Books and Drinks

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.

Make your own unique keychains with felt and beads in this beginner friendly workshop. **MAKE YOUR OWN FELT KEYCHAINS** Get creative and craft your own adorable felt keychains for your bags, keys or ready to gift a loved one in this relaxed, hands-on workshop. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned crafter, you'll learn easy techniques for cutting, stitching, stuffing, and embellishing your own felt pieces. Bring your favorite drink and enjoy a chill night of crafting, conversation, and creativity. All materials are provided so just bring yourself, your friends, and your beverage of choice ***[Get your Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/felt-keychain-workshop-tickets-1986005087679)*** **WHAT EACH TICKET INCLUDES** * Felt and sewing materials * Ribbons and beads for your decorations * Chill vibes and good music! * Unlimited tea or coffee & biscuits included for everyone attending! **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 **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/")

We're hosting another in-person writing session in the Old Town Café once more. What is a write-together? It's a couple of focused writing sprints (30 mins each) with breaks in between for for snacks and chats. It's a chance to get some writing done *and* to meet other writers. All are welcome, old hands and newbies alike, and you can write whatever you like. To find us, seek out the people with laptops and notebooks (and I'll have a table sign if I remember to pack it!)

Overview Paint A Neon Canvas. Music. UV Lights. Prizes. No Experience Needed To Take Part. Paint A Canvas Using Florescent Paint With Music And Prizes! Our team will take each person step by step into creating a masterpiece with no experience necessary. Create a painting under UV Lights and do something very different. [GET YOUR TICKET ](https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/neon-painting-paint-like-banksy-tickets-1985992893205?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1*12floh4*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTAzMTc1NDY2LjE3Nzc5NzQ4NTM.*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3Nzc5NzQ4NTIkbzEkZzAkdDE3Nzc5NzQ4NTIkajYwJGwwJGgw&keep_tld=true) **WHAT TO EXPECT?** * Artist (to help you paint) * Themed Painting * Prizes * Music * UV Lights **DO YOU DO PRIVATE EVENTS?** Yes, we host private events, brand events, hen parties, and work parties. Contact us on bookings@alternativeexperiences.ie **WHERE IS THE VENUE LOCATED?** The new space is located in Pawn Shop on Dame Street. **IS THERE ALCOHOL?** Yes, the bar has alcohol for sale. There is no BYOB option. **IS IT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?** Unfortunately not, this venue is not wheelchair accessible but we do events in other venues which are. **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/") **LOCATION:** Pawn Shop, 15 Dame St, Dublin 2, D02 KD74

**We are Rebranding to [Quality Time](https://www.meetup.com/quality-time-dublin/)!** RSVP on Meetup does NOT guarantee entry. You must grab a ticket via [Luma](https://luma.com/v74xtgky) (cash options available). Grab your ticket [here](https://luma.com/v74xtgky). 🎟️ 7EUR - Includes reserved indoor garden space, curated social prompts, art supplies, board games, card games, puzzles & more *** **Dublin deserves more Quality Time—and a lot more play 🎲💜** Forget the busy outside world. **The Analog Social** is our monthly sanctuary in the Marlin’s private indoor garden—a space curated for those who want to reclaim their weekend with intention, creativity, and real human connection. ## **​✨Marlin's indoor garden is fully reserved for us and closed to the public✨** ✨ What to Expect * **The Zone-Out:** We start by slowing down. This is your time to arrive, get comfortable, grab a coffee, and simply be. Whether you want to read, journal, DIY, do some colouring, or just zone-out entirely - this is the time. * **The Zone-In:** After finding our calm, we shift the energy. Our hosts will help everyone "zone-in" to the social vibe. Whether it's over a board game or a meaningful conversation, we facilitate a space where "talking to strangers" feels like catching up with old friends. * **The Atmosphere:** A light-filled, indoor garden reserved exclusively for our community. High vibes, low pressure, and totally present. 🕰️ The Schedule * **11:00\-11:15 \| Arrive:** Settle in and find your favourite nook. * **11:15\-11:45 \| Welcome & Zone\-Out:** Welcoming speech & uninterrupted time to yourself. * **11:45\- \| Zone\-In:** Guided social time, board & card games. * **13:45 \| Soft Goodbyes:** Wrap up the afternoon (though the garden remains open if you’re not ready to leave!). 💜 Essentials * **What to bring:** A book, sketchbook, or hobby (if needed. We will provide you with art supplies, puzzles, colouring books, games & more). * **Support the Venue:** Marlin is hosting us every 3rd Sunday of the month! Please support our hosts by enjoying their bar and snack menu! *** **Dublin deserves more Quality Time.** Let’s play! **Love, Maja & Lexie** 🦄🦆🎲 *(The Quality Time Team)*

