Books and Drinks

Let’s team up for a chill Literati Dublin meetup at the International Literature Festival Dublin. We’ll hang out in Merrion Square Park, soak up the good weather, and enjoy a full day of talks, readings, and creative events together. No pressure, just good vibes, books, and interesting conversations. **Bring a blanket**, and get ready to spend a relaxed day in the park surrounded by stories and inspiring people ☀️ Perfect chance to connect, discover new authors, and enjoy Dublin at its best. **The area will have chairs to sit, bars, food trucks, bookshop and libraries.** The events are listed here :) https://ilfdublin.com/whats-on/festival/ See you there 💚

## Overview *** Drink & Draw Ireland's paint party. Win Prizes. Create A Masterpiece. Music & craic! Absolutely no painting experience is necessary. This event is open to everyone, bring a loved one, a friend or come alone🎨 No experience is needed and in under two hours you will create a painting of your very own masterpiece *[Get your tickets here !](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drink-draw-sail-away-byob-tickets-1985728157373?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1*wo9h3n*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTYzODI2MTQ1NC4xNzc3OTc0NDA2*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3Nzc5NzQ0MDQkbzEkZzAkdDE3Nzc5NzQ0MDQkajYwJGwwJGgw&keep_tld=true)* **What you get with your ticket?** ☀ 1 x Canvas to keep ☀ All the painting materials necessary ☀ Instructor to help guide you ☀ Patterns and designs to inspire you ☀ Custom playlist with feel good tunes ☀ Win prizes! **FAQs:** **I'M NO GOOD AT ART AND HAVEN'T PAINTED SINCE SCHOOL?** Drink & Draw is a super fun event designed so you can have a good time, we aren't about perfection we want you to relax and create. We have instructors who will help guide you to creating your own masterpiece. It doesn't matter if you can't paint this about relaxing. **WHAT IF I GET PAINT ON MY CLOTHES?** We use non-toxic paint that can be machine washed. **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/") **IS ALCOHOL PROVIDED AT THIS EVENT?** This event is a BYOB event to make it a cheap and fun event for you!

**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.

\*\*DATE AND TIME SUBJECT TO CHANGE\*\* Join us in May to discuss the first two installments of the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. MAAS. "Throne of Glass is a high fantasy novel series by American author Sarah J. Maas, beginning with the entry of the same name, released on August 2, 2012. The story follows the journey of Celaena Sardothien, a teenage assassin in a corrupt kingdom with a tyrannical ruler, the King of Adarlan."

**Hello Mishmashers 👋** Excited to see you at our next meetup! Here's what you can look forward to: 💬 **Great chats with lovely people**! whether you're a local or from the other side of the world, you’re very welcome here! 🌍 **Not a native English speaker?** Awesome, you’ll get to practice with native speakers in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. 🇮🇪 **Are you a native English speaker?** Cool! Chat in English or find someone to practice another language with. Why not mix it up? ✨ We’re a **diverse, super-friendly, and inclusive bunch**, open to everyone, whether you’re shy, outgoing, or somewhere in between. 🎯 Our awesome organizers are always around to make sure things run smoothly and everyone feels included. 💡 One of the nicest things we hear again and again: even introverts feel at ease here. That’s something we’re really proud of. 🤝 **Instant connections!** You might walk in alone, but you'll probably leave with new friends. 📅 **This Saturday at 2:30pm!** We’ll be downstairs around the big oval table at a much-loved venue that's perfect for easy-going conversations and real connection. 🎉 **Theme: “International Mishmash”**: A chill space for people from all over (including Ireland!) to swap stories, share laughs, and practice languages if you fancy. (Shout-out to our lovely Irish regulars!) 🍻 **And after?** At 5pm, we’ll head over to the nearby **RIOT Pub** for tasty burgers and proper pints. Always a good time!!! *** **Want to support the group? 🙏** Running this thing costs over €200 a year (yep, all out of pocket for now 😅). If you’d like to chip in, we’d really appreciate it: * [PayPal](https://paypal.me/meetuppay) * [Revolut](https://revolut.me/michelf9a) (you can pay with your card, no need to be on Revolut!). Your help keeps the group going and opens the door for even more cool events (like day trips and gigs!). Cheers and see you soon! **– Michele & the Meetup Crew**

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.

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!)

**Price:** **€17 total** **How to Book:** **€5** deposit send to book your spot via Revolut [HERE](revolut.me/mujdeatici) ➡️ **Note:** Name + Event Date * **€12 balance** to be paid in person at the event. **IMPORTANT:** Only payments via **Revolut** guarantee your seat. An RSVP alone is not a formal registration. Looking for a relaxing and creative experience in Dublin? Join our Clay & Coffee Workshop where you can unwind, enjoy a lovely coffee, and create your own unique clay piece in a warm social atmosphere. Perfect for: Beginners Friends night out Solo guests Date ideas Tourists visiting Dublin No experience needed – we guide you step by step. What’s included: Clay materials Tools Guidance throughout the session Great atmosphere Come solo or bring a friend and enjoy a cosy creative evening. **How It Works** ☕ Step 1 – Coffee First Order your favourite drink and settle in Step 2 – Meet & Relax Small group, easy conversation, no pressure ✋ Step 3 – Gentle Guidance Learn simple hand-building basics at your own pace 🏺Step 4 – Play with Clay Create a small clay piece and enjoy the process 🙃Step 5 – Leave Happy Take your clay piece home on the day **What to Expect** • Small group (4–6 people) for a warm, relaxed atmosphere • No experience needed • Clay and tools included ✨ This is a creative clay event, not a firing or glazing class. ✨ We focus on the process, not perfection Location: Starbucks EBS, 30–34 Westmoreland Street, Dublin 2 Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM (sometimes a little longer) ⏱️ Duration: approx. 1–1.5 hours ✨ Limited spots — small groups only Reserve your place today! Whats App: https://wa.me/353832051940 Please, Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/potteryclassdublin?igsh=ajNmcWlwaTg4dTB1) [Google Business](https://www.google.com/search?client=ms-android-samsung-ss&sca_esv=7887d4d5fed606cb&sxsrf=AE3TifMbb1it7I0rQkyCcRmA4rTpRz7cqg%3A1760897289411&kgmid=%2Fg%2F11xw5cqrqf&q=Ceramic%20%26%20Art%20Studio%20by%20Mujde%20Atici&shndl=30&source=sh%2Fx%2Floc%2Fact%2Fm4%2F2)

Hi :) 🐝 Finish-a-thon – let’s get the things we’ve been putting off done ✅ 📌 Rathmines Library (upstairs) Saturday, 16 May 2026 🕰️ 11AM-3PM We all have that project we have been putting off for a bit or that one to do we just can’t seem to cross off our to do list. Whether it is a craft project stuck in your drawer for too long, a book you’ve been meaning to get to or some course work you need to catch up on – getting things done is much easier in community. So come along and beat the procrastination impulse. We will provide tea, coffee and light snacks.

**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)*

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.