It’s miserable outside: boost your mood with this week’s What’s On

While we’re smack-dab in the middle of January (and the weather outside is suitably blue too), not everything is doom and gloom. Dublin has some great events on this weekend, showcasing some very important people too. Happy weekend from IMAGE!

Friday: Laugh, cry and be enthralled at Dublin Story Time at the Clockwork Door

We Irish are well known for our stories, yet storytelling in its simplest form is an art that’s almost forgotten on the Dublin events scene. Dublin Story Time aims to change that, hosting their very own open mic night for people to get up and tell a tale.

It can be about the funniest thing you’ve ever done, the first time you met the love of your life; basically, anything that will entertain and hold an audience’s attention. Entry is €7, including unlimited tea and snacks for the evening, and if you’re called to do your story, you have eight minutes to wow the judges. Looks like a great way to spend an evening.

Saturday: Plan the feminist future at FemFest at Liberty Hall

The National Women’s Council have put together yet another unreal space for young women with FemFest, a major conference for women aged 18-25 to discuss leadership, gender equality and activism in modern Ireland.

Very fittingly taking place on the anniversary of the first Dáil, the major theme of this year’s FemFest centres around the representation of women in public life. It will feature brilliant speakers such as Vicky Phelan, Ellie Kisyombe and Eileen Flynn, among others. Free entry and open to women between 18-25 only.

All weekend: Take in some history with the 100 Year Anniversary of the First Dáil Éireann at the Mansion House

Spend your weekend delving into Irish history by heading down to the Mansion House on Dawson Street, to spend time in the surroundings of the very first sitting of Dáil Éireann 100 years ago.

On January 21, 1919, Sinn Féin MP’s gathered to form their own Irish assembly in protest to the UK parliament elections. They held their first meeting in the Round Room of the Mansion House, conducted entirely as Gaeilge. In celebration, the Mansion House will be open to the public from 10 am each day this weekend, with the Lord Mayor’s coach on view in the forecourt on Saturday until 4 pm.