Books and Drinks

**📚 Join us for a special evening with Meena Kandasamy** as we celebrate her powerful new novel, *[Fieldwork as a Sex Object](https://www.waterstones.com/book/fieldwork-as-a-sex-object/meena-kandasamy/9781840919448)* — an incendiary and fearless work exploring deepfakes, online misogyny, political violence, race, and the chaos of digital life. Set between London and India, the novel follows a young woman whose life spirals after a deepfake video of her goes viral, opening urgent conversations around feminism, surveillance, shame, and resistance in the internet age. The Irish launch of the book will take place at The Bread and Roses Festival 2026, and we highly recommend attending the festival on 22nd and 23rd May — [tickets are still available](https://projectartscentre.ie/events/bread-and-roses-festival/)! [Meena Kandasamy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meena_Kandasamy) is one of the most [vital literary and political voices writing today](https://www.kandasamy.co.uk/) — a poet, novelist, translator, actor, and anti-caste activist whose work spans fiction, memoir, poetry, and essays. Her acclaimed books include *[When I Hit You](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/When_I_Hit_You:_Or,_A_Portrait_of_the_Writer_as_a_Young_Wife)*, shortlisted for the Women’s Prize, *The Gypsy Goddess*, *Exquisite Cadavers*, and the poetry collections *Ms Militancy* and *Tomorrow Someone Will Arrest You*. **Her translation of Salma's Novel Women Dreaming / Lux and was nominated for [Dublin Literary Award in 2022](https://dublinliteraryaward.ie/the-library/books/women-dreaming/). I**n 2022, she was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL). The same year, in November, she was also awarded the PEN Hermann Kesten Prize for her writing and work as a ‘fearless fighter for democracy, human rights and the free word.’ During the event, Meena Kandasamy will read from her work (around 3:30 PM), followed by an open and informal conversation with attendees about books, contemporary literature, activism, feminism, politics, and creative practice. This is a casual, warm conversation-style gathering similar to Books & Social, where everyone is welcome to participate, listen, and connect. Whether you are a long-time reader of her work or discovering her writing for the first time, we warmly invite you to join us for an evening of conversation, ideas, and community. See you all on Sunday! ✨

Let's attend together Literature Festival Dublin to see Colm Toibin with his new book The News From Dublin. After the event we can hang out and benefit from Festival Attractions, Foodtracks, bar, library and bookshops around the park :) Link to book: https://ilfdublin.com/whats-on/festival/type/conversations/the-news-from-dublin-colm-toibin/ Event desctiption: ***The News from Dublin* comes to Dublin… A master of understated emotions, the bestselling author of *Brooklyn* and *Long Island* returns to ILFD with a beautiful new collection of short stories.** *“A subtle, intelligent and deeply felt writer.*” Guardian A woman in Galway hears of the death of her son in the First World War. An Irishman seeks anonymity in Barcelona, haunted by crimes he has committed. A man goes to Dublin from Enniscorthy to implore the Minister for Health for a special favour. A young woman is pregnant during the Spanish Civil War. An undocumented worker finds himself living an illegal life and must leave San Francisco, and his child, after thirty years in America. Three sisters who have been living in Argentina decide to return to Catalonia…There are few authors more attuned to human yearning than Colm Tóibín. In *The News from Dublin* he delves into the days and nights of those living far from home: lives of great longing, at a great distance from past lives and past selves. Colm Tóibín is the author of eleven novels, including *The Master,* *Brooklyn* and its sequel *Long Island*, and *The Magician*, and three collections of stories. He has been three times shortlisted for the Booker Prize. In 2021, he was awarded the David Cohen Prize for Literature. Between 2022 and 2024 he was the Laureate for Irish Fiction.

