Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures
It’s hard to believe but this year The Festival of World Cultures will host it’s 10th annual festival over the coming weekend, July 23rd – 25th. Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin is the home of the colourful event each year which sees thousands of people flock to the town for the 3 day weekend festivities.
The festival has grown hugely over the years and is now set as one of the most enjoyable and anticipated weekends of the summer calendar. There is literally something for everyone at this festival including music, food, dancing, art and craft, workshops, entertainment and games. And just as diverse are the various venues throughout the festival including a 21st century theatre space, a 19th century church, a scenic coastal green and a period Victorian park. The programme of events for the weekend is packed but the vibe throughout is totally relaxed, fun and enjoyable, it really is an event for all the family.
The main stage is located on Newtownsmith Green, which runs between Sandycove beach and Dun Laoghaire Pier. The stage hosts the main music acts over the entire weekend and the green is a perfect meeting point for groups and families to lay about on the grass and take in the sounds of various countries around the world, and with one of the food markets located next to the green it’s a perfect opportunity to try the tastes of the world too.
Peoples park is generally a hub of activity too with a music stage, food and craft markets, children’s workshops, games and face painting throughout the weekend. The festival stretches through Dun Laoghaire town and many local venues host an event of their own too, so really there is something interesting to find on any street corner, pub, restaurant or green space depending on what your looking for.
Asking around the office and the CityHotels.ie team hangouts for the weekend will be:
Food, food, food, Various Locations, All Weekend
There are various food markets located all around the festival so you’ll never be too far away from a whole new taste experience. We highly recommend arriving hungry and eating your way around Dun Laoghaire.
Mr Whippy Soundsystem, Carlisle Pier, Saturday & Sunday 11:00 – 19:30 | Free
We always love the festival sounds from the ice-cream van of legendary DJ Mr Whippy and friends. Weather your eating, browsing, dancing or just chilling out Mr Whippy sends out the perfect summer-soundtrack.
Caribbean Chill Out, Peoples Park, Sunday 12:00 – 18:00 | Free
Re-charge the batteries – treat yourself to a juice and some tropical fruit, kick back in a hammock and enjoy the music and performance. Let the kids play in the sand and enjoy the sleepier side of carnival.
The Cirrus Session, Kingston Hotel Bar, Sunday & Saturday 19:30 – 21:30 | Free
Catch these young talents up close and personal in a foot stomping traditional Irish music session. Exchange tunes, join in a session and embrace the surge of energy. Open session, all welcome!
Newtownsmith Shorts, Newtownsmith Main Stage, Saturday & Sunday 13:00 – 18:00 | Free
View acclaimed shorts such as Moore St Masala and beautiful animated shorts such as Lullabies of the World. Wrapping up the Newtownsmith festivities is Synth Eastwood’s Gif Shoot, a live visual montage of the Festival weekend – see if you can spot yourself!
Steel Pan Workshop, Royal Marine Hotel, Saturday 16:00 – 17:30 | €12
Age: Teens to adults
Experience the uplifting sounds of the steel pan drum with one of the UK’s leading carnival arts organisations CultureMix Arts. With its roots in Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean; a culture that embraces the creativity of costume, masquerade and calypso music, the steel pan is a unique pitched percussion instrument, originally made from gallon oil drums. This is a practical hands on workshop for all abilities.
All in all, check the official website here, plan your events, and get yourself to Dun Laoghaire for a great weekend.
