By Grace McGettigan
12th Jul 2019
12th Jul 2019
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Whether you fancy a family day out, a romantic date night or something a bit different, here’s a snapshot of the events taking place in Dublin this weekend
Dogs Trust – Doggy Detectives
Where: Dogs Trust re-homing centre, Finglas
When: Saturday, July 13 at 12 pm
Prices: Between €5 – €18
This educational event is held in the Dogs Trust re-homing centre in Finglas, and is a fun-filled afternoon of Responsible Dog Ownership activities, with a unique detective twist.
The activities include a behind-the-scenes tour/scavenger hunt, where recruits will see all the action and learn how Dogs Trust runs, while also collecting clues to discover everything that a dog needs to be happy and healthy.
Then it’s back to the forensics lab, where the team of Sherlock Bones will undertake experiments to determine how powerful a dog’s senses are (Hint: a lot better than ours). Throw in a short film (popcorn provided) and the opportunity to design a dog toy, this promises to be a fun day out.
The event is pitched for children aged 7-13 and their families, but unfortunately, it is a human-only event. The premises are full of dogs already and there’s just no room for any more.
The Snapper
Where: The Gate Theatre
When: June 12 – August 3
Prices: €15 – €42
An unexpected pregnancy, an unknown father. The relationships that matter, and the secrets that don’t!
Roddy Doyle’s The Snapper offers a wickedly funny account of the ups and downs of family life and pregnancy in Northside Dublin during the late 1980s. It is salty and sweet, and the Gate Theatre sits right next door to The Rotunda Hospital where Sharon’s baby, The Snapper, is born…
The Snapper is recommended for audiences aged 12+, as the play contains adult themes and strong language.
Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta
Where: Dún Laoghaire Harbour
When: Thursday, July 11 – Sunday, July 14
Price: Free
The Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta delivering quality racing along with a wonderful festive atmosphere across the Dún Laoghaire waterfront. Welcoming back many old friends from previous regattas, as well as plenty of newcomers, Dún Laoghaire will be the centre of great racing and a lively social scene, with entertainment for all ashore.
The sea will host over 500 bobbing boats; cruisers, keelboats and dinghies from all over the UK and Ireland. For those who prefer to stay on land, this Regatta offers a fun crowd, beautiful views, great food and family events all along the water.
See here for the full regatta itinerary.
Dublin Wizard Con
Where: RDS, Dublin
When: Saturday July 13 – Sunday July 14
Prices: From €22.73
Back by popular demand for its second year running, this Harry Potter-themed event promises a weekend of magical fun. Dublin Wizard Con is organised by a group of Harry Potter fans on a quest to unite and befriend as many like-minded wizards as possible under one roof.
?
“As before, we aim to bring a really professional and fun event… celebrating the amazing world JK Rowling created with her sublime vision. This fantastical world is one we have all come to love. This event is about interactive activities, making friends and raising a butterbeer to what we all love so much,” organisers say.
“We believe this fandom’s greatest strengths lie in its creativity, friendliness and participatory nature. Almost all of our programming is designed to be focused around our guests, making you active contributors to the convention”.
The ticket price includes access to over 14 activities and attractions.
Laya Healthcare City Spectacular
Where: Merrion Square, Dublin 2
When: Friday July 12 – Sunday July 14
Price: Free
This summer’s festival integrates the old and the new, with festival favourites that everyone knows and loves, and a new mix of exciting programming to elevate Laya Healthcare’s City Spectacular to a whole new level.
Over 250,000 festival-goers are expected at Laya Healthcare’s City Spectacular. Entry is 100% free and no tickets are required. Just turn up with all your friends and family and enjoy the Spectacular fun.
There will be more than 150 street performances including jaw-dropping international talent; a feel-good family health and wellness area; a live music stage with bop-worthy bands; an even bigger Just Eat Street food market with delicious global cuisines from barbecue to bratwurst to burritos.
What’s more, there will be a football skills arena and football freestylers; an imaginative play universe for kids and hands-on lego model building; children’s storytelling and creative writing; vintage funfair rides and a plethora of free spectacular programming for all ages.
The Unmanageable Sisters
Where: The Abbey Theatre, Dublin 1
When: June 14 – August 3
Price: From €13
Following a smash-hit run in 2018, The Unmanageable Sisters returns in summer 2019.
Green Shield stamps, a million of them, and Ger Lawless has won them all.
It’s Ballymun in 1974 and happiness is at her fingertips. But when 15 friends and family gather to help her claim her winnings, all bets are off.
During one fateful night, these determined women bring you into their lives in the ferociously funny The Unmanageable Sisters; Deirdre Kinahan’s new version of Michel Tremblay’s fêted Quebecois comedy, Les Belles-Soeurs.
Feature image: The Unmanageable Sisters at the Abbey Theatre
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