Books and Drinks

Our free-of-charge meet-up upstairs in Ryan's Bar. This is a casual meet up for people who want to play boardgames. Lots of people bring plenty of games and rules will always be explained so don't worry if you're new to the hobby and you don't have anything to bring along or think you won't know how to play. Late comers always welcome, you just might have to wait a little for a game to open up. **The meet ups are free of charge but we do ask that people support the bar by buying food and/or drink. The bar is very accommodating to us and it's important that we support them in return. Bringing in outside food or drink is completely unacceptable.** Check out the comments below where people will say what games they are bringing and express your interest in joining if interested.

**Do you like to make things? Would you like to use 3D software, lasercutter and 3D printing to help you make your idea?** TOG has an open evening to learn how CAD software and 3D fabrication tools can help you make your project. All you need to take part is your own laptop and some ideas on what you want to make. This is not a taught class, more like an informal working group of self-directed makers. We will be happy to help you explore how to use our 3D tools in designing and making your project whether you are a crafter, designer, engineer or hobbyist. Come and have a look at the tools in our space and get some ideas on how your project can be made.

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

Try a new board game or play your old favourite or bring one along . Gaming event to meet new people and try something new. **Fun event for meeting new people while playing board games.** Join us for our board game night in This Must Be The Place in Smithfield. No experience is necessary and throughout the night you can play multiple games and meet new people. Our host will help everyone settle in and also run some of the games. There is unlimited**tea or coffee & biscuits included for everyone attending.** Play some new games, get stuck in to your favourite or bring one along and share with others. **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! **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/")

These events are suitable for those who already have a regular meditation practice and want to continue to do so in a supportive environment with other meditators. There is no requirement to book in advance, just turn up, or log in. For online sits, please click the link below a few minutes before each sit. Join the [morning meditations](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84133106671?pwd=WFZmQUlHcWN6bHAxdmp4UnVOV1VaZz09) each day using Zoom (password if required is *dropinmed* ). On a [donation basis](https://dublinbuddhistcentre.org/donate). No need to book, just drop in if you know how to meditate.

Beginners welcome, or if experienced to sharpen your game, and for those who are keen can join team preparation for a summer 7-a-side tournament free for members..

## 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 😊

### 📚 **Join Quality Time at the Ruby Hotel's Library for our Books & Gossip!** **🎟️ This event is ticketed at the gate (or through [Luma](https://luma.com/go4gv7sd)).** **7€ ticket to help us cover venue costs. Card/Cash accepted.** *Do you want to meet new people and also enjoy reading? Then join us!* **We host the Books & Gossip bi-weekly at the Ruby Hotel!** Relax with your book and practice some self-care through silent reading followed by quality, curated socialising that will help you meet like-minded people (and their books). ## **✨ We have private, reserved seating at the Ruby Molly Library—a space usually closed to the public. ✨** *** ​​**What to expect:** 📖 Peaceful zone-out time to read that book you keep meaning to start (or finish!) 🤝 Curated connecting with like-minded booklovers 💬 A space where connection is easy - no rush, no pressure, no notifications 🫖 Community vibes, calming music, and a welcoming atmosphere 📵 Unplugged experience to ensure quality time. ​\*\*Ruby is hosting us to support our mission, so let’s return the love - you can purchase the drinks and food in the hotel. Water is provided. No outside food is allowed.\* \*\*Also, they are a no-cash hotel - so be sure to bring your card! *** ​​**The Program, curated by Quality Time Keepers:** 18:30 \- 18:45 \| Arrive & make yourself at home 18:45 \- 20:00 \| Dive into your book 20:00 \- 21:20 \| Connect with others 21:20 \- 21:30 \| Round\-up and goodbye ​​​**​👉🏼 Zone out with your book** This is your time to sit back and enjoy uninterrupted reading time. Alone, but together. Please bring your own book, ebook, graphic novel, or poetry bundle - we love all literature. ​​​**​👉🏼 Zone-in with social time** Chat & connect with others, but only if you feel like it. This is the time to meet new people, connect over books, and enjoy meaningful conversations. We will guide you and help with the social interactions! Feel free to come solo, or with friends. ​**We can’t wait to spend some quality time with you.** ​​Love, Quality Time. ## **Discovery listing - tickets available on our [Luma](https://luma.com/go4gv7sd)!** ### 🔑 Don't let the Quality Time end here... Loved the vibe? Want to be part of the movement? This intro event is just the beginning. We invite you to join our **Inner Circle Membership** (it’s free!). By joining our hub on [Lu.ma](https://luma.com/qualitytime_dublin), you’ll get: * **First Access:** Be the first to hear about our upcoming Reading Parties and Hangouts (before they hit social media!). * **Exclusive Perks:** Member-only discounts and secret "pop-up" socials. * **Community Voice:** Help us vote on new venues and event themes. **[👉 JOIN THE INNER CIRCLE FOR FREE](https://luma.com/qualitytime_dublin)** **Dublin deserves more Quality Time.** Let's make it a habit together. 📵✨ **Love, Maja & Lexie** 🦄🦆📚 *(The Quality Time Team)*