Newly started IG: https://www.instagram.com/letsgetsocialdublin/ Every event is **5 euros** to the host, you can pay by using Revolut or Cash. This helps me maintains the group as this takes a lot of time and effort. Get ready to reach new heights and forge lasting connections doing Indoor Bouldering Adventure this Sunday **at 14:30!** 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! 🧗‍♀️🤝🧗‍♂️

Welcome back to our tournament series!! ***THIS EVENT IS TICKETED. TO COMPETE YOU MUST PURCHASE A TICKET FROM THE LINK BELOW.*** [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chess-n-fun-in-dublin-tournament-tickets-1988765197241?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chess-n-fun-in-dublin-tournament-tickets-1988765197241?aff=oddtdtcreator) ***You can spectate and play on free boards in the pub but again tournament play is limited to ticketed players.*** * The format will be Swiss format with 6 rounds. * 10 minute games * 5-10 minute breaks between rounds 1st place gets 100 Euro 2nd place gets 50 Euro

We are organizing our first brunch and we chose a place that is really important to us: Wallace Asti. We’ve been there 2 or 3 times already and have never been disappointed, not even a bit. Wallace Asti has invented a new type of Brunch, the Pizza brunch, where we can have tiramisu pancake, paninazzo, granola, poached eggs served on pizza dough flatbread, etc..... and it's delicious! I treid it already! When we received their invite to participate in this initiative, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to try something new. We have never organized a brunch before, and doing it in such a novel format covering pizza felt like the right way to start. Please invite your friends, family, dogs, cats and aliens. RSVP is only valid here: [https://www.wrgm.cc/events/pizza-brunch-at-asti-wallace](https://www.wrgm.cc/events/pizza-brunch-at-asti-wallace) Gianni

**✨ Dynamic Conversations** Enjoy small-group conversations (2–3 people per table) at dedicated language tables. There will always be **English-only tables**, and every attendee rotates through these tables during the **first and last rotation**. **🏷️ Language Stickers on Arrival** As soon as you arrive, you’ll receive: • **Native language stickers** (with flags + “native”) • **Practicing language stickers** (with flags + “practicing”) You may choose multiple practicing languages. These stickers help you join the right tables and connect with people who match your goals. **🔄 Rotations Every 30 Minutes** Every 30 minutes, the organizer rearranges groups based on preferred languages. We aim for **bilingual tables**, ideally with at least one native or advanced speaker. If no native speakers are available, we can still create a table as long as **two people want to practice the same language**. **🌍 Popular Languages** English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, and any other language requested by at least two attendees. **📈 All Levels Welcome** Beginner or advanced—everyone is welcome. The only requirement is enthusiasm and willingness to communicate. **🃏 Conversation Cards + Complimentary Fries** Need inspiration? Conversation cards are available at every table. Enjoy complimentary **fries around 8:00 PM**. **💸 Pay-as-you-go (Cash / Card)** • €6 General Admission • €5 Students • €4 per person when you bring friends **⭐ Loyalty Card (Automatically Activated)** Attend **4 Language Exchanges or International Meetups**, and your **5th event is FREE**. **💳 [Membership Options (Save € & unlock perks)](https://buymeacoffee.com/newindublin)** **🟡 Regular Membership (€12/mo)** ✔ Free: Singles, Language Exchange, International Meetup ✔ –50%: Quizzes, Big Singles, Theme Party, Cultural Mix, Social Games, Music Challenge ✔ Extra perks **🔵 Theme Membership (€15/mo)** ✔ Free: Quizzes, Big Singles, Theme Party, Cultural Mix, Social Games, Music Challenge ✔ –50%: Singles, Language Exchange, International Meetup ✔ Extra Perks **🟣 Complete Membership (€20/mo)** ✔ Free access to ALL events ✔ Extra Perks **📱 Stay Connected** 🔗 **[Linktree](https://linktr.ee/newindublin)**[ ](https://linktr.ee/newindublin)– full weekly calendar 💬 **[WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)**[ ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)– reminders & updates 📘 **[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/newindublinmeetup)**[ ](https://www.facebook.com/newindublinmeetup)– photos & highlights 📸 **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/newindublinmeetups/)**[ ](https://www.instagram.com/newindublinmeetups/)– stories & behind-the-scenes 🌐 **[Website](https://newindublin.net/)**[ ](https://newindublin.net/)– all information about our events **🎉 Join Us!** A fun, relaxed evening full of languages, new people, and confidence-building conversations. **RSVP now! 🚀**

