http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Franco_Irish_Literary_FestivalDates TBC Now a significant date in Dublin's annual literary calendar, The Franco-Irish Literary Festival, held in Dublin, is preparing for its 15th edition continuing the tradition that led to Dublin's nomination as a UNESCO City of Literature.  The Festival is organised by the Alliance Française Dublin and the Cultural and Scientific Service of the French Embassy. Our intention is to invite Irish and French writers.  We feel sure that it will be a great success and hope for significant participation from our English-speaking audience.  For that reason simultaneous interpretation will be provided. All events open to the public - Admission Free. More Details to be announced http://www.visitdublin.com/event/In_Handels_Day_2014To celebrate George Frideric Handel and his connections to Dublin, Temple Bar Cultural Trust will host a daylong celebration to include the famous Messiah on the Street performance as well as additional free activities featuring music and history from 18th century Dublin that will appeal to all ages. On 13 April 1742, Handel's Messiah, one of the most famous musical pieces in the world, premiered on Fishamble Street in Temple Bar and each year the streets and surrounding areas are filled with the sounds from Our Lady's Choral Society as they sing excerpts from Handel's Messiah. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_One_City_One_BookDublin One City One Book is a project designed to encourage everyone in the city to read the same book during the month of April. 2013 featured Strumpet City by James Plunkett. Partners across the city are organising imaginative, fun, informative events. See also: www.dublinonecityonebook.ie Furthur Details to be announced. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Chinese_New_Year_Festival_DublinDates TBC 2014 celebrates the Year of the Horse. Established in 2008 the Dublin Chinese New Year Festival (DCNYF) showcases the best of Sino Irish Culture in Ireland and 2014 marks the seventh year of this internationally recognised festival. As Dublin continues to build on its twinning with Beijing, the festival is delighted to deliver our high profile cultural programme including many diverse and exciting events. DCNYF would like to thank everyone involved for assisting in all ways to make the Festival such a success and we would like to wish you the very best for a prosperous and healthy year ahead. Keep an eye on our website as we will have further events and links we will be supporting throughout the year. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/NYE_DublinCelebrate New Year’s Eve 2013 in Dublin with the street party to beat them all - NYE Dublin Festival. The city centre will be buzzing as we bring the music straight to you with a host of world class acts taking to the College Green stage for the Countdown Concert. The main event of the NYE Dublin Festival is the New Year's Eve Countdown Concert at College Green, the only ticketed event of the festival.  In addition, there are a series of free events over the course of the two day festival including: fireworks display in St. Stephen's Green; Procession of Light through Dublin's streets broad and narrow; 5 festival zones located around Dublin City Centre and the Big Brunch which takes place in Meeting House Square on New Year's Day. So, whether you are young or old, native Dubliner or visitor, performer or spectator, NYE Dublin has something exciting for you. We can't wait to party with you in Dublin and celebrate the arrival of 2014. More information to come..... http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Open_House_DublinOpen House Dublin is the biggest celebration of architecture in Ireland presented by the Irish Architecture Foundation. Open House Dublin 2013 will take place from 4 to 6 October 2013. Over one weekend, almost 100 buildings of all types and periods will open up their doors to allow citizens and visitors to explore the architecture of their city, with special tours by hundreds of professionals and enthusiasts, along with other associated events, completely for free.    As the city is constantly evolving, Open House Dublin allows you to get close to buildings and urban spaces and offer a new perspective. The festival showcases the wealth and breadth of Irish architecture, from the splendour of Georgian Dublin to the breathtaking contemporary spaces and places. The event showcases the most iconic buildings in the city as well as the smallest, most beautiful interventions.   The Irish Architecture Foundation, who delivered its first Open House Dublin in 2006, has firmly established the project as Ireland’s largest architectural event with an estimated 30,600 building visits in 2012. Established in 2005, the Irish Architecture Foundation’s role is to be a vibrant and passionate organisation that excites its audiences about the value of architecture.  Open House Dublin is part of Open House Worldwide, a network of currently 19 cities on 3 continents, inviting everyone to explore and understand the value of a well-designed built environment. Open House Dublin is proudly sponsored by Dublin City Council, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Fáilte Ireland, and Dún Laoghaire County Council. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Culture_Night_2012Come and enjoy a late FREE night of culture for all the family! For one night only the city’s museums, galleries, churches, historic houses, artists studios, cultural centres and more, will open their doors late for a free night of entertainment, discovery and adventure. Hundreds of talks, tours, performances and events for you, your family and friends to participate in and enjoy. Join the thousands who will be staying up late for culture! On Friday September 20th 2013, locals and visitors across the island of Ireland will enjoy the unique experience of Culture Night, a free night of entertainment, discovery and adventure taking place in a record 28 towns, cities, counties and islands in Ireland. Museums, galleries, churches, historic houses, artists’ studios and cultural centres will open their doors late into the evening welcoming people of all ages to taste and sample their cultural delights for free on the evening. Bring the children, catch up with friends, meet new people, participate, interact and experience the exhilaration of free entry, live performances, workshops, tours, talks, drama, dance and a whole range of other creative activities for free! Culture Night brings together a very unique and diverse audience who all share a desire to explore and enjoy culture. And remember, everything that’s open on Culture Night will be there when you visit the next time, and the next time...so why not make a habit of it! