What’s the story in Dublin this week?

We’re fresh off the bat of another weekend! I had incredible fun at the Flavours of Fingal, visiting food producers, farming talks, medieval re-enactments and even trying my hand at Axe Throwing.

What was your favourite event of the weekend? Reply and let me know!

We’ve rounded up five cool things happening this week in Dublin for Free! We look at the OPW’s line up of free tours to the events for the little nippers in our lives, this week we are covering solely Free events! We really love getting into the best cultural events and not just live music!

1. Dún Laoghaire Street Art Walking Tour

2. Arbour Hill Cemetery Tour

3. IMMA Outdoors: Music in the Courtyard

4. Unison Festival

5. Sunday Art Cart in the Phoenix Park

Dún Laoghaire Street Art Walking Tour

July 7^th- 7 pm - FREE

Join a free guided walking tour of the ANSEO Street Art project and learn more about the places, events and people behind the artworks.

The Dún Laoghaire Anseo Project aims to channel the essence of the town and brings together the best in contemporary street art with a mixture of established, up-and-coming, and local artists.

The walking tours will take approximately 90-120 mins. Booking is recommended and I have left the link below. However walk ups are included on a first come, first served basis but best to make sure of your space.

You can sign up for your Free ticket on this link

Arbour Hill Cemetery Tour

Every Friday - 11am - FREE

The Military Cemetery holds a profound historical significance as the resting place of 14 leaders executed during the 1916 Easter Rising, including Patrick Pearse, James Connolly, and Major John MacBride. After their execution at Kilmainham Gaol, their remains were respectfully laid to rest in Arbour Hill.

Situated on a terrace of Wicklow granite, the graves lie beneath a low mound within the former prison yard. Enclosed by a limestone wall inscribed with their names in Irish and English, the gravesite stands as a solemn tribute to their sacrifice.

Adjacent to the wall, a plaque commemorates others who perished in 1916. Carefully maintained by the Office of Public Works, this sacred cemetery offers a place for reflection and remembrance, inviting visitors to connect with the stories of these courageous individuals who played a significant role in Ireland's struggle for independence.

This summer the OPW are offering a free tour around the historic graves of those who fought for Ireland’s freedom. I would recommend outdoor clothing and appropriate footwear for this tour.

IMMA Outdoors: Music in the Courtyard

July 9th - 4pm - Free

The Newpark Brass Band welcome people to the IMMA courtyard on Sunday for their first concert performance of their Summer Big Band Jazz group of 2023!

In May ‘23 Newpark academy of music held auditions for their summer course that allows participants will establish a strong theoretical and stylistic foundation with regards to improvisation and performance within a large Jazz ensemble. Led by the highly experienced Big Band Leader & Saxophonist Ciaran Wilde, the group will also include some of the leading exponents of Jazz music from Ireland; with Saxophonist Brendan Doyle and Drummer Kevin Brady.

The course culminates with a concert at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) this sunday And will also feature the critically acclaimed Tenor Saxophonist & Composer Meilana Gillard (U.S.) as a Guest soloist.

Unison Festival

July 8th & 9th - 12-7pm - Free

Get ready for a vibrant celebration of music, culture and community this Summer! Taking place in Balbriggan on Saturday the 8th of July and Blanchardstown on Sunday the 9th of July, Unison Festival is the perfect Summer weekend for all ages with incredible live music acts, delicious food stalls, crafts and activities.

This festival is another hit by Fingal this summer! A week after the fabulous Flavours of Fingal Festival, Unison has it’s inaugural day! Unison Festival is a family friendly event that is open to all and this is a free event so no tickets are required! There will be a range of food stalls at the festival selling plenty of snacks, hot food, and mineral drinks. Vegetarian and vegan options will be available too.

Now for the line up: Soulé headlines her hometown of Balbriggan on Saturday along with the fabulous Toshin we wrote about 2 weeks ago! On Sunday, Prymary Colours take to the Millenium Park stage. There’s music and there’s dance. There’s performance and there’s aesthetics. And there’s PrYmary Colours, who fuse them all together in one neat pumping package

Get the low down and the full line up here > unisonfestival.ie

Sunday Art Cart in the Phoenix Park

Every Sunday - Phoenix Park Visitor Centre - Free

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

Get your kids to learn about Pond Life in the Phoenix Park with a fun interactive workshop from the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. These sessions run almost every sunday and cover a wide range of topics to help your kids get down and dirty with nature, art, craft and wildlife!

These free children’s workshops on nature awareness, history and heritage and arts and crafts take place, suitable for ages 6-11 years

You can find what the activity will be on offer for your kids by checking out the online brochure for The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. I would recommend you ringing the centre at 01 6770095, before you plan to travel as the Art Cart is subject to change and may depend on Staff availability.