Ireland is home to multiple gifted storytellers. The Storytelling Gallery at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum proudly celebrates the numerous writers, playwrights and poets whose stories have travelled across the globe. Besides having inspired talented wordsmiths, Dublin is also home to many charming bookstores that never fail to leave you spellbound!
This Culture Night, several of these stores are hosting exciting, educational events to give you an insight into the Irish literary landscape.
The Last Bookshop
A vibrant second-hand bookshop which boasts of a versatility in genres, The Last Bookshop with its colourful entrance is a major attraction among lit geeks. The Last Bookshop presents a reading of Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Devoted Friend’ and ‘The Bullet Match by John O’Connor by Karl O’Neill – a treat for those who enjoy a good ol’ tale!
4pm - 8pm
61 Lr Camden Street, Dublin 2
Books Upstairs
A store with a café to ensure you have a pot of tea to go with your copy of Joyce, Books Upstairs is one of the most popular bookstores in Dublin. Maurice Earls, the owner is an accomplished historian. Earls will be giving a talk on the politics that prevailed in Ireland following the Irish Civil War in 1923. If you love to dig through the dust and re-visit the past, this one’s for you!
4pm - 9pm
17 D’Olier Street, Dublin 2
Marrowbone Books
A treasure trove with a collection of vanilla-scented works, Marrowbone Books is a cosy little second-hand bookshop tucked away in Dublin 8. If you want a retreat from the hustle of daily life, sit amidst a mountain of books and enjoy a live music performance. Do yourself a favour and pop in for a bit of craic!
5pm - 9pm
78 The Coombe, Dublin 8
Children’s Books Ireland at Hodges Figgis
Children’s Books Ireland is hosting a fun-filled night featuring picture book makers Mary Murphy and Jarvis in Ireland’s oldest bookshop Hodges Figgis. This interactive event allows you to meet the illustrators and create masterpieces together. If you’re a parent looking to drag your kids away from their gadgets into an artistic wonderland, this is it!
5pm - 9pm
56 - 58 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
The Gutter Bookshop
Identifiable by its cheery exterior, The Gutter Bookshop at the very heart of Temple Bar is one of Dublin’s most successful independent booksellers. This Culture Night, The Gutter Bookshop is organising an evening full of activities starting with a special storytelling session for children. Here’s to everyone who is looking for a fun, family-friendly evening with the little ones.
5pm - 10pm
Cow’s Lane, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
The Lilliput Press
One of Ireland’s most reputed publishing houses with an appealing ambience and collection of limited-edition titles, The Lilliput Press is the perfect stop for any book hoarder. ‘Listen at Lilliput’, a lively night filled with music and literature seeks to present you with readings and musical performances by local artists. If a union between verses and words interests you, do hop on board.
6pm - 9pm
62 - 63 Sitric Rd, Arbour Hill, Dublin 7
The Winding Stair
An iconic bookstore-cum-restaurant at the bank of River Liffey, The Winding Stair serves as a hub for creative endeavour. This Culture Night, The Winding Stair presents a poetry recitation night by poet Nessa O’ Mahony from the Open University who will present readings from students. There is also an open mic session for all you closet Seamus Heaneys, and Eavan Bolands to stun the world with your poetic prowess!
6:30pm - 9pm
Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1
EPIC will also be running various self-guided tours on Culture Night. Enjoy a high-tech interactive journey through Irish history, with personal stories of love, triumph, adventure and adversity, highlighting and celebrating the positive impact and influence of Irish emigrants around the world.