English Books & Literature

Join us to **practise and improve your Spanish/English with native speakers every Monday at River Bar** at 1 Burgh Quay (Dublin 2) from **6.30pm to 8.30pm**. **Our system:** **• You sit opposite a native speaker of the language you're learning** **• You speak 5mins English, 5mins Spanish, then change table** This ensures everyone gets an equal chance to practise the language they're learning. Our team seats people, controls the time, organises the seat changes etc. What to expect: • Relaxed easy going atmosphere • Professional and quality service • Great networking opportunities • All levels welcome from absolute beginner to fully fluent • A big mix of ages with attendees at each event from 18 to 70+years old • Topic cards on the tables to help start conversations **Admission fee €7** (€1 off for student card holders). **No pre-registration required, just show up**. Loyalty card system: Come to 5 events and the 6th is free. Over 150,000 people have attended our language exchanges to practise and improve their target language - you can too! Everyone is welcome! For more news and info check: Website: [www.languageexchangeireland.com](http://www.languageexchangeireland.com/) FB: [www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland) Instagram: [www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland) We also have the events every Thursday at River Bar on Burgh Quay at 6.30pm.

Join us to **practise and improve your target language with native speakers on Monday in River Bar**(1 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2) from **6.30pm to 8.30pm**. **Our system:** **• You sit opposite a native speaker of the language you're learning** **• You speak 5mins English, 5mins other language, then change table** This ensures everyone gets an equal opportunity to practise the language they're learning. Our team seats people, controls the time, organises the table changes etc. What to expect: • Relaxed easy going atmosphere • Professional and quality service • Great networking opportunities • All levels welcome from absolute beginner to fully fluent • A big mix of ages with attendees at each event from 18 to 70+ years old • Topic cards on the tables to help start conversations Languages: We usually have **native speakers of English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese** and more depending on who shows up. **Admission fee €7** (€6 for student card holders). **No pre-registration required, just show up**. Loyalty card system: Come to 5 events and the 6th is free. Over 150,000 people since 2012 have attended our language exchanges to practise and improve their target language - you can too! Everyone is welcome! For more news and info check: Website: [www.languageexchangeireland.com](http://www.languageexchangeireland.com/) FB: [www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland) Instagram: [www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland) NOTE: The MeetUp attendance does not reflect actual attendance. There are usually around 100 people at each event. We are also in the River Bar every Thursday at 6.30pm

Join us to **practise and improve your Italian-English with native speakers every Monday in River Bar** (1 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2) from **6.30pm to 8.30pm**. **Our system:** **• You sit opposite a native speaker of the language you're learning** **• You speak 5mins English, 5mins Italian, then change table** This ensures everyone gets an equal opportunity to practise the language they're learning. Our team seats people, controls the time, organises the table changes etc. What to expect: • Relaxed easy going atmosphere • Professional and quality service • Great networking opportunities • All levels welcome from absolute beginner to fully fluent • A big mix of ages with attendees at each event from 18 to 70+ years old • Topic cards on the tables to help start conversations **Admission fee €7** (€1 off for student card holders). **No pre-registration required, just show up**. Loyalty card system: Come to 5 events and the 6th is free. Over 150,000 people have attended our language exchanges to practise and improve their target language - you can too! Everyone is welcome! For more news and info check: Website: [www.languageexchangeireland.com](http://www.languageexchangeireland.com/) FB: [www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland) Instagram: [www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland) We also have the events every Thursday at River Bar at 6.30pm.

Come join me for a free in-person screening of Alan Gilsenan's feature documentary exploring James Connolly's life and ideas followed by a Q&A. James Connolly stands as one of the defining figures of Irish socialism, republicanism, and the trade union movement. We only Want the Earth draws extensively on Connolly's own words to paint a vivid, intimate picture of the man behind the principles, placing his radical politics and accomplishments in conversation with the struggles fcing the world today. This documentary also explores Connolly's piviotal involvement in the 1916 Easter Rising. The film is further enriched by performances of songs and poetry from the following: Christy Moore, Stephen Rea, and Connollys great-great-granddaughter Tamsin Iona Connolly Heron. Q&A: with the film makers and Des Geraghty, the former President of SIPTU. If you are on the going list, there is a ticket for you. I booked a max of 14 tickets. Meet in the lobby of the LIght House Cinema at 5.40pm. Event starts at 6pm and finishes at 8pm. I look forward to seeing you there.

