Dublin

The Abbey Theatre  

Join the Matinee Club for low price tickets to matinees and meet writers, directors or cast after the show. ‘Meet the Makers’, join dancer Jean Butler and choreographer Tere O’Connor for a discussion of their new work, ‘DAY’ (booking essential). ‘Talking Text’ voice workshops with Andrea Ainsworth, using text from Macbeth. ‘Assisted Performances’, we have sign language interpreted, audio described and captioned performances and two dedicated wheelchair spaces in auditorium. 

26 Lower Abbey St., D1.  

TEL Box Office
01 878 7222

access CINEMA / IFI 

Nationwide film tour of ‘Dean Spanley’ in association with the IFI, sponsored by Seven Seas.  

The Studio Building, Meeting House Sq., D2. 

TEL 01 679 4420

Airfield 

‘Airfield’s Big Book of Wise Ways’, contribute your special tips, recipes, natural remedies and old sayings; a special day to celebrate grandparents, featuring heavy-horse ploughing and the time-honoured tradition of decorating our Fairy Tree; garden tour - booking essential; classical music recital. 

Upper Kilmacud Rd., Dundrum.  

TEL 01 298 4301

axis, Ballymun 

A variety of events including theatre performances, concerts, film screenings, visual art exhibition, artist talk, workshops (pre-registration required) on song writing with Colm Quearney and printmaking with Elke Thonnes. Events are organised in partnership with Dublin City Council Arts Office. Booking recommended. 

Main St., Ballymun, D9. 

TEL Axis 01 883 2100 or Ann Marie Lyons
 01 222 7305

Carnation Theatre 

‘Getting Hitched!’, an interactive play tailor-made for the residents of nursing homes and day care clients. Songs, poetry, shared memory and storytelling are woven into a plot with contributions by the audience.

[These events are invitation only]

16 New Ireland Rd., Rialto, D8. 

TEL 086 836 2820

The Chester Beatty Library 

Sikh Face of Ireland tour & photographic workshop. Booking essential. 

Dublin Castle, D2. 

TEL Justyna Chmielewska
01 407 0772

CINE-CAFÉ

Screening of an older-themed selection of Irish short films.  

8 Mountain View Rd., Ranelagh, D6.

TEL Howard Linnane 085 135 1822

CoisCéim Dance Theatre 

‘Dance Arias’, dance classes in 7 centres. Free public performance in the Mansion House. In partnership with Dublin City Council Arts, Sports & Leisure and Community Development. 

14 Sackville Pl., D1. 

TEL Philippa Donnellan 01 878 0558

Dublin City Council Arts Office  

Citywide dance project with CoisCéim; workshops in various art forms; exhibitions; free concerts; song-writing project; theatre; artist talks; tea dance; film screenings; National Drawing Day workshops. 

[Some of these events are invitation only]

Download the Dublin City Council programme as a PDF (3.5 Mb)

The Lab, Foley St., D1.  

TEL Ann Marie Lyons 01 222 7305

Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane 

‘Performance, Poetry and Portraits at the Hugh Lane’; Macushla Dance Company perform ‘Tipping Point’ Bealtaine Writers Group respond to portrait collection and will read for children; interactive tour; poetry workshop; lunchtime talks; conservation tour; ‘Chris Morris – Observing in Silence’. 

Parnell Sq. N, D1. 

TEL Katy Fitzpatrick 01 222 5553

Dublin Dance Festival 

‘RoS Indexical’ and ‘Spiraling Down’, two works by choreographer Yvonne Rainer; ‘Swimming with my Mother’ by David Bolger and ‘A Corpo Libero’ by Silvia Gribaudi; ‘Young People, Old Voices’ by Raimund Hoghe. Many works explore questions around age and youth. An additional strand takes into account the inclusivity of contemporary dance body types and abilities as well as chronological age. A symposium will be held to stimulate debate and fresh perspectives (pre-registration required) 

26 South Frederick St., D2. 

TEL Box Office
01 672 8815
For Brochure
01 679 0524

Dusty Flowers Theatre Group with Dalkey Community Unit 

Members of Dusty Flowers will interact with residents of Dalkey Community Unit for Older Persons and will devise a performance inspired by their memories and experiences. Public performances at Samuel Beckett Theatre. 

