood Quay for Opera on Thursday lunchtimes in August.
Pride
Where: Outhouse, 105 Capel Street
When: June
Tel & website: 873 4932/www.dublinpride.org
Highlights of this week-long gay festival include a gay céilídh, drag contests, workshops, readings and theme nights in gay-friendly venues. The flamboyant centrepiece, however, is the Pride march itself, which troops from the Garden of Remembrance at the top of O'Connell Street to the grass-covered amphitheatre beside the Civic Offices at Wood Quay.
Dublin Circus Festival
Where: Temple Bar Cultural Information Centre, 12 East Essex Street
When: mid July
Tel & website: 888 3610/www.templebar.ie
Roll up for a mix of performance art and traditional circus skills; the first 2008 season saw some unusual events. Not-to-be-missed shows included ants and butterflies performing acrobatically on a trapeeze and leek dancing for the vegetable curious.
Temple Bar's Chocolate Festival
Where: Temple Bar Cultural Information Centre, 12 East Essex Street
When: July
Tel & website: 888 3610/www.templebar.ie
A festival in honour of the cocoa bean; somebody has seen sense. This new festival isn't all about licking slabs of the stuff though, it's a celebration of chocolate. Events include sensory exploration, choccie-related films, a chocolate carnival, a chocolate-themed literary event and a cocoa bean workshop. Start salivating now.
Jameson Movies on the Square
Where: Meeting House Square, around Temple Bar
When: July-Aug
Tel & website: 888 3610/www.templebar.ie
Life just got better. Saturday nights (plus an opening and a closing Friday session) will see big-screen movies shown in Meeting House Square. The 2008 billing included a comedy mix of the Commitments, Some Like it Hot, Life of Brian and Borat.
Oxegen
Where: Punchestown Racecourse, Naas, Co Kildare
When: mid July
Website: www.oxegen.ie/www.mcd.ie
Filling the gap left by the much-missed Witness festival, Oxegen is one of Ireland's only multi-stage festivals. Staged over three days at the Punchestown Racecourse in County Kildare, the 2008 line-up included the Kings of Leon, Editors, REM, Kaiser Chiefs, Stereophonics, Groove Armada, the Pogues and the Prodigy, among many others.
Dublin Horse Show
Where: Royal Dublin Society, Anglesea Road, Ballsbridge, Southern suburbs
When: early Aug
Tel & website: 668 0866/www.rds.ie/horses
Offering some of the richest prizes in the world, this five-day showjumping event attracts high-profile visitors and competitors. The famous Nations' Cup, where international teams compete for the prestigious Aga Khan Trophy, is traditionally held on a Friday; Thursday is Ladies' Day.
Festival of World Cultures
Where: venues across the city
When: 28-30 Aug 2009; 27-29 Aug 2010
Tel & website: 271 9555/www.festivalofworldcultures.com
This annual arts and music festival is as international in scope as its name suggests (more than 50 countries take part). It may have a worthy aim (namely, promoting respect, understanding and awareness between different cultures) but it's also a really good laugh.
Electric Picnic
Where: Stradbally Estate, County Laois
When: last weekend in Aug/first weekend in Sept
Tel & website: tickets 0818 719 300/www.electricpicnic.ie
Billed as a boutique music and arts festival, the three-day Electric Picnic is in its sixth year. Old and new acts join the line-up in the music arena. Musical talent is joined by comedic talent for the International Comedy Club Stage and those looking for an holistic experience may embrace the Body & Soul Village. A performance art troupe, fire installation by David Best, poetry, political debate, a cooking stage and circus completed the rounded entertainment. For the first time, in 2008, a family ticket granted entrance to a specially designated family campsite. Music fans loved the 2008 music line-up - the Sex Pistols, Grace Jones, Franz Ferdinand, My Bloody Valentine, Goldfrapp and Underworld all took to the stage.
Liffey Swim
Where: Rory O'More Bridge to Custom House Quay
When: Sat late Aug/early Sept
Website: www.dublincity.ie
Attempted generally by the very brave or the extremely foolhardy, this annual swimming race begins at the Rory O'More Bridge (near the Guinness Brewery) and ends 1.5 miles (2km) downstream at the Custom House. It was first undertaken by a handful of cold water enthusiasts back in 1920, and these days it attracts about 400 swimmers of all ages. It is organised by the Irish Amateur Swimming Association.
