Dublin Pride Parade (June 24; O’Connell Street to Merrion Square, starting 12 noon)
Pride month has been officially underway since the beginning of June, with a wide array of events. However, for many, the highlight is the main Pride parade, itself (which is totally cool, as it’s just as educational and awareness-spreading as any of the other events). The parade kicks off at noon and goes from O’Connell Street to Merrion Square. Preceding it is the annual Bewley’s Pride Brunch at Bewley’s Café on Grafton Street (10:30am), where €5 from every ticket sold will be donated to LGBT Ireland.
Blur (Malahide Castle, Co Dublin, June 24)
Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Dave Rowntree and Alex James make their first collective live appearance in Ireland since 2015’s Electric Picnic headline set; in support of new album The Ballad of Darren. Potentially gig of the year.
Iron Maiden (3Arena, Dublin, June 24)
Iron Maiden tour concepts are getting more complex than some of their songs, these days. Melding the best of 2021’s Senjutsu and 1986’s Somewhere In Time (probably the most overlooked of their golden era mid-’80s output) albums as The Future Past Tour, Maiden return to Ireland for the umpteenth time. And, to think, back in the ’80s it felt like they’d never visit.
I Sense a Story (June 24, Clondalkin Library, Monastery Road, Dublin 22; 2:30pm-3:30pm – Booking essential, Parent supervision essential)
This creative workshop for 3-6 year-olds is hosted by theatre maker and writer Alison Ní Mháirtín and is aimed at awakening kids’ five senses, rather than just being a storytelling session. From sights to sounds, scents to tastes, and even textures, Alison will guide you through five interactive workshops that will teach you how to craft captivating stories inspired by the world around you. Plus, with an emphasis on using natural and recycled materials, you’ll learn how to tell your tale with eco-friendly flair. All materials are provided, so don’t miss out on this unique storytelling adventure!
Storyboard and Character Design for Animation Workshop for Kids Aged 8-12 (June 24, 1pm-3pm; Liffey Trust Studios, 117-126 Upper Sheriff Street, Dublin 1)
Hosted by Irish storyboard artist Damien O’Connor (above) – whose work across Disney, Nickelodeon, Apple TV and Netflix – has garnered him five Emmy nominations. This workshop for 8-12 year-olds will guide your budding animators through the process of how the stuff they watch on TV actually comes to life. Informal, fun and informative, the workshop will use examples and exercises to give participants the knowledge they need to visually tell a story, participants will then be able to storyboard stories and create new characters of their very own (stories can be provided and all levels of drawing ability catered for).
Taste Of Wicklow (Wicklow Educate Together Secondary School, €10 all day)
Taste of Wicklow returns for its 10th anniversary, having established itself as one of the leading food festivals on the east coast.
It is a fusion of local food with Celebrity Chefs Gary O’Hanlon, Chef Eunice Power, Pastry Chef Shane Smith and Pastry Chef Paul Kelly set to be in attendance.
There are numerous booths offering artisanal foods, handmade goods, tastings, workshops, and more! With face painting, storytelling, balloon modeling, games, and magicians, the whole family is guaranteed to have a great day!
The Longest Day Swim 2023 – June 24, 3pm-7pm, River Corrib
Hosted and organised by Galway Swimming Club, this event is only open to current Swim Ireland members. A timed event for charity – this year’s charity partner is Claddagh Watch – it features a 2.5km swim from Glenlo Abbey and a 2.5km swim from Dangan.
Conclave 2023 (Thomond Park, Limerick, June 24-25; Doors Open from 9:30am)
Celebrating 25 years – 10 years at Thomond – Conclave, Limerick’s flagship gaming convention returns this weekend to the home of Munster rugby, Limerick’s iconic Thomond Park Stadium. A weekend ticket costs €20 per person, with daily tickets costing €15 per person. Role playing games, board games, demos, participation games and tournaments, it’s all here.
Galway Dark Tour (June 24, 4pm-5:30pm, Beginning at The Browne Doorway, Eyre Square, Galway – Advance Bookings Essential)
A guided walking tour of Galway City, delving into the City of the Tribes’ murky ancient past of murders, executions and deaths. Tour highlights include Spanish Parade, Lynch’s Memorial Window, Galway Cathedral, Gallows in Eyre Square and the King’s Head Pub.
Kenya Cultural Day (June 24, 1pm-6pm; Lucan Centre, Primrose Lane, Lucan, Co Dublin)
A lively day of activity for literally all the family – kids and family fun games, DJ sets, raffle competitions, professional networking stands, business exhibitions and student information. Food will be authentic Kenyan cuisine and guests are invited to wear Kenyan-inspired clothing.
SubSounds Youth Music Festival (June 24, 12 noon-8:30pm, TU Dublin, Tallaght Campus, Blessington Road, Tallaght)
The SubSounds Youth Music Festival is a day of family fun and a celebration of young musicians. SubSounds is a youth music collective for young people aged 14-18 based in Tallaght. Since 2004 it has worked with musicians from around South Dublin County, mentoring them in the composition, arrangement, performance and recording of original music. This festival is a partnership between SubSounds and Music Generation MEP’s from South Dublin County, Kildare, Fingal, Meath, Dublin City, and Wicklow. The festival is youth led and youth-focused and will feature performances by participants of projects from these six counties.