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Oktoberfest_2013 To be confirmed Get set to experience the authentic Oktoberfest festival! The original Oktoberfest will come from Germany to Dublin, giving Irish people the chance to experience the authentic Oktoberfest festival. A marquee - representative of that in the Oktoberfest in Munich - and German markets, as well as 24 authentic Oktoberfest barmaids will descend on Georges Dock for some German fun, food and entertainment and authentic Bavarian beer. The traditional German market will feature over thirty German speciality food producers and German traders, who are all travelling to Dublin for the Oktoberfest. Visitors will be introduced to the very best of Bavarian food and specialities from sausages, meat, pastries, Käsespätzle (cheese noodles) to mountain cheese and ginger bread hearts. Alongside the many surprising foods on offer, visitors will have the opportunity to experience a truly authentic Bavarian style wheat beer. Learn to sing a yodel or dance a polka, as traditional Bavarian musicians, Die Alpen-show, will also play throughout the 18 day event. For more information: www.dublindocklands.ie  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/FlightFestFlightFest, a once-in- a-lifetime, international fly past, will take place in the centre of Dublin City on Sunday, 15th September 2013. Modelled on the fly-past which took place during the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, a selection of large aircraft will fly over the main display area (East Link Bridge - Custom House). This will be a truly historic event involving more than 30 aircraft flying along the path of the River Liffey right through the centre of Dublin. FlightFest is expected to be one of the largest National events of ‘The Gathering Ireland 2013’ and is expected that thousands of people from Dublin, all over Ireland and abroad, will line the banks of the River Liffey from Dublin Port up to the Customs House. More details to be announced http://www.visitdublin.com/event/september_in_the_squareSeptember in the Square is a programme which will provide an opportunity to get behind the beautiful Georgian doors of Merrion Square, explore the surrounding architectural attractions and discover the hidden treasures in the Square. We are inviting people to take this opportunity to come and take part in some of the many events happening on Merrion Square during September and avail of the opportunity to get to know one of Dublin’s cultural treasures. September in the Square is a festival of events and highlights included: Lunchtime music every Tuesday and Lunchtime talks every Thursday Weekend Wonders, special events which will get behind the personalities and characters of the individual buildings and their histories. A Family Discovery Trail allowing families uncover the hidden secrets of the Square. Guided walking tours with guaranteed access into at least one house. Georgian Living: Dancing on the Square A Georgian Dining Experience Special events celebrating Culture Night on the Square. Events are FREE (apart from the Dining Event) http://www.visitdublin.com/event/National_Heritage_WeekThere’s lots of fun in store for you during National Heritage Week. From medieval fairs, night time bat walks, classical music, poetry, theatre, traditional music, storytelling, historical re-enactments, local history walks and talks, maritime and coastal events, food fairs, traditional skills workshops and archaeological digs. There’s something for everyone and most events are free! Whether it is nature and wildlife, folklore, or built heritage, National Heritage Week aims to deliver messages and events that are positive, engaging and relevant in people’s day to day lives. Any person or organisation can actively take part in the Week and organise an event which educates people and promotes an aspect of Irelands Heritage. Many attractions across Dublin are hosting Heritage Week events across the National Heritage Week such as National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts and History, National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, Natural Museum of Ireland - Archeology, Chester Beatty Library, National Botanic Gardens. Click on their events tab to find out what events they're hosting. View all Heritage Week events taking place in Dublin here. For more information visit www.heritageweek.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Natalie_Haas_Cello_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Natalie is one of the most sought after cellists playing traditional music today. She and Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser have toured as a duo for over 12 years, wowing audiences at festivals and concerts worldwide with their unique sound. Their first album together, Fire & Grace, was awarded Best Album of the Year in the Scots Trad Music Awards 2004. Natalie has also toured with Mark O'Connor as a member of his Appalachia Waltz Trio. A graduate of the Juilliard School, where she studied with cellist Fred Sherry, Natalie discovered the cello at age nine. In addition to having extensive classical music training, she is accomplished in a broad array of fiddle genres. Her music journey found purpose when she fell in love with Celtic music at the Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School at age 11. Inspired and encouraged by director Fraser, she began to investigate the cello's potential for rhythmic accompaniment to fiddle tunes, and to this day, the two continue