Autumn
All-Ireland Hurling & Football Finals
Where: Croke Park, Jones Road, Drumcondra, Northern suburbs
When: Hurling 2nd Sun in Sept; Gaelic football 4th Sun in Sept
Tel & website: 836 3222/www.gaa.ie
The north side of the city traditionally grinds to a halt on the second and fourth Sundays in September, as fans of Gaelic football and hurling travel from all over the country to Croke Park for their respective finals.
Dublin Fringe Festival
Where: selected venues across town
When: Sept
Tel & website: 817 1677/www.fringefest.com
The Fringe is such an established event it hardly deserves the term 'fringe'. It's usually a mixed bag, but it has its moments. The festival is dedicated to providing a focus for new companies, though it also acts as a test bed where veteran companies can try out new material. The emphasis is on the unusual, and performances are innovative. The huge demand for venues during the event has sometimes forced companies to adapt quickly: previous performances have taken place in the city's public toilets and in parked cars.
Dublin Theatre Festival
Where: various venues
When: Sept-Oct
Tel & website: 677 8899/www.dublintheatrefestival.com
This has been a showcase for the best of Irish and world theatre since its foundation in 1957. It not only provides a stage for emerging local talent, but also attracts international productions. Most of the city's theatrical venues host festival events, and the
programme is usually varied; sometimes it follows a specific theme. Be sure to book in advance.
Adidas Dublin City Marathon
When: last Mon in October
Tel & website: 623 2250/www.dublincitymarathon.ie
Ever since it first ran in 1980, the Dublin City Marathon has been hugely successful, attracting thousands of runners. The 26-mile (42km) course starts and finishes at the top of O'Connell Street and traces a route through Dublin's streets and suburbs. It starts at 9am, and you can cheer on the finishers a couple of hours later. Competitors should submit their entry form at least three weeks before the race.
Samhain Festival (Hallowe'en)
Where: Dublin Tourism, Suffolk Street, around Trinity College
When: 31 Oct
Website: www.visitdublin.com
Hallowe'en in Dublin is based on the traditional pagan festival of Samhain (pronounced: 'sow in'), a celebration of the dead that signalled the end of the Celtic summer. Dublin's Samhain Festival is one of Ireland's largest night-time events, attracting up to 20,000 people as the Hallowe'en Parade winds its way through the city from Parnell Square to Temple Bar and Wood Quay. The fireworks display afterwards is worth staying up for.
Winter
Christmas Eve Vigil
Where: St Mary's Pro-Cathedral, Marlborough Street, Northside
When: 24 Dec
Tel: 874 5441
The majority of Christmas events here still focus on the religious festival itself. A Christmas vigil is held in St Mary's Pro-Cathedral by the Archbishop of Dublin, with the beautiful sounds of the Palestrina Choir at 9.30pm. Mass follows at 10pm.
Christmas Day & St Stephen's Day
When: 25, 26 Dec
On Christmas Day, shops, pubs, restaurants and public transport all close down. On St Stephen's Day (known as Boxing Day in the UK, and in the US as 'the day after Christmas') most pubs reopen; there's little public transport; and the day ends with a big party. St Stephen's Day also sees the start of the Christmas Racing Festival at Leopardstown Racecourse.
Jameson Dublin International Film Festival
Where: (information) 50 Upper Mount Street, around St Stephen's Green
When: Feb
Tel & website: 635 0290/www.dubliniff.com
Rising from the ashes of the much-maligned Dublin International Film Festival, this new event seems to be succeeding where the other failed. It celebrates the best of Irish and world cinema in screenings across the city, backed up by events that let fans meet Irish screenwriters, directors and actors.
Six Nations Rugby
Where: Croke Park
When: 7, 28 Feb
Tel & website: 669 0950/www.rbs6nations.com/www.crokepark.ie; tickets www.irishrugby.ie
This rugby competition between England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy is one of the biggest events in the Irish sporting calendar. Home games are played at Croke Park, and the atmosphere of a big match affects the whole of the city. Even when Ireland are not playing at home, match days are so partytastic that fans have been known to travel to Dublin solely to watch the game in a Dub pub. Accommodation is almost impossible to find at this time.
Public holidays
New Year's Day 1 January
St Patrick's Day 17 March
Good Friday
Easter Monday
First Mondays in May, June and August
The Monday closest to Hallowe'en (31 October)
Christmas Day 25 December
St Stephen's Day 26 December
29 December
Our listings
While every effort and care has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this guide, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors it may contain. Before you go out of your way, we strongly advise you to phone ahead and check the particulars.
