Geek Culture

For February, the TOG Science Fiction Book Club is reading ***The Left Hand of Darkness* by Ursula K. Le Guin**. First published in 1969, this Hugo and Nebula Award–winning novel remains one of the most important works in science fiction. Set on the icy planet of Gethen, it follows an envoy sent to persuade its inhabitants to join a galactic coalition. But the real story isn’t about technology — it’s about culture, politics, trust, and identity. On Gethen, gender works very differently from what we’re used to. Le Guin uses this unfamiliar world to explore themes of communication, loyalty, isolation, and what it really means to understand another society. It’s thoughtful, beautifully written, and guaranteed to give us plenty to talk about. **Tuesday, 24th February 2026** **7:30 pm** **TOG Hackerspace, Dublin 12** As always, you don’t need to finish the book to join in. New readers are very welcome — just bring curiosity (and maybe a warm coat, Gethen is cold).

Thanks to all who came along last week! Going through the takeaways from week 2readings How open you are to share? Any obstacles to the task and morning pages? 5 more lives 10 tiny changes? 20 things you love Where you spend your time? Feedback

We are delighted to collaborate with [Dublin C++](https://www.meetup.com/cppdug/) this month. We have one talk and it's about Python and [Blender](https://www.blender.org/)! We will be upstairs in Anseo. The talk will be followed by Q&A, a chance for you to follow up with the speaker, and for both communities to chat and exchange stories and experiences. **TALK DETAILS** **Title:** Python + Blender: Automating Creative Workflows by Carlos Alexandre **Description:** (15 mins + Q&A) This talk walks through the workflow of a computer graphics project, covering its main stages: fundamentals, modeling, lighting, materials, texturing, and rendering. We’ll explore how Python can be used inside Blender to automate parts of the modeling process, helping reduce repetitive tasks and improve efficiency across the pipeline. The session demonstrates how scripting can support procedural modeling, and scalable workflows, connecting creative production with technical automation. The talk is suitable for beginners and intermediate users interested in computer graphics, Blender, or Python, and no advanced scripting experience is required. ** THANKS** **Community Partners:** * [Coding Grace](https://codinggrace.com/) * [PSF](https://www.python.org/psf/): Meetup * [PyLadies](https://pyladies.com/) **FAQ** Note that all our events are 18s+. **Q. I'm not female, is it ok for me to attend?** A. Yes, PyLadies Dublin events are open to everyone at all levels. We encourage non-female attendees to suggest a female friend/colleague to sign up to the event. So bring a friend! ✨ **Q. Do you have a Code of Conduct?** A. Yes, you can find it at [dublin.pyladies.com](https://dublin.pyladies.com/) **Q. I am interested in giving a talk at PyLadies Dublin, where do I submit my interest and talk details?** A. You can submit your talk details to the following form: [https://sessionize.com/pyladies-dublin-meetup](https://sessionize.com/pyladies-dublin-meetup) Any other enquiries (e.g. getting involved, sponsoring), email [dublin@pyladies.com](http://dublin@pyladies.com%2A%2A/)

You'll meet your local guide at the meeting point a little before 11AM and show your booking. Then we'll commence a fascinating walking tour through the streets, sights, and sounds of Dublin old and new. You'll get an unrivalled insight to the history and culture that has shaped the capital you see today - warts and all, discover the lesser-known, intriguing oddities of our city, and get unique insider tips for the rest of your stay. Sites and topics covered include: Dublin Castle, Christchurch, Viking & Medieval Dublin, Temple Bar, fables, folklore and mythology, Trinity College, Stephen's Green, risings and rebellions, writers & rogues and so, so much more... please remember, places are limited and you must book your spot via: https://www.generationtours.com/dublin See you soon!

TOG will be open on Tuesday evenings from 19:00 to 21:30 for a general Open House event. Expect to find members and visitors in the space up to all sorts of activities. It's a great time to drop in and see what the space is about. If you're an artist, tinkerer, maker or just plain curious, come in and see what the space is about. Maybe you already have something to work on (or want to), have something to fix, create, design, bodge or tinker... drop in. We're also open for just for plain old social chat and hang out, with plenty of tea, coffee and biscuits. We have lots of free parking right outside our door.

