8 not-to-be-missed events happening around Ireland this weekend

IMMA Summer Party

Friday 14 & Saturday 15 July, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin

Continuous Patterns, the IMMA Summer Party, returns to the grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham over two atmospheric midsummer evenings complete with a dazzling array of music, talks, art, food and drink as they celebrate another wonderful year of artistry from our cherished artistic community. Offering two distinct flavours each evening, Friday will focus on a programme of upbeat, contemporary and future focused music, while Saturday presents a slightly more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for friends and family.

The Barretstown Big Picnic

Sunday 16 July, Barretstown Castle, Kildare

The Barretstown Big Picnic returns to open the gates of Barretstown Camp in county Kildare to the public for a magical open day. Throughout the day, they’ll be running all their usual activities, and will have a bunch of special guests helping to make the day extra special. All visitors need to do is pack the sunblock and a picnic basket and blanket and get set for a superb family day out for both young and old alike.

Galway Film Fleadh

Until Sunday 16 July, Galway

Celebrating 35 years of bringing New Irish Cinema, World Cinema and filmmakers from across the world to Galway for the annual Fleadh, Galway Film Fleadh’s 2023 programme features 34 Irish films, including 20 world premieres and seven Irish premieres. Highlights include Apocalypse Clown from director George Kane, the Sundance award winning LGBTQ+IA film MUTT, and Chandler Levack’s directorial debut, I Like Movies.

CREATE at Brown Thomas

All weekend, Grafton Street, Dublin

This year marks 13 years of Brown Thomas CREATE, a platform which continues to support the next generation of Irish design talent. This year’s showcase features Sara O’Neill of Éadach, Rachel Maguire of Rashhiiid and Sarah Caine, among an array of 28 of Ireland’s most talented emerging designers spanning ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, millinery, jewellery and homewares.

muscle: a question of power

All weekend, Crawford Art Gallery, Cork

Created by Anna Furse, muscle is an immersive experience that takes visitors on an audio-guided journey through Crawford Art Gallery’s historic collection of Canova Casts. Designed to bring visitors up close and personal with these ancient Classical forms, muscle is an invitation to contemplate the idealised nude, and its legacy today. The viewing of these artworks – which were once objects of international relations and teaching – is from a ‘lived body’ experience: that is, the visitor is prompted to experience these figurative forms not only visually, but also viscerally and imaginatively. The audio-guide refers the spectator to their own body sensations, presence, and curiosity as they are invited to follow gentle but precise instructions to progress through the Sculpture Galleries.

Kidsyard Family Rave

Sunday 16 July, The Lighthouse, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin

Kidsyard Rave is an inclusive family experience where parents can have just as much fun as their kids. Presented by Bodytonic, old ravers can relive their youth with their kids (and without the hangover!) at our fun filled family friendly raves. Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Aunties, Uncles and kids are all encouraged to hit the dance floor and have fun. Dancing with your kids is the ultimate sensory experience as kids love seeing the grownups in their lives letting loose and having a good time!

The Rose Festival

Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 July, St Anne’s Park, Dublin

The annual Rose Festival 2023 returns on the weekend, and it’s absolutely jam-packed with activities for the whole family with a whole host of things to see and do including live music and dancing. As every year, there will be plenty of stalls with plants and flowers, arts and crafts and food vendors. The best part? It’s all free of charge.

The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever

Sunday 15 July, St Anne’s Park, Dublin

Come gather in your finest Kate Bush garb for a group performance of the ‘Wuthering Heights’ dance routine, as Dublin celebrates The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever as part of Dublin City Rose Festival. Proceeds will go towards Women’s Aid, a leading national organisation that has been working in Ireland to stop domestic violence against women and children since 1974.

Featured image via IMMA