Dublin Event Guide » Blog Archive » Dublin Event Guide 393: New Year’s Eve Events, Dublin NY Festival, First Fortnight

Dublin Event Guide 393: New Year’s Eve Events, Dublin NY Festival, First Fortnight

DEG Dublin Event Guide (for free events)

No. 393 | 26 December 2014

Subscribers: 22,970

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Hi all!

While you are just recovering from celebrating Christmas, this brand new edition of the Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events) is arriving in your Inbox.

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I could have taken a week off, but that hasn’t happened in 7.5 years, so why start now! ;-) And it’s not that the free events stop in Dublin anyway! With New Year Celebrations upon us and especially because there are a good few (free) things happening in Dublin even in the period “between the years”, I decided to spend some hours even over Christmas for you. If you appreciate it, please consider a donation, so that I won’t have to pay the cost for sending the weekly e-mail magazine from my Christmas money. Thanks!

A lot less people will open today’s edition, but that’s ok. If you did open it and enjoy it, leave a comment on the Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/DublinEventGuide I like getting good feedback!

Despite the Christmas period, the bills don’t stop and my goal to spread the word about free events to at least 50,000 people in Dublin doesn’t, here are my two (regular) appeals:

The Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events) only exists because you told other people about it and because a few generous people support it with donations. Keep doing exactly that, please! Tell all your friends and family and colleagues about it and – if you can – please also help with a donation.

The Sponsorship I was able to get helps hugely to take a certain amount of financial pressure off me, but it is not enough! I need to make some urgent changes to the system that I use and need someone who is good at CakePHP programming and SQL databases. That will cost! So please continue your financial support. You can help here: www.perfectresults.info/donate.htm  I am also looking for some additional corporate sponsors as well, if you know someone, send them my way. :-)
Regarding your donation, I am suggesting the super low amount of just EUR 1 per month. These EUR 12 is just 2 pints and for the equivalent of 2 pints you get 52 issues full of information about free cultural events. That’s DEFINITELY worth 2 pints, isn’t it!? Please…and Thanks! :-)

And finally – I can’t say it often enough: Please help spreading the word about the Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events). Your friends can easily subscribe at www.dublineventguide.com and they will get a weekly e-mail magazine with all the free events in Dublin if they subscribe. They don’t have to pay a cent for that and their e-mail address is completely safe with me! More than 22,000 people receive the Dublin Event Guide every week and we are more than 53,000 people at the Dublin Event Guide Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/DublinEventGuide Check it out and click on LIKE when you are there.

And this is a great opportunity to help the Dublin Event Guide for absolutely no cost to you:

Without putting your hand in your pocket (for the Dublin Event Guide) at all you can help by ALWAYS using the ad links in the Dublin News Section and the ads in the Dublin Event Guides when you buy/order goods. If you buy goods immediately (in the same session) after clicking on a link/ad that you find in this e-zine/newsletter (Groupon, LivingSocial, Amazon, Book Depository, LastMinute etc), you help the Dublin Event Guide everytime. This is how it works: The company you buy from (Groupon, Amazon, Living Social, Book Depository etc) registers that you came to them via a link from the Dublin Event Guide and they show their appreciation by giving a small commission (5-8%) to the Dublin Event Guide. This might only be 30 cent a go, but if you did that for all online purchases and if lots of people used it, then it could make a big dent into the EUR 170 needed. Use these links as often as possible it doesn’t cost you a cent and you help big time!

Have an event-full weekend and week,

–Joerg

Find the Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events) online presence here:

Website: www.DublinEventGuide.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DublinEventGuide
Mobile App: m.dublineventguide.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/DublinEventG

We are more than 54,000 people on the Dublin Event Guide – Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/DublinEventGuide and are growing every week. Join in and click LIKE on the facebook page and tell your friends! You will get last minute updates and event reminders through the Facebook Page and you can share your free events directly there with the other people in the Dublin Event Guide Community.

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Feel good slot

The “Feel Good Slot” at this place in the Dublin Event Guide is to share some inspirational, motivational or thought provoking quotes, stories or video clips. You wonder why I added this section to this e-mail magazine? If your week was great, you might not need it, but most of us had some challenging moments in the last week and there could be more in the coming week and this section is for the people that want to overcome the hurdles, achieve more and remember that despite all, life is great!

This week’s Feel Good HAS to be about the new year, about the goals that we set and the failure that we already expect the moment we decide on “New Year’s Resolutions”.

And after introducing Tony Robbins in the Feel Good Slot last week, I will include here another piece of wisdom from him. Is is worth every second of the 9min and if you like it, there are a few more Parts that make up the full video. The first part is here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7H2uNIChYtQ

I was at Tony Robbins’ “Unleash the Power Within” event a few years ago and it was an amazing experience that I recommend to everyone. He will be in London again this year in March and if you are looking for a chance in your life, here is really good idea:  www.amiando.com/e/wxombj

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Books for lowest prices, sent to you with free worldwide delivery. And with every book you buy, you directly help the Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events) … IF you click on the link below! www.bookdepository.com

Support

This part is important to “keep the show on the road”:

To cover the cost for the Dublin Event Guide I need your help and every week generous and nice Dublin Event Guide readers help with a donation.

Last week Ann M and Nikki D supported the Dublin Event Guide with a donation. Thanks!! I really really really appreciate all the help! Without donations there won’t be a Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events): Your donation will ensure that the Dublin Event Guide will continue arriving in your Inbox every week and every donation will benefit EVERY Dublin Event Guide reader!

The cost for sending the weekly newsletter is approx. EUR 170 per month and a donation from you of just EUR 12 per year will ensure that I will be able to pay the bills.
Has the Dublin Event Guide helped you to find events that you otherwise wouldn’t have known about, or have you saved money by finding great free events? Then go to here and give something back!

I appreciate ANY help: EUR 12 would be great (that’s just 25 cent per week!), but even if it is just the price of 2 pints it will help.

You can donate online by following this link to the PayPal&CreditCard donation page. If you want to transfer your donation directly to my account, just send a mail to dublineventguide@gmail.com and I will send you the details.

In the last 12 months the following wonderful people have sponsored this Dublin Event Guide:
Tania Z, Louise Q, Barbara Q-B, Catherine G, Tony B, Yvonne C, Mark G, Bridget W, Catherine E, Michelle M, Eoin O’S, Adeline P, Kay G, Claire F, Anto K, Sebastian B, Justin McC, Sophie P-L, David M, Mark G, Eamonn H, Sharon K, Michele M, Joseph F, Siobhann Q, Clodagh O’C, Susan B, Bill G, Joe R, Catherine O’S, Tom McM, Donald M, Martina D, Pascale N, Carol McN, Meret C, Linda T, Mark G, Cathal F, Brendan M, Mary F, Dermot N, Emma S, Fiona D, Joan S, Ana RT, Janice M, Emma L, Claudia S, Sarah H, Tobias A, Conor H, Sarah M, Barry P, Aishling B, Pietro S, Ruth G, Kate D, Joe O’D, Ivelina D, Orla P, Yasmin WK, Adrian P, Sinead D, Padraig K, Nicola R, Susan H, Erinna B, Roisin R, Clodagh H, Linda C, Laura B, Marie-Claire G, Siobhan M, David S, Eoin P, Mary B, Ann McP, Caitriona NiL, Sheryl McG, Patrick O’C, Fillippo G, Amanda L, Mark C, Richard H, David H, Ryan M, Richard A, Arthur D, Feargal O’R, Scott P, Jackie C, David F, Belinda B, Sibylle D, Caroline D, Erinna B, Vicky L, Caoimhe A, Frank W, Ciara B, Isidro G, Rita B, Johan S, Clodagh O’C, Lorraine F, Irene C, Erzsebet H, George K, Bernadette B, Nicola S, Cathal L, Regina O’C, Justin M, Jaime M, Jef B,Susan F, Aine G, Deirdre G, John F, Mark G, Deborah B, Jane O’H, Fiona W, Pauline R, Stephen G, Morgan R, Genadil N, Esme E, Tim O’N, Natalie B, Eamonn U, Natalija B, Gerard P, Anabel PM, Fiona F, Eric C, Timothy McA, Gabriel K, Aoife M, Tara R, Aislinn T, Jennifer G, Claire D, Patricia O’D, Barry M, Sharon C, Sillybilly.ie, Emma G, Gerry T, Rebecca T, Comet Records, John F, Brian L, Joan S, Michael C, Aine Ni L, Fiona O’R, Noelle H, Paul M, Sarah S, Meav Ni M, Sinéad J, GiveAffirmations.com, Sandra McD, Jutta B-S, Melanie B, Gwen M, Brian H.P., Anita W, Bairbre E, Carija I, Katarzyna C, Elaine K, Adriano GG, Majella M, Eoin P, Catherine P, Arthur D, Elizabeth F, Mary C, Philippa F, Artem K, A C, Ann M, Brian R, Jake M, Mark G, Mark R, Shanel W, Luna B, Fiona D, Sean S, Zelie McG, Shona F, Serena F, Ann M, Nikki D and the Birdcage Bakery & Cafe (www.facebook.com/BirdcageBakery An independent cafe and bakery in 23 Harcourt Road, Dublin 2), Cycling Campaign (www.dublincycling.ie), www.GravitationalFX.ie (An Irish Web Design, SEO and Internet Marketing who offer affordable web design), www.FlamencoIndalo.com (A group that supports and promotes the art of Flamenco in Ireland.), www.oliviercornetgallery.com (An Art Gallery in 5 Cavendish Row), www.Festivals.ie (Ireland’s festivals website, with key information on festivals in Ireland, UK and Europe), www.thepaulkanegallery.com (A great Art Gallery, on the search for a new venue), www.cfcp.ie (The Centre for Creative Practices is the the only arts centre in Ireland dedicated to connecting, integrating and promoting immigrant, experimental and emerging artists among the local arts scene and audiences) and www.KravMagaIreland.com, the self-defence training centre for everyone, which provides regular 12-week or 2-day self-defence training courses for beginners.

EventbriteThe main sponsor is Eventbrite and their support is hugely appreciated! Eventbrite enables people all over the world to plan, promote, and sell out any event, and has sold over 200 million tickets and registrations worldwide, totalling more than $3 billion in gross ticket sales. Eventbrite is free for free events. The online event registration service makes it easy for everyone to discover events, and to share the events they are attending with the people they know. In this way, Eventbrite brings communities together by encouraging people to connect through live experiences.

All events listed in this Event Guide are free of any admission charges (or at least appear to be free) unless otherwise stated. I try to find confirmation in all cases and do my best to double-check the information. However errors can happen and therefore no promise for correctness can be given.

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Joergs Picks

This section is intended to provide some help in picking and choosing from the huge number of events by sharing with you what I will/might or would do. This is not a “best of…” list and if an event is not listed here, it by no means implies that the event is not interesting. Instead my “picks” are just based on my personal preferences. All events mentioned here are described in detail further down.

The main focus in this week’s Event Calender is the 3-day long New Year’s Festival in Dublin. A good few events are not free, but many other events are free. Check them out!

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BUY FROM AMAZON VIA THIS LINK TO HELP THE DUBLIN EVENT GUIDE

Postage to Ireland is free for most orders if you buy for more than GBP 25! And with every order via this link, the Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events) gets a small commission:

Competitions

Lots more exciting competitions to come!

For 2014 we are done on the Competition front, thousands of you entered and there were some really great prizes. The new year will bring a whole load of new competitions, so check this section every week. If you are selling or promoting any product or event in 2015, contact me at dublineventguide@gmail,com so that we can discuss how the Dublin Event Guide can help you!