[Some of these events are invitation only]

52 Tritonville Rd., D4.  

TEL Marco Bertozzi 085 285 3622

GAA Museum, Croke Park

In conjunction with the Bealtaine Festival the GAA Museum is delighted to announce that every Monday is ‘Senior Citizens Day’ at the Museum. Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ guided tour of Croke Park Stadium for €5.  Fitzers Catering are offering a 10% reduction in the Museum’s Café. (Offer available to individuals and group bookings)

Cusack Stand, Croke Park, D3.

TEL 01 819 2361

Irish Film Institute 

‘Dreams Captured’, programme of films, discussions and workshops on age, dreams and the filmmakers who make them; weekend screening of films, including films from Irish Film Archive. Collaborating with access Cinema on Bealtaine nationwide film tour of ‘Dean Spanley’. 

6 Eustace St., D2. 

TEL Alicia McGivern 01 679 3477

Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) 

Events including guided tours and public talks in conjunction with the following exhibitions: ‘Vertical Thoughts: Morton Feldman and the Visual Arts’; ‘Francis Alÿs: Le Temps du Sommeil’; ‘Altered images’, an accessible, interactive and inclusive exhibit which aims to stimulate engagement with visual arts. 

Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, D8. 

www.imma.ie

Macushla Dance Club 

‘Tipping Point’, a performance in Hugh Lane Gallery; ‘Dance Cultures of Ireland’ classes; a Ball in The Mansion House, hosted by the Lord Mayor; screenings of Dance Club performances; flash mobs around Dublin! 

Dancehouse, Foley St., D1. 

TEL Ríonach Ní Néill 01 855 8802

The Mill Theatre  

‘Theatre Appreciation Workshop’, led by Joe Devlin, on set design, costumes, script selection, directing and casting; theatre workshop leading to a lunchtime show; ‘Dawn Chorus Workshops’; Re-live theatre performance. 

Dundrum Town Centre, Sandyford Rd. D16. 

TEL 01 296 9340

National Concert Hall 

‘Blow the Dust off your Trumpet’, fun sessions, rehearsals and a performance. Orchestra places limited. 

Earlsfort Tce., D2. 

TEL 01 417 0066

National Gallery of Ireland  

National Drawing Day. Tour of the ‘New Acquisitions’ with Valerie Moffat; lectures & guided tours. 

Merrion Sq. W, D2. 

TEL Joanne Drum
01 663 3505

National Library of Ireland 

‘I’ll Live ’til I Die’, talk, story and song to celebrate Delia Murphy; ‘A Personal Choice’, the stories of Mary Lavin read by Nuala Hayes, Doireann Ní Bhriain and Elizabeth Peavoy; playwright & filmmaker Mark O’Rowe in conversation with Sophie Gorman, Irish Independent; Irish Countrywomen’s Association’s papers; various ongoing exhibitions. 

Kildare St., D2. 

TEL Exhibition staff  01 603 0277

National Museum of Ireland, Archaeology 

‘The Irish Gold Collection’ tour; ‘What a Relief!’ ceramics art workshop with Caomhán Man Con Iomaire; ‘Bronze Age Ireland’, tour and handling session to investigate the weapons, burial techniques and jewellery of Ireland’s Bronze Age. Booking essential for workshops.  

Kildare St., D2. 

TEL Education & Outreach Dept.
01 648 6332

National Museum of Ireland, Decorative Arts & History 

Visit the museum’s archives, library collections and conservation studios; members of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers Assoc. will show you how to trace records of relatives who served in WW1; talks on balloonist Richard Crosbie and on the later work of Eileen Gray; Drawing Day. Booking essential for some events. 

Collins Barracks, D7. 