to resurrect and reinvent the cello's historic role in Scottish music. Natalie's skills as an educator make her one of the most in demand teachers at fiddle camps across the globe. She also teaches privately and in a workshop setting, and has held an associate professorship at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Natalie now makes her home in Montreal, where she is an active member of the traditional music scene http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Mini_Maker_Faire_2013Dublin Mini Maker Faire has joined forces with The Gathering Ireland and Dublin's annual festival of science The Festivalof Curosity to create a sizzling weekend of science & culture in Dublin City this July. Dublin Mini Maker Faire will be the highlight of the weekend, bringing together makers, crafters, and DIY-enthusiasts of all ages to share and showcase their inspiring creations to over 5,000 people. Those interested in soaking up some science over the summer will have plenty to explore thanks to the second annual Dublin Mini Maker Faire , which has joined forces with The Gathering and Dublin's annual festival of science The Festival of Curiosity to bring together makers, crafters, and DIY-enthusiasts of all ages to share their creations with over 5,000 attendees.   Dublin Mini Maker Faire joins over 3,000 other events to celebrate THE GatheringIreland 2013 and will be part of Dublin’s new annual festival of science The Festival of Curiosity which will blend culture,science and technology over 4 days in Dublin city centre. If you want to be part of the greatest thing to hit Dublin this summer, don't get left behind -- there's still time to get involved! The open call for makers has been extended to March 15th. On Saturday 27th July 2013 10.00am-6.00pm, 'makers' of all kinds will descend upon Science Gallery and the grounds of Trinity College Dublin for one of Europe’s biggest “Mini Maker Faires”, complete with workshops, performances, dozens of Irish and international makers, and thousands of attendees. Dublin Mini Maker Faire is a free event, organised by a team from Science Gallery, Science Hack Day Dublin, NUIM MakerSoc and TOG Hackerspace, and is a chance for the entire family to try their hand at making everything from robots to fishing nets. Who are makers?  We are all makers! Makers range from tech enthusiasts to crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, artists, science clubs, students, authors, and commercial exhibitors. Speaking about the faire, co-organiser Laura Tobin said “makers are of all ages and backgrounds, coming from all over Ireland and beyond, and our 2013 faire will be even bigger and better than last year. At the first Dublin Mini Maker Faire, exhibitors ranged from roboticists to crochet clubs and 3D printers, and nearly everything in between”.   Individuals and organisations can apply to exhibit by visiting: http://www.makerfairedublin.com/open-call-2013/ and filling in the online submission form. It doesn’t matter if the project is finished, part finished, or just an idea - Dublin Mini Maker Faire wants to hear from you.  Sponsorship starts from as low as €150, and companies intersted in supporting this great, free-entry event should visit http://www.makerfairedublin.com/sponsors/ http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Riverdance_The_Gathering Location: Venues across Dublin Riverdance – The Gathering will run from 15th to 21st July with a series of events designed for both the next generation of professional dancer intent on building a career in Irish dance but also for those who simply have a passion or gra for the music and dance of Riverdance specifically – and of course Irish music and dance generally. As part of Riverdance – The Gathering, people – yes, that means you too – can put on their dancing shoes, line up along the banks of the River Liffey in Dublin and attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Riverdance Line. Full Programme of Events: Riverdance – The Gathering Masterclass Series From 15th to 19th July, Riverdance – The Gathering will host its Masterclass Series inviting those who are about to embark on a career as a show dancer to be part of a group of fifty of the best and brightest young Irish dancers from Ireland and abroad for a week of free masterclasses. Applications close on Friday April 26th so don’t delay. For more information on how to apply for a place on the Series visit www.riverdance.com or email: masterclassgathering@riverdance.com. Riverdance – The Gathering at the Park 20th July A free family fun day will take place at Merrion Square, with facepainting, bouncy castles, food and plenty of music and dance. From 2pm, aspiring dancers of any ability (or none at all!) will have the unique opportunity to receive some informal instruction by Riverdancers in the park. At 3pm the fun will move up another level when Riverdance – The Gathering Ceili jumps into action. Riverdance - On Screen presented by The Gathering Ireland 20th July Merrion Square West will provide a platform for the show’s musicians past and present to showcase their brilliance as they perform live to a specially edited on-screen backdrop of Riverdance’s DVD highlights over the years. Riverdance – The Gathering World Record 21st July A spectacular sight and sound will emerge from the banks of the River Liffey – the spiritual home of Riverdance - where a chain of dancers will attempt to break the Guinness World currently set by 652 dancers in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. We think it’s time the record was brought home to Ireland. Forming a continuous line over 1km long and dancing a special version of Riverdance you have the unique chance to be part of this epic Gathering! All participants will receive a voucher to attend a matinee performance of Riverdance during the remainder of its summer season at the Gaiety Theatre for the specially discounted price of €13.00 (for the year that’s in it!) subject to ticket availability. Riverdance – The Gathering at the Gaiety 21st July To bring Riverdance – The Gathering to a close the Gaiety Theatre will have a special Gathering accent both in the show and in the theatre. Particularly welcoming those travelling from overseas, special matinee and evening performances will be introduced and will feature very special guests. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Street_Performance_World_ChampionshipWith an attendance of over 240,000 in 2012, Ireland's second largest free family festival is delighted to announce its return to Dublin 12th - 14th July 2013 2012 Highlights included: Laya bout area- Join us in the eye of the storm where there’s a zen like oasis waiting to welcome tired tootsies. Pan out on the grass or plunge into an elephant beanbag, soak up some sun, and chill to some tunes. If your little monsters aren’t ready to rest let them loose with the free games, but tell them to keep their eyes peeled for the mysterious moving statues! The Wheeeeeeee Zone - The Wheeeeeeee (your pants) zone is home to some serious ‘don’t look down’ adventure. It’s the common playground's older brother so make sure to take a peek (from between your fingers is fine) and decide if you’re ready to tackle The Wheeeeee (your pants) challenge. Playa Ground - Round round pLAYAground, I pLAYAground, yeh, pLAYAground, pLAYAground, I pLAYAground! Getting bugged driving up and down the same ol’ strip? Need to find a new place where the kids are hip?? Well then bring your posse into the pLAYAground, a new extension at SPWC 2012. Hoola-hooping, pillow fighting, play-doughing, the PLAYAground is a massive hub of frivolous fun and arty-partying for all ages. Kids Court - All Rise for the Judge, Jury and Executioner. Set a trial date for your parents. Spin the 'Wheel of Misfortune' and decide their fate. Here at Kids Court there are many, many perfectly wicked punishments... a fitting revenge for all the times you asked ‘Why?’ and got ‘Because I said so!’ This is your ultimate chance to ‘Say So!’ Laya Festival Photobooth - Grab your crew and pop into the Laya Festival PhotoBooth for an extremely fabulous and funny portrait. Maybe your dad would make a beautiful ballerina or mum should embrace her inner prison guard... dress them up, pull your wildest face, say cheeeeeeeeeeese and capture the special moment forever The other 14 finalists of this year's free family festival will be announced over the coming weeks in conjunction with the launch of the new spwc.ie website. For more information visit: www.spwc.ie  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Volvo_Dun_Laoghaire_RegattaThe Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta is not just about the sailing, it is also about giving people the opportunity to embrace the lifestyle that is synonymous with sailing and for 2013 all Irish sailors currently living abroad are invited to return home to participate in this very special event. The Organisers and Waterfront Yacht Clubs will be putting together an on shore program combining the excitement of world class sailing, good food, wine, vibrant people, engaging lifestyle entertainment and spectacular views of Dublin Bay. With 3,000 sailors and over 450 boats spread across 25 classes, the four-day regatta held on Dublin Bay is the largest participant sporting event in Ireland (with the exception of the mini marathons) yet has the welcoming, friendly atmosphere of a smaller event. A magnificent spectacle of colour and fun for all the family. Racing open to cruisers, one designs and dinghies. For more details and to enter check out the website. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Summer_Activity_Sheet_Summer_SunDrop-in Activity Summer is here and the sun has come out to play, so why not drop in to the museum and try our new Summer Activity Trail. Copies of this activity sheet trail are available at the stand in the Irish Room. Don't forget your pencil! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Summer_Solstice_Session_part_of_The_Gathering_2013Location: Naul Village, Fingal, Co. Dublin This is a boutique mid-Summer festival, celebrating the heritage, history, community and culture of rural Fingal and the legacy of Master Uilleann Piper & folklore archivist, Séamus Ennis. This is a weekend of a wide range of events featuring; a heritage trail, a 'Try The Uilleann Pipes' event, a Séamus Ennis Tribute Concert, children's entertainment, street performers and food stalls. There will also be a variety of bands on the main stage including Clann agus Cairde, The David Munnelly Band and The Moog 69's. This is an event which is suitable for all ages and there will be something for everyone. It is free admission into all events apart from the Séamus Ennis Tribute Concert, which will be priced at €20. So why not come along and join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Séamus Ennis. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_LGBTQ_Pride_FestivalDublin Pride 2013 will be a phenomenal festival celebrating three very important historic milestones. This festival will represent the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Irish Gay movement, the 30th anniversary of the Dublin Pride Parade and the 20th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland. All LGBT brothers and sisters who left Ireland due to either poverty or persecution are invited to return to celebrate the wonderful diverse and inclusive culture of modern Ireland. We call everyone, from the four corners of Ireland to the four corners of the world, to come to Dublin and 'Live, Love and be Proud'! Whether you’re LGBTQ, have friends or family who are, want to learn more about diversity or just want to take part in an amazing festival, Dublin Pride 2013 is a festival that features events that will interest everyone. This year sees Dublin Pride Parade celebrating its 30th Anniversary and will be held on Saturday, 29th June. It is the culmination of Dublin Pride’s festival that includes the parade through the city centre and a party in the Pride Village in Merrion Square afterwards. The parade is a celebration of the rich diversity of the LGBTQ community in Dublin, Ireland and the world, with an expanded arts, social and cultural content. Dublin Pride is the largest such celebration in Ireland and has grown from a one-day event into the 10-day festival