Books and Drinks

Join us for a discussion of this Italian classic! From Wikipedia: ***The Leopard*** ([Italian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_language "Italian language"): *Il Gattopardo*, [lit.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literal_translation "Literal translation") 'The [Serval](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serval "Serval")' [\[il ˌɡattoˈpardo\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Italian "Help:IPA/Italian"))[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Leopard#cite_note-1) is a novel by Italian writer [Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giuseppe_Tomasi_di_Lampedusa "Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa"), which chronicles the changes in [Sicilian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicily "Sicily") life and society during the *[Risorgimento](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risorgimento "Risorgimento")*. Published posthumously in 1958 by [Feltrinelli](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feltrinelli_(publisher) "Feltrinelli (publisher)"), [...], it became the top-selling novel in Italian history and is considered one of the most important novels in modern [Italian literature](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_literature "Italian literature"). In 1959, it won Italy's highest award for fiction, the [Strega Prize](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strega_Prize "Strega Prize").[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Leopard#cite_note-nytimes-dying-world-2) In 2012, *[The Guardian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Guardian "The Guardian")* named it as one of "the 10 best historical novels".[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Leopard#cite_note-ten-best-historical-novels-3) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Leopard Podcast on the book available here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Gw5JlpehOxAtU1r8ZVZfd?si=2af4bbd8e17a44d9 Brew Dog, Grand Canal Dock, D02 E5R7

## Overview Dopamine on the dancefloor — a sober daytime rave with coffee, music & movement. Get ready to dance your Sunday afternoon away with the best espresso-infused beats at ESPRESSO RAVE and be home in time for Sunday dinner. **This is a paid event tickets available dancespace.ie** **Soundtrack includes classics like:** Café del Mar • For An Angel • Overdrive Category: Music, Electronic & EDM ## **About this event:** ### ***Sober***. Uplifting. High-energy. We’re brewing something special...**Espresso Rave** is your Sunday afternoon dance party where energy hits early and vibes stay high. Forget waiting until midnight. Step into a **buzzing, booze-free daytime rave** that’s all about feel-good movement, connection, and that unmistakable post-dance glow. ### What to Expect * **Uplifting electronic beats** curated to boost your mood its going to be loud * A **wide-open dance space** made for moving freely * **Daytime slot:** dance, recharge & still be home for Sunday dinner Just people, movement, and a shared groove. Coffee and cake served upstairs lets keep the dance space free of small talk and let the dancing take over. ### The Feel-Good Science * **Endorphins**: Dancing releases natural mood-boosters that ease stress and create a natural high. * **Dopamine**: That joy + reward surge when music and movement align — boosting focus, drive, and pure happiness. **Espresso Rave** — Wake up your Sunday. Dance it out. Go home glowing. Follow us on Instagram @dancespacedublin and check out our website for more: www.dancespace.ie **Tickets available at dancespace.ie** Limited capacity.

Looking for some spiritual inspiration and conversation? Come and visit the Eckankar Book and Info Stand in the Blackrock Market, Blackrock, Co.Dublin. We're in the market on the second Sunday of every month from 11am until 5pm. We are happy to chat with you on most spiritual topics. Some of our books and booklets may help you with an issue you may be struggling with at the moment. If you'd like some inspiring wisdom, spin the wheel and receive a spiritual gift or a quote on a range of life's challenges.

Join us for coffee, a chat and bring your project at the CHQ (fully accessible venue). We're usually at the tables in the middle of the building - just look out for the yarn :) There's a choice of cafes, including the Bakehouse & Starbucks. There's no charge for the meetup but we ask please that you join our Whatsapp group if you plan on staying with the group. Cost is only €5 a year to pay for Meetup subs etc.