TEL 01 648 6453

National Museum of Ireland, Natural History 

'Open the Door to Nature’, afternoon talks on Irish Wildlife. Places limited. 

Merrion St., D2.

TEL Education & Outreach Dept.
01 648 6307

Office of Public Works, Historic Properties  

‘Gossip and Intrigue’, an alternative tour of the State apartments and mediaeval ruins; ‘Dublin Castle: The Classical Perspective’. Book in advance. 

Dublin Castle, Dame St., D2. 

TEL Jenny
01 645 8813

Pearse Museum and St Enda’s Park 

Bealtaine Céilí in the Pearse Museum; ‘Potty about Plants’ in St Enda’s Park, a practical demonstration, horticultural questions welcome. 

Grange Rd., Rathfarnham, D16. 

TEL Brian Crowley
01 493 4208

Project Arts Centre 

Project Brand New Generation. 

39 East Essex St., Temple Bar, D2. 

TEL 01 881 9613

RADE 

‘Coming of Age’, paintings, portraying a vision of age. 

OLV Building, Cathedral View Ct., D8. 

TEL Eoghan O’Neill  01 454 8733

Seamus Ennis Centre  

Participative informal traditional house party with local and visiting musicians. 

Naul. 

TEL Seán Mac Philbín 087 787 0138

SilverFish Productions 

‘CATALYST!’, a new theatre piece. NOTE: This event has unfortunately been cancelled.

150 South Circular Rd., D8. 

TEL Annie Clery or Jen Meade
086 871 8303

South Dublin County Council  

Sports & Recreation Office, Community Services Dept. ‘A Generation of Dance’, intergenerational dance event with active retirement group and transition year students learning a range of dances and showcasing their work. Arts Offi ce: Intergenerational poetry / writing workshop based on the Bealtaine theme. Social Inclusion Unit: Intergenerational poetry / writing / art competition based on the Bealtaine theme.  

County Hall, Tallaght. 

TEL Alison Silke or Paula Swayne
01 414 9000

Stoney Road Press

Studio tour to see the day-to-day work of the studio and to view our portfolio with examples of previous work. Thursday, May 6th from 10.30am until lunchtime.  Advance booking recommended.

Stoney Road, D3.

TEL 01 887 8544

Tallaght Community Arts  

‘Drawing on the Body’, an exhibition by Bernie Masterson on the ageing human body; workshops for older women during exhibition. 

Gallery 1, Rua Red, Civic Sq.  

TEL Tony Fegan
 01 452 8180

Temple Bar Cultural Trust  

‘Dreams That Speak’, a group exhibition by older people using a variety of media to encapsulate dreams; drama workshop; film screening & talk; celebrating Europe Day with activities for all ages; drawing workshop; book club.  

12 East Essex St., D2.  

TEL Eimear Chaomhánach
01 677 2255

Dublin City Public Libraries 

Events across the city libraries include music recitals, film screenings, art appreciation, digital photography; workshops in storytelling, creative writing and calligraphy. All free. 

Cabra Biblio. Cntr., Navan Rd., D7.  

TEL Development Office 01 674 4858

Fingal County Libraries 

In various branch libraries: art & crafts, poetry readings, music sessions, flower arranging; generation crafts with transition year students; authors and poets read. Book at your local library. 

County Hall, Main St., Swords. 

TEL Yvonne O’Brien 01 890 5531

Active Senior IT Society 

‘Framed! My Life in Pictures’, an exhibition of memoir and accompanying photos for display at Terenure Library; programme to encourage older people to use creative writing and IT skills to capture memories and anecdotes on various themes. Limited places. 

17 Rathfarnham Rd., Terenure, D6W. 

TEL Michelle Hannon 01 490 3237

Alone 

An evening of storytelling, traditional music & craic at The Red Cow Moran Hotel. 

1 Willie Bermingham Pl., Kilmainham, D8. 

TEL Booking
01 679 1032

AONTAS Senior Learner Network Meeting 

Workshop: creative marketing of courses to senior learners. 

[These events are invitation only]

2nd Floor, 83-87 Main St., Ranelagh, D6. 

TEL Niamh O’Reilly  01 406 8220

Ballyfermot / Chapelizod Partnership 

‘Bealtaine Tea Dance’, with Dublin City Council Arts Office. 

4 Drumfinn Pk., Ballyfermot, D10.

TEL Catherine Lane  01 898 9165

Bealtaine Writers’ Group  

Poetry readings at Irish Writers Centre and at Hugh Lane Gallery. 

TEL Rosy Wilson
01 286 4728

Castleknock Community College  

‘Grandparents’ Day in School’, intergenerational project.  

[These events are invitation only]

Carpenterstown Rd., D15.  

TEL Mary Ryan
087 743 0663

Chapelizod Active Retirement Group 

Tea and coffee afternoon with an arts and crafts display.

River view Court, Chapelizod

TEL Marie Wells
085 7766745

Coolock Library Art Group  

‘Dream Art’, exhibition in library, for cancer research.  

Barryscourt Rd., D17.  

TEL Gwen O’Byrne 087 696 7031 or Agnes Pierce
086 167 5048

ECAP  

‘New Art Pieces’, art work produced during the year by centres: Talbot Lodge, Howth Hill, Brymore House, TLC, Nazareth House, Ratoath Manor and Kilbrew Demesnes. Exhibition at Raheny, Malahide & Ashbourne libraries and at TLC Centre.  

28b The Rise, Malahide.  

TEL Sheelagh McShane
086 255 5928

Howth Guild, ICA Dublin Federation  

Exhibition and competition of arts & crafts in St Mary’s Church of Ireland, Howth. 

Alcantra, 84 Balkill Pk., Howth, D13. 

TEL Kath Roberts
01 832 4426

Lios na nÓg Gaelscoil  

Floral design workshop as Gaelige with Laillí and Róisín de Buitléar.  

Oakley Rd., Ranelagh, D6. 

TEL 087 775 1938

Meath Community Unit

Tea party in aid of Alzheimer Society; intergenerational choir event; local walk days; art work and snippets and phrases of residents’ captured; exhibitions/displays.

[These events are invitation only]

1 - 9 Heytesbury Street, Dublin 8

TEL Jacinta Murray S/N Activity Unit
01 707 7945

Rathmines Active Retired 

Painting, tapestry & crochet with Day Centre participants. 

St Mary’s Centre, Richmond Hill. 

TEL Maureen McNally 01 452 2724

Rialto Community Network 

Heritage trip to Kilkenny Castle and St Canice’s Cathedral. 

[These events are invitation only]

568 Sth. Circular Rd., D8.  

TEL Debbie Lynch
01 473 2003

Ringsend Active Retirement 

Crafts display in Ringsend Library; performance by Riverside Choir. Swords Senior Citizens Arts & crafts, decoupage, paintings exhibition in Rathbeale Library. 

[These events are invitation only]

St Patrick’s Villas, Ringsend, D4.  

Swords Senior Citizens

Arts and crafts, decoupage, paintings exhibition in Rathbeale Library

TEL Doreen McKittrick 087 287 1033

U.3.A. 

Visit to Howth, focusing on early history of Howth and St Mary’s Abbey. 

c/o Sheila Cullen, 16 Rosbeg Ct., Sutton, D13. 

TEL 01 839 3868 or  01 832 3573 or
 01 831 3470

Ashbury Nursing Home

Music; sing along with karaoke; poetry reading.

[These events are invitation only]

1A Kill Lane, Kill ‘O’ Grange, Blackrock.

TEL Samantha
01 289 7255

Bloomfield Care Centre 

Photography workshop. 

Stocking Ln., Rathfarnham.  

TEL Peter
086 890 2898

Cairdeas Day Care Centre 

Art & crafts exhibition; music & dance sessions. 

Brú Chaoimhín, Cork St., D8. 

