Your guide to Culture Night in the Liberties

Culture Night has been a staple of the Irish calendar ever since its launch in 2006, and remains one of the busiest nights of the year. It grew from a small scale event held only in Dublin to the significant nationwide event it is now, with reportedly some 400,000 attending various events all over the country last year.

While we’re losing one of Dublin 8’s great cultural spots, in the form of the Tivoli, the national cultural coordinator of Culture Night, Aimée Van Wylick, says it’s important for the residents of the area to get out on Friday September 20th and see what amazing experiences the area still has. 

“Culture Night is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to get immersed in the best of our contemporary culture, told through a myriad of expressions,” she said. But what’s on in your area this year?

Artistic Liberties: Portraits and stories by photographer Remi Parnaud from the community of the Liberties will be shown in Newmarket Square, showing the genuine and multicultural residents of the neighbourhood. This will be held from 4pm to 8pm.

Dublinia: Dublinia will be open for anyone who wants to travel back to the Dublin of Viking and Medieval times. See the city from a new perspective and learn about its past residents from 5.30pm to 9pm.

The Digital Hub: The Digital Hub, the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival and the Dublin Flea Market will come together for an evening of food, films and markets, from 6pm to 10pm. The film festival will be having an outdoor cinema to show some short films, while the Dublin Flea Market will have a wide range of stalls for their first ever “Night Market”.

Dublin Liberties Distillery: For those in the mood for a drink, head to the distillery from 5.30pm to 11pm for a tour and tasting. After learning the secrets and science of whiskey, relax with some cocktails in the bar.

“Around every corner there’ll be something to explore, from awesome animation and stunning light projections, to rattling readings and pulsating performances, exhilarating exhibitions and resounding concerts,” Van Wylick said. 

“In Dublin alone there will be over 750 events taking place in upwards of 345 venues. There’ll definitely be something for locals and visitors to the Liberties to enjoy.”