What's Happening in Dublin this Weekend - April 16th - Free Events

Howdy Y’all,

We’re properly into that time of year now where Dublin starts to wake up a bit again, brighter evenings, people actually leaving the house midweek, and a solid mix of events popping up across the city.

This week is a bit of a mixed bag (in a good way) We’ve got everything from record shops buzzing, to beach yoga, to niche talks and proper Dublin history walks.

As always, I’ve kept it simple, good events, easy wins, and things you can actually go to.

If you find something you like, send it on to a mate and make a plan of it 🤝

Location: NCAD - Thomas Street
Date & Time: Check listing

A nice, low-pressure way to engage with art without feeling like you need a degree in it. These talks are always relaxed and give a bit more context to what you’re actually looking at.

Book yourself a ticket now

If you do go to this event, you’re in prime position for a brilliant piece of grub and beer. Grab a meal in Space Jaru or a Pizza in Lucky’s then head into Dudley’s for a pint.

Location: Various record stores across Dublin
Date & Time: Saturday, April 18 (All Day)

One of the best atmospheres you’ll find in the city. Expect queues, live sets, and proper music heads out in force. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s worth soaking up.

Record Store Day is a semi-annual event established in 2008 to "celebrate the culture of the independently owned record store"

I’ve specifically picked out the Bernard Shaw’s event here, but go an give your local store a bit of love!

Location: National Gallery of Ireland
Date & Time: Check listing

If you’ve ever wandered the gallery and thought “I should probably know more about this” — this is for you. Short, sharp, and actually interesting.

This tour is facilitated by art historian Nadia Bocharskaia. Nadia believes that art has the power to open hearts and minds, bring people together, and inspire meaningful dialogue. Suitable for all levels – no prior art knowledge needed

Book a guided walk around the gallery

Location: Clondalkin Library
Date & Time: Saturday

If you’re looking for something to keep the kids entertained but also prepare for a rainstorm, then hit up STEAM saturday!

An easy win for families. Creative, simple, and keeps the kids busy for a while without screens.

Book a place for your child on the site.

Location: Portmarnock Beach
Date & Time: Check listing

Fresh air, sea views, and a stretch — hard to beat. Even if you’re not a regular, this is a nice one to try.

It’s generally a good idea to reserve a spot, things like this usually book up super quick.

Location: International Centre for the Image
Date & Time: Saturday 2pm

A chilled cultural one — readings, chats, and a chance to meet people in the writing scene.

Nature Boy is a new book of photographs by Irish photographer, Peach.

This work explores themes of friendship and intimacy with themes of queerness in Berlin and Galway.

Get a space now

Location: Bull Island
Date & Time: Saturday 10.45am

Bit of fresh air, bit of purpose, and you’ll probably meet sound people along the way. These always turn into more of a social than you’d expect.

If nothing else, you’ll be able to say you’re making your impact on Earth Day. Climate Catchup is a (mostly) monthly coffee meetup that does these activations at their events.

You don’t need a ticket, but it’s asked to respond here so they can gauge the number of people!

Location: Royal Hospital Kilmainham Cemetery
Date & Time: Saturday 2pm

Hidden gem. Packed with history and stories you definitely didn’t hear in school. Proper Dublin.

Covering 1,500 years of history this tour explores the Royal Hospital, its history and relationship with the local community through the three cemeteries on site

As you’d expect, cemeteries aren’t that big so you’ll need a ticket for this one.

Location: Around the Docklands
Date & Time: Saturday 10am

Old meets new. A good way to understand how much the city has changed (and is still changing).

Explore the iconic Docklands sites, and finish with a guided visit to the Substrata exhibition.

A fascinating walking tour around the area of Docklands, which goes from the Custom House to Dublin Port

At the end of the tour, the guide will leave the attendees at the Substrata exhibition, where they will be taken on a tour of the exhibition.

Reserve your space now!

Location: River Valley Community Centre, Swords
Date & Time: Saturday, April 18 · 11:00am – 1:00pm

Bring something, take something. Simple idea, but always a good one — and you might leave with a few solid finds.

There will also be a Scrap Fabric Scrunchie workshop 🎀 hosted by An Taisce Climate Ambassador Emma O'Toole

Where you will be shown how to use old clothes or materials that cannot be reworn (perhaps ripped) and turn these to make beautiful handmade scrunchies with our sewing machines on site (we will show you how to set up and support you through process too!)

You don’t need a ticket, but always nice to have one and show the organisers how many people to expect!

Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of seeing Dagzo music live at the Hendrick in Smithfield. He’s a new artist on the scene, and I think you should give him a check out. There will be plenty of opportunities to see Dagzo live soon too!

That’s your Dublin Buzz for the week.

If you head to anything, let me know how it is — always looking to find more of the good stuff around the city.

And if this landed in your inbox and you enjoy it, send it to one person who’s always saying “there’s nothing to do in Dublin”… we’ll fix that quickly.

I’ve published a longer form of guide with things that are always on and free to do, read the extended free to do in Dublin guide now

If you have an event to share or to support The Dublin Buzz and have a shout out, you can contact me here!