Comments
Title of event: Draw a Lego art exhibition in Dublin
Draw a Lego art exhibition is an art exhibition dedicated to Lego featuring art from emerging artists around Dublin and Ireland.
The exhibition will run from 22 to 30 June 2012 at Exchange Dublingallery in Temple Bar, Dublin 2.
Opening day is 22 June 2012 at 6 pm
Exchange Dublin, exchange street upper, Temple bar, Dublin 2.
For more info about the exhibition www.facebook.com/aureliem83
Another event not to be missed!
"Share and Save the World," series of talks for 2012
Ahead of humanity lies the great choice whether we share and learn to live peacefully as true men or perish utterly. Luckily, we will receive help and can be sure to make the right choice.
30 May 25 Jul 26 Sep 28 Nov 2012.
In Central Hotel, 1 Exchequer St., Dublin.
On Wednesdays 20:00, admission free.
Start Christmas on the right note and join us on Sat 3rd and Sun 4th December from 12 noon to 6pm in the Courtyard of Belvedere College for a spectacular Christmas Market.
You’ll find presents for all the family whilst soaking up the Christmas atmosphere, mulled wine & hot chocolate!
While here, you could also catch a performance of The Nutcracker Suite at the O’Reilly Theatre. Performances at 3pm and 8pm.
All proceeds from the market will be donated to the Social Integration Scheme of the college to support the Belvedere Scholarship Fund.
Musical Youth Foundation children’s charity presents…
US Singing Sensation Mirenda Rosenberg &
The Rare Groove Funk Orchestra
@ The Grand Social
Date: Saturday November 26th 2011
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm sharp
Tickets just €10. from www.entertainment.ie/myf
Following her fantastic sold-out performance at our inaugural “No Tent Required” Weekender last September US singing sensation and renowned live performer Mirenda Rosenberg returns by popular demand to The Loft @ The Grand Social with The Rare Groove Funk Orchestra on Saturday November 26th in support of the Musical Youth Foundation children’s charity.
Tickets are available for just €10 from entertainment.ie/myf and all proceeds from the show go to support the Foundations “guitars for kids” programmes which is introducing inner-city children to the joys and benefits of a musical education.
Truly one of the greatest, most powerful voices of our time Mirenda is famous for her action-packed live performances. Her charismatic stage show has thrilled audiences across the globe while her now expected departure from the stage to sing and dance among the audience always sends the crowd wild with enjoyment.
Witness the charismatic Mirenda Rosenberg (USA) & The Rare Groove Funk Orchestra live and in-person and you’ll be left with a memory to last a lifetime and at a price that won’t break the proverbial bank.
Born in Springfield, Illinois, Mirenda grew up outside Washington DC. Raised the daughter of an ordained minister, Mirenda’s musical influences were initially restricted to Christian and classical music. The discovery of ‘the devils music’ on her older brother’s radio opened up a whole new musical soundscape and introduced her to the likes of Billie Holliday, Bessie Smith, James Brown, Al Green, Aretha Franklin and many more jazz, blues, soul and funk favourites – formative influences who remained constant companions on her musical journey.
Expect to see her up close and personal in the intimate surroundings of Dublin’s hottest live music venue, The Grand Social as she celebrates the music as only she can.
Sunlight and Shadow - 12 November 2011
The Contemporary Music Centre, RTE Performing Groups, and Dublin Institute of Technology Conservatory of Music and Drama present Sunlight and Shadow - A celebration of the music of Frederick May.
With contributions from leading Irish voices on Frederick May, his work, life and influence on the development of Irish music, the afternoon marks the centenary year of the composer’s birth and features an opening address from multi award winning author Colm Tóibín, workshop performances from the RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet, with guest soloists Peter Kerr, tenor, Fergal Caulfield, piano and Colette McGahon, alto, alongside an overview of his work from Dr Mark Fitzgerald, lecturer at DIT.
Admission Free
2:30pm-5:30pm
12 November 2011
McCann Hall
DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama
Chatham Row, Dublin 2
Reverend JM's Afterlife
For this year's Hallowe'en bank holiday weekend we have a 45 minute show of ruminations and songs of Life and Death, Love and Hate, Murder and Forgiveness, and Sin and Redemption. Sermonizing, soliliquizing, speechifying and musicality all feature in this once in a lifetime experience!
