Weekend Guide: 12 of the best events happening around Ireland
Festivals aren’t just confined to the summer months, and this weekend there are festivals of beer, food, poetry, podcasts and theatre taking place all over Ireland. Here are our top event picks…
Rocio Dominguez’s MANY MEs
13 September, Black Box Theatre, Galway, more info here
MANY MEs explores Rocio’s experiences of transit, loss and rebirth. Rocio delves into an unending quest for the completion of a rite of passage, where echoes of a sister’s death, the lingering wounds of a violent love relationship, and the ache of a distant home intertwine. Rocío immerses herself in the liminal space of mourning and uprooting, navigating a realm suspended in time.
Dublin Beer Festival
13-15 September, The RDS, Dublin, more info here
Since it first began in 2011, the Dublin Beer Festival has grown a hell of a lot, and is now bringing together 30 Irish and 10 international craft beer breweries for a weekend of cocktails, kombucha, games, unreal food and top notch tunes. Oh, and loads and loads of beer. Your ticket includes a souvenir cup, the opportunity to try hundreds of new beers never served in Ireland before.
Fingal Poetry Festival
13-15 September, Skerries, more info here
Returning for its fifth outing, Fingal Poetry Festival returns with a range of great events including Poetry Walks, ISL readings, workshops, slam poetry sessions, music, dancing, and more. Well regarded as one of Ireland’s friendliest festivals, this is one the whole family will knock some enjoyment out of.
The Dublin City Flea Market
14 September, Grand Social, Dublin, more info here
Alternative Dublin’s Flea Market boasts a fantastic lineup of activities and attractions for everyone, with everything from vintage fashion and tarot readings to tooth gems, music, and arts and crafts. Expect oddities and interactive experiences, great music, and a prize wheel where you can win big.
Eat the Streets Festival
14 September, Richmond’s Barracks, Dublin, more info here
Bringing together families, farmers, urban growers and chefs to grow, cook, create and discover, Eat the Streets Festival is planting seeds and growing roots for a tastier tomorrow. A free event with delicious cook-alongs, workshops for growing, creating and discovering, and after lunch chats with inspiring innovators, this is one for those interested in sustainable food practices.
Live Forever – Tribute to Oasis
14 September, Róisín Dubh, Galway, more info here
If you didn’t manage to nab yourself Oasis tickets (did anyone?!), the next best thing is coming to the Róisín Dubh this weekend: Live Forever. The most-followed tribute band on social media in the world, they came together to perform the crowd rousing hits on their local pub scene and now, a decade later, they’re selling out venues and festivals here, there and yonder.
Drop In Tote Bag Painting
14 September, This Must Be The Place, Dublin, more info here
If you’re looking for a fun, alcohol-free activity for the weekend, This Must Be The Place is hosting a tote bag painting workshop with unlimited tea, coffee and biscuits for one and all! This beginner-friendly event will help you get the creative juices flowing, and you’ll leave with a brand new wearable piece of art, made by you.
Unison Festival
14&15 September, Balbriggan and Blanchardstown, more info here
A free festival of sweet sounds, Unison Festival is a vibrant celebration of music, culture and community taking place in Balbriggan on Saturday and Blanchardstown on Sunday. You can expect incredible live music acts, delicious food stalls, crafts and activities. The lineup includes Snuffy, Yankari, and Afro Star.
Cork Podcast Festival
Until 15 September, various locations in Cork city, more info here
Celebrating the best and most captivating podcasts in Ireland, Cork Podcast Festival brings together a diverse lineup of thought-provoking shows, engaging discussions, comedy gold and intimate live recordings. Live podcasts taking place throughout the closing weekend include The Creep Dive, Growing Up with Keelin Moncrieff, and The Blindboy Podcast.
Cashel Arts Festival
Until 15 September, Cashel, Tipperary, more info here
With a mix of music, dance, visual arts, film, theatre, workshops, family events and literature events taking place from 12-15 September, Cashel will come alive for its annual arts festival. Highlights include performances from Garron Noone, Lisa Hannigan, and Castle String Quartet.
Dublin Fringe Festival
Until 22 September, various locations in Dublin city, more info here
From form-busting theatre productions, electric dance performance, immersive installations to epic party nights out, every event is curated to ignite your mind and leave an indelible mark on your soul. Stand out events include a cabaret show from SexyTadhg on Friday, new comedy routines from Shane Daniel Byrne on Friday and Saturday, and a euphoric, working-class celebration of the power of live music, teenage angst, sibling rivalry and love, Anthem for Dissatisfaction.
Dancing At Lughnasa
Until 21 September, Gate Theatre, Dublin, more info here
In the warmth of the Donegal harvest of 1936, the five Mundy sisters, Kate, Maggie, Rose, Agnes and Chris, love, survive, fight, and dance. This unforgettable summer brings the possibility of joy and love to these extraordinary, ordinary women. Brian Friel’s moving and heartwarming masterpiece about family, home and belonging is back at the Gate stage for the first time in over 20 years for just one more week, so now’s your chance to see it in person.
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