This Sunday we will head to The Christophers at 12pm in The Lighthouse. We'll meet outside from 11am and head into the cafe when it opens (usually 11:15am). The Christophers 100mins The children of a once famous artist hire a forger to complete some unfinished, long ago abandoned canvases so they'll have an inheritance when he dies. Starring Ian McKellen [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34966562/plotsummary?item=po8336614](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34966562/plotsummary?item=po8336614)

Step into a high-energy electronic dance session designed to shift your mood and leave you feeling clear, light & recharged. Alcohol-free. Dance your Sunday afternoon away at ESPRESSO RAVE — a high-energy daytime dance session with electronic music and great vibes, downstairs in Wigwam. And yes — you’ll still be home in time for Sunday dinner. Profits from ticket sales will go to My Lovely Horse Rescue, because we love the work they do and want to help 🐴✨ ### **Why Dance?** Dancing isn’t just fun — it’s genuinely good for you. Music and movement together help release endorphins and dopamine, natural chemicals that boost mood and reduce stress. Moving in rhythm with others can also increase feelings of connection and belonging. It’s one of the simplest ways to clear your head, lift your energy, and reconnect with your body. Coffee and cake will be served upstairs — we keep the dancefloor for dancing. **Tickets 15 euro for one and two for 25 euro available** [dancespace.ie ](dancespace.ie) ### **Espresso Rave** Wake up your Sunday. Dance it out. Go home glowing with a total reset for the week ahead. Follow: @dancespacedublin ### **Learn more about www.mylovelyhorserescue.com**

**Explore Laytown in Meath.** **Meeting Point : Dublin Connolly Station. (Inside beside Pret A Manger)** **Time : 11:50AM.** **When : Sunday 24th of May.** We will be **meeting** at **Dublin Connolly Train Station (Inside beside Pret A Manger) at 11:50AM.** **Waiting 5 Minutes** then we will be heading to the **Drogheda InterCity Train** which is scheduled for **12:10PM.** 1**0 Stops (56 Minutes)** Howth/Junction Donaghmede, Clongriffin, Portmarnock, Malahide, Donabate, Rush & Lusk, Skerries, Balbriggan, Gormanston and reaching our destination Laytown Train Station. **We will arrive to Laytown Train Station at 13:06PM (Estimated).** **Starting** our walking loop at **13:10PM** **from Laytown Train Station.** This is loop is a coastal walk around the seafront of **Laytown** and continues into **Bettystown**. **Duration 2 Hours 30 Minutes.** **Length 10.3KM.** **Coffee Shops** : Relish, Navy at Bettytown, Ellies Ice-Cream, Ariosa Cafe and Bistro BT. Every event is 5 Euro's you can pay by using Revolut or paying by cash. I hope to see you there ! Many Thanks Thomas

* The current plan is meetup every two weeks going forward. * If you don't have a board still feel free to rock up. * Even if you don't know how to play you're welcome here, we're happy to help teach. * Thanks to all the beginners who came, please come again!! Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

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. Own entry to the gym: \- One off Daypass is €14 \+ shoes €4\.5\. \- Or promotion deal of 1st timers €30/30days \(includes shoes\) 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! 🧗‍♀️🤝🧗‍♂️ \- Street parking is available

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。

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:** * ⚔️ **Vishnu** with *[Ironsworn](https://shawn-tomkin.itch.io/ironsworn)*, a dark fantasy RPG of survival and perilous quests across the harsh Ironlands, where your forefathers were exiled generations ago. Dreadful omens plague your settlements: seers wake screaming, and the standing stones weep black water on moonless nights. Something is coming and you are Ironsworn, heroes bound by sacred vows to find and face it. * 🧬 **Cyrus** with *[Dead Serious](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a_8HoeLE_anm-9TifDPy71cig5l92P9P/view?usp=sharing)*, a one-page RPG where you play invincible unyielding warriors. The most ELITE of the ELITE: The DREADBUTCHERS. But the squad has a malfunction - they can experience EMOTION. In this game you must always remain in character. If you laugh, stop talking in a DEEP IMPOSING voice or don't take the mission seriously your character might…EXPLODE! *** Details for the event (number of groups and games) will be published here or earlier on our [Discord server](https://tinyurl.com/indie-rpgs-dublin). Feel free to ask the organisers any questions you have (here or on Discord).