Get ready to unleash your creativity and find your inner zen at our Mandala Workshop At our mandala painting workshop, you will be guided through the process of creating intricate, circular designs known as mandalas, which are symbolic representations of the universe in various spiritual traditions. **WHAT EACH TICKET INCLUDES** * 1 X Canvas * All paints included * Brushes (you can use) * Pencil * Reference paintings. **WHAT DO WE DO DURING THE WORKSHOP? DO WE HAVE TO FOLLOW ALONG?** Our workshops are super informal, this is not a strict class, we have an instructor to guide you along but this is a very basic beginner event for you to experiment and have fun. We reward creativity and encourage everyone to create something different. **I'M GOING TO BE LATE, CAN I STILL COME?** Yes we don't usually start exactly on time. Due to a large volume of people arriving at once it usually starts at least 10 minutes after the time of the event. If you're really late just come in and don't worry! **CAN WE LEAVE OUR PIECES THERE?** We don't have capacity to keep the pieces as our studio is open 7 days a week so everybody has to take their works of art home and proudly display them! **THE EVENT SAYS SOLDOUT, CAN I BRING SOMEBODY ELSE?** Unfortunately not, if an event is sold out it means there are no seats left. **LOCATION:** This Must Be The Place 42 Arran Quay, Smithfield, Dublin 7 **IS IT WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY?** The venue is not wheelchair friendly unfortunately but do get in touch as we host events in various locations that are accessible for wheelchair users. **DO YOU DO PRIVATE EVENTS?** Yes, we host private events, brand events, hen parties, and work parties. Contact us on bookings@alternativeexperiences.ie **DO YOU DO KIDS EVENTS?** Nope, all events are 18+. We are very strict on ID. **HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT EVENTS?** Signup to our weekly newsletter[ here](https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/ "https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/") **ARE YOU ON INSTAGRAM?** Yes find our page [here](https://www.instagram.com/thismustbetheplacedublin/ "https://www.instagram.com/thismustbetheplacedublin/")

While Organizer does this for free, entry to the gym is needed. Day pass and shoe rental. Get ready to reach new heights and forge lasting connections doing Indoor Bouldering Adventure this Sunday at 12:00! Whether you're a seasoned climber or brand new to the sport, this event is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself, have fun, and meet fellow enthusiasts in a supportive and social setting. Located at the Bloc Climbing Gym in Ballymount, indoor bouldering social event is suitable for climbers of all levels. No climbing experience? No problem! Our friendly group will provide guidance, tips, and encouragement every step of the way. Whether you're learning or honing your skills, you'll find plenty of support and encouragement from your fellow climbers. After our exhilarating climb, we'll gather for some well-deserved refreshments and socializing, where you can swap climbing stories, share tips, and make new friends with fellow adventure-seekers. So lace up your climbing shoes, chalk up your hands, and get ready for an afternoon of adrenaline-pumping fun and friendship at our Indoor Bouldering Adventure this Sunday! Let's climb, connect, and conquer together. See you there! 🧗‍♀️🤝🧗‍♂️ If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the event organizer.

Hello gluttons! We've made a fresh date with our jaws at DA MIMMO, a fantastic ristorante pizzeria I've known for quite some time. I've gone there to eat their masterful pizza, delicious pasta with fish, and best in town "cannoli". I've never been disappointed with anything I've ever ordered from DA MIMMO. We can cut our budget a little because of the pizza, but if you prefer, you can also have a whole meal from antipasto to dessert. Total freedom! You can check the pictures below and the menu here: [https://www.damimmo.ie/menu](https://www.damimmo.ie/menus) You should be aware, however, that most of the time there are special daily plates available that may be particularly relevant to your palate. Also, this time I have to bring out a minor issue. Because the venue is small, you must RSVP only if you are reasonably certain that you will be able to attend. To join us, please confirm your spot by paying the **€2 participation fee** here: [revolut.me/gianz64es](https://revolut.me/gianz64es) or doing the rsvp here on meetup at 3 euro. If you pay through Revolut you won't do the rsvp here on meetup (so you won't appear in the attendees here), but don't worry you are in! There are only 6 seats available for now. *Bookings are confirmed ONLY once payment is made via the link above or here on the meetup event page.* Both options works with any credit card, but unfortunately, **cash payments can’t be accepted**. See you soon for another joyful dinner together! Gianni I hope to meet you for a delicious and entertaining lunch at DA MIMMO! Gianni

Hi all, I’ve never seen a Nigerian film before, so I’m jumping at the opportunity to see one now. Please join me for **My Father’s Shadow** this **Sunday, February 8th at 4.10pm.** Against the backdrop of the 1993 Nigerian election crisis, two young brothers, Akin and Remi, accompany their estranged father, Folarin (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù), on a journey through the sprawling metropolis of Lagos as he tries to reclaim unpaid wages while all around them political tensions threaten to reach boiling point. Unfolding over the course of a single day, Akinola Davies Jr’s extraordinary, semi-autobiographical debut feature explores family bonds, identity, memory, and fatherhood. Screening is taking place in Cinema 2.I’m in F8. It’s best to be safe than sorry and book in advance. I’ll be in the foyer from 3.45pm with my purple baseball hat. See you all there, Martin