Showtimes: 4:00pm and 8:00pm
Location: Ranelagh Arts Centre, 26 Ranelagh Main Street, Dublin 6
Tickets are €5 and are available in advance from Ranelagh Arts Centre and at the door prior to showtimes.
For more informatin please see: www.reverendjm.com or www.ranelagharts.org
30 men, 30 women, 3 Dublin city centre restaurants, 1 mingling night with a difference! - Wednesday August 24th - Dublin
http://singlelista.ie/2011/07/29/supper-safari/
A Singlelista Supper Safari is full of energy and charisma where you will:
REVISE your orienteering skills,
UNLEASH your tastebuds,
MULTIPLY your friends list
and head out onto the streets of Dublin.
As a Singlelista Explorer you will be visiting three secret locations throughout the night all located in the same zone.
60 people (30 men and 30 women) can participate in the Safari, as they will be spilt up into six groups of ten, with each group rotating with each new restaurant for their starter, mains and dessert. The night culminates in one location, where things will be spiced up a little.
Date: Wednesday 24th August
Time: 6.45pm
Location: Dublin City Centre – Dublin 2 Location
Starting Location will be emailed to you the day BEFORE the event.
Average age: 26 – 45
Cost: €55
Email info@singlelista.ie for more info.
Limited Places
Book now.
BIKE WEEK 2011 – CLOSING EVENT
“PEDAL IN THE PARK”
SUNDAY JUNE 26th – THE PAPAL CROSS – PHOENIX PARK, DUBLIN
12PM – 6PM
National Bike Week 2011 reaches its climax on Sunday next June 26th with Pedal in the Park, in Dublin’s Phoenix Park.
Now in its third year, Pedal in the Park is a fun, family friendly celebration of all things bicycle, and will take place between Noon and Six pm at the Papal Cross Car Park in the Phoenix Park.
Come along for the Bike Village where everything you ever dreamed of about cycling will be on display, Live Music, BMX Stunt Displays, Bike Rodeo, Bike Tours of the Phoenix Park, the Seven Man Fun Bike, The Gold Sprints Static Cycle Races, The Kid Zone, Face Painting, Balloon Modelling and much much more.
At 3PM a Parade of Colours will pedal off for a 6km non-competitive bike cruise around the Park in a completely car free environment. All 32 counties will be represented. All are welcome to participate and wear their county colours
AND as a special treat anyone who comes to Pedal in the Park and gets the special bike hand stamp which will get half price on a single ticket to Dublin Zoo on Sunday June 26th.
www.bikeweek.ie
Waxing Lyrical
The National Wax Museum Plus in association with Alive-O Productions present Waxing Lyrical – a rib-tickling alternative evening comedy tour of the wax museum.
What happens when you have two rival 'Tour Guides' but only one job? The heat is on, and in a wax museum, that could spell trouble! We join these hilarious 'guides' as they endeavour to take us, the audience, on a side-splitting alternative tour of the museum. We'll indulge in their unique take on history, as they relish in spinning colourful yarns about the waxen characters we encounter. In the show, we will get to experience two tours, followed by an exciting plot twist finale, brought to a head by our loveable rule breaking guides.
The pool of wacky tour guides include Mrs Nellie Murphy - saucy poetry granny, Brendan Lovawax - nerd with a wax obsession, Wally Waxer - the know-it-all grifter, and Daisy Dummymummy - smart and sweet... on the outside perhaps! Each tour guide combination yields a very different, yet equally top notch show. Come back again and catch a different one!
Waxing Lyrical features some of Ireland top comedic actors as the guides, including Órla Mc Govern, Keith Singleton, Dermot Byrne and Sonya Kelly. What crazy characters will you meet as your tour guides?
This is an over 16s event, due to the 'colourful' nature of the guides.
The show will take place every Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm throughout the summer. Tickets are €20 and are available from www.entertainment.ie/wax.
Trinity College Dublin Shakespeare Festival 2011
The Trinity College Dublin Shakespeare Festival 2011 (1st-11th June) looks set to be one of the largest theatre events of the Irish calendar, with approximately 400 performers both professional and amateur set to feature in over 50 outdoor performances of Shakespeare’s work, and an anticipated 25,000 expected to attend them during the 11 days of the Festival. We are also delighted to be welcoming back the GB Theatre Company ("Britain’s largest and best-loved open air Shakespeare Company” -The BBC) for their eagerly anticipated performances of Romeo and Juliet and Twelfth Night which will headline the festival in a specially constructed outdoor theatre in the Front Square of Trinity College.
http://www.dublinshakespeare.com/
17th May-21st May 2011. Irvine Welsh's Ecstasy.
