Fashion, culture and flying machines: Your What’s On for this week

As we come into the long-awaited summer, this week’s What’s On is all about soaking up some culture. Between museum visits and literature festivals, culture dates and shopping spots, start your summer off right with a renewed sense of what an Irish summer is all about. Happy Weekend from IMAGE!

This weekend: Learn about iconic Irish fashion designer Sybil Connolly at the Hunt Museum

Often dubbed ‘Dublin’s Dior’, Sybil Connolly was one of the first Irish fashion designers to enjoy international success, working with stores like Tiffany & Co. and Bloomingdales and showcasing in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Connolly was a trailblazer for Irish women in the 1950s and famously loved to rock the boat when it came to design, as she moved towards interior and garden design later in life. If you’re a fan of buying Irish and love fashion history (don’t we all), head to the Hunt Museum in Limerick before the 31st to catch the exhibition. If you can’t make it, the Hunt has created an amazing online exhibition on their website to enjoy at home.

On Saturday: Go on a Culture Date with Dublin 8

Now in its second year, the Culture Date with Dublin 8 initiative is aimed at getting people involved with one of the coolest areas in the city. Dublin 8 is packed with historical and cultural landmarks and Saturday and Sunday’s culture date will take you to them all, hosted by local experts. Oh, and did we mention the best part? The initiative has teamed up with all the landmarks to offer the tours completely free of charge. First on our list – Kilmainham Gaol.

On Sunday: Grow some wings at Red Bull’s Flugtag

This is a fun one. 45 teams of aspiring aviators will launch their handcrafted flying machines off Dún Laoghaire harbour in front of 40,000 people this Sunday, before a panel of celebrity judges. Red Bull can always be counted on for crazy and hilarious entertainment, and the Flugtag is one of their most popular events. Be warned though: Dún Laoghaire will be packed on Sunday, so make sure to plan your transport and get down there early for a slice of the craic.

On Sunday: Bag some bargains at the Tola Vintage Kilo Sale

Lazy Sundays are made for thrifting, and the latest event from one of Dublin’s leading vintage shops Tola Vintage makes it all the more easy to find that perfect piece. The kilo sale premise is simple; peruse the racks upon racks of vintage clothing to find the items you love, weigh your haul at the till and pay €20 per kilo of clothes. A kilo could get you a pair of Levis and two knit jumpers, or a sundress, some printed shirts and a shell jacket; perfect for the upcoming festival season. All for just €1 entry at the Radisson Blu on Sunday morning.

On Monday: Listen to some storytellers with Amy Bloom & Roddy Doyle at the International Literature Festival

Dublin’s International Literature Festival kicks off this weekend, with some must-see events taking place throughout the festival. But if you’re a true Dublin lover, you’re not going to want to miss this one. New York Times best-selling author Amy Bloom will sit down with the legend that is Roddy Doyle to discuss their own and each others works as a celebration of Irish literature. Chaired by journalist Edel Coffey, tickets are just €12.

On Tuesday: Buy Irish at the Rae Feather Pop-Up

The coolest Irish brand for your summer escapades, Rae Feather is holding a pop-up shop in Helen Turkington boutique in Ranelagh until the 23rd (excluding Sunday), so you still have a couple of days to get down and check out her wares. Think espadrilles, bright colours and plenty to keep you stylish on the beach.

Featured Image: Sybil Connolly at work in Dublin. Photo: Terry Fincher / Express / Getty Images