In these recessionary times, I’m planning loads of free entertainment for myself in the coming days and weeks – and it’s amazing what’s out there when you start looking.
On March 6th and 7th the Monkstown Pool & Fitness Centre will be home to boards, bikes, blades and beats for Gravitation 2010. I’m told I can experience the power and skill of skateboarding and BMX displays and marvel at the speed and agility of expert bladers and spin to hip-hop beats. Sounds right up my street! The skate park will be free to the public for the two days, so you can test your skills and experts will be on hand to provide tips. It’s on from 11am to 4pm.
If you prefer something a bit quieter you can try the free, themed family tour of Decorative Arts & History at the National Museum of Ireland on March 7th. It’s on at 3pm and is free on a first-come, first-served basis.
From March 6th to 8th you can pop along to the third annual Dublin Book Festival in the city’s historic City Hall. I hear that you’ll be able to meet some of Ireland’s greatest writers, poets, children’s authors, thinkers and media personalities and immerse yourself in dozens of free reading, interviews, debates and book launches. That sounds like an offer you shouldn’t pass up! You need to check the opening times.
If you’re interested in art, you can catch the end of the Francis Bacon: A Terrible Beauty in Dublin City Gallery (The Hugh Lane Gallery) which finishes on March 7th. The exhibition includes paintings, drawings, photographs, unfinished works and slashed canvasses and has been hailed as one of the major European cultural events.
On March 13th a themed tour explores the links to St Patrick in the National Museum of Ireland collection. It starts at 11.30am, first come, first served but numbers are limited to 30.
On St Patrick’s Day there will be a special storytelling and harp-playing event at the National Museum. It runs from 2pm to 2.40pm and 3pm to 3.40pm. You’ll hear stories and legends from before and after the time of St Patrick with storyteller Nuala Hayes and music from harpist Anne Marie O’Farrell. Event limited to 60.
After all that culture and activity you might consider treating yourself to a prudent glass of wine!
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