Promote your product or event through a competition!

If you want to reach more than 23,000 people with a product promotion or an event promotion for a non-free event, contact me on dublineventguide@gmail.com and we can discuss the options. You provide the prize for the competition and the Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events) runs the competition for you. It couldn’t be simpler.

And if you want me to use/test a product you are selling and then share my assessment here in the Dublin Event Guide, we can talk about that too. I like testing out gear. ;-) [Currently I am looking to buy a high spec Android mobile phone and an action camera and would happily “test drive” some candidates.]

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Dublin news

Help the Dublin Event Guide! It won’t cost you a cent!

Do you enjoy free events? Does it help you to find out about all these free events simply in one e-mail magazine or on one website? Does the Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events) deliver all this for you and maybe even more? In that case, you probably also would want it to continue forever, right?

To achieve that some money is needed. Donations are a great help, but not everyone feels they can donate at the moment. So here is the solution: If you could help with a donation without having to pay a cent from your own money wouldn’t that be cool? You can!!

When you buy books online, buy them from Book Depository or from Amazon and use these links to go to the website:

Book Depository
Amazon

And when you buy from Living Social or Groupon use these links:

Groupon
LivingSocial

When you buy holidays (from Lastminute.com, Expedia or Hotels.com) or other products buy them via clicking on the links below:

HMV | O2 | Vodafone | Pixmania
Expedia
| Lastminute.com | Hotels.com

When you click on the link and then buy, your books/products/holidays etc cost exactly the same as if you went to the website directly. But if you go via the links above, the Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events) will get 5-8% of what you spend as a commission. That’s not a lot, but if you and lots of other people used that link every time, it would amount to a fair amount of crucially important money. Use the links often, actually EVERY time you buy from the relevant site, not just once!

Giving money for free! That’s how easy it is. ;-) THANK YOU!!!

And if you want to donate money directly, then you can do that here: www.perfectresults.info/donation.htm

Dublin Event Guide Smartphone App “Dublin For Free”

Find all details on where to get and how to install the app at www.dublineventguide.com/mobile.html

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Sales in Dublin Shops

The Sales in shops in Dublin are not as structured or organised as many wish they were: Some shops already start with the first reductions before Christmas Eve, others start their Sales on St. Stephen’s Day. But there are also some that won’t start until the first weekend in January. So you probably have to look for the bargains a number of times.

Opportunities

The former “Opportunities” section is now Eventbrite’s section to highlight some of the events they – as the main sponsor of the Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events) would particularly like to bring to your attention. The vast majority of the events listed here will be free, but if it is a really good event, there might sometimes be a non-free event in the list as well. (It will be properly tagged!)

== EVENTBRITE PICKS ==

As 2015 is fast approaching, Eventbrite has explored its database to unearth five events in 2015 that can help Dubliners get out there and live more next year. Here are three New Year resolutions for you and the (non-free) events that go with them:

1) Run a marathon

Signing up for this charity marathon by the Laura Maguire Foundation in Phoenix Park in May should be enough to motivate anyone to put on the runners and cross this classic life achievement off the bucket list. Event details and registration here.

2) Find love

This six week course in January / February teaches anyone who is single and serious about it how to find a good, loving relationship in 2015. Event details and registration here.

3) Become a Belly Dancer

That’s right, belly dancing. Claimed benefits are: stress reduction, improved posture and muscle toning, weight loss, and – apparently – preparation for childbirth. Event details and registration here.

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Find more events at www.eventbrite.ie or download the Eventbrite app to find events around you.

Exhibitions

Based on your feedback, I have decided to do the following with the Exhibition section in this newsletter from now on: I will provide you with a link to a near-comprehensive listing of exhibitions provided by www.visualartists.ie . For me to list all exhibitions would only be doubling their good work and would be an inefficient use of my resources. The link is www.visualartists.ie/category/listings/dublin/

On top of that I will every now and then include here a small selection of exhibitions that either are not mentioned in the Visual Artist listing or are note-worthy to be mentioned separately.

Greetings From Ireland

27-31 December

The Library Project, 4 Temple Bar, Dublin 2

View an array of unique interpretations of Irish tourism with The Library Project’s new exhibition “Greetings From Ireland”. This PhotoIreland project seeks to reinterpret Ireland’s image for the tourism industry with the work of 36 artists.

This contemporary reimagining of Ireland by inviting local and international artists to present their personal interpretation of what the country is today should be very intriguing.

Admission is free.

Home is Where One Starts From – Aoife Cox Solo Exhibition

20 Dec – 31 Jan

The Helix, DCU., Collins Avenue, Glasnevin, Dublin 9

Home is Where One Starts From is solo exhibition of new work by Cork based artist Aoife Cox.

Exploring personal perspectives, her work redefines her relationship with past and present home places. Her vividly detailed paintings, drawings and sculptures explore and highlight the idiosyncrasies and characteristics of localities.

Opening Night is in Saturday 20 Dec from 19:00. Admission is free.

aoifecoxart@gmail.com

Duke Street Gallery Christmas Exhibition

04-31 December

Duke Street Gallery, 17 Duke Street, Dublin 2

The Duek Street Gallery Christmas Show will feature works from artists such as Graham Knuttel, Clare Hartigan, Joby Hickey, Marie Carroll, Tom Byrne, Alex McKennaand others.

The opening will take place on Thurs 04 Dec at 17:00 and there will be a wine reception, music and some complimentary gift vouchers on the opening night.

Admission is free. www.dukestreetgallery.ie/

Studies on Shivering

21 Nov – 24 Jan

Temple Bar Gallery + Studios, 5-9 Temple Bar, Dublin 2

“Studies on Shivering” is a part of a wider project by the artist Damir O?ko (HR). In this project, the artist creates a dialogue between film, poetry, musical scores, objects and drawing to explore a central theme; the shivering body as a metaphor for resistance and unrest. The title of the film in this exhibition, “TK”, comes from the phonetic description of the sound of teeth or stones clashing together. These types of sounds create a visceral, psycho-acoustic response in the listener and the effect is one of O?ko’s central concerns.

“Studies on Shivering” combines elements such as scores, collages, architectural intervention and collaborations to extend the normal cinematic space and to create a hybrid work in which film, research and poetry are equally weighted.

www.templebar.ie/calendar/event/studies-on-shivering

Shaped by History

01 Aug – 05 Jan (Mon-Sat: 10:00-17:00, Sun: 12:00-17:00)

National Photographic Archive, Meeting House Square, Dublin 2

Shaped by History features 95 black and white photographs of Limerick Milk Market taken between 1971 and 1978 by Limerick social documentary photographer Gerry Andrews.

Limerick Milk Market was founded in 1852, as the west of Ireland was emerging from the famines of the 1840s. In the 1970s, Limerick Milk Market was at a crossroads in its long history, as the Shannon/Limerick region began transforming into a national and international model for development.

www.nli.ie/en/national-photographic-archive.aspx



Friday   26 Dec

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St. Stephen’s Day

08:00, Fri 26 Dec

Dublin (various locations)

On St. Stephen’s Day (NOT Boxing Day!!), the second Christmas Holiday, live goes (nearly) back to normality. Many shops are open again and in some the Sales already start. Pubs and Restaurants do open and even some museums/sites are back open again, others wait one more day until they re-open.

Regular events in Dublin, however, might not be back yet, so please check all regular events you are interested in to see if they take place.

Christmas Kingdom – St. Anne’s Park

10:00 – 20:00, Fri 26 Dec

St. Anne’s Park, Raheny, Dublin 5

Christmas Kingdom is a new Christmas event by Dublin City Council.

There is lots of entertainment for kids, but most attractions are not free (e.g. a Christmas circus, the North Pole play area, a festive train, face painters, balloons and children entertainments.

The free element of Christmas Kindom is a Live Crib and a market area consisting of 14 stalls selling food and crafts.

Initially it will open every weekend Fri 14:00-20:00 & Sat/Sun from 10:00 to 20:00. From 19-23 Dec the market will be open daily from 10:00-20:00 and will then continue until 04 Jan.

Festive Family Fun Fair – Wolfe Tone Square

12:00, Fri 26 Dec

Wolfe Tone Square, Jervis Street, Dublin 1

The Festive Family Fun Fair has been extended until 01 Jan. It is on Wolfe Tone Square.

There will be vintage amusement rides like a vintage style chairoplane, a mini carousel, a helter skelter slide and game stalls. Food stalls with crepes, grilled food, a chocolate fountain, hot drinks, sweets and steak sandwiches will keep the parents happy.

Admission to the Fun Fair is free, but I would expect that the amusements/rides are not free. Can someone please check and let me know (dublineventguide@gmail.com). Thanks! It also doesn’t say until what time in the evening that Fun Fair is open. Maybe it’s a secret. so be careful when you ask! :-D

www.dublinatchristmas.ie/whats-on-events/festive-family-fun-fair-wolfe-tone-square/

Low priced books with free delivery!

13:00, Fri 26 Dec

Dublin (various locations)

Free Delivery on all Books at the Book Depository

If you regularly or occasionally buy books online, you can help the Dublin Event Guide hugely even without having to pay cent directly. In fact you even save money this way:

Buy your books from The Book Depository and get better prices and free (!!) delivery for all orders independent from the volume and when you click on the picture here before you buy, then 5% of what normally The Book Depository would get, they give back to the Dublin Event Guide. Everybody wins!

www.bookdepository.com?a_aid=dubevg

If you prefer Amazon to buy your books (for free postage you need to order a minimum of GBP 25), then use this Amazon link to help the Dublin Event Guide. Thanks!

Father Ted Day

18:00, Fri 26 Dec

The Bernard Shaw, 12 Richmond Street South, Dublin 8

Father Ted Day on St. Stephen’s Day is a long-running Bernard Shaw Pub tradition. If you want to see a bit of the Lovely Girls competition, get lost down the tunnel of goats, or simply have a bit of a laugh… and speak to priests.., come to this event.

Admission is free.

www.bodytonicmusic.com/events/stephens-day-special/

Cornucopia – Live Music

19:30 – 21:30, Fri 26 Dec

Cornucopia Café & Restaurant, 19/20 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2

Cornucopia Café & Restaurant host live music three evenings a week (Thurs, Fri and Sat). The restaurant is a Wholefood & Vegetarian Restaurant and is open until 22:15.
+ Every second Thursday N.C Lawlor, a songwriter, session player and troubadour plays a mix of country, bluegrass & blues from 19:30-21:30.
+ Every Friday (19:30-21:30) Junshi Murakami plays Irish Harp.
+ Every Saturday (19:30-21:30) Nollaig Mann plays a collection of popular and jazz classics.

www.cornucopia.ie

Bal Folk – European Folk Dance Session

20:00, Fri 26 Dec

Tap Bar, 44 North King Street, Dublin 7

The weekly European Folk Dance Workshop/Session takes place in the Tap Bar every Friday.

The dances are French, Greek, Italian, Hungarian, Polish, Portuguese folk and traditional dances and everybody interested to join in or to learn is welcome. Admission is free, but donations (suggested: EUR 3) are very welcome

www.facebook.com/pages/Njoy-Dancing-Dublin/251213698276941

Electric Fridays – Open Mic

21:00, Fri 26 Dec

The International Bar, 23 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2

“Electric Fridays with DUB” is a weekly gig/open mic night in the basement of The International Bar. Admission is free.

