Cultural Heritage

Join us to **practise and improve your Italian-English with native speakers every 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 Italian, 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 **Admission fee €7** (€1 off 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 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) We also have the events every Thursday at River Bar at 6.30pm.

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!

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/")

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

Help & Healing on the Spiritual Path through the Teaching of Bruno Groening This meeting is for people who are interested in finding out more about spiritual Healing. The meeting will take place on **Monday 25th May 2026 at 5.45pm in the Holiday Inn Express Hotel, 28/32 Upper O’Connell St., D01 T2X2** and it is open to all adults and is free of charge to the public. Further information visit: www.bruno-groening.org/english/ Check out our Youtuube Page https://www.youtube.com/@BrunoGroeningOrgEN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=*Q*-OCoevx0&t=11s

www.dublindancecoop.com for more info! Every Monday at 7.45 in the F2 Rialto. 12 euros. All Welcome. Freeform dancing, stretching, rolling around and playing with anything dance related. No experience necessary!

UPDATE:LOCATION THIS WEEK: HERBERT PARK (due to festival in Merrion square park). Join us for an ultimate Frisbee session, and meet some lovely people. This is a relaxed evening of Ultimate Frisbee in Herbert Park. No experience? No problem. Just bring yourself and whatever makes you comfy outdoors. But dress to run! NB: Ultimate Frisbee is a non-contact sport. Do your utmost to avoid collisions with other players. 🗓 **What’s Happening** *Gentle warm-up + Frisbee basics - Friendly, low-pressure Ultimate Frisbee games *Optional: sideline cheering, lounging - Cool down & post-game hang 📍 **Where** **Herbert park**, Dublin 💶 **Contribution** **€2 contribution** is suggested, to help cover our meetup costs and gear (bibs, frisbee, cones etc.). Revolut ref tag: [https://revolut.me/marise3](https://revolut.me/marise3) No pressure — you can join us either way. 🧺 **What to Bring** *Your fave snacks or drink (solo or to share) - A blanket or something comfy to sit on *Sunscreen, water, good energy, and running shoes ☁️ **Weather Watch** If it rains, we’ll update this page **90 minutes beforehand**. (Also: the traditional sun dance is already scheduled 🌞) 🔗 **More ways to connect** Looking for more social and creative outdoor & indoor fun? 👉 [https://activesocialconnections.com/](https://activesocialconnections.com/)

**COST: FREE** **GET YOU TICKET ON EVENTBRITE FIRST** Join us as we explore the painted layers of Seamus Heaney through portraiture past and present. This talk examines how artists who knew, studied, or were inspired by Heaney's work captured his presence in portraiture. From early depictions to later, more reflective works, this talk traces a visual journey through Heaney's life—revealing how each artist approached not just his appearance, but his personality, character and mind. Featuring works by Edward McGuire, Barrie Cooke, Louis le Brocquy and more, we will showcases a wide range of artistic styles. Expect everything from finely detailed drawings to bold, expressive paintings, as well as sculpture and printmaking. Together, these works—spanning oil, charcoal, mixed media and more—offer a rich and varied portrait of one of Ireland’s most influential poets. **DETAILS:** 13:45: Meet just inside the Main Entrance 14:00: Lecture Begins 15:00 Lecture Ends **Check that you have your ticket before pressing attend.** **We only want people to sign-up who ACTUALLY COME!**

As you walk in the hotel, turn right from the bar, and you’ll find another bar where drinks are served.
We’re right behind. This meetup is free to attend. Just grab and pay for your own drink when you order to support the bar and keep things cool with the venue.