IMPORTANT: Please have a Leap card with money on it before you join us for this walk as we are travelling by public transport after we meet. Hello! 🙂 Meeting place: Pret A Manger, Connolly Station. Meeting time: 10am. I'll tell you the plan when you arrive. Basically, we take public transport together to somewhere in the Leap card zone and then we walk there for around 3 hours. There will be toilets at Connolly station and again twice during our walk. Walk distance: 13 5km. Note / Disclaimer: Attending this event and every event in this group is entirely in every possible way at your own risk. Any questions, message me. PLEASE don't cancel on the day or forget to join us. It's important you join us if you sign up as it means people on the waiting list lose out if you don't take your place. If you're new, please don't be shy, message me if you have any questions! Thanks! Alan

All welcome. Feel free to come along at any time that suits and pull up a chair. Practice your Japanese with native speakers, exchange cultures or geek out about otaku topics. And help Japanese people with their English. No Japanese speaking ability necessary. このミートアップは誰でも参加できます。あなたは好きな時間に来ることができます。 英語をネイティブから学んだり、日本文化やポップカルチャーを楽しく話すことができます。 そして他の国の人に日本の事や日本語を教えることができます。英語を話せなくても大丈夫です。

Welcome, readers! Our February read is **_1984 by George Orwell._** In 1984, George Orwell imagines a world where the government watches everyone, rewrites reality, and punishes even private thoughts. Winston Smith dares to question this system, believing that truth and love might still exist. His rebellion draws him into a chilling struggle against a power that knows him better than he knows himself. The novel leaves readers asking whether freedom is possible when reality itself can be controlled. 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! 📖

Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting. Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting. Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot! *Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*

Join us for our February Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *A Master of Djinn* by P. Djèlí Clark in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

**I’m planning future book club meetups and would love your input. Please choose your top three from the list below—your picks will help decide what we read next!** **Book Options** *The Hong Kong Widow* – Kristen Loesch *American Spy* – Lauren Wilkinson *God of the Woods* – Liz Moore *Listen for the Lie* – Amy Tintera *The Swallows* – Lisa Lutz *The Drowning Kind* – Jennifer McMahon *The Eights* – Joanna Miller *The Quiet Librarian* – Allen Eskens Thanks so much for sharing your pick! Please **reply in the comments** with your top three. I can’t wait to see which books rise to the top and to discuss them together at our next meetups.

**Our February novel is: Julia by Sandra Newman** **This month is a classic, dystopian, fiction, literary fiction, women’s fiction, and science fiction novel. The book is 394 pages in print and 14 hours and 20 minutes on audiobook.** **An imaginative, feminist, and brilliantly relevant-to-today retelling of Orwell’s 1984, from the point of view of Winston Smith’s lover, Julia, by critically acclaimed novelist Sandra Newman.** Julia Worthing is a mechanic, working in the Fiction Department at the Ministry of Truth. It’s 1984, and Britain (now called Airstrip One) has long been absorbed into the larger trans-Atlantic nation of Oceania. Oceania has been at war for as long as anyone can remember, and is ruled by an ultra-totalitarian Party, whose leader is a quasi-mythical figure called Big Brother. In short, everything about this world is as it is in Orwell’s 1984. All her life, Julia has known only Oceania, and, until she meets Winston Smith, she has never imagined anything else. She is an ideal citizen: cheerfully cynical, always ready with a bribe, piously repeating every political slogan while believing in nothing. She routinely breaks the rules, but also collaborates with the regime when necessary. Everyone likes Julia. Then one day she finds herself walking toward Winston Smith in a corridor and impulsively slips him a note, setting in motion the devastating, unforgettable events of the classic story. Julia takes us on a surprising journey through Orwell’s now-iconic dystopia, with twists that reveal unexpected sides not only to Julia, but to other familiar figures in the 1984 universe. This unique perspective lays bare our own world in haunting and provocative ways, just as the original did almost seventy-five years ago.

This month we’ll be reading Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan