As ever this in this fun-filled city of ours, you won't be stuck for of things to do in Dublin this weekend.
See below for nine of the best, and whatever you get up to, have a great weekend.
FOOD AND DRINK
Wine And Cheese Festival, Iveagh Gardens (until Sunday)
Looking for some cheesy entertainment this weekend? Look no further! The team behind Eatyard in Portobello have put together a city centre festival for wine and cheese fanatics. Talks, tastings, demos, hot food, live music and – oh yes – some cheesy karaoke. After all, sweet dreams are made of cheese...
FAMILY
Dublin Horse Show, RDS (until Sunday)
Plenty of horsing around in Ballsbridge this weekend, as the Dublin Horse Show returns to the RDS. As well as a feast of world-class showjumping, there will be special equestrian performances, masterclasses and of course lots of great food and drink.
FESTIVAL
We’ve Only Just Begun Festival, Whelan's (Thursday to Saturday)
Over three nights in Whelan’s, 26 different acts will take to the stage, both in the main venue and upstairs. Headliners are Wyvern Lingo, Pillow Queens and Soda Blonde (ex-Little Green Cars), with up-and-coming Irish talent including Roe, Beauty Sleep, Jealous Of The Birds and Ailbhe Reddy also on the bill. Have you noticed the common thread? Every act is female-fronted.
COMEDY
International Comedy Club (Thursday to Saturday)
This week’s shenanigans at the International on Wicklow Street are headlined by Keith Fox and Tom O’Mahony, with support from Allie O’Rourke (Thursday and Friday) and Andrew Dorman (Saturday). Resident MC Aidan Bishop will be in charge of proceedings as usual.
THEATRE
Aladdin Jr, The Helix (Friday to Sunday)
Discover a whole new world with Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie and friends in this show based on the 1992 Oscar-winning film and the 2014 Broadway show. You’ll hear classic songs Friend Like Me, Prince Ali, A Whole New World and Proud Of Your Boy in a Dublin production directed by Sean Gilligan.
CLUB
DJ Assault, The Sound House (Saturday)
If you like your techno with a large dose of sex appeal, then DJ Assault is the man for you. His most famous track (which we won’t name here, family website that we are) was prominently featured in 22 Jump Street, so even if you don’t recognise the name, there’s a very good chance you’ve heard the music. Five years after his last visit to Dublin, Assault is back to make you move.
Support from Irish talents Cignol (live) and Eliza.
SPORT
Ireland v Italy, Aviva Stadium (Saturday)
An extended Ireland squad has been in training all summer, and this weekend marks the first opportunity to see the team in action since the Six Nations ended in March. Dan Leavy and Sean O’Brien are out with long-term injuries, but otherwise the squad will be at full-strength with 43 players competing for 31 places at the World Cup. The countdown to Japan starts here.
YOGA/ART
Yoga at the Gallery, National Gallery Of Ireland (Saturday)
Change up your usual yoga routine with an hour of relaxation and mindfulness – with some added art history! – in the beautiful and grand surroundings of the National Gallery of Ireland on Merrion Square West.
COMICS
Dublin Comic Con, Convention Centre (Saturday and Sunday)
There’s only one place to be this weekend if you’re into superheroes, sci-fi, video games, cosplay or all of the above. Special guests this year include The actual Incredible Hulk Lou Ferrigno, Charisma Carpenter (Buffy The Vampire Slayer), Pom Klementieff (Guardians of the Galaxy 2) and loads more.
