The Liberties Festival returns from 22nd to 28th July 2024 with a packed programme of events across the neighbourhood.
Its the 54th year of the Festival, which was established in 1970, making it the city’s longest running city arts festival. This year’s programme showcases the breadth of arts, music, history, talent and community life in the area; combining some Festival stalwarts such as the Blue Rinse Ball, Garda vs Traders Football, the Family Fun Day and Bingo in St Catherine’s Church, with walks and talks, performances, health and wellbeing events, a special We Love Markets flea, Liberties X Talent Competition, gardening in Taplin’s Field and much more. The majority of events are free.
Launching this year’s programme, new Festival Director Michael McDermott said that the Festival would showcase the rich tapestry of history, institutions, people and characters that make and define The Liberties as such a vibrant hub.
7 Days of Fun & Frolics
The programme will kick off with a special screening of The Liberties, a series of vignettes by Tom Burke and Shane Hogan of the characters and places of Dublin’s most historic neighbourhoods. Monday will also see Garda and local traders battle it out on the pitch for the Tony O’Rourke Memorial Trophy.
On Tuesday there are chances to discover some of the area’s lesser known gems: the fabulous Nellie’s Flat in Bull Alley Estate, Warrenmount House in Newmarket and the former St James’s Church and Graveyard, now the Pearse Lyons Distillery on James Street. There will be yoga and mindfulness to calm the soul and City Instincts, a taster class to engage young people with technology and the arts.
Wednesday offers the opportunity to take a walk through the village in a city with In Your Shoes Walking Tours, you can uncover Latin in The Liberties, test your knowledge at The Liberties Quiz in Tom Kennedy’s Pub and cheer on the hardy souls braving the cobblestones for this year’s Liberties Fun Run.
Glamour is on everyone’s lips on Thursday as the Blue Rinse Ball heads to the Guinness Storehouse, there’s beekeeping and bellringing by day and Melanie Bonajo presents When the Body Says Yes in the stunning Baroque Chapel at IMMA.
On Friday, the Liberty Market traders are to the fore as a series of portraits of the traders goes on display at the iconic Meath Street market, while Girls Night at the Glamour Pit looks at the endless fun of getting ready for that night out. You can also take an arts workshop as gaeilge at IMMA and check out Cardboard Cities, a collaboration between NCAD and local afterschools programmes that captures young people’s perspectives of the area.
Saturday has walking tours galore including a special Architrek, a ramble through the history of weaving in Dublin’s first industrial area with The Liberties Weavers, a special ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, and tours of Taplin’s Field community growspace at Bridgefoot Street Park. And there is entertainment abound with a Family Fun Day at Bridgefoot Street Park, Bingo! in St Catherine’s Church and Gogglebox’s Anita (and Tracey?.. we want Tracey!) hosting Liberties X Talent Show at Gray Street.
To finish out a packed week, browse the flea stalls at We Love Markets in The Digital Hub, the family fun moves to St Audoen’s Park and Jenny Moran celebrates the Story of Hospitality at the NCAD Field on Sunday.
And there is much much more. Full details of the programme can be found at www.thelibertiesfestival.com.
Engaging in the arts offers a rich and transformative experience that transcends mere entertainment. Whether through painting, music, theater, or dance, the arts provide a profound avenue for self-expression, creativity, and emotional exploration. Participating in artistic activities not only hones technical skills but also fosters critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness. The arts encourage individuals to view the world from diverse perspectives, challenge societal norms, and communicate complex ideas in unique and impactful ways. By immersing oneself in the arts, individuals can discover new facets of their identity, connect with others on a deeper level, and contribute meaningfully to the cultural fabric of society.
Nightcourses.com lists courses and evening classes in Arts, Crafts & Hobbies run by colleges and course providers in Ireland. We are the largest course finder for Arts, Crafts & Hobbies courses in Ireland.
People from all ages and walks of life enquire about certain courses in Arts, Crafts & Hobbies. There is an eclectic variety of courses to pick up such as art, jewellery-making, millinery, pottery and many more. If you like working with your hands and eager to perfect a skill then choose a course in Arts, Crafts & Hobbies here.
Comments