**[GET YOUR TICKET HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/social-singles-meetup-4339703)** **Ditch the awkward one-to-ones — this is NOT speed dating.** Welcome to a fresh, modern and social way to meet other singles in Dublin through group games, laughs, and zero pressure. Expect an evening full of energy, fun challenges and natural conversations where sparks can appear without forcing anything. Perfect for newcomers, locals, shy people, confident people… everyone’s welcome. And yes — it’s especially **female-friendly**. ** What Makes Social Singles Meetup Different?** Fun, fast-paced group activities Inclusive & relaxed atmosphere Guided interactions Winners get drink tokens ** [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 the Experience** No pressure. No awkward silences. Just games, great vibes… and the chance to meet someone special (or many amazing friends). We can’t wait to see you! ❤️

**PLEASE NOTE NEW START TIME 7 PM** Beauty is hard to deny while watching olympic skaters twirling acrobatically on the ice. Or meeting a newborn for the first time, or appreciating some stunning aspect of nature. But what about those experiences makes them beautiful? And what makes certain scenes, actions or events ugly? And why don't we all agree what's beautiful or ugly? Join us at Walters Cafe in Dun Laoghaire this Tuesday and bring your views with you; buy and drink at the bar and engage meaningfully with others in a civil discourse on beauty and ugliness.

SATURDAY MEET UP Let's mingle with anybody and everybody who's simply interested in Korean or Irish culture. This is a group for anyone looking to get out and about, meet new people, socialise and enjoy a night out. It will be for all to have loads of craic. Looking forward to seeing old and new faces. At the time of writing, **we are in the section we used to have - the glass section at the side of the building. If you can't find us, then please ask at the bar.** Our aim is to create a friendly, sociable and safe way for people to meet and discuss Korean and Irish culture. If you been made to feel uncomfortable or have seen inappropriate behaviour at a meet up then please contact one of our organisers in confidence. As the Covid is still around please only come if you're feeling well. \*\*\* PLEASE RSVP \*\*\* Photo Credit: Jay Park It is not necessary to buy food, but if you don't please buy at least one drink as restaurants have had a hard time during the pandemic. \*\*\* This meetup is for adults only (18+) except where accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (proof of status e.g. court documents may be requested) \*\*\* How to get to the meet up: *LUAS* \- the Drunken Fish is right next to the Mayor Square \- NCI Luas stop on the red line *DART/Irish Rail* \- Dublin Connolly is probably the easiest station for most people\, but the Docklands station is also close *PARKING* \- the carpark for the National College of Ireland \(NCI\) is probably the most convenient and only charges 5 euro for the whole evening after 5\.30pm Meetup details below: New faces welcome!! Bring your 친구 too. [Place] Drunken Fish Restaurant/Bar, The Excise Building, Mayor Street Lower, IFSC, Dublin 1 [Hosts] Caoimhe, Jay, Eileen, Saksham and Stephen Please contact us using the below details if you have any questions or trouble finding us. [Organiser contact] Bobbie: Instagram: GoodMoodFoodInsta Tim: (WhatsApp: 085 718 5658) \*RSVP ESSENTIAL!!!! PLEASE DO RSVP!!!! \*Bring your ID if you're lucky enough to look under 25! ;) \*There's no admission fee for our meetup however, you'll be kindly asked to purchase at least 1 drink after your arrival. As you could probably imagine, it's not so easy to book such a big place on a Friday evening in Dublin city centre and your cooperation in this will greatly help us to secure the place for our future gatherings. \*Take good care of your own belongings and do not consume more alcohol than you can handle, Meetup organisers nor venue management do not hold any responsibilities on lost items before/during or after the meetup. Hope to see you all there! :)

Join us for an exciting meetup at the Dublin Turkish Speaking Club where we will have engaging conversations in Turkish, and enjoy fun activities that promote language practice and cultural exchange. Whether you are a beginner or fluent in Turkish, this is the perfect opportunity to practice your language skills in a relaxed and friendly environment. Come and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for the Turkish language and culture. Let's have a great time together while immersing ourselves in the beauty of Turkish traditions and creativity!

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. All materials provided and rules are explained at the start of each game, you just need to bring your imagination. **This week's facilitators:** * ️ **Silvia** running *The Ultime Hidden Truth of the World* \- a rules\-light\, postapocalyptic hopepunk mashup of *A Quiet Year* and *Fate*. The grid has gone dark. The internet is down. The delivery trucks have stopped arriving. But your little community is thriving. Play through four seasons of building something together at the end of the world… * **Vishnu** building a city in *[I'm Sorry Did You Say Street Magic](https://seaexcursion.itch.io/street-magic)*. Street Magic is about breathing life into a city together — finding the true names of things, the ones that really mean something, like "the cheapest espresso on the block, the barista with the tacky taste in music" or "lantern-lit, soft wind chimes, a million mages chanting." We'll chose a setting and dream up a city in this GM-less, dice-less map making game. * **Scott** with a Grant Howitt one-page RPG, *[Adventure Skeletons](https://gshowitt.itch.io/adventure-skeletons)*. You're a skeleton, bored of guarding the dungeon for some wizard, and you decide that you should go on an adventure instead. You're having a great time at the local village's harvest festival, but people keep hitting you and your bits keep falling off. Try get as much treasure as you can before you have to head home! *** Feel free to ask the organisers any questions you have (here or on our [Discord server](https://tinyurl.com/indie-rpgs-dublin)).