TEL Mary Cullen, Siobhán McLoughlin, Ann Quinn
01 415 6561

Cherry Orchard Hospital 

‘Rolling in the Years’, costumed parties with relevant music & reminiscence. 

Ballyfermot, D10. 

TEL Colleen Redmond
01 620 6161

Cuan Ros Day Centre 

Exhibition of clients’ art with Elaine Shaw; drama with Johannah Watters; music therapy with own DVD & CD; ‘Strawberries & Cream Garden Party’. 

Off Kempton Ext., Navan Rd., D7. 

TEL Mary Birmingham, Marie Brogan, Marie Russell 01 868 6012

Dalkey Community Unit for Older Persons 

Deilginis Theatre Group perform ‘Nostalgia’; traditional Irish sing-song. 

[These events are invitation only]

TEL Triona McMorrow 01 235 3207

HSE – Odin’s Wood Day Care Centre 

Poetry reading; flower arranging; calendar making; fashion of old; karaoke competition; letter writing; cooking; craft display; tea dance and more. 

[These events are invitation only]

Kildonan Rd., Finglas W, D11.

TEL Paula Bermingham
01 814 2505

Killiney Grove Nursing Home 

‘From Tablets of Stone to Tweeting and Text Messages’, letter writing through the ages; short story reading and performance by young children. 

Killiney Hill Rd.  

TEL Veronica Lacey 01 285 2855

Lisheen Nursing Home

‘The Buds and the Blossomed’, local school students and residents will collaborate through music and dance;  ‘Intercultural Day’, celebrating the many cultures we work and live with through food, music and more; ‘Celebrating our Talents’, residents and their families will exhibit their talents in art, flower arranging and music.

[These events are invitation only]

Stoney Lane, Rathcoole.

TEL Valerie Joy
01 458 9426 or
01 458 0594

Mater Misericordiae University Hospital 

Live music session. 

[These events are invitation only]

Eccles St., D7.

TEL Ruth Buckley
01 803 4509

New Mount Street Club, Irish Wheelchair Assoc. 

Exhibition of art & craft project with ‘Art Squad’; flower arranging. 

[These events are invitation only]

1-9 Heytesbury St., D8.  

TEL Rose McCoy
01 400 2849

Newpark Care Centre 

‘Wedding Days’, to gather stories on residents’ wedding days, put them together with photographs. Local groups invited to Open Day.

[These events are invitation only]

The Ward.  

TEL Rita Gallagher 
01 864 3465

Orwell House Nursing Home 

Visual art exhibition from ‘Explore Exchange’ project; audio-visual art installation created by Dawn Freeborn with work from the project.
TEL Dawn Freeborn 087 902 0133
‘Reminiscence Theatre/Life Drama Performance with Responsive Visual Artist’, residents will impart and enact stories and experiences through improvisatory style theatre. Visual artist Dawn Freeborn will respond.
TEL Johannah Watters 085 784 5131 

112 Orwell Rd., Rathgar, D6. 

Seanchara Community Unit 

‘I am special, I am me’, memory boxes, rainbow collage, painting & decorating chairs, drama, music and entertainment. Invite to clients from other Community Units. 

[These events are invitation only]

St Canice’s Rd., Glasnevin, D11.

TEL Cathy Magrath
01 704 4405

Sonas, Irish Wheelchair Assoc. 

‘Cookbook – Old-Time Family Favourite Recipes’, workshop on handcrafted cookbooks and aprons in the art room. Favourite recipes available in the café to members at low cost. 

Áras Chuchulainn Resource and Outreach Centre, Clontarf. 

TEL Eoin or Stephan 01 818 6400

Simpson’s Hospital

Poetry reading and art exhibition; afternoon tea dance.

Ballinteer Road, Dundrum, D16.

TEL Mary Ruane
01 298 4322

St Patrick’s Nursing Home

Afternoon of poetry reading and music, with invited musicians.

Dublin Street, Baldoyle, D13.

TEL Jack Buckley or Veronika Vra’blova’
 01 839 1287