Musicians, artists, bands who want to play a 25 min set should contact the organisers via the Facebook page below. A PA and some equipment is available.

www.facebook.com/dubgoeselectric

Live Music – Stillorgan Orchard

21:00, Fri 26 Dec

Stillorgan Orchard, The Hill, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin

The Stillorgan Orchard has live music every Friday and Saturday. Many of the performers are established and very good bands. The upcoming gigs are detailed on the website below. Admission is always free.

The line-up:
26 Dec: Dead Ringer
27 Dec: Who’s Eddie

www.stillorganorchard.com/live_music.html

Ska ‘n’ Reggae with The Bionic Rats

21:00 – 02:30, Fri 26 Dec

Turks Head, 27 Parliament St, Dublin 2

“Ska ‘n’ Reggae” is the theme in the Dive Bar (downstairs in Turks Head) every Friday. The Bionic Rats play live and the DJs Tommy Rash and Fukszy are on the decks until late.  Admission is free.

www.facebook.com/TURKSHEADDUBLIN

Saturday   27 Dec

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Back to top

Regular Events not so regular

08:00, Sat 27 Dec

Dublin (various locations)

At this time of the year, events that are normally very regular and reliable, might not take place at all or not as regular. I wasn’t able to check all events, so please check first before you get your hopes up about something taking place.

Malahide Park Run (free)

 09:30, Sat 27 Dec

Malahide Park, Dublin Road, Malahide, Co. Dublin

Parkrun Ireland is organising free weekly runs in parks. It is a timed run over 5km and participation is completely free, but registration before your first parkrun is required.

www.parkrun.ie/malahide/

SuperNatural Food Market

 09:30 – 15:30, Sat 27 Dec

St. Andrews Resource Centre, 114 Pearse Street, Dublin 2

The SuperNatural Food Market is taking place every Saturday from 09:30-15:30 in St. Andrews Resource Centre in Pearse Street, Dublin 2.

www.supernatural.ie

The Green Door Market

 09:30 – 16:00, Sat 27 Dec

18 Newmarket, Dublin 8

The Green Door Market is a new indoor food/Farmer’s Market that takes place just a few doors down from the Dublin Food Co-op at Newmarket in Dublin 8. Admission is free.

Opening hours are Thu-Fri 12:00-19:00 and Sat 09:30-16:00.

www.facebook.com/thegreendoordublin

Belgard Weekend Market

 10:00 – 17:00, Sat 27 Dec

Belgard Road, Dublin 24

The Belgard Weekend Market is an indoor market with stalls with handcraft (incl. designer jewellery, aran jumpers and wool, christening robes and shawls, cards and cross stitch), household items, bric and brac, furniture, flowers, make-up, clothes, shoes, showers, upholstery, toys, kitchens, cafe, army memorabilia, collectors items, sweets, handbags books, blinds, party shop, tools and more.

It is open every Saturday and Sunday and is located in the Glen Abbey complex (opposite Jacobs) on Belgard Road.

www.facebook.com/belgardmarket

Christmas Kingdom – St. Anne’s Park

10:00 – 20:00, Sat 27 Dec

St. Anne’s Park, Raheny, Dublin 5

Christmas Kingdom is a new Christmas event by Dublin City Council.

There is lots of entertainment for kids, but most attractions are not free (e.g. a Christmas circus, the North Pole play area, a festive train, face painters, balloons and children entertainments.

The free element of Christmas Kindom is a Live Crib and a market area consisting of 14 stalls selling food and crafts.

Initially it will open every weekend Fri 14:00-20:00 & Sat/Sun from 10:00 to 20:00. From 19-23 Dec the market will be open daily from 10:00-20:00 and will then continue until 04 Jan.

Drumcondra Village Market

 10:00 – 17:00, Sat 27 Dec

Arts and Business Campus, 40 Drumcondra Road Lower

The Drumcondra Village Market is an arts and crafts fair in the centre of Drumcondra. Admission is free.

www.facebook.com/DrumcondraVillageMarket

Jamestown Market

 10:00 – 17:00, Sat 27 Dec

Jamestown Market, 90 Jamestown Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8

Jamestown Flea Market + Car Boot Sale takes place every Sat+Sun from 10:00-17:00. You can reach it from Tyrconnell Road and from Kylemore Road and it is within 3 min from Black Horse stop on the red Luas line. There is free parking.

www.jamestownmarket.com/

Merchants Market

 10:00 – 16:30, Sat 27 Dec

Merchants Yard, East Wall Road, Dublin 3

The Merchants Market on East Wall Road is a weekly indoors flea market on Saturdays and Sundays with more than 80 stalls in a big industrial hall. There is everything from furniture and antiques to paintings and mirrors, electronics and hot food to bicycles and buns. It is just a few minutes walk away from the Point Theatre/O2 (walk in the direction of the Port Tunnel).

www.merchantsmarket.ie/

Stables Market

 10:00 – 18:00, Sat 27 Dec

72 Thomas Street (between the Vicar St venue & Cafe Notto), Dublin 8

A new market (flea/vintage/etc) with two cafés has opened in the same location in Thomas Street where the Ferocious Mingle Market was before their move to Camden Street.

The new market in 72 Thomas Street is called Stable Market and it is open from Thursday until Sunday from 10:00-18:00 every day. It seems there is neither a website nor a Facebook Page yet.

Temple Bar Markets

 10:00 – 16:30, Sat 27 Dec

Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

The Temple Bar Markets (Food Market on Meeting House Square, Book Market on Temple Bar Square and the Designer Mart near Cow’s Lane) are taking place every Saturday from 10:00-16:30.

www.templebar.ie

Blackrock Market

 11:00 – 17:30, Sat 27 Dec

Blackrock Market, 19 Main Street, Blackrock, Co. Dublin

At the Blackrock Market in the centre of Blackrock, you’ll find 50 stalls selling collectibles, antiques, handmade goods, books, food & there’s free popcorn, ballons & facepainting for the kids.
Open on Saturdays and Bank Holidays: 11:00-17:30, and Sundays: 12:00-17:30.

www.blackrockmarket.com/

Furrr, it’s cold outside – Christmas Inspectorium

11:00 – 13:00, Sat 27 Dec

National Museum, Merrion Street (Natural History), Dublin 2

Come along to the Discovery Zone in the museum and get up close to some of our old furry favourites: Bear, Lynx and Wolf.

Suitable for Age 6+. No booking required for this drop-in activity.

www.museum.ie/en/list/calendar-of-events.aspx?eventID=4540

Festive Family Fun Fair – Wolfe Tone Square

12:00, Sat 27 Dec

Wolfe Tone Square, Jervis Street, Dublin 1

The Festive Family Fun Fair has been extended until 01 Jan. It is on Wolfe Tone Square.

There will be vintage amusement rides like a vintage style chairoplane, a mini carousel, a helter skelter slide and game stalls. Food stalls with crepes, grilled food, a chocolate fountain, hot drinks, sweets and steak sandwiches will keep the parents happy.

Admission to the Fun Fair is free, but I would expect that the amusements/rides are not free. Can someone please check and let me know (dublineventguide@gmail.com). Thanks! It also doesn’t say until what time in the evening that Fun Fair is open. Maybe it’s a secret. so be careful when you ask! :-D

www.dublinatchristmas.ie/whats-on-events/festive-family-fun-fair-wolfe-tone-square/

Ha’penny Flea Market

 12:00 – 18:00, Sat 27 Dec

Grand Social, 35 Lower Liffey Street (near Ha’Penny Bridge), Dublin 1

The weekly Ha’penny Flea Market is an indoor market in the Grand Social Pub, which offers vintage Men and Women’s clothing, contemporary crafts, books, DVDs, vinyl records, vintage and handmade jewellery, vintage hair styles, art, photography and much more. Grand Social’s Bar and Gourmet Coffee options are available.

www.thegrandsocial.ie/

Christmas Art Holiday for the Family – National Gallery

12:30 – 17:00, Sat 27 Dec

National Gallery, Clare Street, Dublin 2

Every year for the last 50 (!!) years, The National Gallery celebrates the “Christmas Art Holiday” a 5-day long family-friendly Art festival between Christmas and New Year.

The Christmas Art Holiday will run from Sat 27 Dec until Wed 31 Dec and these are the events:

Sat 27 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Wizards” with Alan Nolan
+ 16:00 Music in the Millennium Wing

Sun 28 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 13:30 Musical Trio (in Millenium Wing)
+ 13:45 Screening of “Images from the Past: Christmas Art Holiday 1964-2013” (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 14:00 Eight Artists in Conversation about their memories of the Christmas Art Holiday (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Christmas Magic” with PJ Lynch (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 15:50 Screening of “Images from the Past: Christmas Art Holiday 1964-2013” (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 16:00 Musical Trio (in Millenium Wing)

Mon 29 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Dragons & Fantasy Creatures” with Anthea West (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 16:00 Music in the Millennium Wing

Tues 30 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Winter Wonderland” with Andrew Brown (Atrium)
+ 16:00 Music in the Millennium Wing

Wed 31 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Midnight Festival” with Louise McGrath (Atrium)
+ 16:00 Music in the Millennium Wing

Admission to all events is free.

www.nationalgallery.ie/en/Learning/Families_and_Young_People/Christmas_Family_Art_Holiday_2014.aspx

Archive at Lunchtime – IFI

 13:00, Sat 27 Dec

Irish Film Institute, 6 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

Archive at Lunchtime screenings take place Saturdays (Double Bill), Mondays and Wednesdays. The programme is changing weekly now (instead of monthly as in the past). To find out what film(s) will be screened go to www.ifi.ie/whatson/now-showing-coming-soon/ and look for “Archive at Lunchtime” on the right. Admission is free.

www.ifi.ie/

“My Favourites” – Walking Tour

 14:00 – 16:00, Sat 27 Dec

Spire, O’Connell Street, Dublin 1

“These Are a Few of My Favourite Things” is the title of a Walking Tour that Emily Gallagher will run every Saturday. It will be an Alternative Arts and Culture Trail and she will bring you to “Dublin’s Best Cafes, Bars, Markets, Unusual Stores, Galleries, Theatres, Arts Spaces, and more! And hear some tales you’ve never heard before!”

Meeting point is at the Spire. The tours are free but donations are welcome and booking is required via egaldog@gmail.com or 085-2725095

Cornucopia – Live Music

 19:30 – 21:30, Sat 27 Dec

Cornucopia Café & Restaurant, 19/20 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2

Cornucopia Café & Restaurant host live music three evenings a week (Thurs, Fri and Sat). The restaurant is a Wholefood & Vegetarian Restaurant and is open until 22:15.
+ Every second Thursday N.C Lawlor, a songwriter, session player and troubadour plays a mix of country, bluegrass & blues from 19:30-21:30.
+ Every Friday (19:30-21:30) Junshi Murakami plays Irish Harp.
+ Every Saturday (19:30-21:30) Nollaig Mann plays a collection of popular and jazz classics.

www.cornucopia.ie

Saturday Night Live

 20:00 – 22:30, Sat 27 Dec

KC Peaches (Wine Cave), 28/29 Nassau St., Dublin 2

This is a weekly Saturday night live music event event in the basement Wine Cave of KC Peaches wholefood restaurant/café. Food will be served until 22:00 and wine, minerals & music will be available until later. Admission is free and a donation into a hat at the end of the evening is appreciated.

www.facebook.com/KCPeachesWineCave

The Devils Jukebox – Gigs + DJs

 20:00, Sat 27 Dec

Sin É, 14 Ormond Quay, Dublin 1

The Devils Jukebox is live music from 20:00-23:00 and DJs with Alternative, Punk, Rock, Metal & Garage after that. Every Saturday! Admission is free.

www.facebook.com/Sin.E.Pub

Live Music – Stillorgan Orchard

 21:00, Sat 27 Dec

Stillorgan Orchard, The Hill, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin

The Stillorgan Orchard has live music every Friday and Saturday. Many of the performers are established and very good bands. The upcoming gigs are detailed on the website below. Admission is always free.

www.stillorganorchard.com/live_music.html

Sunday   28 Dec

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Regular Events not so regular

08:00, Sun 28 Dec

Dublin (various locations)

At this time of the year, events that are normally very regular and reliable, might not take place at all or not as regular. I wasn’t able to check all events, so please check first before you get your hopes up about something taking place.