Adapted by Kevin Wyatt.
'Ecstasy' by Irvine Welsh, is set in Edinburgh against the backdrop of the early 90's rave scene. Our members and our audience will be familiar with Welsh's other works, in particular 'Trainspotting' which achieved great success and depicted heroin addiction. The subject matter of the play, the language used and many of the scenes presented new challenges for our entire team and provided an excellent opportunity for those on a...nd off stage to develop their skills.
For me, I've always had a soft spot for the music and ethos of the rave culture. The high energy, anthemic music was pretty much all I listened to at the time. The friendly vibes and dancing contrasted with the dark and introspection of the grunge sceneof the time. However there was a dark subculture within that scene. Making it both an uplifting and tragic cultural background for the story ".
Director Dave McGowan
The play runs from the 17th to the 21st of May.
Doors open at 7.30 and the play begins at 8 sharp!
Tickets are only available online at nodrama.eventbrite.com
30 April 2011 Gig - "The Songs and Dance of Revolution" featuring
Joyce and the Sonic Gypsies
and
Kate's Party
EUR 10.00 | Students and Unemployed EUR 5.00
Door open at 7pm!
Bookings, Tickets and PR Memet Uludag 087-7919307 uludag.memet@gmail.com
Joyce and the Sonic Gypsies
www.myspace.com/joyceandthesonicgypsies
Formed by Dublin singer/songwriter Mick Joyce in 2008, the Sonic Gypsies are a collective of musicians which give voice to his work in a vibrant live setting.
The current Gypsy line up incorporates an eight piece band of musicians performing arrangements of Mick's latest CD release “The Bosphorus”; a collection of tunes that blends together the musical influences of east and west. The live performances feature an eclectic mix of Latin American, African, Middle Eastern and Western percussion. All of these rhythms are interspersed with the sound of guitar, piano, and voice- with a generous sprinkling of violin, flute, and even saxophone thrown in!
So why not come along to the next gig? Just bring your dancing shoes or your dancing ears- either pair will do! Joyce and The Sonic Gypsies promise to put a smile on your face, some heat in your feet, and they guarantee you'll be movin' to the groove and the beat!!
Music has no boundaries. Music breaks down boundaries. We are all flesh and blood.
Kate's Party
www.facebook.com/katespartyband
www.myspace.com/katesparty
KATE'S PARTY are a female acoustic duo from Cavan/Dublin. Niamh Hanley and Sarah Corcoran had been friends for years before they eventually decided to bring their love of pop punk music into an acoustic setting and start the band. Think Tegan and Sara meets Blink-182, with a splash of influence from much heavier bands and catchy acoustic guitar riffs that will leave you with a tune in your head for weeks. Having started playing together in Summer 2010, KATE'S PARTY have played gigs in Cavan, Wicklow, Scotland and all over Dublin, including a support slot with US band I CALL FIVES. They released a demo in late 2010 which is available for download from their Facebook page.
Christ Church Cathedral is holding a Christmas Market in the medieval crypt on the 4, 11 and 18 of December 2010 from 10am to 5pm. Entry to this unique market is free. More information is available from www.cccdub.ie
The Point Village Market, Dublin's newest outdoor weekend market, offers a great selection of food, craft and retail stalls, with free live gigs every weekend, easily accessible via the Luas green line with a 900 capacity underground car park plus Dublin's latest landmark The Wheel Of Dublin, the four star Gibson Hotel and Harry's Bar makes the Point Village Market a great weekend destination and best of all it's free!
Every Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6pm
visit www.pointvillagemarket.ie for more details
The CRC Comedy Night, at the Olympia on Thursday 7th October, is one of Ireland’s longest-running comedy events. Raising much-needed funds for people with physical disabilities across Ireland, this year’s line up includes Neil Delamere, David O’Doherty, and Dead Cat Bounce to name but a few. Tickets are €28 from www.ticketmaster.ie or 0818 719330. The CRC are also hosting a VIP after-show party with the comedians in the Irish Film Institute - for details contact CRC directly on 1800 612612.
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