Culture Night is a highlight of the year for many people. Thousands of people across the country celebrate an evening of creativity, unique experiences and glimpses behind otherwise closed doors.  This year it returns once again on Friday September 22nd with over 3,000 events taking places.  I was lucky enough to be invited along by Conway Communications and Dublin Bus for a sneak peek preview recently.

Our group of eager culture seekers were whisked away on double-decker bus, complete with in bus musicians, jugglers and fire eaters, to sample a snippet of what hidden gems Dublin has to offer.  We chatted in the dressings rooms of Croke Park, walked the players tunnel onto the pitch and raised (replica) trophies over our heads.  There was a trip to Bí Urban to learn about sustainability and the exciting projects they are involved in.  To finish we took to the skies, well ceilings, suspended from silks for some aerial antics with Aerial Cirque.Now Culture Night is not all museums, art galleries, installations and trips to stately homes. All that walking around exploring is bound to make you hungry.  To combat that, I have the run down on everything edible you can indulge in, in Dublin and further a field.

Culture Night – The Food

Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin

Historic tours of the cathedral, music, food and more at Dublin’s most historic building. Explore the medieval 12th Century Crypt, where storytelling will be taking place. On the night they will host a silent film screening which will be accompanied by the cathedral organist David Bremner. Outside there will also be a host of gourmet food stalls and live entertainment.

Dublin Food Co-op, Dublin

Food is culture, it is heritage, and it needs to be freely accessible to all and preserved as a valuable knowledge. To celebrate food and agriculture, the Dublin Food Co-op will partner with growers and producers to hold a night-time market, with live music, talks about the art of growing and sharing sustainable food, a movie screening, and more events.

Goethe-Institut Irland, Dublin

Immerse yourself in German culture with fairy tales and short films, a German-Irish quiz with prizes, information on language courses, library and activities and German food and drinks. Lecker!

The Fumbally Stables, Dublin

Built in the mid-18th century, it was originally used as stables for John Busby’s Distilleries in Blackpitts. Since then, it has been used as a meat factory, a bakery and, more recently, a photography studio. Its current incarnation is a marriage of food, culture and education where experimentation, fermentation, workshops and events happen.

Cooking up a Delicious Storm, Athy, Co. Kildare

‘Cooking up a Delicious Storm’ provides the opportunity to showcase varied specialities (food, drink & or beverage) from across the world, with prizes!  The challenge is a pre-registered aspect of the programme: 7-9 years: cold food; 10-12 years old: hot or cold; 13-15 years old: hot or cold; 16-18 years old hot and cold; Adult: hot and cold (include Mums & Dads).  Participants to bring ingredients with stove provided. Booking required for the competition.

Gort Men’s Shed, Gort, Co. Galway

A Lazy Susan is a turntable traditionally used for sharing food. For Culture Night 2017 Gort Men’s Shed invites you to slowly spin our Lazy Susan and enjoy exploring new flavours prepared by our Irish, Brazilian, Russian, Syrian and Polish friends and neighbours. Music Maestro Pete Lamb will be putting together a special mix of music from these countries to add to the occasion.

Rua, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Rua is an award-winning Café and Delicatessen in Castlebar and is all about the good things Irish food has to offer. It is very much appreciated by its customers and on Culture Night this year there is an opportunity to sample its delicious ‘Mayo Mezze’ while being treated to some live music. Be there!

World Recipe Exchange, Limerick

At the World Recipe Exchange we explore international culinary traditions of contemporary Limerick: the ingredients, recipes, stories and memories of tastes and smells that we carry with us through our lives. We invite you to join us for a special public space event to discover new tastes and share delicious recipes.