Belgard Weekend Market

 10:00 – 17:00, Sun 28 Dec

Belgard Road, Dublin 24

The Belgard Weekend Market is an indoor market with stalls with handcraft (incl. designer jewellery, aran jumpers and wool, christening robes and shawls, cards and cross stitch), household items, bric and brac, furniture, flowers, make-up, clothes, shoes, showers, upholstery, toys, kitchens, cafe, army memorabilia, collectors items, sweets, handbags books, blinds, party shop, tools and more.

It is open every Saturday and Sunday and is located in the Glen Abbey complex (opposite Jacobs) on Belgard Road.

www.facebook.com/belgardmarket

Christmas Kingdom – St. Anne’s Park

10:00 – 20:00, Sun 28 Dec

St. Anne’s Park, Raheny, Dublin 5

Christmas Kingdom is a new Christmas event by Dublin City Council.

There is lots of entertainment for kids, but most attractions are not free (e.g. a Christmas circus, the North Pole play area, a festive train, face painters, balloons and children entertainments.

The free element of Christmas Kindom is a Live Crib and a market area consisting of 14 stalls selling food and crafts.

Initially it will open every weekend Fri 14:00-20:00 & Sat/Sun from 10:00 to 20:00. From 19-23 Dec the market will be open daily from 10:00-20:00 and will then continue until 04 Jan.

Jamestown Market

 10:00 – 17:00, Sun 28 Dec

Jamestown Market, 90 Jamestown Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8

Jamestown Flea Market + Car Boot Sale takes place every Sat+Sun from 10:00-17:00. You can reach it from Tyrconnell Road and from Kylemore Road and it is within 3 min from Black Horse stop on the red Luas line. There is free parking.

www.jamestownmarket.com

Merchants Market

 10:00 – 16:30, Sun 28 Dec

Merchants Yard, East Wall Road, Dublin 3

The Merchants Market on East Wall Road is a weekly indoors flea market on Saturdays and Sundays with more than 80 stalls in a big industrial hall. There is everything from furniture and antiques to paintings and mirrors, electronics and hot food to bicycles and buns. It is just a few minutes walk away from the Point Theatre/O2 (walk in the direction of the Port Tunnel).

www.merchantsmarket.ie/

Merrion Square Open Air Gallery

 10:00 – 18:30, Sun 28 Dec

Merrion Square, Dublin 2

Every Sunday, the Merrion Square Open Air Art Gallery takes place. Up to 200 artists exhibit their paintings on the railings on three sides (West, North and East) of Merrion Square and you can just enjoy the exhibition or even buy.

www.merrionsquareart.com/

Stables Market

 10:00 – 18:00, Sun 28 Dec

72 Thomas Street (between the Vicar St venue & Cafe Notto), Dublin 8

A new market (flea/vintage/etc) with two cafés has opened in the same location in Thomas Street where the Ferocious Mingle Market was before their move to Camden Street.

The new market in 72 Thomas Street is called Stable Market and it is open from Thursday until Sunday from 10:00-18:00 every day. It seems there is neither a website nor a Facebook Page yet.

Dun Laoghaire Market

 11:00 – 16:00, Sun 28 Dec

People’s Park, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

A weekly market with lots of food, but also many other products (art & crafts, books, etc) takes place every Sunday in the beautiful People’s Park in Dun Laoghaire. It is a very popular market and with around 50 vendors also one of the bigger markets.

www.dlrcoco.ie/aboutus/councildepartments/environment/findit/markets/

Palestrina Choir

 11:00, Sun 28 Dec

St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, 83 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1

The well known Palestrina Choir sing every Sunday at the mass in St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral. They sing complete masterworks by Mozart, Haydn, Dvorak, Palestrina, de Victoria, usually accompanied by Prof. Gerard Gillen on the organ, who often also plays a solo piece.

www.procathedral.ie/music/this-week

National Gallery Talks

 11:30 – 16:50, Sun 28 Dec

National Gallery, Clare Street, Dublin 2

The National Gallery has an extensive programme of free talks, public tours and Art Documentary screenings focusing on highlights of the European and Irish Collection every day of the week. Check their website for details.

nationalgallery.ie/whatson

Blackrock Market

 12:00 – 17:30, Sun 28 Dec

Blackrock Market, 19 Main Street, Blackrock, Co. Dublin

At the Blackrock Market in the centre of Blackrock, you’ll find 50 stalls selling collectibles, antiques, handmade goods, books, food & there’s free popcorn, ballons & facepainting for the kids.
Open on Sundays: 12:00-17:30. Open on Saturdays and Bank Holidays: 11:00-17:30.

www.blackrockmarket.com/

Festive Family Fun Fair – Wolfe Tone Square

12:00, Sun 28 Dec

Wolfe Tone Square, Jervis Street, Dublin 1

The Festive Family Fun Fair has been extended until 01 Jan. It is on Wolfe Tone Square.

There will be vintage amusement rides like a vintage style chairoplane, a mini carousel, a helter skelter slide and game stalls. Food stalls with crepes, grilled food, a chocolate fountain, hot drinks, sweets and steak sandwiches will keep the parents happy.

Admission to the Fun Fair is free, but I would expect that the amusements/rides are not free. Can someone please check and let me know (dublineventguide@gmail.com). Thanks! It also doesn’t say until what time in the evening that Fun Fair is open. Maybe it’s a secret. so be careful when you ask! :-D

www.dublinatchristmas.ie/whats-on-events/festive-family-fun-fair-wolfe-tone-square/

Mother Redcap’s Indoor Market

 12:00 – 17:30, Sun 28 Dec

Unit 95, Malahide Road Industrial Park, Malahide Road, Coolock, Dublin 17

An indoor market in Coolock with over 40 traders with a wide range of goods and a café on site as well.

www.facebook.com/MotherRedcaps.Market

Christmas Art Holiday for the Family – National Gallery

12:30 – 17:00, Sun 28 Dec

National Gallery, Clare Street, Dublin 2

Every year for the last 50 (!!) years, The National Gallery celebrates the “Christmas Art Holiday” a 5-day long family-friendly Art festival between Christmas and New Year.

The Christmas Art Holiday will run from Sat 27 Dec until Wed 31 Dec and these are the events:

Sat 27 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Wizards” with Alan Nolan
+ 16:00 Music in the Millennium Wing

Sun 28 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 13:30 Musical Trio (in Millenium Wing)
+ 13:45 Screening of “Images from the Past: Christmas Art Holiday 1964-2013” (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 14:00 Eight Artists in Conversation about their memories of the Christmas Art Holiday (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Christmas Magic” with PJ Lynch (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 15:50 Screening of “Images from the Past: Christmas Art Holiday 1964-2013” (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 16:00 Musical Trio (in Millenium Wing)

Mon 29 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Dragons & Fantasy Creatures” with Anthea West (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 16:00 Music in the Millennium Wing

Tues 30 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Winter Wonderland” with Andrew Brown (Atrium)
+ 16:00 Music in the Millennium Wing

Wed 31 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Midnight Festival” with Louise McGrath (Atrium)
+ 16:00 Music in the Millennium Wing

Admission to all events is free.

www.nationalgallery.ie/en/Learning/Families_and_Young_People/Christmas_Family_Art_Holiday_2014.aspx

Dublin Sketchers – Sunday Meet-up

 14:00, Sun 28 Dec

Dublin (various locations)

The “Dublin Sketchers” is an informal group of (hobby) artists who go somewhere different in Dublin every Sunday (e.g. National Museum, Maritime Museum, Dublin Flea Market, Farmleigh, Botanic Gardens, Dublin Castle, Science Gallery, …), sketch for one to two hours and then meet up for coffee afterwards and discuss their sketches.

There are some hugely talented people among them and it is a great idea to meet up with others who have the same hobby. Find out on their website below or on their Facebook Page where they will meet and join them if you do some sketching/drawing yourself. I know that the Dublin Sketchers often use the Dublin Event Guide to find interesting free events and I am delighted to be able to help!

www.dublinsketchers.blogspot.com/

Stella Bass Jazz Trio

 14:00 – 16:00, Sun 28 Dec

Café en Seine, Dawson Street, Dublin 2

Afternoon Jazz in Café en Seine. The Stella Bass Jazz Trio play every Sunday from 14:00-16:00 in Café en Seine in Dawson Street. Admission is free. A video is here www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8aKqtOB5S8

www.stellabass.com

Winter Wipeout – Christmas Tours

14:00 – 15:30, Sun 28 Dec

National Museum, Merrion Street (Natural History), Dublin 2

Two Christmas Tours entitled “Winter Wipeout” will take place (14:15 and 15:30). They are suitable for Ages 7+ and admission is free.

Join zoologist Geraldine Breen to discover the magic tricks that nature can do to survive winter.

No booking required, places limimted allocated on a first come basis.

www.museum.ie/en/list/calendar-of-events.aspx?eventID=4542

Family Drawing Sundays

 14:30 – 16:30, Sun 28 Dec

Royal Hibernian Academy, 15 Ely Place, Dublin 2

Come to the Family Drawing Sundays in the RHA. All children are welcome to use the RHA Art Cart, in the RHA Atrium. Admission is free. For further information, contact Ruth Carroll on 01 6612558 or via ruth@rhagallery.ie

www.rhagallery.ie/html/educate/educate_family.html

Museum Tour – National Print Museum

 15:00 – 16:30, Sun 28 Dec

National Print Museum, Beggars Bush, Haddington Road, Dublin 4

Unlike the three branches of the National Museum, the National Print Museum is normally not free, but every Sunday there is a free public tour for the next few weeks. Every visit begins with a short audio-visual presentation where the audience can observe active retired printers providing practical demonstrations of machines from the Museum’s collection.

www.nationalprintmuseum.ie/guided-tours.html

Brian Keary plays Classical Guitar

 16:00 – 17:00, Sun 28 Dec

Sweeney Mongrel’s, 32 Dame Street, Dublin 2

Brian Keary is a classically trained guitar player who also has experience of different styles / genres of music ranging from ragtime and folk to baroque and contemporary. He will perform in Sweeney’s (Ground Floor) on Sunday afternoon.

www.sweeneysdublin.ie/gigs.php

LJJ Band – Cafe en Seine

 18:00 – 20:00, Sun 28 Dec

Café en Seine, Dawson Street, Dublin 2

The wedding and party band The LJJ Band play every Sunday evening in Café en Seine. Admission is free.

www.longjohnjumpband.com/

Sweeney’s Dixieland Jazzmen

 18:30 – 20:30, Sun 28 Dec

Sweeney Mongrel’s, 32 Dame Street, Dublin 2

The Sweeney’s Dixeland Jazzmen play their weekly gig on the ground floor in Sweeney’s. Admission is free.

