24 PAGES OF D FESTIVALS, FONO AND FASHIO U BROUGHT TO YAOLD BY METRO HER
Keep Dublin tidy – Please recycle this Metro Herald when you are finished with it
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NO MUSIC TO MY EARS ALTERNATIVE FESTIVALS Our pick of the best cultural events, by Aileen Donegan
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OT a fan of music festivals? If, like me, the idea of sweating it out under the sun, or in a stuffy raincoat, while a band plays loud, obscure music in the distance, is not your thing, then here’s something different to celebrate the long summer days beyond the muck tossing, wellywearing, hangover-inducing music festivals for which Ireland is known.
Happenings Dublin – any time, any place
Sometimes nice things just pop up in life, and the Happenings’ random those. The group hosts cultural events in the city at a moment’s noof the happenings in your area. TIP: Expect events when the sun is shining. www.happenings.ie
Laya Healthcare’s City Spectacular, July 11 to 13
If watching sword-swallowers, acrobats and jugglers and a general carnival atmosphere is your thing, head down to Merrion Square for this one (formerly the Laya Healthcare Street Performance World Championship). We’re sure there’ll be crowd participation, so be brave! The events are free. www.cityspectacular.com
FUN: Happenings organises outdoor screenings at Grand Canal Dock Dublin Port Riverfest, May 31 to June 2
The city’s trademark river will see a lot of activity on the June bank holiday weekend, with the Port Riverfest into town, alongside racing boats and tug boat demonstrations. There will be a carnival from the Samuel Beckett Bridge to the East Link Bridge – so expect the company of street performers, loud music and face painting. www.dublinriverfest.com
Party Tip: If you’re heading to a festival (or just chilling with your friends in your back garden), nothing ruins a good summer’s night than drinking too much alcohol. Grab a pint of water if you’re feeling
Dublin Dance Festival, until May 31
Just three more days to visit Dublin’s Dance screenings, discussions and workshops. www.dublindance festival.ie
Taste Of Dublin, June 12-15
Pop-up restaurants, celeb chef demonstrations and entertainment will abound in the Iveagh Gardens www.tasteofdublin.ie
Bloomsday, June 9 to 16
Do you know your Dubliners from your Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man? Maybe this year you’ll James Joyce-inspired Bloomsday event. The annual event traces the steps of protagonist Leopold Bloom on a day in his life. It’s a certain treat for all Joycean fans. www.jamesjoyce.ie
SUMMER DREAMING CATHERINE FULVIO ON WHY SHE LOVES BLOOM
I bring the children with me to Bloom every year with the intention of staying for just an hour – invariably, I’m always the last to leave. Not only are the gardens stunning, it’s an amazing opportunity to go around meeting Irish artisan producers and taste spectacular food. Anyone with even the most tenuous interest in gardening for potted plants; there are always great bargains to be had. Last year, I picked up some really unusual herbs like lemon verbena and cinammonscented basil. At this year’s Bloom festival, I’ll be helping to judge a Maguire which I’m very excited about – Neven and I are great pals but when it comes to judging food, the Bloom, Phoenix Park, May bloominthepark.com. ■ Catherine’s guide to summer barbecuing and recipes
DIY al fresco and cinema – your house, any time
If all else fails this summer, do it yourself. Call your mates over, grab a few cushions, bring out the BBQ and get dining al fresco. If you have a projector handy, your outdoor home cinema beckons. Make sure the weather forecast is good though, otherwise… And there you have it – these are some fun events to head to in the city during the summer, while your friends spend their evenings cooped up in cramped and cumbersome tents for the night.
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