HAPPENINGS: A few things worth checking out around the city

International Literature Festival

Historically renowned for bringing the best international names to Dublin, this year’s International Literature Festival (ILF) takes place from May 20 to 29. 

The programme, featuring a series of readings, discussions, interviews, debates, workshops, masterclasses, performances and screenings, celebrates the best of Irish and international, established and emerging writing.

For further information on the extensive programme, visit www.ilfdublin.com

Ecumenical service

An Ecumenical Open Air Service of Praise will take place at St Doulagh’s Church, Malahide Road, at Balgriffin, this Sunday, May 28 at 3.30pm. 

Music will be provided by the 1st Dublin Company Boys’ Brigade Brass band.

During the service a collection will be taken up to support the Friends of St Doulagh’s Slates Appeal Fund for this ancient yet vibrant church. Parking will be available.

All are welcome. Bring your family and friends, or attend with your choir or congregation. If possible, bring a folding chair or stool for your comfort. Guided tours available after the service.

Summer concerts

The Lambay Singers, based in north county Dublin, are performing three summer concerts this week: May 27 at 7pm in St Columbas Church in Swords; and May 28 at 3pm and 5pm in Newbridge House, Donabate.

Tickets cost €10 and they are available at the door or contact Eric Duffy on 086-2555751. A great night’s entertainment is promised at each event.

Deep Dish

The Dublin Dance Festival finishes up this week and one of the highlights is Deep Dish by Liquid Loft / Chris Haring taking place at Abbey Theatre on Friday and Saturday, May 26 & 27 at 7.30pm. 

Four performers take their seats at a table set for a feast of Baroque opulence. As this bizarre dinner party unfolds we encounter the beauty and decadence of human existence, destined to perish.

Projecting live footage from a handheld camera onto a large screen, the performers uncover the surprising parallel worlds of the organic objects before them.

Tickets cost €22-€38 and there’s a post-show talk on the Saturday.

Starkids on Stage

Join the cast of Starkids for their end of year production at Draoicht in Dublin 15. This talented cast of children aged 3 to 17 years will have you well entertained with excerpts from Winnie the Pooh, Jungle book, Lazytown, Tangled, Beauty and the Beast and Legally Blonde the Musical.

A superb evening of song, dance and drama is promised from these amazingly talented children at 7pm on Friday and Saturday May 26 & 27. Tickets cost €15 for adults and €12 for under 18s, seniors and unwaged.

Family Day Festival

There’s a fun-filled day of free entertainment at the Family Day Festival in Smithfield Square from 11am-5pm on Saturday, May 27.

Presented by One Family, Ireland’s organisation for people parenting alone, sharing parenting, or separating, the festival is a jam-packed programme that includes magician Brian Daly with his blend of tricks and comedy, workshops with Brown Bag Films, Ireland’s Biggest Family Tree, games, storytelling, face painting and lots more.

Enjoy performances by the Dublin Circus Project and more surprises yet to be announced. This is an un-ticketed, free event.

Graduate Exhibition 

The Institute of Art, Design + Technology’s annual Graduate Exhibition, which is launching on May 26 and running until June 1 is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

The exhibition is an ideal opportunity for potential employers, collectors and the public to spot the latest talent and see the current trends in design, art and film. Curated by students the show will feature a culmination of work from degree programmes in the Institute of Art, Design + Technology, Kill Avenue, Dun Laoghaire. For further information visit www.iadt.ie/news/exhibition-26th-may/

African Art Exhibition 

To commemorate Africa Day, Ranelagh Arts Centre is hosting an exhibition organised by Down To Basics (DotaBa) a Network of Immigrant Entrepreneurs living in Ireland.

Artists exhibiting include Karibu artists from the Congo, Nkem Oguama, Joe Odiboh, Macola Vonga and many others. It runs at the Ranelagh Arts Centre until June 1 and is open to view during the usual gallery hours, 12pm to 6.30pm Tuesday to Saturday and 12pm to 4pm Sundays.

Córus at the Helix

Over two-jam packed nights, 640 members of Córus (based all over Dublin and beyond) are taking to the stage in The Helix on May 26 and 27 to combine their talents and deliver a show filled with music, fun and laughter.

Class members will showcase the work learned in weekly singing classes resulting in a fabulous and joyous chorus of Córus! Proceeds for the concerts will go to the charity ICHH (Inner City Helping Homeless). For more information about classes, visit: www.corus.ie or email [email protected] 

Tickets are €18 for adults and bookings can be made at www.thehelix.ie or by phone on 01-7007000.