Next Sunday (24th May) we'll be doing a mystery walk in South Dublin. **Meeting Location** Laughanstown Luas stop - this is two stops before the southern terminus of the Green Line (Bride's Glen) and is between Carrickmines and Cherrywood. It's not a great place to get to by bus, but Cabinteely is probably best to get off if you need to take the bus. **\*\*\* Important, please click on Attend if you wish to join this event \*\*\*** **Route Description** As it's a mystery walk, we won't go into details about the walk, other than to say we should get excellent views and see plenty of lovely scenery and places of historical interest. It's around 10km in length on a mixture of well-defined paths and some paths off the beaten track which may include obstacles to negotiate such as tree trunks to climb over. As it's a linear walk, we'll be finishing at a different place but one that is in easy reach of the DART, Dublin Buses and the Luas (a short walk away). There are no toilets or refreshments during the walk, but we will finish up near a pub, cafés and a Spar. We should be able to find a nice place to sit during the walk, so feel free to bring own snacks and drinks. Feel free to come on the walk even if you haven't been to a meet up before. This is a great way to meet new people and see new places. \*\*\* If you wish to wander off during a break then it's probably OK but please agree with the organisers a time you'll return so we're not waiting for you \*\*\* [Host(s)] Tim (085 718 5658) WhatsApp FAQs 1. Is there a charge for this event? No, this is a free event. Sometimes we have events that involve a visit to a museum or garden with an entrance fee - but this will be clearly marked in the details 2. Is it OK for people on a short visit to Ireland to join this walk? Yes both visitors and residents alike are welcome to join our walks. 3. How easy/difficult is this walk? Most walking groups would classify this as a medium walk, so having a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Some parts of the walk are quite steep with narrow, uneven paths and some paths may be muddy. 4. Why are there only a limited number of places for this event? To ensure the best possible experience for the people attending it is necessary to limit the numbers, especially as the chosen route may not be straightforward and along narrow paths. 5. Why is it necessary to book on this event if you wish to attend? This is because there are only a limited number of spaces (see point above) and to ensure the fairest allocation of spaces, we kindly request everyone to book a place. It's OK to change your mind about coming but please change your RSVP as soon as you have for someone else to take the place if they wish to. PLEASE NOTE: Walking like many outdoor activities carries an element of risk. People who take part in our meet up activities do so at their own risk and are responsible for their own actions and involvement. If you register to join our meet up walks you agree that you wish to take part in the activities knowing these risks. Please wear boots, shoes or runners that you find comfortable, provide suitable support and have good grip as some of the paths may be uneven or steep. It is also recommended to bring water to avoid dehydration. Bring warm clothes and a waterproof jacket or umbrella in case of inclement weather. Feel free to bring walking poles if you wish. The Wild Travellers' Adventures Meetup Group supports the Leave No Trace Campaign

Dublin City Market Day! Bringing interactive experiences, vintage fashion, arts, music, tattoo artist, tarot, goody bags, prizes and more..! The Alternative Dublin Flea Market 🎁 Dublin’s immersive market is back for a city wide market this May! Expect 3000+ people, music, goodie bags, 120+ sellers, raffles and more! **Follow @alternativedublin on Instagram to find out about all the events and news in Dublin.** ***[Get your FREE Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-dublin-city-market-day-free-ticket-tickets-1987382068265)*** WHAT TO EXPECT:- 100+ Sellers- Multiple Rooms (huge venue)- Spinning Prize Wheel- Tattoo Artist, Spoon Ring Maker, Tarot Readers, Full Kitchen and Bar. Live Experiences (more than just a flea market)The market will take place in **Lost Lane, Pawn Shop, Chillers on the Green** and **Dublin Pottery Studio** from 12pm - 5pm on Sunday 24th May. There will be **goody bags** for the first 100 people in each venue! Visit each venue and fill your stamp card to enter a raffle to be in with a chance to **win a prize!** Please note that this market in Lost Lane is held upstairs, Pawn Shop market downstairs and there is no lift access. If you have any questions regarding this event, feel free to contact us at: markets@alternativeexperiences.ie *Tickets will give you access to any of the four venues. Tickets will ensure access but there may be a queue for entry depending on how busy we are!*

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.