**🌟 Community Read: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin : First-Timers Welcome** The group is meeting to dig into the acclaimed Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin alongside fellow readers in a laid-back setting, and the whole evening is centred around the book and each other. There is no pressure to finish the whole book, and mark the passages that made you stop and think, and bring your feelings about it — since the best discussions come from genuine reactions not prepared speeches. The format is relaxed and member-led — with the conversation often surprising even long-time members, and the discussion regularly runs well over time because no one wants to stop. Newcomers are always made to feel at home — and the only thing you need is an interest in the book and good conversation, all you need is yourself and an opinion, and you will leave having said more than you thought you would. --- **Worth having on hand:** - The book — whatever format works for you - A list of moments or lines you want to discuss - A hot drink if you like — we are here for a while - Your genuine reactions however complicated **Here is how the evening goes:** 1. Everyone finds a seat and the discussion opens whenever the group is ready 2. Discussion opens with an initial question and flows from there without a set agenda 3. The evening finishes with a discussion about what to read next ⭐ *"Worth it even when I only read half the book — even the books I was unsure about became interesting in the discussion"* – regular attendee --- 📚 Reading alone is one thing — reading together is another — RSVP and come as you are and the evening takes care of itself once you arrive. The conversation gets better with every reader in the room. 📚

May dublin book club meet up! The book for this month is Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. This is a **social book club**, the point of this is for lighthearted conversations about shared interests. We will also use the meet up to select next months book so if you've any that you'd like to see on the list of potentials, please let me know! **Please RSVP as soon as possible!** Fees help us ensure people show up and also cover costs of running the book club. You also have a tea/coffee included when attending. So don’t order your coffee straightht away. **Please don't click attending if you're not coming, you're taking someone else's slot.**\***\*** Unfortunately you can't use RSVP for another event. There is a one week cancellation period on every event to allow someone else time to read the book in order to take a vacated spot. Please let me know asap if you are cancelling so we have record of the time. We do not move RSVPs to different events. Also, it is compulsory to RSVP for this event as there is limited space. You will be asked to leave if you have no RSVP. These rules are to ensure we have enough space, to ensure our costs are covered and to not take up space in a venue that we don't need so we can keep going back! Any questions, let me know! For some reason, there seems to be a slight delay from when people pay and it showing them attending. Don’t pay twice! (Of course I’ll refund if ya do) It should come through but if you have any problems just send me a message. Lastly, if you haven't been to the book club before but you're considering coming along, do it! It's not too late to join, **new members are always welcome.** See you there

📚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! 😊

**Registration/booking on our system at least 24 hours before class is necessary. We do not take walk ins/your rsvp on meetup is not a booking.** BOOK [HERE](themovementstudio.ie/handstandsandcoffee) From beginner to winner! We have a special weekly 2 hour class that is more like a weekly workshop. It's a very social class, with amazing coffee, great coaching, and smiles and good work being done. Fancy trying something new? Spending time safely outside your comfort zone? Please visit themovementstudio.ie/handstandsandcoffee to book your spot Registration/booking is necessary. We do not take walk ins.

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! 📖

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! 📖

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.

[Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3351321) Location: The Goat River South 219 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Street parking is free on Sundays [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: On a hot day in Bethlehem, a twelve-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East--from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine--Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer.

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.

**Our June novel is: *The Eights* by Joanna Miller** **This month’s novel is set during World War I. It’s a 20th-century historical fiction story about friendship and war, with coming-of-age elements and a slightly haunted tone. The book is 384 pages in print and 10 hours and 9 minutes on audiobook.** Oxford, 1920. For the first time in its one-thousand-year history, Oxford University officially admits female students. Burning with dreams of equality, four young women move into neighboring rooms in Corridor 8. Beatrice, Dora, Marianne, and Otto—collectively known as The Eights—come from all walks of life, each driven by their own motives, each holding tight to their secrets, and are thrown into an unlikely, unshakable friendship. Dora was never meant to go to university, but, after losing both her brother and her fiancé on the battlefield, has arrived in their place. Politically-minded Beatrice, daughter of a famous suffragette, sees Oxford as a chance to make her own way - and some friends her own age. Otto was a nurse during the war but is excited to return to her socialite lifestyle in Oxford where she hopes to find distraction from the memories that haunt her. And finally Marianne, the quiet, clever daughter of a village pastor, who has a shocking secret she must hide from everyone, even her new friends, if she is to succeed. Among the historic spires, and in the long shadow of the Great War, the four women must navigate and support one another in a turbulent world in which misogyny is rife, influenza is still a threat, and the ghosts of the Great War don’t always remain dead.