Open-air film screening in Meeting House Square

As part of Bike Week 2025, Dublin City Council is presenting a special outdoor screening of ‘The Song Cycle’-a one-of-a-kind cultural event happening in the heart of the city at Meeting House Square, Temple Bar on Friday May 16th.

The screening is brought to you by the Council’s Cycling and Walking Officer and the Office of the Night-Time Economy Ambassador.

Blending cycling, music, and storytelling, this ‘Bike Week by Night’ experience offers a fresh take on how we engage with our city after dark—bringing people together through shared cultural moments in a car-free, community-focused setting.

‘The Song Cycle’ is a heart-warming and humorous documentary by musician and filmmaker Nick Kelly, who sets out on a bold adventure—cycling from Ireland to the Glastonbury Festival with all his musical equipment strapped to his bike. Each night, he’s joined by his musical partner Seán Millar, who travels by bus, and their journey is captured by filmmaker Céin O’Brien.

The film premiered to acclaim at the 2024 Galway Film Fleadh, where it won Best Independent Film, and went on to win the Audience Choice Award at the 2024 IFI Documentary Festival.

The evening kicks off with a Musical Bike Bop lead by the Critical Mass / IBIKEBop crew, a lively procession arriving at Meeting House Square at approx’ 9:00 PM, followed by a panel discussion featuring thought leaders and advocates for active travel and community-based urban living.

Ray O’Donoghue, Dublin’s Night-Time Economy Advisor, welcomed the event as part of a broader shift in how we imagine our city at night:

“This event ticks so many important boxes—it’s cultural, community-driven, sustainable, and most importantly, it’s non-alcohol-focused. It’s a brilliant example of the kind of vibrant, alternative night-time experiences we’re aiming to encourage across Dublin as part of the city’s wider night-time strategy.”

Lucy Hayes, Dublin City Council’s Cycling & Walking Officer, said,

“BikeWeek is about spotlighting and celebrating Dublin city as a cycling city. This event brings cycling culture into the centre of thingd, tying together cycling, the arts and the expanding and diverse Dublin city night-time offering.”

Nick Kelly, Song Cycle Director, said of the city and the event:

“As somebody who travels daily through Dublin by bicycle, I’m impressed by how the city centre has opened up to cycling in recent years. I’m thrilled and honoured by the chance to screen our film in the very heart of my home town, and to be part of Bike Week.”

Whether you’re a cyclist, a music lover, or simply curious to experience Dublin after dark in a new way, ‘The Song Cycle’ promises a night of inspiration and connection in one of the city’s most atmospheric open-air venues.

Event Details:
Meeting House Square, Temple Bar
Friday, May 16th
Musical Bike Bop Arrival: 9:00 PM | Film Screening to Follow