we have now. The theme of this year’s parade is “Live, Love & Be Proud”. So get your thinking hats on, come up with your costumes, float ideas, group outfits to show how you live, love and are proud. Let’s make it an explosion of colour, music, glitter, sequins and even feather boas. Complete your registration form and submit it ASAP. All applications must be in by 31st May. This year the parade will assemble at the Garden of Remembrance from 11am and will embark on its route at 2.00pm sharp. From there it will head down O’Connell Street towards College Green, into Nassau Street, Clare Street and will finish at Merrion Square Park for the Pride Village. In 2012 we had over 30,000 people marching. Lets make 2013 a true celebration of the 30th Anniversary and make it the biggest and best parade ever. Pride Village: The South & West sides of Merrion Sq will be taken over by Pride Village which boasts a Bar, fun fair, Nissan Zone, TV Screen (for guest appearances) & food stalls. The full programme of all events taking place for the 30th anniversary pride festival will be released late May. For more information: www.dublinpride.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Special_Tour_Blooms_Day_CelebrationJoin Jennifer O'Mahony, Museum educator, and trace the steps of Leopold Bloom with an afternoon visit to the National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street to discover what the museum would have looked like when James Joyce visited it at the turn of the last century. Meet at the Reception Desk. No booking required. Wheechair accessible. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Gallery_Tour_Blooming_Lovely_Life_in_Joycean_DublinOn Bloomsday, why not join Museum educator Eimir O'Brien on a journey around the Museum exploring objects that have a connection with James Joyce, his protagonist Leopold Bloom and Dublin life in the early 20th century. Places are allocated on a first-come basis 15 minutes before tour starts. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/My_Museum_Become_a_Junior_ScribeAges 7-12 Join artist and illustrator Aoife Patterson to explore the decoration of ancient Irish manuscripts, practice writing like an Early Christian monk and make your own illuminated art to take home! No booking required. 15 places, first come basis. Meet at reception. Not wheelchair accessible. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Bloomsday_FestivalBloomsday is celebrated on June 16th every year in Dublin. Bloomsday commemorates the work of the Irish author James Joyce and is called after the main character in his most famous work – Leopold Bloom of Ulysses fame. Bloomsday takes the format of Joyce fans dressed in Edwardian costume to conjure up the atmosphere of the period in which Ulysses was set – 1904. To understand Bloomsday you need to know that it follows the trials and tribulations of one entire day in the life of Leopold Bloom in Ulysses - Bloomsday June 16th. Fans follow the route around Dublin taken by Bloom and usually have a breakfast of sausages, beans, black and white pudding and toast at some stage along the way. Davy Byrne’s Pub usually figures in everyone’s Bloomsday celebration at some stage of the day. Bloomsday readings and dramastisations from the novel take place at various stages by costumed performers, as well as traditional Irish music and merriment. Much of the Bloomsday celebrations are hosted by the James Joyce Centre in North Great Georges St Dublin. Visit www.jamesjoyce.ie for information on festival talks, events and exhibitions. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Family_Tour_Monsters_of_the_Deep_Natural_History_MuseumHave you ever noticed all the strange and wonderful fish in the Museum? Did you know they were all caught in Irish waters?! Join this tour to find out more! No booking required. Wheelchair accessible. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Wish_Upon_a_Tree_Workshops_at_The_ArkBank Holiday Mondays 6th May & 3rd June 10.30am & 12.30pm Ages 5–7 Tickets €11/€8 conc. Join artist Jo May to create a special hand-made offering for The Ark’s wishing tree using textiles, paper, wire and a variety of mixed materials. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/European_Space_Expo_Trinity_CollegeWe are delighted to announce that the European Space Expo will visit Trinity College Dublin in June 2013. This is a spectacular travelling exhibit that shows how space and its applications provide benefits to Europe. There will be lots of exciting activities surrounding the Space Expo visit, including space-related workshops for kids, an Irish space industry event, public talks, and lots more. The Space Expo highlights the critical role of space and space-based technologies to Europe. In Ireland, there is an active space science and astronomy research community who have worked with the European Space Agency for many decades. What’s more, there are now over 40 Irish companies working with ESA on everything from telecommunications, to materials, to remote sensing of our oceans. Check out a movie of the Space Expo on the road across Europe. Schools visits: If your primary or secondary school would like to visit the Expo, please email Jeanette Cummins or call +353 1 896 4141 http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Port_River_FestLocation: North Wall Quay, Dublin City Centre Dublin Port’s Riverfest is Ireland’s premier riverside and sailing festival. Whether you’re into sailing and ships or not you’ll enjoy a weekend of family fun and both on and off-water activity. A huge array of activities are planned over the course of the weekend. Including the arrival of 6 tall ships, curragh racing on the Liffey, boat racing on the Liffey, tug boat demonstrations and much more. Not to be outdone by the water, land activities will also play a integral part to the festival, with street performers, music, bars, face painting, and carnival attractions from the new Samuel Beckett Bridge to East Link Bridge there to entertain and satisfy crowds. However, if food is your thing, then Riverfest is guaranteed to have something for you. This year the Markets will have a huge range of quality