Join us every Sunday and tell a story as a group by playing a beginner-friendly roleplaying game. Every week we have 2-3 different games - you will choose which game you play on the day. All materials provided and rules are explained at the start of each game, you just need to bring your imagination. 🎭 **This week's facilitators:** * 🧑‍🚀 **Axel** with *[Sol: Beyond Earth](https://zeruhur.itch.io/sol-beyond-earth): The Venus Incident*, a rules-light RPG set in a retrofuturistic universe. The year is 2090, in a world where the Space Race never ended and now human colonies and outposts proliferate in Earth orbit and across the Solar System. Peace between the major global powers has been maintained by the United Nations of Earth, and humanity has entered what promises to be a golden age. You are the crew of the UN survey vessel *Sally Ride*, carrying out a survey near Venus. A routine mission…or is it…? * ⚒️ **Nathan** with *[Bam! New Skill!](https://arispen.itch.io/bns)*, micro RPG based on *Roll For Shoes*. A team of young wannabe adventurers in a small farming village hear the news that a group of orphans from a nearby village have been kidnapped by goblins to mine for treasure in the mountains nearby. Not only do they want to save the day and be celebrated as heroes for rescuing these kids, but they want that sweet reward money. Our heroes can learn anything, but they have no inherent talent. * 🐍 **Adam** (me!) taking adventurers on an old-school treasure hunt in *[Shadowdark](https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-rpg/products/shadowdark-rpg-pdf): Raiders of the Hidden Temple*. A dubious treasure map led your characters deep into the sweltering jungles of Tal-Yool. Now, a ruined temple stands before you. Do you dare enter to claim the fabled Chalice of the Blood Queen said to be guarded by the venomous viperians inside? *** Feel free to ask the organisers any questions you have (here or on our [Discord server](https://tinyurl.com/indie-rpgs-dublin)).

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 June read is ***Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible*** ***Voyage*** **by Alfred Lansing.** A work of nonfiction, and one of the most astonishing survival stories in history, we follow Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew after their ship is crushed by Antarctic ice. Stranded in one of the harshest environments on Earth, the men endure months of isolation, freezing temperatures, and near starvation—yet refuse to give up hope. Lansing brings their ordeal to life through vivid detail and firsthand accounts, capturing both the brutality of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. At its core, the story is a powerful testament to leadership, perseverance, and the unbreakable will to survive against impossible odds. 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 **all** **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Welcome, readers! Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.** The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried. 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! 📖

Join us for Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn! Fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital, reporter Camille Preaker faces a troubling assignment: she must return to her tiny hometown to cover the unsolved murder of a preteen girl and the disappearance of another. For years, Camille has hardly spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or to the half-sister she barely knows: a beautiful thirteen-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Now, installed in her old bedroom in her family's Victorian mansion, Camille finds herself identifying with the young victims—a bit too strongly. Dogged by her own demons, she must unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past if she wants to get the story-and survive this homecoming.

The theme for May is Thriller. • The book we will be discussing is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. (determined by votes from April Book Club. Let me know if you'd like a free digital copy of the book) • This event will be at the main library. Feel free to come whether or not you've started or finished the book. • Small snacks will be provided. You're welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Let me know if you’d like to volunteer to bring snacks or drinks for the group.

This month we’ll be reading Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett. Feel free to come and chat even if you don’t finish the book!

**Our May novel is: *The Quiet Librarian* by Allen Eskens** **This month’s book is set in the 20th century and mixes historical fiction with suspense and thriller elements. It also centers on women’s stories and relationships. The novel is 368 pages in print or 8 hours and 12 minutes on audiobook.** Hana Babic is a quiet, middle-aged librarian in Minnesota who wants nothing more than to be left alone. But when a detective arrives with the news that her best friend has been murdered, Hana knows that something evil has come for her, a dark remnant of the past she and her friend had shared. Thirty years before, Hana was someone else: Nura Divjak, a teenager growing up in the mountains of war-torn Bosnia—until Serbian soldiers arrived to slaughter her entire family before her eyes. The events of that day thrust Nura into the war, leading her to join a band of militia fighters, where she became not only a fierce warrior but a legend—the deadly Night Mora. But a shattering final act forced Nura to flee to the United States with a bounty on her head\*\*.\*\*

By popular demand, the group wanted to read and discuss the semi-autobiographical novel by Henri-Pierre Roche, that inspired the Truffaut movie we watched last year. The book is available through the Columbus Library's interlibrary loan system. They reported there are twenty-eight copies available in the state of Ohio. If you have a library card, you can file an interlibrary loan request here: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/library-services/ . There are also used copies available on Amazon and eBay for under twenty dollars. You may want to rewatch the movie after reading the book, so we can compare and contrast in our discussion. The Columbus Library has four copies on DVD, and it's streaming on HBOMax.