What’s the story in Dublin this week?

We’ve rounded up five cool things happening this week in Dublin for Free! From the food, fun and drinks at the Flavours of Fingal to the events for the little nippers in our lives, this week we are covering solely Free events!

1. Changing Ireland: Stories from the Collection 1900-2020

2. Flavours of Fingal

3. Trad Sessions at Piper’s Corner

4. Eatyard Candle Market

5. Gardening for Kids

Changing Ireland: Stories from the Collection 1900-2020

June 30^th- 11.30 am - FREE - National Museum of Ireland

Orlaith Styles and Muiris Wade, curatorial researchers from the Art & Industry division are hosting an exciting discussion on the programme “Changing Ireland: Stories from the Collection 1900-2020”. This is a wonderful exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland, which will explore Irish history from 1900 to 2020.

Orlaith and Muiris will be offering a behind-the-scenes look at the work that is needed to launch an exhibition. Culture Club is a series of hosted talks and tours that introduce and encourage people to connect with the cultural spaces of the city.

You can sign up for your Free ticket on this link

Flavours of Fingal

Saturday July 1st & Sunday July 2nd - 11am - 6pm - FREE

The flavours of Fingal is probably one of the last remaining Festivals that is free in Dublin. The weekend at Newbridge House hosts 80,000 visitors over the two days with public transport links available at any stage throughout the weekend.

The weekend offers so much more than food, drink and craic. There is the Farmer’s Field, showcasing the livelyhood of many around Fingal and will highlight the best of farm animals including cattle classes, sheepdog trials, alpacas, sheep and pigs. Traditional farming methods and techniques will be demonstrated alongside some of the most modern, state-of-the-art farm machinery.

Dublin’s Coast & Fields: Explore the bustling food market from Dublin’s Coast & Fields, brimming with stalls featuring an array of delicious, locally sourced produce. From freshly harvested fruits and vegetables to artisan cheeses, seafood and bread, visitors can sample and purchase an assortment of delectable treats. Some of the local producers taking part include An Bácús Beag (My personal favourite bakery outside of Bread 41), Feisty Ferments (An incredible Kombucha Brewer based in Balbriggan), McNally Family Farm (Wonderful produce, even better sandwiches) and Country Crest. Take a seat and watch cookery demonstrations with top local chefs, including Declan McManus of the King Sitric restaurant, Howth who will showcase the wonderful seafood caught around our coast and hopefully with their Oyster Bar trailer!

Live Music and Entertainment: Enlivening the festival atmosphere, there will be live music performances in the Walled Garden and Front of House featuring local talent along with Irish and ballroom dancing.

There is no tickets needed for this event, simply just arrive on the day and bring cash. As last year, connection issues caused problems for some traders.

Trad Sessions at Piper’s Corner

Nightly (Except Monday) from 9pm - Free

Piper’s Corner is one of Dublin’s best bars in my humble opinion. It’s loud, lively and usually rammed, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Every evening from about 9pm you can find talented musicians joining together to play. If you’re very lucky you can even catch Damien Dempsey and Sean McKeon on an odd day!

They also have a Pop Up Gaeltacht on the last Thursday of each Month. This is a new addition but what an incredible one it is! Drop in for a pint of stout agus labhair Gaeilge le do chairde. Nuair a bhí mé níos óige, bhí mé beagnach líofa sa Ghaeilge ach anois tá sé briste.

Piper’s Corner is a bit of fun for everybody and you’re sure to find a drink on tap that you like, with a nice bit of music!

EatYard Candle Market

July 2nd - 12-5pm - Free

The much loved EatYard markets are back in full swing, this time with a soothing candle market. Eatyard has invited more than 15 different candle makers to their incredible venue to bring lush candles at awesome prices.

The Eatyard street vendors will also be open for grub and drinks. If you haven’t tried it yet, Janet’s is the shop to stop at. I first saw the incredible dishes on TakeAway Titans from RTÉ back in 2022 and knew I had to try it straight away!

For more details and to book your free ticket> the-eatyard.com/candle-market/

Sunday Kids Drop by Activities

Every Sunday - Botanic Gardens - Free

20 minute sessions start at 11.00am,11.30am, 3.30pm & 4.00pm

Get your kids to learn about the garden at the National Botanic Gardens every Sunday. Join their knowledgeable professionals for fun activities in the dedicated Children’s Erasmus Education Garden!

Each week they have a different activity to help your kids to become an expert gardener. Sow your own vegetable and flower seeds, play some nature games or re-use everyday things to create your own piece of eco-art all for free with thanks to the Botanic Gardens.

You can find what the activity will be on offer for your kids by checking out the Facebook page for National Botanic Gardens of Ireland