fresh and exciting food for food lovers to delight in. A Pirate Village with arts and crafts for children, Liffey and Port Photo Competition, a Dublin Port Tug Boat Dance with water canon on the river, face painters, balloon artists, port boat tours, a circus, a fun fair, a food market and docker & sailor themed porter bar and cafes. Visitors will witness the largest gathering of Gaffer Boats to have ever taken place on this island. The Gaffers are handmade wooden boats, many of which are over 100 year old. Two Gaffer races will take place on Sunday, June 1 between Samuel Becket Bridge and the East Link Bridge. Great fun for all the family! Programme Saturday 1st June Tall Ships from 11am to 6pm Tug Boat Displays mid-day Markets 11am to 6pm Children’s Funfair from 11am to 6pm MV Cill Airne Open Day from 11am to 6pm DJ and Competitions from 11am to 6pm Rowing & Curragh Races from 11am to 6pm Madigans Bar and Cafe from 11am to 6pm Facepainters and Balloon Artists from 11am to 6pm Sunday 2nd June Tall Ships from 11am to 4pm Tug Boat Displays Mid-day Markets 11am to 6pm Children’s Funfair from 11am to 6pm MV Cill Airne Open Day from 11am to 6pm DJ and Competitions from 11am to 6pm Madigans Bar and Cafe from 11am to 6pm Facepainters and Balloon Artists from 11am to 6pm ‘Between the Bridges’ - Howth 17′s Sailing Race 2pm-4pm Parade of Sail (Over 60 Old Gaffers) at 4pm Monday 3rd June Tug Boat Displays Mid-day Markets 11am to 6pm Children’s Funfair from 11am to 6pm DJ and Competitions from 11am to 6pm MV Cill Airne Open Day from 11am to 6pm Rowing & Curragh Races from 11am to 6pm Madigans Bar and Cafe from 11am to 6pm Facepainters and Balloon Artists from 11am to 6pm Old Gaffers Barbecue Poolbeg Yacht Club 6pm-late         http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Sharing_memories_of_the_John_F_Kennedy_visit_to_IrelandBealtaine Festival 2013 We invite you to share your memorabilia of the visit of John F Kennedy to Ireland. We will scan and ‘pin’ the images, along with your memory of the event to the John F Kennedy visit to Ireland channel on Historypin,  an online history and map site. All items are returned after scanning. Please indicate your interest in this event by making an advance booking; learning@nli.ie During May, the Library will host several free events to celebrate Bealtaine, Ireland’s biggest collaborative arts festival focusing on creativity in older age.  Go behind the scenes, learn about the collections and hear more about our range of services, exhibitions and events. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/De_Gaulle_A_Quiet_Holiday_A_Photographic_ExhibitionVenue: European Union House, 18 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 The exhibition will present original photographs from the Kennelly Archive of De Gaulle's visit to Ireland after he left power in May 1969. Portraits of the McCartans, De Gaulle's Irish ancestors, will also be exhibited. Padraig and Joan Kennelly, founders of a small photographic studio in Tralee, Co. Kerry, followed the trail of this noted visitor and recorded the excitement caused amongst the inhabitants of Sneem, County Kerry. They called their collection "A Quiet Holiday". "De Gaulle: A Quiet holiday" is presented by the French Embassy in Ireland in association with the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU and The Gathering Ireland 2013. The original exhibition was conceived by Isabelle Galy-Aché and presented by the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris (2011) with the support of the Kennelly Archive, Foundation Charles de Gaulle, Ireland Fund of France. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Caring_for_your_Collection_Conservation_workshopCaring for your Collection: Conservation workshop Bealtaine Festival 2013 Thurs 23 May 11am - 1pm Join one of the library’s conservators for this workshop on caring for your paper-based collections. Aimed at the amateur collector/family historian, this is an opportunity to share and discuss issues around conservation and to learn how best to look after your own collection. Free but booking required. To reserve a place email: learning@nli.ie or call 01 603 0259. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Women_and_War_Photo_ExhibitionLocation: Powerscourt Gallery, Dublin 2 The Irish Red Cross are delighted to invite you to visit a brand new photography exhibition 'Women and War' at the Powerscourt Gallery, Dublin 2. This moving and challenging collection portrays the many ways in which women have experienced war over the last two decades. The importance of doing everything possible to protect women in situations of armed conflict cannot be overstated. The Irish Red Cross, as part of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, is deeply committed to bringing the urgency and gravity of these matters into the public domain. Please check out the website for more information on this exhibition. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_City_Soul_Festival_2013Dublin City Soul Festival 2013 is to take place from 23rd May - 26th May 2013. ‘Dublin City Soul Festival ~ is a celebration of peace, unity & love‘ is Ireland’s feel-good festival, a unique annual celebration. Last years Dublin City Soul Festival featured loads of exciting events to choose from and what’s more most of them were FREE for you to enjoy because as the old saying goes…”the best things in life are free” ! Favourites included: The Soul Picnic - a little piece of magic in association with Dublin City Council. Enjoy the world’s best music concert in a picnic style starring an exciting line-up of amazing local, national and international artists. Much more than a music event, enjoy tasty treats and BBQ food from our picnic vendors. Entry is free, but don’t forget to make a donation. Special guests to be announced. Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th of May in Merrion Square Park. Love the City Music Trail- Mosey along the Dublin streets, moving from venue to venue checking out all the fantastic entertainment on offer or find your favourite venue, band or DJ and get comfy. Savour a relaxing beverage in a quaint bar or cafe while enjoying an acoustic set from one of our solo artists or duets, then stroll a little further down the road and submerge yourself in a full on musical experience that will guarantee to have you out on the floor shaking your tail feather! (Warning: comfortable dancing shoes required) As you make your way along the friendly Dublin streets you’ll be amazed by the exciting on-street entertainment from our Soul Festival buskers and street artists! Rising Stars - Witness the world’s best ‘Rising Stars' at the  2012 showcase event featuring the best emerging artists in a unique setting. See also: www.dublincitysoulfestival.com http://www.visitdublin.com/event/ICON_Irish_Craft_Original_NamesThe Crafts Council of Ireland in association with Brown Thomas is presenting a curated selection of unique, innovative objects from the flagship publication 'Irish Craft Portfolio: Critical Selection 2013-2014' in special feature windows on Grafton Street. As part of ICON, the Brown Thomas windows on Grafton Street will include Sonja Landweer's inspiring work in bronze; Cóilín O'Dubhghaill's precious metal vessels with ground breaking patinas; Sasha Skyes' innovative furnishings in acrylic resin mixed with other materials; Joe Hogan's non-functional drift wood baskets; Nuala O'Donovan's intricate porcelain sculptures; Jennifer Hickey's ephemeral tulle veil with sewn on porcelain and LED lighting; Jack Doherty's porcelain bowls with oxidized glazes; Róisín de Buitléar's rainbow coloured, blown glass balls; and Derek Wilson's contemporary porcelain. In the Luxury Hall master silversmith Michael McCrory's enameled silver condiment sets will be displayed. The Designer Rooms on the first floor will showcase the Wish table by John Lee, a selection of baskets by Alison Fitzgerald, glass vases by Catherine Keenan, Killian Schurmann's glass objects, Paula Stokes's elegant glass vessels and found objects repurposed as utensils by Stuart Cairns. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Dance_FestivalDublin Dance Festival is the leading dance event on Ireland’s cultural calendar. Each year in May, the Festival brings together dance artists and choreographers from across the world to share vibrant contemporary dance with audiences in Ireland. 2013 will see the 9th Festival. In this short time, the Festival has developed a dedicated audience for dance in Ireland. Since its establishment in 2002 the Festival’s ambitions have been big and brave. Enabling audiences to discover inspirational artists lies at the heart of the Dublin Dance Festival mission. Audience members look forward to experiencing celebrated classics and discovering the freshest talents each year through a programme that is resonant and stimulating. The Festival also provides a platform for Irish choreographers to develop their work in an international context. Uncover beautiful dance – from near and far – in Dublin in May! To view the full programme for Dublin Dance Festival 2013 Click Here Click Here to check out the Dublin Dance Festival teaser video.....  For information on Tickets visit www.dublindancefestival.ie http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Grow_Happy_Bealtaine_Festival_ExhibitionGroup Exhibition in conjunction with this year’s Bealtaine Festival. Bealtaine is co-ordinated by Age & Opportunity, the Irish national organization working to promote greater participation by older people in society. Over 120,000 people now take part in Bealtaine. From dance to cinema, painting to theatre, Bealtaine showcases the talents and creativity of both first time and professional older artists. The theme for the 2013 festival is Grow Happy; a call to celebrate growth, spring and positivity for ourselves and our communities.  http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Poetry_Tree_Exhibition_at_The_ArkSaturdays 4th  May – 8th Jun / Bank Holiday Mondays 6th May & 3rd June 10am - 5pm, Last entry 4.30pm Ages All the family Tickets Free entry Featuring poetry by acclaimed poets including Seamus Heaney, these sculptural trees take on the shape and nature of the poems they bear as leaves, and offer children a dynamic encounter with poetry. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/RISK_LAB From bad driving to the lotto, from real estate to smoking, humans find it tricky to evaluate risk. Why does the house always win? Is it better to do business with a bookie or a banker? How do emotions, scenarios, or media skew our assessment of the odds? And is it possible to recalibrate our perceptions of risk? These are just some of the questions posed by RISK LAB, the latest experiment-based ‘Lab InThe Gallery’ show by Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin, which opens to the public 3rd May and runs until the 23rd of June. RISK LAB has been co-curated by Winton Professor for the Public Understanding of Risk at University of Cambridge, David Spiegelhalter and Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, Maths Researcher and Presenter of RTÉ’s The Science Squad and Getaways on RTÉ 1 and BBC. Aoibhinn has taught maths, physics, applied mathematics and science and she is passionately committed to promoting mathematics and science to people of all ages. Aoibhinn commenting on her involvement with RISK LAB this morning said: “I'm delighted to be involved with this LAB IN THE GALLERY exhibition. RISK LAB brings to life all of the chances and possibilities we may meet in our everyday lives while simultaneously exploring the mathematics and psychology behind them. Being involved in scientific research will hopefully encourage young people to pursue science in their careers but should also be entertaining and interesting for all Science Gallery visitors. I've already had great fun trying out some of the exhibits.” David Spiegelhalter echoed his co-curator saying: “Risk Lab gives everyone a chance to see risk in a new light, with upsides such as coincidences and excitement, and downsides such as loss and regret. The exhibits are really engaging, and with luck will make people appreciate the wonders of uncertainty.” Opening hours and more information can be found at sciencegallery.com/risklab RISK LAB is kindly supported by Deloitte, Winton and the European Commission Seventh Framework Programme.