Culture Date with Dublin 8 festival returns this May

The ‘Culture Date with Dublin 8’ festival will return to the streets of Dublin this May running from Satuday, 14 to Sunday, 15.

The event, now in its fourth year, celebrates the postal district of D8 as one of “Ireland’s top cultural destinations.”

Recently described by Time Out magazine as one of “the coolest neighbourhoods in the world” many of the area’s top historical landmarks including Kilmainham Gaol, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and IMMA – Irish Museum of Modern Art, will come alive with specially curated, free events, workshops, family activities and walking tours.

Among the programme of events, on Saturday, May 14 at 1pm, the festival will pay special tribute to the recently deceased Dublin 8 native and Irish poet Thomas Kinsella with a free concert celebrating his work in Goldenbridge Cemetery.

The event will feature readings by actors Mary Murray, Una Crawford O’Brien and the spoken word poet Emmet Kirwan followed by a performance by harpist Valerie Armstrong.

That evening, The Guinness Choir will be hosting a special ticketed performance of their “Sing Again” concert in St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 7pm.

Many of the key heritage sites in the area will also offer free access at various times throughout the weekend with opportunities to explore places that would not otherwise be open to visitors.

The Irish National War Memorial Gardens will be providing tours of their grounds and bookrooms, home to Harry Clarke’s illustrated manuscripts.

Phoenix Park will be providing a tour of their new biodiversity centre and St. Mary’s Hospital.

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), will be hosting a bio-diversity tour, exploring the museum’s extensive gardens and meadows and Christchurch Cathedral will provide free entry and an opportunity for visitors to try their new audio guide.

Other child-friendly events will be held at Kilmainham Gaol, IMMA, and Richmond Barracks.

Marsh’s Library, known as Ireland’s hidden gem, will be hosting a LEGO treasure hunt featuring significant Irish figures from the library’s past as well as providing free tours of their important collection of late Renaissance and early Enlightenment books.

On Saturday, May 14, from 2pm to 8pm, there will be a “Twilight Market” at The Digital Hub Thomas Street, showcasing a mixture of local design and locally made artisan food and homemade crafts.

Speaking at the launch of the programme the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Alison Gilliland, encouraged visitors to come and be inspired.

“From Viking and medieval history to modern art, the Dublin 8 area is home to some of Ireland’s richest and most diverse cultural and heritage sites.

“I’m deeply honoured to launch the programme for this year’s Culture Date with Dublin 8 festival, which celebrates the area as one of Ireland’s top cultural destinations.

“This year’s programme provides a fantastic opportunity for locals and visitors alike to reconnect with the capital city’s magnificent cultural resources and for local communities to discover the hidden gem that may be right on their doorstep.

“I would encourage everyone to come and be inspired.”

Many of the events over the weekend are free of charge but have limited capacity so early booking is advised.

To help visitors navigate their way around Dublin 8, the first-ever cultural attractions map for Dublin 8 is now available which highlights some of the key attractions in the area.

Visitors can also stamp their way across Dublin 8’s top cultural attractions by picking up the new “D8 Attractions Passport” at participating locations.

More information and a full itinerary of events can be found at www.culturedatewithdublin8.ie