www.dublinsessions.ie/sweeneys.html

Trinity Latino Party

 19:00, Sun 28 Dec

Trinity Bar, 46-49 Dame Street, Dublin 2

This weekly Latin Music event will take place every Sunday. You will be able to dance salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia and reggeaton. Live music, food tasting and free admission, what more could you want?

www.facebook.com/TrinityLatino

The Young & Restless – Gig Night

20:00, Sun 28 Dec

Mercantile, 28 Dame Street, Dublin 2

The Young And The Restless will be in the Mercantile with the following line-up:

+ Spines
+ Birds
+ Solid Gold Rocketship

Admission is free. This event will be in place of the Sunday Roast, which is on a week off.

www.facebook.com/events/689788944453005/

Apollo Sessions

 20:30, Sun 28 Dec

Bleeding Horse, 24 Upper Camden St., Dublin 2

Every Sunday this singer-songwriter night takes place in the Bleeding Horse in Camden St.  from 8.30pm. It is an Open mic night and performers can just turn up and put their name on the list for that night.

www.facebook.com/apollosessions

Jawbone – Accoustic Folk & Blues Night

 20:30, Sun 28 Dec

Sin É, 14 Ormond Quay, Dublin 1

At the Jawbone Gig night in Sin É, Acoustic Folk & Blues will be performed every Sunday. Admission is free. For the line-up check here www.facebook.com/pages/Jawbone-Dublin-Acoustic-Folk-Blues-Commune/724102984268967

www.facebook.com/Sin.E.Pub

Comedy Crunch

 21:00 – 00:00, Sun 28 Dec

Stag’s Head (downstairs), Dame Lane, Dublin 2

The Comedy Crunch is a free Stand Up comedy downstairs in Stag’s Head, Dame Lane from 21:00 every week on Sun+Mon. Every week different comedians entertain and on top of that there is some free ice cream. The line-up can be found via the Comedy Crunch Facebook Page (see link below).

www.facebook.com/pages/The-Comedy-Crunch/83791357330

Forro de Lampiao – Brazilian Dance

 21:00 – 23:00, Sun 28 Dec

Grand Social, 35 Lower Liffey Street (near Ha’Penny Bridge), Dublin 1

Rogério from the Brazilian dance project “Forró de Lampião” in Dublin tells me: Forró de Lampião is Brazilian music that has the same roots as Samba and there is a whole culture that has developed around “forro”. Every Sunday, free dance classes take place in the Grand Social (new loation!) and if you are interested, just turn up one Sunday.

www.facebook.com/groups/forrodelampiaodublin/

Rhythm Rocker

 21:00, Sun 28 Dec

The Globe, 11 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2

“Rhythm Rocker at The Globe” is a weekly event on Sunday night in The Globe. Admission is free.

The Pavement Kings play Rockabilly from 21:00 and
DJs Popocorn Peete and Little Dakota follow from 23:00-01:30 with a white variety of styles (Rockabilly, Calypso, Soul, Rock ‘n’ Roll, etc).

www.facebook.com/rhythmrocker

Billy Treacy & The Ha’Penny Heads

 21:30, Sun 28 Dec

Ha’Penny Bridge Inn, 42 Wellington Quay Temple Bar, Dublin 2

Billy Treacy & The Ha’Penny Heads are playing Ballads, Folk, Trad and Classic Country every Sunday. Featuring Guitar, Mandolin, Fiddle and Banjo.

www.billytreacy.com/

Cool Hand Dukes

 22:00, Sun 28 Dec

Porterhouse Central, 45-47 Nassau Street, Dublin 2

Every Sunday (except at Bank Holiday weekends), the Ragtime, Roots and Country Blues Band “Cool Hand Dukes” play in the Porterhouse near Grafton Street.

www.facebook.com/coolhand.dukes.1

The Dublin Blues Cartel – Gig

22:30, Sun 28 Dec

Whelan’s, 25 Wexford Street, Dublin 2

The Dublin Blues Cartel will be in Whelan’s again and will perform mostly a version of New Orleans R’n’B with a classic rock twist, sandwiched with swing, Rock’n’Roll, Soul, Funk, Blues and rap of all eras. Admission is free.

www.whelanslive.com/index.php/live-from-the-window-w-the-dublin-blues-cartel-29/

Monday   29 Dec

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Christmas Kingdom – St. Anne’s Park

10:00 – 20:00, Mon 29 Dec

St. Anne’s Park, Raheny, Dublin 5

Christmas Kingdom is a new Christmas event by Dublin City Council.

There is lots of entertainment for kids, but most attractions are not free (e.g. a Christmas circus, the North Pole play area, a festive train, face painters, balloons and children entertainments.

The free element of Christmas Kindom is a Live Crib and a market area consisting of 14 stalls selling food and crafts.

Initially it will open every weekend Fri 14:00-20:00 & Sat/Sun from 10:00 to 20:00. From 19-23 Dec the market will be open daily from 10:00-20:00 and will then continue until 04 Jan.

National Gallery Talks

 11:30 – 16:50, Mon 29 Dec

National Gallery, Clare Street, Dublin 2

The National Gallery has an extensive programme of free talks, public tours and Art Documentary screenings focusing on highlights of the European and Irish Collection every day of the week. Check their website for details.

nationalgallery.ie/whatson

Festive Family Fun Fair – Wolfe Tone Square

12:00, Mon 29 Dec

Wolfe Tone Square, Jervis Street, Dublin 1

The Festive Family Fun Fair has been extended until 01 Jan. It is on Wolfe Tone Square.

There will be vintage amusement rides like a vintage style chairoplane, a mini carousel, a helter skelter slide and game stalls. Food stalls with crepes, grilled food, a chocolate fountain, hot drinks, sweets and steak sandwiches will keep the parents happy.

Admission to the Fun Fair is free, but I would expect that the amusements/rides are not free. Can someone please check and let me know (dublineventguide@gmail.com). Thanks! It also doesn’t say until what time in the evening that Fun Fair is open. Maybe it’s a secret. so be careful when you ask! :-D

www.dublinatchristmas.ie/whats-on-events/festive-family-fun-fair-wolfe-tone-square/

Christmas Art Holiday for the Family – National Gallery

12:30 – 17:00, Mon 29 Dec

National Gallery, Clare Street, Dublin 2

Every year for the last 50 (!!) years, The National Gallery celebrates the “Christmas Art Holiday” a 5-day long family-friendly Art festival between Christmas and New Year.

The Christmas Art Holiday will run from Sat 27 Dec until Wed 31 Dec and these are the events:

Sat 27 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Wizards” with Alan Nolan
+ 16:00 Music in the Millennium Wing

Sun 28 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 13:30 Musical Trio (in Millenium Wing)
+ 13:45 Screening of “Images from the Past: Christmas Art Holiday 1964-2013” (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 14:00 Eight Artists in Conversation about their memories of the Christmas Art Holiday (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Christmas Magic” with PJ Lynch (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 15:50 Screening of “Images from the Past: Christmas Art Holiday 1964-2013” (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 16:00 Musical Trio (in Millenium Wing)

Mon 29 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Dragons & Fantasy Creatures” with Anthea West (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 16:00 Music in the Millennium Wing

Tues 30 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Winter Wonderland” with Andrew Brown (Atrium)
+ 16:00 Music in the Millennium Wing

Wed 31 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Midnight Festival” with Louise McGrath (Atrium)
+ 16:00 Music in the Millennium Wing

Admission to all events is free.

www.nationalgallery.ie/en/Learning/Families_and_Young_People/Christmas_Family_Art_Holiday_2014.aspx

Archive at Lunchtime – IFI

 13:00, Mon 29 Dec

Irish Film Institute, 6 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

Archive at Lunchtime screenings take place Saturdays (Double Bill), Mondays and Wednesdays. The programme is changing weekly now (instead of monthly as in the past). To find out what film(s) will be screened go to www.ifi.ie/whatson/now-showing-coming-soon/ and look for “Archive at Lunchtime” on the right. Admission is free.

www.ifi.ie/

Back Door Sessions – Open Mic Night

 20:00, Mon 29 Dec

Sweeney Mongrel’s, 32 Dame Street, Dublin 2

This is an open mic night with Special Guests every Monday. Arrive, sign in (from 19:00) and play. Admission is free.

www.facebook.com/sweeneysbar

Song Cycle

 20:00, Mon 29 Dec

Whelan’s, 25 Wexford Street, Dublin 2

Song Cycle is a weekly Singer/Songriter showcase. The line-up is not always easily findable on the Whelan’s website, but admission is always free.

www.whelanslive.com

The Monday Echo

 20:00 – 22:30, Mon 29 Dec

The International Bar, 23 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2

The Monday Echo is a weekly songwriter and poetry live showcase held on Mondays in the basement of The International Bar. Usually, the show has 3 songwriters and 3 poets who perform for roughly 20 minutes each. Admission is free.
The weekly line-up can be found via the Facebook Page below.

www.facebook.com/themondayecho

Comedy Crunch

 21:00 – 23:00, Mon 29 Dec

Stag’s Head (downstairs), Dame Lane, Dublin 2

The Comedy Crunch is a free Stand Up comedy event every Sunday and Monday. Every week different comedians entertain and on top of good comedy you will get free ice cream. Admission is free. The line-up can be found via the Comedy Crunch Facebook Page (see link below).

www.facebook.com/pages/The-Comedy-Crunch/83791357330

Crafty Mondays – Open Mic

 21:00, Mon 29 Dec

Sin É, 14 Ormond Quay, Dublin 1

The Crafty Monday Sessions is an Open Mic night for acoustic singer/songwriters and original bands. Admission is free.

www.facebook.com/TheCraftyMondaySessions

Jazz Jam Session – Grand Social

 21:00, Mon 29 Dec

Grand Social, 35 Lower Liffey Street (near Ha’Penny Bridge), Dublin 1

Every Monday a Jazz Jam Session will take place in the Grand Social and you are invited to listen or even to participate. Admission is free for musicians and audience.

Instruments are supplied (drums (no cymbals), double bass, guitar amp, bass amp, PA system) and ideas and themes will be proposed prior to the session to the musicians who join the event on Facebook (see Facebook Page below).

www.facebook.com/pages/Jazz-Jam-Session-at-The-Grand-Social/224553674385198

Loose – Trad Sessions

 21:00 – 23:30, Mon 29 Dec

Mother Reillys, 26/28 Upper Rathmines Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6

The 4-piece band Loose Trad are performing every Monday in Mother Reilly’s. www.loosetrad.com/ Admission is free.

www.facebook.com/motherreillysADMIN

Patrick Mahony sings Nostalgia

 21:00 – 23:00, Mon 29 Dec

Café en Seine, Dawson Street, Dublin 2

Patrick Mahony sings songs from Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Matt Monro and many more every Monday in the Cafe en Seine. Admission is free.

The Pyro Blues Executive – Gig

 21:00, Mon 29 Dec

Leeson Lounge, 148 Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4

The Pyro Blues Executive play in the Leeson Lounge every Monday and admission is free.

www.facebook.com/pages/The-Leeson-Lounge/114810058553792

Tuesday   30 Dec

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Christmas Kingdom – St. Anne’s Park

10:00 – 20:00, Tue 30 Dec

St. Anne’s Park, Raheny, Dublin 5

Christmas Kingdom is a new Christmas event by Dublin City Council.

There is lots of entertainment for kids, but most attractions are not free (e.g. a Christmas circus, the North Pole play area, a festive train, face painters, balloons and children entertainments.

The free element of Christmas Kindom is a Live Crib and a market area consisting of 14 stalls selling food and crafts.

