Fun and freebies in the fair city

Dublin has plenty to offer... for free!

Whether you are taking a break in Dublin, or are a Dubliner who simply wants to enjoy what the fair city has to offer FOR FREE…there is plenty to choose from this summer. So for those strapped for cash, get set for rambunctious revelling in the city.

If you would like to get on yer bike but are afraid of losing a limb in the city’s manic traffic, the one day Dublin City Cycle on Sunday 29th July will suit you perfectly. An all family affair, the City Cycle encompasses a route of ten kilometres, pedalling past the sights of Dublin in a rare traffic free afternoon. Contact their website for further info: www.dublincitycycle.ie

Dun Laoghaire pays homage to the influx of nationalities now living in our city and introduces artistic traditions from around the globe in the Festival of World Cultures from the 24th to the 26th August. Fresh food markets, a variety of music genres and entertainment should whet your appetite for all things worldly. Click on www.festivalofworldcultures.com for full details.

Another nod to our international guests who decided to stay, is the arrival of the “ Havhingsten fra Glendalough “ - Sea Stallion from Glendalough, a reconstruction of the Viking longship set to dock in the Docks this summer. She will depart Roskilde in Denmark to sail the same waters her foremothers sailed and will then rest in the National Museum for the coming months. Here to welcome her in the Docklands will be a host of veritable vicious Vikings in a themed village specially constructed for the celebration on the 14th August. www.dublindocklands.ie has a host of information about the event.

An exclusive Irish concert, Hallucination City, a monumental symphony for 100 guitars and part of the Analog festival, a programme celebrating creativity and diversity in music like you’ve never heard it before. Hallucination City will be played in Grand Canal Square on 15th July at 4.00pm. Check out www.100guitars.ie. But for full listings of the Analog festival, click on www.dublindocklands.ie  

Get stuck into our country’s natural, historical and cultural heritage on the last week in August. Heritage week begins on the 25th August 2007, and many sights of cultural interest will be opening their doors free gratis. All age ranges are catered for, and activities span from night time bat walks to historical re-enactments. Click on www.heritagecouncil.ie for more info.

Get up, get out and get hot (well…almost) in the summer in the city!

By: Claire Murphy