June seems to be awash with festivals up and down the country but this little gem in the heart of Dublin 7 is a standout.
Still reeling from the excitement of Stanley Tucci visiting local eatery Grano a couple of weeks ago, the Stoneybatter community is getting ready to roll out ‘Stoneybatter Festival’ over June 16-18.
According to festival planners, they plan to build upon the success of their previous festivals and the efforts of Stoneybatter Pride of Place. The upcoming Festival looks so fun, diverse and in some respects quite bonkers, so we have rounded up our pick of the bunch for each day here but a full schedule of events can be found here: Stoneybatter Festival: June 16-18, 2023
Events will kick off on the evening of Friday, June 16, with a grand launch. Following this, various local pubs, shops, and businesses will host engaging events, creating a fantastic summer vibe in the neighbourhood.
The Pick: Lilliput Evenings
Lilliput Stores
6pm-8pm
Lilliput Stores, known across the country for their Lilliput olive oils, are based in a small venue in the middle of Stoneybatter. They will open up their doors for two evenings offering seasonal dishes and selected wines.
Established in 2007, this store carries as much as its shelves will bear, with an emphasis on quality, taste and provenance. Irish owned and run, Lilliput Stores specialises in both Irish and Mediterranean artisan foods covering the finest traditions in food production from Greece to Galway. Whatever the servings are on the Friday and Saturday evening, they are sure to be delicious!
On Saturday, June 17, an Open Day will take place, allowing the public to explore and enjoy the offerings of local businesses, schools, museums, churches, and even private homes. Stoneybatter will come alive with an array of events, encompassing sports, environment, culinary arts, literature, and music, ensuring there’s something for everyone throughout the day.
The Pick: Acoustic open mic session with Ben Prevo
Saturday
4.45pm – 6.45pm
Manor Picture House
All Acoustic open mic songwriter session with Ben Prevo. Come along and sing a play a song or two and Ben will accompany you as well if you wish – listeners are also welcome! Guest guitar available if needed.
Sunday, June 18th, hosts a cracking Family Fun Day. It also happens to be Father’s Day, so this could be a perfect day out for dad!
Stoneybatter and Manor Street will be transformed into pedestrian zones, spanning from Arbour Hill to Kavanagh’s Public House. The day will be filled with music, dance, delectable food, vibrant stalls, enlightening talks, captivating tours, engaging workshops, and specially tailored activities designed for children and young people.
The Pick: Woofstock!
Main Stage
12.30pm-3pm
Stoneybatter is notoriously pet friendly with several bars and restaurants encouraging people to bring their furry friends along. There’s an opportunity for you to enter your dog, or your cat in a competition at the main stage.
According to the programme there will be a dog parade at 12.30 and prizes for the following categories: Best Dressed / Groomed Dog, Best Dressed Dog / Owner Combination, Super Dog One of the highlights of the festival is a canine fashion show featuring the ultimate in dog couture on a catwalk aka “dogwalk”!
This is a festival brimming with fun and quirky ideas but one more mention is All ages comic jam with Katherine Foyle.
Sunday 3pm-5pm
Little Deer Comics, 57 Manor Place.
A collaborative comic making workshop is taking place in Outside Little Deer Comics. Big kids and little kids who enjoy comic books and illustration can drop-in and join the panel. The shop is located beside Slice, Stoneybatter’s newest restaurant where ‘disco brunches’ are being hosted all weekend too!