Initially it will open every weekend Fri 14:00-20:00 & Sat/Sun from 10:00 to 20:00. From 19-23 Dec the market will be open daily from 10:00-20:00 and will then continue until 04 Jan.

“My Favourites” – Walking Tour

 11:00 – 13:00, Tue 30 Dec

Spire, O’Connell Street, Dublin 1

“These Are a Few of My Favourite Things” is the title of a Walking Tour that Emily Gallagher runs on Tuesdays now as well. It will be an Alternative Arts and Culture Trail and she will bring you to “Dublin’s Best Cafes, Bars, Markets, Unusual Stores, Galleries, Theatres, Arts Spaces, and more! And hear some tales you’ve never heard before!”

Meeting point is at the Spire. The tours are free but donations are welcome and booking is required via egaldog@gmail.com or 085-2725095

New Year’s Festival: Canny Viking Traders

11:00 – 15:00, Tue 30 Dec

National Museum, Kildare Street (Archaeology), Dublin 2

This is a Drop-in Activity for ages 7+ and it takes place between 11:00 and 12:00 and then between 14:00 and 15:00.

While some Vikings were fearsome raiders, many were more peaceful but canny traders. Discover the museums handling collection of replica artefacts, the long journeys the Vikings took and what materials they imported and exported to Ireland. And make your own Viking coins and merchants pouch to take home.

Admission is free and no booking required. Location is the Learning Resource Room, first floor.

www.museum.ie/en/list/calendar-of-events.aspx?eventID=4543

National Gallery Talks

 11:30 – 16:50, Tue 30 Dec

National Gallery, Clare Street, Dublin 2

The National Gallery has an extensive programme of free talks, public tours and Art Documentary screenings focusing on highlights of the European and Irish Collection every day of the week. Check their website for details.

nationalgallery.ie/whatson

Festive Family Fun Fair – Wolfe Tone Square

12:00, Tue 30 Dec

Wolfe Tone Square, Jervis Street, Dublin 1

The Festive Family Fun Fair has been extended until 01 Jan. It is on Wolfe Tone Square.

There will be vintage amusement rides like a vintage style chairoplane, a mini carousel, a helter skelter slide and game stalls. Food stalls with crepes, grilled food, a chocolate fountain, hot drinks, sweets and steak sandwiches will keep the parents happy.

Admission to the Fun Fair is free, but I would expect that the amusements/rides are not free. Can someone please check and let me know (dublineventguide@gmail.com). Thanks! It also doesn’t say until what time in the evening that Fun Fair is open. Maybe it’s a secret. so be careful when you ask! :-D

www.dublinatchristmas.ie/whats-on-events/festive-family-fun-fair-wolfe-tone-square/

New Year’s Festival Dublin

12:00, Tue 30 Dec

Dublin (various locations)

Dublin’s New Year’s Festival is growing and incorporating more and more other events than just the (non-free) gig at College Green with which it originally got launched. There are free events and non-free events and the whole list is on nyfdublin.com/category/events/

A number of the free events are also listed separately in this Dublin Event Guide.

A Food Village and some Light Projections will happen throughout the three days.

+ Food Village on Barnardos Square (30+31 Dec: 12:00-21:00, 01 Jan 12:00-17:00)
+ Luminosity – 3D Light Projections at Barnardo’s Square, Wolfe Tone Square and Trinity College (17:00-00:00, on Barnardos Square (17:00-21:00)

nyfdublin.com/

Christmas Art Holiday for the Family – National Gallery

12:30 – 17:00, Tue 30 Dec

National Gallery, Clare Street, Dublin 2

Every year for the last 50 (!!) years, The National Gallery celebrates the “Christmas Art Holiday” a 5-day long family-friendly Art festival between Christmas and New Year.

The Christmas Art Holiday will run from Sat 27 Dec until Wed 31 Dec and these are the events:

Sat 27 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Wizards” with Alan Nolan
+ 16:00 Music in the Millennium Wing

Sun 28 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 13:30 Musical Trio (in Millenium Wing)
+ 13:45 Screening of “Images from the Past: Christmas Art Holiday 1964-2013” (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 14:00 Eight Artists in Conversation about their memories of the Christmas Art Holiday (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Christmas Magic” with PJ Lynch (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 15:50 Screening of “Images from the Past: Christmas Art Holiday 1964-2013” (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 16:00 Musical Trio (in Millenium Wing)

Mon 29 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Dragons & Fantasy Creatures” with Anthea West (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 16:00 Music in the Millennium Wing

Tues 30 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Winter Wonderland” with Andrew Brown (Atrium)
+ 16:00 Music in the Millennium Wing

Wed 31 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Midnight Festival” with Louise McGrath (Atrium)
+ 16:00 Music in the Millennium Wing

Admission to all events is free.

www.nationalgallery.ie/en/Learning/Families_and_Young_People/Christmas_Family_Art_Holiday_2014.aspx

New Year’s Festival – Spoken Word Events

15:00 – 16:00, Tue 30 Dec

Stag’s Head, Dame Lane, Dublin 2

Part of this year’s 3-day long New Year’s Festival in Dublin are a number of Spoken Word events on Tue 30 Dec. There are two free events, four events for EUR 5 and one costs EUR 10. All events require tickets and one of the free events is already booked out. Go to the website below to find out all details.

The free events are:

+ Righteous Verse (The Stags Head at 15:00-16:00):
Youth Poetry Performance – Group of teenage poets from across Dublin featuring Bonny Tsang, Genevieve Healy, Caoimhe Donnelly, Bernard O’Rourke, Andrew Cummins, Roisin Darby and Mellisa Ridge. Admission is free and tickets are still available
+ BOOKED OUT: Listen Live @ RHA (13:00-14:00): Music and spoken word collaboration at the RHA with Twin Headed Wolfe.

nyfdublin.com/category/multiple/love-dublin/spoken-word-festival/30th-spoken-word-festival/

Ukulele Tuesday

 19:45 – 22:00, Tue 30 Dec

Stag’s Head, Dame Lane, Dublin 2

Every Tuesday an informal sing along with Ukulele and Toy Musical Instruments takes place in the Stag’s Head. Just bring your instrument and come along. Beginners are welcome. Admission is free and further details (and a big book of songs) are available on the Facebook Page below. The get-together meets in the “snug” in Stag’s Head.

www.facebook.com/UkuleleTuesday

Ben Prevos Blue Tuesdays

 20:00 – 23:30, Tue 30 Dec

Sweeney Mongrel’s, 32 Dame Street, Dublin 2

Ben Prevo & friends play saucy Blues & soul every Tuesday

www.sweeneysdublin.ie

Dublin Bluegrass Collective – Gig

 20:00, Tue 30 Dec

Sin É, 14 Ormond Quay, Dublin 1

Rumours have it that the Bluegrass Collective will perform in Sin É on Tuesday and there might even be an open Bluegrass Jam! Admission is free.

www.facebook.com/Sin.E.Pub

The Folk Club

 20:30, Tue 30 Dec

Whelan’s, 25 Wexford Street, Dublin 2

The Folk Club in Whelan’s will bring you the best in Trad, Ballads, Americana & World Music every Tuesday. The line-up this week is on the Facebook Page below. Admission is free.

www.facebook.com/TheGrandFolkClub

Phoenix Big Band

 21:00 – 23:00, Tue 30 Dec

Tara Towers Hotel, Merrion Road, Dublin 4

The Phoenix Big Band is a 16 piece band playing songs of the 1930s, 1940s and other big band arrangements and they are playing every Tuesday in the Tara Tower Hotel (since 2012!) for adult dancing. If you like to waltz, cha cha or foxtrot, come and enjoy their performance.

Admission is free.

The band plays in the main function room which is occasionally booked, so to confirm that they are playing, please ring the hotel on the day: Phone 01-2694666

Camden Sessions – Singer/Songwriter Night

 21:30, Tue 30 Dec

Anseo, 18 Camden Street Lower, Dublin 2

A totally unplugged Singer/Songwriter night (no PA, no microphones) with original music is taking place upstairs in Anseo every Tuesday from 21:30.

Please check on the Facebook Page below if the event is going ahead as it seems to get cancelled every now and then and if you want to play a 15-30 min set or just want to play one song make yourself heard via the same Facebook Page.

Admission is free.

www.facebook.com/TheCamdenSessions

Wednesday   31 Dec

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New Years Eve – Free Events!

08:00, Wed 31 Dec

Dublin (various locations)

Things have changed on New Year’s Eve. I remember that for years – and until very recently – nearly every venue – even the ones that didn’t provide anything interesting or special – wanted to charge a significant amount of money in admission charges on New Year’s eve. This year is different: Many venues have free admission, even some popular and high-profile venues! That’s a positive development. Nevertheless, I suggest that you double check if there are any charges before you go to a venue to find out what you get for your money. Admission into a pub with a DJ (or maybe just an MP3 player) shouldn’t cost EUR 15 as it did happen!

Please note: These “special” days and the period between Christmas and New Year in general create different rules and arrangements for each regular event. Some continue as normal, others take a break until the new year. I was not able to check every event, when I compiled this Dublin Event Guide, so please check before you go to an Regular Event to make sure that it takes place!

Christmas Kingdom – St. Anne’s Park

10:00 – 20:00, Wed 31 Dec

St. Anne’s Park, Raheny, Dublin 5

Christmas Kingdom is a new Christmas event by Dublin City Council.

There is lots of entertainment for kids, but most attractions are not free (e.g. a Christmas circus, the North Pole play area, a festive train, face painters, balloons and children entertainments.

The free element of Christmas Kindom is a Live Crib and a market area consisting of 14 stalls selling food and crafts.

Initially it will open every weekend Fri 14:00-20:00 & Sat/Sun from 10:00 to 20:00. From 19-23 Dec the market will be open daily from 10:00-20:00 and will then continue until 04 Jan.

National Gallery Talks

 11:30 – 16:50, Wed 31 Dec

National Gallery, Clare Street, Dublin 2

The National Gallery has an extensive programme of free talks, public tours and Art Documentary screenings focusing on highlights of the European and Irish Collection every day of the week. Check their website for details.

nationalgallery.ie/whatson

Festive Family Fun Fair – Wolfe Tone Square

12:00, Wed 31 Dec

Wolfe Tone Square, Jervis Street, Dublin 1

The Festive Family Fun Fair has been extended until 01 Jan. It is on Wolfe Tone Square.

There will be vintage amusement rides like a vintage style chairoplane, a mini carousel, a helter skelter slide and game stalls. Food stalls with crepes, grilled food, a chocolate fountain, hot drinks, sweets and steak sandwiches will keep the parents happy.

Admission to the Fun Fair is free, but I would expect that the amusements/rides are not free. Can someone please check and let me know (dublineventguide@gmail.com). Thanks! It also doesn’t say until what time in the evening that Fun Fair is open. Maybe it’s a secret. so be careful when you ask! :-D

www.dublinatchristmas.ie/whats-on-events/festive-family-fun-fair-wolfe-tone-square/

New Year’s Festival Dublin

12:00, Wed 31 Dec

Dublin (various locations)

Dublin’s New Year’s Festival is growing and incorporating more and more other events than just the (non-free) gig at College Green with which it originally got launched. There are free events and non-free events and the whole list is on nyfdublin.com/category/events/

A number of the free events are also listed separately in this Dublin Event Guide.

A Food Village and some Light Projections will happen throughout the three days.

