THE BEST THINGS IN DUBLIN ARE FREE
The best things in life are free, so goes the saying. Let’s change “life” for “Dublin” and see how the proverb can then be interpreted. From my interpretation springs fun, craic, music galore, public parks, museums, beautiful gardens, and the freedom to enjoy these free, municipal amenities. There are many superb, free attractions to enjoy in Dublin. Lots of these can be found advertised on this website. I will highlight and mention some quality fun, family events, and free music concerts catering to all styles; historical, interesting and educational 1916 commemorations, and even free, giant movies in the park, also featuring kids’ favourite classics. There’s also free lunchtime opera in the city (who said there’s no such a thing as a free lunch).
OPERA IN THE OPEN
For all the opera aficionados (a posh word meaning fans) out there, here’s a special treat for you. Dublin will come alive each Thursday lunchtime, in August, to the sounds of Handel, Gilbert & Sullivan, Mick Jagger (only joking, I wish) Strauss and Tchaikovsky.
“Each performance of opera is undertaken in an abridged format, is narrated in English and lasts one hour during lunchtime from 1 to 2pm. There is no fee for attending these performances. The Amphitheatre includes a raised stage, a seated area and grass verges which are ideal for a picnic lunch. The Amphitheatre is easily accessible from Winetavern Street and space is made available for wheelchair users.”
I’ve always loved Nessun Dorma (also reminds me of Italia ’90) by Pavarotti. This much prized yearly Open Opera season is always well appreciated by Dubliners.
Dublin Live Music Trails
Apparently, Dublin Live Music Trails has been a lively musical feature, in various museums, coffee shops and bookshops in Dublin city since the 9th April this year. “Taking place at key weekends between now and the NYE Festival, this fantastic event is a must for any music fan so get your calendar out and set aside some time to enjoy Dublin city and the live music which it’s famous for.”
Yes, us Dubliners love our music, and I bet it sounds better when ‘gratis’ is part of the equation. Great also to see they will be still at it come January.
Summer Concerts, St. Enda’s Park
From Blue Grass and Country to Big Band Music ensures St. Enda’s Park will be rocking this summer. On Sunday the 14th August, midlands group, Bending Strings, will entertain Dubliners with the best of Blue Grass and Country music. On Sunday 28th August, families will be regaled with a variety of big band music from the St Georges Brass Band. The different musical styles means there’s something for everybody in the audience. And add to that the fine summer we are enjoying in Dublin--so far--should enhance the enjoyment. A sunny day and good music lifts the spirit. Let’s hope that strange, red object that radiated heat over Dublin recently, returns.
1916/2016 Commemorations
It may seem strange to enjoy a guided tour of a graveyard, but Deansgrange Cemetery is a special place. Here one visits “the graves of over 60 casualties of the 1916 Easter Rising, including volunteers, British soldiers and civilians”. This is a historical burial ground and a free guide is provided up until the 30th August. Interesting.
According to http://www.dublincity.ie/, “The story of the Capital is a multimedia exhibition tracing the civic history of Dublin City. The exhibition features artefacts such as the Seal of Dublin City, the Great Mace of Dublin and The Sword of the City. The exhibition traces the civic history of Dublin, beginning as far back as 441A.D. and the first Viking invasion of Dublin. There are interactive screens, video displays, information panels, artefacts and replica models recounting the tumultuous history of the city. Dublin Fire Brigade has a never-before-seen collation of artefacts, personal items, memorabilia, uniforms and letters on display to mark the centenary celebration of the 1916 Rising. There is also one of the original Proclamations from the 1916 Easter Rising on display at City Hall.”
This is all very stimulating stuff and admission is free until the duration of 2016. Well worth a visit.
From now until the 31st Aug 2016, please investigate the Pearse Museum for the Pearse and Shakespeare Exhibition; its free of charge and enjoyable. “Set in nearly fifty acres of beautiful parkland, the museum tells the story of Patrick Pearse and his brother William, both of whom were executed for their part in the 1916 Rising.”
St Enda’s Park was where Patrick Pearse taught and resided. Scoil Éanna, Pearse’s pioneering Irish-speaking school, provided many Easter Rising participants. They included teachers Patrick and Willie Pearse, Thomas MacDonagh, Eamonn Ceannt, Con Colbert and fifteen students. Check out the historical Hermitage building before the 31st August, remarkable place.
Family Oriented Events
Keeping children amused is expensive, especially during the summer period. The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre will be holding a Family BBQ with Puppet Theatre in their Naul, county Dublin venue Sunday the 28th August. “The Moon & Sixpence Puppet Theatre Company will put on a cheeky production of Red Riding Hood complete with the classic characters with the addition of a talking dustbin.”
Admission is free at the door, and balloon modellers and face painters will also be in attendance to add to the fun. Sounds like an exciting time for kids.
There will be a Family Comedy Weekend held in the grounds of the fabulous Farmleigh Estate, Phoenix Park on the 27th and 28th August. “This free event will include stand-up comedy for the little ones, hilarious workshops, superhero silly art, wild and crazy storytelling, and more. Enter your child’s original joke in the competition, have fun with circus street performers, test your luck playing big board games on the lawn, and jump around to live music on the bandstand.”
More live music. Great stuff. Oh to be a child again!
OUTDOOR MOVIES IN THE PARK
Marlay Park will present outdoor movies on Saturday August 20th and Sunday August 21st 2016. According to the organisers, “Our giant 646 square foot High Definition LED screen was such a hit last year we are bringing it back together with an even better sound system than ever before! As usual, the event will present free screenings with no admission charge or ticket required of some of cinema's classics, recent hits and kids favourites. We will announce the movie titles in the coming weeks.”
This will be fun, and it’s near me. The grandkids will love it. Happy days.
Phoenix Park
Dubliners are fortunate to have some of the finest parks in the country, if not Europe. The best thing is they are free, and I’ve recently appreciated the wise old adage, The value of the water is only seen when the well runs dry. There are lots of free facilities to be valued in Dublin. For instance, the1752 acres Phoenix Park is one of the biggest parks in Europe. Here we can enjoy the spectacle of a large herd of fallow deer; superb greenery with many walks and cycle routes; Aras an Uachtarain; Farmleigh Estate; 22 acres of the Peoples Flower Gardens, which consists of beautiful, Victorian horticulture, a large lake and children's playground, to name a few of its many attractions. The Zoological gardens does charge a small fee, but worth a visit nonetheless.
Besides the already mentioned Phoenix Park, Marlay Park and St.Enda’s Park, there are many more parks and gardens equally interesting for various reasons. I will expand on them and other free attractions another time please God.
There’s lots more summer camps, summer festivals etc. (all free of charge, of course) around Dublin. I only scratched the surface with this piece. Remember, though, some of the mentioned activities, while free, require bookings. So, get out there and enjoy our lovely parks, free facilities and awesome attractions, before the government puts toll booths on parks, levies the libraries, and meters our lungs to tax us for the free air.
Have a great summer.
Tomas O’hArgadain
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