Join us for an ultimate Frisbee session, and meet some lovely people. This is a relaxed evening of Ultimate Frisbee in Merrion square Park. No experience? No problem. Just bring yourself and whatever makes you comfy outdoors. But dress to run! *** 🗓 **What’s Happening** * Gentle warm-up + Frisbee basics * Friendly, low-pressure Ultimate Frisbee games * Optional: sideline cheering, lounging * Cool down & post-game hang *** 📍 **Where** **Merrion square park**, Dublin 💶 **Contribution** If you’d like to help cover the meetup costs and gear (cones, bibs, frisbees, etc), a **€2 contribution** is suggested. Revolut ref tag: [https://revolut.me/marise3](https://revolut.me/marise3) No pressure — you can join us either way. *** 🧺 **What to Bring** * Your fave snacks or drink (solo or to share) * A blanket or something comfy to sit on * Sunscreen, water, good energy, and running shoes ☁️ **Weather Watch** If it rains, we’ll update this page **90 minutes beforehand**. (Also: the traditional sun dance is already scheduled 🌞) *** 🔗 **More ways to connect** Looking for more social and creative outdoor & indoor fun? 👉 [https://activesocialconnections.com/](https://activesocialconnections.com/)

For our first writing meet-up, we’ll simply come together to spend some time writing in good company 🌷 Bring whatever you’re working on, or just a notebook and an idea, and settle in with a coffee ☕ We’ll keep it relaxed, with space to write quietly or chat a little if it feels natural. There’s no pressure to share, just a gentle space to create alongside others.

📚Reading books and discussing them are two distinct experiences! Conversations about books and sharing insights help us better appreciate literature and enrich our lives. Let's grab a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and discuss books we're currently reading or have recently enjoyed—whether poetry, fiction, or non-fiction. Bring your physical book or e-reader. There's no formal structure or agenda—just books and good conversation.💬 It's a perfect place to get book recommendations and rediscover your reading momentum if you've hit a slump. We welcome readers of all backgrounds and interests! ⚠️**Something Happened?** If something unpleasant happened to you, it may happen to others. Even if it seems minor, don't hesitate to reach out to me. 🔍 **How to find us?** * When I reach the venue, I'll leave a comment in the meetup where the group is seated. Normally, the booking is in my name, so you can ask the staff for the group. * If you're unable to find us, leave a comment in the meetup page. I'll be able to guide you. We highly encourage you to move between tables and strike up conversations with fellow book lovers. These discussions about literature and reading recommendations are often the highlight of the event! As an organizer, I'm always looking for feedback about the event and suggestions for new events, so feel free to suggest ideas to me. 💡 I look forward to seeing you all! 😊

Hi there, Here are the books for the April 21st meetup. And remember, you don't have to read both books! Enjoy, and see you on the 21st of April! PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LOCATION HAS MOVED FROM THE BLEEDING HORSE TO JIMMY RABBITTE AT 87 LOWER CAMDEN STREET. Note: If these books are difficult to find in bookshops, try online (e.g.: Amazon.co.uk, kennys.ie, easons.com, bookdepository.com to name a few). AS THIS GROUP DOES NOT TAKE ONLINE PAYMENTS, EVERYONE WILL SHOW AS 'UNPAID'. PLEASE IGNORE. **1\. Julia \- Sandra Newman** London, chief city of Airstrip One, the third most populous province of Oceania. It's 1984 and Julia Worthing works as a mechanic fixing the novel-writing machines in the Fiction Department at the Ministry of Truth. Under the ideology of IngSoc and the rule of the Party and its leader Big Brother, Julia is a model citizen - cheerfully cynical, believing in nothing and caring not at all about politics. She knows how to survive in a world of constant surveillance, Thought Police, Newspeak, Doublethink, child spies and the black markets of the prole neighbourhoods. She's very good at staying alive. But Julia becomes intrigued by a colleague from the Records Department - a mid-level worker of the Outer Party called Winston Smith; she comes to realise that she's losing her grip and can no longer safely navigate her world. Seventy-five years after Orwell finished writing his iconic novel, Sandra Newman has tackled the world of Big Brother in a truly convincing way, offering a dramatically different, feminist narrative that is true to and stands alongside the original. For the millions of readers who have been brought up with Orwell's *Nineteen Eighty-Four*, here, finally, is a provocative, vital and utterly satisfying companion novel. **2\. Erasure \- Percival Everett** With your book sales at an all-time low, your family falling apart, and your agent telling you you're not black enough, what's an author to do? Thelonius 'Monk' Ellison has the answer. Or does he . . . ? Séamus