+ Food Village on Barnardos Square (30+31 Dec: 12:00-21:00, 01 Jan 12:00-17:00)
+ Luminosity – 3D Light Projections at Barnardo’s Square, Wolfe Tone Square and Trinity College (17:00-00:00, on Barnardos Square (17:00-21:00)

nyfdublin.com/

Christmas Art Holiday for the Family – National Gallery

12:30 – 17:00, Wed 31 Dec

National Gallery, Clare Street, Dublin 2

Every year for the last 50 (!!) years, The National Gallery celebrates the “Christmas Art Holiday” a 5-day long family-friendly Art festival between Christmas and New Year.

The Christmas Art Holiday will run from Sat 27 Dec until Wed 31 Dec and these are the events:

Sat 27 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Wizards” with Alan Nolan
+ 16:00 Music in the Millennium Wing

Sun 28 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 13:30 Musical Trio (in Millenium Wing)
+ 13:45 Screening of “Images from the Past: Christmas Art Holiday 1964-2013” (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 14:00 Eight Artists in Conversation about their memories of the Christmas Art Holiday (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Christmas Magic” with PJ Lynch (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 15:50 Screening of “Images from the Past: Christmas Art Holiday 1964-2013” (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 16:00 Musical Trio (in Millenium Wing)

Mon 29 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Dragons & Fantasy Creatures” with Anthea West (in Lecture Theatre)
+ 16:00 Music in the Millennium Wing

Tues 30 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Winter Wonderland” with Andrew Brown (Atrium)
+ 16:00 Music in the Millennium Wing

Wed 31 Dec
+ 12:30 Family Tour (no booking required, but numbers limited)
+ 15:00 Family Art Workshop “Midnight Festival” with Louise McGrath (Atrium)
+ 16:00 Music in the Millennium Wing

Admission to all events is free.

www.nationalgallery.ie/en/Learning/Families_and_Young_People/Christmas_Family_Art_Holiday_2014.aspx

Archive at Lunchtime – IFI

 13:00, Wed 31 Dec

Irish Film Institute, 6 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

Archive at Lunchtime screenings take place Saturdays (Double Bill), Mondays and Wednesdays. The programme is changing weekly now (instead of monthly as in the past). To find out what film(s) will be screened go to www.ifi.ie/whatson/now-showing-coming-soon/ and look for “Archive at Lunchtime” on the right. Admission is free.

www.ifi.ie/

Havana International Language Exchange

 16:30 – 19:30, Wed 31 Dec

Havana Tapas Bar, Georges St, Dublin 2

The “Havana International Language Exchange” is taking place every Wed from 16:30-19:30 in Havana Tapas Bar in George’s Street. There are many Spanish speakers and English-speakers are explicitly invited, but everyone else is certainly very welcome too, to meet for a chat to improve your Spanish or English.

www.facebook.com/pages/Havana-Tapas-Bar/10503361821

The Crossfire – Gig

18:00, Wed 31 Dec

Mercantile, 28 Dame Street, Dublin 2

The Crossfire will play in the Mercantile for an early show. They will be followed by One Horse Pony at 22:00.

Admission is free.

www.dublinsessions.ie/mercantile.html

New Year’s Eve Masked Ball – Odeon

19:00, Wed 31 Dec

Odeon Bar, 57 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2

The Odeon Pub in Harcourt Street is inviting to a Masked Ball on New Years Eve.

Admission is free! Find out more details on the website below.

odeon.ie/index.php/the-masked-ball-nye/

Procession of Light – New Year’s Eve Festival

19:00 – 20:00, Wed 31 Dec

St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2

A street procession with light, music and fire installation is leaving St. Stephen’s Green at 19:00 and will go along Grafton Street, Suffolk Street, College Green, Anglesea Street, through Temple Bar, Essex Street, Parliament Street and will end at Dublin Castle.

At Dublin Castle, the event ends with “All About The Brass”, a bespoke choreographed fire and music show from 20:00

You can either watch the procession or join in or you can just wait for it at Dublin Castle. All free and no booking required.

nyfdublin.com/procession-of-light/

Dakota NYE Party

20:00, Wed 31 Dec

Dakota, 8-9 South William Street, Dublin 2

The Dakota Bar in South William Street has a big New Year’s Eve party and they open already at 12:00 and will serve food until 18:00 before the party kicks off fully.

Admission is free!

dakotabar.ie/nye-2014/

King Kong Club

 20:00, Wed 31 Dec

Mercantile, 28 Dame Street, Dublin 2

The King Kong Club is a weekly music game-show in the Mercantile. Each week 6-7 bands/solo artists play three songs each. At the end of all the performances a clap-off with the King Kong Club Clap-o-Meter takes place and the winner goes through to a semi-final and it all culminates after six months of competition with The Grand Final, held in front of a panel of celebrity judges.

Check the Facebook Page below for the line-up.

www.facebook.com/TheKingKongClubDublin

New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party

20:00, Wed 31 Dec

Searson’s, 42-44 Upper Baggot Street, Dublin 4

Searson’s in Baggot Street is inviting to a “New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party”. There will be masks & photo props and an event photographer. A DJ and a Champagne Reception will also be waiting for you.

Admission is free.

www.facebook.com/Searsons

The Devil’s Jukebox New Year’s Eve Special

20:00, Wed 31 Dec

Sin É, 14 Ormond Quay, Dublin 1

Sin É will have a big New Year’s eve party this year with Live Music by the Marcas Carcas Band, Burlesque Show by “La Folie Déshabillé” and the “Devil’s Jukebox” DJ Oran.

Admission is free and the pub opens at 17:00.

www.facebook.com/Sin.E.Pub

The Song Room (open mic)

 20:30, Wed 31 Dec

The Globe, 11 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2

“The Song Room” is another open mic event. It takes place in The Globe in George’s Street at 20:30 every Wednesday.

www.theglobe.ie/events

The Zodiac Sessions (open mic)

 20:30, Wed 31 Dec

Bruxelles, Harry Street, Dublin 2

“The Zodiac Sessions” is a regular open mic event from 20:30 in Bruxelles (between Grafton Street and Westbury Hotel) for unsigned musicians. Admission is free and there is a different line-up every week.

www.facebook.com/zodiacsessions

Bad Boy Jake

 21:00, Wed 31 Dec

Gypsy Rose Blues & Rock Bar, 5 Aston Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

Bad Boy Jake are every Wednesday in the Gypsy Rose Rock & Blues Bar playing their rock, blues and American.

www.dublinsessions.ie/gypsy.html

Singer Songwriter Night – Mother Reilly’s

 21:00, Wed 31 Dec

Mother Reillys, 26/28 Upper Rathmines Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6

Every Wednesday a Singer Songwriter Night will take place in Mother Reilly’s in Rathmines. This is YOUR chance to show everyone what you can do, alternatively you can just listen to the talented Singer/Songwriters. Admission is free.

www.facebook.com/motherreillysADMIN

Jazz Pigs – Gig

 21:30, Wed 31 Dec

4 Dame Lane, Dame Lane, Dublin 2

The Jazz Pigs with a classic multi-brass front line play a mix of Lounge, lively sixties Jazz and driving Funk. Every Wednesday downstairs in 4 Dame Lane. Admission is free.

www.facebook.com/dublinjazzpigs

Trad Session

 21:30, Wed 31 Dec

Hedigan’s (The Brian Boru), 4 Prospect Road, Phibsborough, Dublin 11

Traditional Irish Music Session in Hedigan’s (The Brian Boru) in Phibsborough from 21:30 every Wednesday. If you play an instrument you are especially welcome (all levels are welcome).

New Year’s Eve in the Workman’s Club

22:00, Wed 31 Dec

Workman’s Club, 10 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2

No free live music in the Workman’s Club, but there are three rooms with DJs and five bars. Doors open at 17:00 and DJs start at 22:00. Admission is free.

The Minutes play In the Main Venue on the same night, but tickets are (if still available) EUR 18.

theworkmansclub.com/index.php/events/new-years-eve-the-workmans-club/

One Horse Pony – Gig

22:00, Wed 31 Dec

Mercantile, 28 Dame Street, Dublin 2

One Horse Pony will play in the Mercantile on New Year’s Eve and admission is free.

www.dublinsessions.ie/mercantile.html

New Year’s Eve Fireworks? – NONE!!

23:55, Wed 31 Dec

Dublin (various locations)

We know them from all over the world and the News Channels on TV love showing us: It starts every New Year’s Eve with Sydney, then it’s Dubai’s turn and finally we are shown London. I am talking about amazing and impressive Fireworks!

ONCE in the last few years Dublin had a Fireworks display and most years Dun Laoghaire gave us a chance to admire the lights and sounds of fireworks.

This year? NONE! Not a single Fireworks in any part of County Dublin. Not even in Dun Laoghaire! Sure there will be a few sparklers at the NYE Festival at College Green, but that’s no proper Fireworks and doesn’t count! This is really disappointing!

And if you are not from Ireland and therefore wonder where you can buy your own little set of rockets for the back garden, you will also be disappointed: It is illegal in the Republic of Ireland to sell or use Fireworks. You can buy it in Northern Ireland, but are not allowed to use it south of the border.

(Read the rules here and weep: Health & Safety used as a weak and inappropriate excuse again, as it happens much too often in Ireland.)

Yes, times are tough, so tough that London this year even charges GBP 10 for watching the Fireworks. Allegedly they won’t make any money from it, instead the GBP 10 is charged for Health & Safety reasons. WTF!? But at least there will be a Fireworks!

Thursday   01 Jan

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Christmas Kingdom – St. Anne’s Park

10:00 – 20:00, Thu 01 Jan

St. Anne’s Park, Raheny, Dublin 5

Christmas Kingdom is a new Christmas event by Dublin City Council.

There is lots of entertainment for kids, but most attractions are not free (e.g. a Christmas circus, the North Pole play area, a festive train, face painters, balloons and children entertainments.

The free element of Christmas Kindom is a Live Crib and a market area consisting of 14 stalls selling food and crafts.

Initially it will open every weekend Fri 14:00-20:00 & Sat/Sun from 10:00 to 20:00. From 19-23 Dec the market will be open daily from 10:00-20:00 and will then continue until 04 Jan.

Festive Family Fun Fair – Wolfe Tone Square

12:00, Thu 01 Jan

Wolfe Tone Square, Jervis Street, Dublin 1

The Festive Family Fun Fair has been extended until 01 Jan. It is on Wolfe Tone Square.

There will be vintage amusement rides like a vintage style chairoplane, a mini carousel, a helter skelter slide and game stalls. Food stalls with crepes, grilled food, a chocolate fountain, hot drinks, sweets and steak sandwiches will keep the parents happy.

Admission to the Fun Fair is free, but I would expect that the amusements/rides are not free. Can someone please check and let me know (dublineventguide@gmail.com). Thanks! It also doesn’t say until what time in the evening that Fun Fair is open. Maybe it’s a secret. so be careful when you ask! :-D

www.dublinatchristmas.ie/whats-on-events/festive-family-fun-fair-wolfe-tone-square/

New Year’s Festival Dublin

12:00, Thu 01 Jan

Dublin (various locations)

Dublin’s New Year’s Festival is growing and incorporating more and more other events than just the (non-free) gig at College Green with which it originally got launched. There are free events and non-free events and the whole list is on nyfdublin.com/category/events/

A number of the free events are also listed separately in this Dublin Event Guide.

A Food Village and some Light Projections will happen throughout the three days.