Dublin Dataviz is delighted to welcome Andy Kirk as our first speaker of 2026! Andy is the founder of [Visualising Data](https://visualisingdata.com/) and works with [clients around the world](https://visualisingdata.com/clients) as a data visualisation design consultant and prolific [trainer](https://www.visualisingdata.com/training/). He is a a four-times published [author](https://www.visualisingdata.com/book/) and host of the ‘[Explore Explain](https://www.visualisingdata.com/podcast/)’ video and podcast series. In his talk, **The 7 Hats of Data Visualisation (Revisited!),** Andy will showcase the value and richness of data visualisation as a key literacy in this contemporary digital age. We all have a stake in this, whether that is through our roles as creators, consumers or coordinators, but it can appear to be a substantial challenge to fully embrace the multi-disciplinarity of this subject, whether as individuals or more generally across organisations. Framed as the ‘7 hats’ of data visualisation, Andy will look back over his 15+ years of experience developing an expertise in this subject to present his view of the major competency ‘ingredients' that make up the all-round talent recipe of a visualiser today. He will differentiate the knowledge required from skills necessary to demonstrate, the attitudinal maturity from the technical intelligence. He will also advise on some of the strategies that will help you continue to develop and refine your data visualisation literacy. Join us for what's going to be an amazing evening, with pints in Arthurs pub surely to follow.

**Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die** **Meet** outside Cineworld Cafe (floor 1) 5 pm, film 5.10 pm. **Booking**: https://www.cineworld.ie/films/good-luck-have-fun-dont-die/ho00014250#/buy-tickets-by-film **NB**: If you are trying to locate the Meet Up in Cineworld: My mobile number is 087 4179505, please call or text as a post here might not be noticed at that stage. I've booked **Seat H14.** **Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die** ***Running time: 134 minutes*** A man from the future arrives in a Los Angeles diner at 10:10 pm, announcing that he is there to save the world and needs volunteers to join him. He believes a specific combination of diner patrons will help him succeed but, as he doesn't know which combination is correct, this is his 117th attempt: the others failed. His knowledge of patrons convinces some that he's telling the truth. Cast: Sam Rockwell, Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña, Zazie Beetz, Asim Chaudhry, Tom Taylor, and Juno Temple. **Director: *Gore Verbinski***

books! chaos! chats! flinta folkies only, please.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

**⚔️ Introduction to Wargaming & Painting Miniature Soldiers at The Arcane Foundry ⚔️** Join me in **The War Room at [The Arcane Foundry](https://share.google/S5i6DYJnJteHWeKtd)** for a laid-back evening of hobby talk and tabletop fun! For just **$15**, you’ll get a **3D-printed regiment of 20 high quality resin models** of your choice to paint — a **$40 value!** Bring your creativity, relax, and let’s make something awesome together. **Choose one from Below:** * 20 Orc Warriors * 20 Empire Soldiers * 20 Dwarf Warriors * 20 Elf Spearmen Step into a world where strategy meets artistry — and where every painted figure tells a story of battle, honor, and imagination. Join **Daclaud** at **The Arcane Foundry** for an evening that introduces newcomers and enthusiasts alike to the timeless craft of **tabletop wargaming** and **miniature painting**. My own journey began with a fascination for fantasy — knights in armor, grim and hardened warriors, and monstrous creatures locked in epic battle. That passion led me to **Dungeons & Dragons**, where I painted my first **Basic Heroes set** and felt the spark that comes from bringing a character to life in miniature form. Not long after, I discovered **Warhammer Fantasy** and **Warhammer 40,000**, and I was hooked. The vision of vast armies clashing across the table — each unit meticulously painted, each story unfolding through dice and imagination — became my creative obsession. During this event, we’ll explore the **origins of wargaming**, from its early military simulations to the richly detailed worlds of modern tabletop battle systems. You’ll learn how to **build and customize your own armies**, paint your first figures, and experience the joy of turning strategy and storytelling into a hands-on art form. Whether you’re drawn by the lore, the hobby, or the thrill of commanding miniature legions, this introduction will open the gates to a world that has captivated hobbyists for generations. ** RSVP today and join us at The Arcane Foundry — where every brushstroke and battle tells a story.**

Join us on the last ay of February for a fun day of gaming !!!