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Garden_by_Niamh_O_MalleyGarden is a newly commissioned exhibition by Dublin-based artist Niamh O’Malley. Known for her painting and sculptural interventions, and more recently for her explorations of monumental sites, O’Malley will take us into a personal landscape using video and sculpture – the garden which she and her family shape and create with the changing seasons. Featuring a new video installation and a large painting on glass, this landscape will be revealed through screens, mirrors and windows. The video work will show a mirror panning and tilting, reversing the normal flow of light and camera movement, slowly and silently illuminating the garden in an elusive dance. Accompanying the video work and set into a wooden seating platform, a large glass plane will have textures and marks painted on both sides, creating a painting which is visible from both the front and back – a limitless image which complicates ideas of reverse, background, and negative space. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Quiz_Night_and_Mother_ReillysVenue: Mother Reilly's Bar & Restaurant, Rathmines This quiz takes place every Tuesday in Mother Reilly's 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th prizes given One of the things which we pride ourselves is our ability to recreate an entirely new experience with our quizzes. We have taken the old, boring, tried and tested format of quiz nights and brought that to the next level. What it leaves us with is an entertaining, fulfilling and ultimately, fun-filled night for everyone involved! Entry is free of charge - play for fun and win some drinks for you and your quiz craic friends! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Loose_Trad_SessionsLoose Trad play every Monday Venue: Mother Reilly's Bar & Restaurant, Rathmines With their infectious rhythms and strong stage presence this 4-piece band offer an unrivalled entertainment experience. Their show is packed with energy and vibrance and their wide repertoire – spanning numerous genres - will impress any audience. Drawing their inspiration from the rhythms and melodies of traditional Irish music, Loose have composed an impressive array of pieces; from haunting airs to punchy reels. Niamh Varian-Barry's spectacular vocals are sensitively accompanied by Peter Staunton on accordion and Antoin Bracken on guitar in American folk songs like 'The Fox' and 'Ain't No Grave' whilst Robbie Walsh holds it all together with his award-winning bodhrán playing and expert percussion skills. Members: Niamh Varian-Barry (fiddle, vocals, keyboard) Peter Staunton (accordion, guitar, vocals) Robbie Walsh (bodhran, percussion, didgeridoo) Antoin Bracken (guitar, bouzouki) Website: http://www.loosetrad.com/ Transport to rathmines includes 14, 14a, 15, 15a, 15b, 15c, 83, 18, 65 and green luas line to beechwood http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Shackleton_Exhibition Venue: Dun Laoghaire, Ferry Terminal The exhibition is the "Shackleton Endurance" exhibition.  It has 150 photographs and text boards telling the story of the most famous rescue in all maritime history.  The venue is the Ferry Terminal building in Dun Laoghaire beside the DART and Bus terminus The Shackleton Endurance Expedition 1914-1917 Aiming to complete the first sea-to-sea land crossing of Antarctica by foot via the South Pole, in August 1914 Shackleton and his team of 27 scientists and seamen set sail from Plymouth aboard their ship, Endurance, just after the outbreak of World War I.   They wouldn’t be heard from for nearly two years.   This compelling exhibition is the story of the men’s 22-month ordeal:  the eerie beauty of Antarctica, the sinking of their doomed ship after it became locked in pack ice and was slowly crushed, the extreme hardships the men endured as they set up camp after camp on the drifting ice, their transfer to the relative safety of Elephant Island, and the expedition’s miraculous conclusion.   That all 28 men survived their terrible adventure was a triumph of hope in the bleakest circumstances, and of faith in their leader—“The Boss”—an Irish-born doctor’s son whose achievements in polar exploration earned him a knighthood and, much later, cult status as an unparalleled role model for leadership in extreme circumstances:  optimistic, tenacious and brave.  At the heart of the exhibition, accompanied by explanatory wall texts and diary excerpts from the journey, are Hurley’s dramatic black-and-white images of the expedition, some made from negatives retrieved by him from the freezing waters inside the Endurance just before she sank.  Some of Hurley’s most compelling images are of the ship’s break-up.  These are presented along with photographs of the men’s camps and their attempted march over snow and ice to reach open water.  Startling original film-footage by Hurley, enhanced by computer animation, shows Endurance as she disappeared into the Weddell Sea.  A replica of the James Caird confronts visitors with the awesome challenge that Shackleton and his men faced in their rescue mission from Elephant Island, sailing an open boat across 800 miles in towering 60-ft waves and gale-force winds, with only a sextant, some charts, an unreliable chronometer and a few sightings of the sun to guide them to South Georgia.   Today their success in reaching South Georgia—and trekking 32 miles in 36 hours across its uncharted, mountainous interior to reach the whaling station on the other side—is widely recognised as maritime history’s greatest boat journey:  a miracle of navigation, resilience and seamanship.  This part of the story is illustrated beautifully by Hurley’s poignant photographs of Elephant Island, the rocky, inhospitable outcrop where the crew awaited rescue; and of the launching of the James Caird, the crossing and the rescue itself. The exhibition will run for a period of two years , the venue is the Ferry Terminal building in Dun Laoghaire beside the DART and Bus terminus        Adult: €5 Children: €3 family of four: €12 students and OAP: €5 Group rates apply.