+ Food Village on Barnardos Square (30+31 Dec: 12:00-21:00, 01 Jan 12:00-17:00)
+ Luminosity – 3D Light Projections at Barnardo’s Square, Wolfe Tone Square and Trinity College (17:00-00:00, on Barnardos Square (17:00-21:00)

nyfdublin.com/

“My Favourites” – Walking Tour – Night Walk

 19:00 – 21:00, Thu 01 Jan

Spire, O’Connell Street, Dublin 1

“These Are a Few of My Favourite Things” is the title of a Walking Tour that Emily Gallagher will run next Thursday. It will be an Alternative Arts and Culture Trail and she will bring you to “Dublin’s Best Cafes, Bars, Markets, Unusual Stores, Galleries, Theatres, Arts Spaces, and more! And hear some tales you’ve never heard before!”

Meeting point is at the Spire. The tours are free but donations are welcome and booking is required via egaldog@gmail.com or 085-2725095

Dimestore Recordings presents

 20:00, Thu 01 Jan

Sweeney Mongrel’s, 32 Dame Street, Dublin 2

Dimestore Recordings run a weekly event in Sweeney Mongrel’s with a variety of bands and performers. It starts at 20:00, follow the link for the line up.

www.facebook.com/DimeStoreRecords

Max Zaska / Patrick Groenland

 21:00, Thu 01 Jan

The International Bar, 23 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2

The Max Zaska group and the Patrick Groenland group will perform on alternating Thursdays from 21:00 in the International Bar on 23 Wicklow Street.

www.international-bar.com/music.html

Left, Right & Centre – Blues+Soul

 21:30, Thu 01 Jan

Frank Ryan’s Bar, Queen Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7

Every Thursday “Left Right & Centre” play a mix of blues & soul with a bit of rock&roll.

www.frankryans.com

McNeills Trad Music Pub Sessions

 21:30, Thu 01 Jan

J. McNeills, 140 Capel Street, Dublin 7

Every Thursday a free Trad Session takes place in McNeills and often there are high profile Trad musicians performing.

www.facebook.com/McNeillsPubSessions

Friday   02 Jan

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The Green Door Market

 09:30 – 16:00, Fri 02 Jan

18 Newmarket, Dublin 8

The Green Door Market is a new indoor food/Farmer’s Market that takes place just a few doors down from the Dublin Food Co-op at Newmarket in Dublin 8. Admission is free.

Opening hours are Thu-Fri 12:00-19:00 and Sat 09:30-16:00.

www.facebook.com/thegreendoordublin

Christmas Kingdom – St. Anne’s Park

10:00 – 20:00, Fri 02 Jan

St. Anne’s Park, Raheny, Dublin 5

Christmas Kingdom is a new Christmas event by Dublin City Council.

There is lots of entertainment for kids, but most attractions are not free (e.g. a Christmas circus, the North Pole play area, a festive train, face painters, balloons and children entertainments.

The free element of Christmas Kindom is a Live Crib and a market area consisting of 14 stalls selling food and crafts.

Initially it will open every weekend Fri 14:00-20:00 & Sat/Sun from 10:00 to 20:00. From 19-23 Dec the market will be open daily from 10:00-20:00 and will then continue until 04 Jan.

Make A Viking House – Museum Event

11:00 – 15:00, Fri 02 Jan

National Museum, Kildare Street (Archaeology), Dublin 2

Visit the Viking Age Ireland exhibition to discover how the Vikings lived and then drop-in to the Learning Resource Room to make a mini-Viking House to take home.

Admission is free and no booking required.

www.museum.ie/en/list/calendar-of-events.aspx?eventID=4546

National Gallery Talks

 11:30 – 16:50, Fri 02 Jan

National Gallery, Clare Street, Dublin 2

The National Gallery has an extensive programme of free talks, public tours and Art Documentary screenings focusing on highlights of the European and Irish Collection every day of the week. Check their website for details.

nationalgallery.ie/whatson

First Fortnight – Mental Health Arts Festival

18:00, Fri 02 Jan

City Assembly House, 58 South William Street, Dublin 2

First Fortnight is an Arts Festival that wants to challenge mental health prejudices through creative arts so that people find it easier to start a conversation about mental health.

The festival will run from 01-14 Jan in Dublin and lots of different events are planned. Some of the events are free, others not. I will list here the free events, but I strongly suggest that you also have a look at the non-free events, if mental health and arts is of interest to you.

The first free events is on Fri 02 Jan and will take place in the Octagonal Gallery of the City Assembly House, South William Street, Dublin 2.

The event is entitled “I Have To Say, I Have To Say” and explores suicide amongst migrants. The work stemmed from the death of the artist’s former housemate, a Polish woman living in Ireland. Told through sculptural installation, video and performances, the work looks at the connections between Poland and Ireland,

The Opening (with a 30 min performance) will take place on Friday from 18:00. There will be lunchtime performances (30 mins) on 09+13 Jan at 13:00 and a Panel Discussion will be on Thurs 08 Jan at 19:30.

All events of the First Fortnight Festival are listed here.

firstfortnight.ie/whats-on/say-say/

Cornucopia – Live Music

 19:30 – 21:30, Fri 02 Jan

Cornucopia Café & Restaurant, 19/20 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2

Cornucopia Café & Restaurant host live music three evenings a week (Thurs, Fri and Sat). The restaurant is a Wholefood & Vegetarian Restaurant and is open until 22:15.
+ Every second Thursday N.C Lawlor, a songwriter, session player and troubadour plays a mix of country, bluegrass & blues from 19:30-21:30.
+ Every Friday (19:30-21:30) Junshi Murakami plays Irish Harp.
+ Every Saturday (19:30-21:30) Nollaig Mann plays a collection of popular and jazz classics.

www.cornucopia.ie

Bal Folk – European Folk Dance Session

 20:00, Fri 02 Jan

Tap Bar, 44 North King Street, Dublin 7

The weekly European Folk Dance Workshop/Session takes place in the Tap Bar every Friday.

The dances are French, Greek, Italian, Hungarian, Polish, Portuguese folk and traditional dances and everybody interested to join in or to learn is welcome. Admission is free, but donations (suggested: EUR 3) are very welcome

www.facebook.com/pages/Njoy-Dancing-Dublin/251213698276941

Electric Fridays – Open Mic

 21:00, Fri 02 Jan

The International Bar, 23 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2

“Electric Fridays with DUB” is a weekly gig/open mic night in the basement of The International Bar. Admission is free.

Musicians, artists, bands who want to play a 25 min set should contact the organisers via the Facebook page below. A PA and some equipment is available.

www.facebook.com/dubgoeselectric

Live Music – Stillorgan Orchard

 21:00, Fri 02 Jan

Stillorgan Orchard, The Hill, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin

The Stillorgan Orchard has live music every Friday and Saturday. Many of the performers are established and very good bands. The upcoming gigs are detailed on the website below. Admission is always free.

www.stillorganorchard.com/live_music.html

Ska ‘n’ Reggae with The Bionic Rats

 21:00 – 02:30, Fri 02 Jan

Turks Head, 27 Parliament St, Dublin 2

“Ska ‘n’ Reggae” is the theme in the Dive Bar (downstairs in Turks Head) every Friday. The Bionic Rats play live and the DJs Tommy Rash and Fukszy are on the decks until late.  Admission is free.

www.facebook.com/TURKSHEADDUBLIN

Events Coming Up

Dublin Mountains Partnership – Guided Walks

21+26 December

Every month the Dublin Mountain Partnership runs free guided walks in the Dublin Mountains on some Saturdays or Sundays (or this month on St. Stephen’s Day) during the month. In December there will be 2 walks. The walks have varying difficulty and duration and the details can be found on the Dublin Mountain Partnership website:  www.dublinmountains.ie/news/upcoming_events/?no_cache=1

The January walks are not yet listed on the website, but I suggest that you check regularly if you like hiking in the DUblin Mountains, so that you don’t miss any possible early January walks.

All walks are free, but pre-registration is required.

Not free, but interesting nevertheless:

New Years Eve Festival at College Green: 31 Dec (Sold Out)

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This is odd

Please note: This section contains observations taken from the world I live in that strike me as odd. I express my personal opinion and you might not share it. ;-) If you are easily offended by opinions that are not identical with your own, please don’t read this section and I am VERY serious about that!

Honesty and Christmas – The contradiction

Imagine the following scenario: It is Christmas Day morning and your children – he is six, she is four – are in the living room playing with the presents they got just a few hours ago. One of the parents is working on the Christmas dinner and because the kids are behaving and are busy with their toys, the other parent leaves the living room for a moment to go to the kitchen. The absence takes a little longer than planned and suddenly you hear an almighty noise from the living room. You run back and SHOCK and HORROR, the Christmas Tree and all the decorations has crashed on the floor, the kids – both standing nearby – are unharmed and also look shocked, but the living room is a might mess.

You are glad that both kids are unharmed, but you have a suspicion. It is possible that the six year old tried to pull a chocolate tree decoration from the tree and that he pulled so hard that the tree fell over. The four year old is a little further away so all indications are, your six year old just wrecked your Christmas Tree and living room. You ask him and he tells you that he didn’t do ANYTHING. That he wasn’t even near the tree and that the tree just fell over. You have no plans to punish him, but boundaries need to be defined and limits made clear. So you push him a little to find out the truth. But he is adamant. “Nooo, it wasn’t me. I didn’t do anything!” He realises that his version doesn’t do it for you and when you ask him if it was the four year old who pulled the tree down, he sees an escape route and says that it was her!

Wow, now we have ANOTHER problem! He didn’t tell the truth in the first place and now even accused his innocent sister of the wrongdoing. Being a good parent, you realise that an educational step has to be taken and you know that you need to talk to him about telling the truth and lying. You need him to understand that it is absolutely not acceptable EVER to lie to you and that if he ever lied in the future there would have to be consequences.

Suddenly you hear a sound from the direction of the fire place. You can’t describe the sounda t first, but then you realise….it is a clear “Ho Ho Hoooooo!!!”

OOooooooppppppsss!!!! What next? Will you tell your six year old that children are NEVER allowed to lie. ….but daddies and mammies are allowed to talk about Santa, sleighs, raindeers, chimneys, midnight shenanigans in the living room, beer-drinking and cookie-eating bearded men, elves and toy production at the NorthPole?

:-)))

Due to cultural differences, I didn’t grow up with Santa, instead it was the Christchild (Christ Kindel) that brought the presents. And I have to admit that I only realised when I came to Ireland how elaborate the story about Santa is and how even radio and TV stations are in on it when they declare on 24 Dec that Santa was seen leaving the North Pole on his sleigh. And I was amazed about how long this deception is carried on for AND that children – once they understnad more – never seem to hold the parents accountable for the Honesty Contradiction of Christmas! :-) Odd, isn’t it!? :-P

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Have a great start of the new year!!!! It will be a good one! ;-)

Ohh, and also have an event-full weekend and week,

–Joerg

dublineventguide@gmail.com | www.dublineventguide.com | www.facebook.com/DublinEventGuide | m.dublineventguide.com

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This Event Guide (the “Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events)”) is an Event Guide with a difference. It covers mostly free events based on the thinking that free events deserve additional support and that non-free events have the money to pay for advertisement. The Guide is a _Guide_ and not just a listing and is therefore at times quite extensive. It is sent for free to anybody who is interested and if you want to be added to the mailing list or know somebody who would like to receive this guide, just send them to www.dublineventguide.com, where they can subscribe. If you have feedback – good or bad – PLEASE tell me via dublineventguide@gmail.com.
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Copyright 2014 by Joerg Steegmueller.
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