## Details The title of the event is a paradox! Read in silence and then discuss with like-minded folks! :-) 📝 **How does this work?** We will meet in the Bartley's Restaurant area from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM for silent reading and followed up by discussion. **During silent reading, you're expected to remain silent and read.** Please bring your headphones and refrain from the discussion during the first one hour in the area. 👥 **Socialising** After an hour, at 8:15 PM, we'll discuss and socialize about the book you're reading. We highly encourage you to move between tables and strike up conversations with fellow book lovers. These discussions about literature and reading recommendations are often the highlight of the event! Feel free to join at any point during the event. The event is indoors, hopefully, we can continue the tradition of the silent reading in the winter! **📌 Helpful Tips and Notes** * Bring headphones to block out surrounding noise * I will post a comment on the event page when I arrive to indicate where we're seated, so everyone can find us * If you prefer to skip the silent reading, you can join directly at the bar at 8:15 PM ⚠️**Something Happened?** If something unpleasant happened to you, it may happen to others. It may be small but don't hesitate to reach out to me. Looking forward to meeting you all 😊

Hello Everyone! Let's read something before coming to the event. It can be a few pages from a book, an article, a poem, an advertisement, a joke, a recipe, a quote, social media content - anything you find interesting. We meet and chat about it, as a starting point of conversation. Please feel free to bring books :)

This group is all about hosting a monthly in-person book club right here in Dublin City! If you're into the book we're reading and want to chat about it with others, this is the perfect spot for you. We'll meet for about 1-2 hours, enjoy some drinks and/or food, and dive into the book of the month—sharing our thoughts, exploring themes, and swapping recommendations for future reads. We suggest a €2 voluntary contribution per person to help cover MeetUp fees (cash or Revolut works - paid to host at the event). See you there!

Welcome, readers! Our April read is **_Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.** The story follows a young Iranian American poet grappling with grief, addiction, and the aching question of what makes a life meaningful. Drawn into an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill artist, he begins to confront faith, love, and the seduction of self-destruction. Lyrical, darkly funny, and emotionally piercing, the novel wrestles with beauty and despair in equal measure. It’s a story about longing—to be seen, to be forgiven, and to matter. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Posting this early because seemingly all Sundays in May are holidays or busy! I picked a shorter thriller that's hopefully a fast read/listen. [Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3458940) Location: Grandview Cafe, *1455 W. 3rd Ave*, Columbus, OH 43212 [Menu](https://www.grandviewcafe.com/menu) Book summary: Daniel leads a rich life in the university town of Athens, Georgia. He's got a couple close friends, a steady paycheck working for a regional airline, and of course, for a few glorious days each Fall, college football tailgates. He considers himself to be a mostly lucky guy -- despite the fact that he's suffered from a debilitating disease since he was a small child, one that has left him unable to speak or to move without a wheelchair. Largely confined to his home, Daniel spends the hours he's not online communicating with irate air travelers observing his neighborhood from his front porch. One young woman passes by so frequently that spotting her out the window has almost become part of his daily routine. Until the day he's almost sure he sees her being kidnapped.

Join us for our April Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Stop Me if You've Heard This One](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/stopmeifyouveheardthisone)* by [Kristen Arnett](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/about) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.

This month we’ll be reading Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!

Love getting lost in a good book? [The Book Loft](https://www.bookloft.com/) of German Village is an iconic independent bookstore packed with hard-to-find literary treasures! This isn’t your run-of-the-mill bookstore; it’s a 32-room literary wonderland that would make even the most seasoned bibliophile’s head spin (one of the largest in the country)! **MEET**: We'll gather outside the storefront and then start browsing... **DESSERT**: We'll grab some famous macaroons to start our foodie tour. [Pistacia Vera](https://www.pistaciavera.com/) is a delicious bakery and cafe in the German Village. This charming shop is especially known for its classic macarons. **HAPPY HOUR**: Italian drinks and bites at [Cento's happy hour](https://centogermanvillage.com/menus/). **PARKING**: Street parking all around here. Check the parking time limit. The bookstore and the foodie stops are all on 3rd Street within 4 blocks on the same side of the street.

"The SOB is a ballet dancer. He’s the best ballet dancer that ever lived, and if I get a good chance I’ll kill him with my bare hands." - W.C. Fields In *City Lights*, Chaplin's Little Tramp meets a blind girl selling flowers who mistakes him for a wealthy man. When he learns that an operation may restore her sight, he sets off to earn the money she needs to have the surgery. He also befriends an alcoholic millionaire who only recognizes him when he is drunk. When the blind girl and her grandmother fall behind in the rent and face eviction, he tries working and even enters a boxing competition to raise the money they need. Regarded as Chaplin's masterpiece, *City Lights* has been ranked on more than seventeen "100 greatest movies of all time" lists. Orson Welles cited it as his favorite picture. *City Lights* is available for streaming on Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBOMax, Tubi and PlutoTV. The Columbus Library lists three copies on blu-ray and eight copies on DVD. Watch the movie on your own, then join us upstairs at East Market to discuss the film. If you want more, *Unknown Chaplin* is a three-episode lost-footage documentary available on Youtube. It covers his time on *City Lights* beginning at the twenty-six minute mark of episode two: https://youtu.be/f8960Uc15hI?t=1558