Experience Dublin's mysterious legends and myths on this 90 minute walking tour. ### **Legends, Ghosts, and Ghouls!** Ireland has a unique relationship with its legendary past. Kept alive in the histories of the Filí and the Seanchaidhe, Ireland’s gods were not destroyed but - in the words of Mark Williams - demoted to lesser beings. This is an important element of Ireland’s oral histories, which in turn have coloured its popular histories and left many legends for us to parse over today. On the other side of Irish history we have the ballrooms, the salons, and the private studies of Dublin’s litterati. The seances and unwrapping parties, the mysteries and the macabre, all combining into the secret esoteric orders that strove to unlock the secrets of existence. Come explore with us where these two elements fuse to create the wonderful world of Legends, Ghosts, and Ghouls that are just as much a part of Dublin’s history as any of its citizens and buildings… Our tour has over 100 excellent reviews online and is ranked in the top tours on Trip Advisor. **TOPICS** * Maud Gonne & WB Yeats * The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn * Huguenot Cemetery * The Ghost of the Shelbourne * St. Stephen’s Green’s Grizzly History * Bram Stoker * Graverobbers * Darkey Kelly * Dublin’s House of Horrors * Tenements * Justice in Dublin **PRIVATE TOURS** We are also now doing private tours for groups, if you want to host your own tour get in touch with us. We can do tours for friend groups, work parties, educational tours or community tours.👬🧑‍🤝‍🧑 **WHAT ELSE DO WE DO?** We host art nights, pottery, walking tours, workshops, rug tufting and lots of whacky events. Join us for Drink & Draw Ireland's art party or one of our many experiences.🎨 **SUPPORT LOCAL** After each tour we will send you a link to each artist featured and also bring you to a gallery where you can support artists by buying prints, paintings or commission them for work! ***FAQ?*** **What happens if I'm late?** We encourage anyone who is late to still join the tour, after you get a ticket you will get an email that will have instructions.📩 **What happens if it rains?** All tours proceed even if it's raining, please bring an umbrella or rain jacket just in case.☔ **Is this wheelchair accessible?** Unfortunately parts of the tour is not accessible, the first location is accessible to everyone. **Where does the tour start and end?** The tour starts at WB Yeats house and ends at Dublin Castle. **I can't attend? Can I get a refund?** We need 5 days notice to issue a refund so if you don't think you can attend please let us know as soon as possible. We are a small independent business and rely on small groups to make these tours possible. **Can I swap my ticket?** Again as a small business our guides rely on these tours to support their livelihood. We cannot swap tickets unless you give us 5 days notice. You can transfer your ticket to another person to attend in your place. **Should I Tip?** If you enjoy it you can tip your guide if you want! Our guides keep all tips from tours so it gives artists and creatives a chance to do something they love.

Join us to **practise and improve your Italian/English with native speakers on Wednesday in the Arlington** (Bachelor's Walk, Dublin 1) 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 Italian, 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 Wide range of languages: We also have **native speakers of English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Japanese, Chinese** and more depending on who shows up if you want to try another languages too. **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 have attended our language exchange events since 2012 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 also have the events every Monday & Thursday in River Bar at 6.30pm.

Film about St. Maximilian Kolbe: 2025 drama that details the final days of Polish Franciscan friar St. Maximilian Kolbe OFM Conv. who voluntarily dies in place of another prisoner at Auschwitz. It is described as a "spiritual journey" focusing on hope, humanity and love overcoming brutal suffering with prayer. "Hail Holy Queen". Free. 100 seats available

You’re invited to experience chanting HU, contemplative time, and spiritual conversation with others of like heart. HU is a sacred sound and ancient mantra. It is an ancient name for God that has been sung for thousands of years in many lands for spiritual unfoldment. HU can uplift people of any religion, culture, or walk of life. All are welcome! This is a hybrid event, in-person and online. It will take place in the ECK Centre, 4 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, D02 AX96, Ireland, and on Zoom. **To join the in-person meeting**, please come along to the ECK Centre a few minutes before the start time. **To join online via Zoom**, please click the **[LINK TO REGISTER](https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcldOmsrTMuH9Mi8_j2EuzfjB33kbHnpxnf)**[ ](https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcldOmsrTMuH9Mi8_j2EuzfjB33kbHnpxnf) [https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcldOmsrTMuH9Mi8_j2EuzfjB33kbHnpxnf](https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcldOmsrTMuH9Mi8_j2EuzfjB33kbHnpxnf)[ ](https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsd-ygqD0pEtz_ArkglopMTKMRaOqirMeA). After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Experience some of the many benefits of HU: • Inner peace and calm • Divine love • Expanded awareness • Spiritual self-discovery and growth • Healing of the heart This free event will include: • A short reading or quote • HU Chant (for 15 to 20 minutes) • A few minutes contemplative time • Spiritual Conversation “Welcome to the worlds of HU, an ancient, universal name for God. This sacred word can spiritually uplift people of any religion or walk of life. It is freely given—a gift beyond measure. . . Love is love. And you are that. HU is the Sound of Soul.” * Harold Klemp, “The Sound of Soul,” p. 1 Please RSVP This is a hybrid event, in-person and online. It will take place in the ECK Centre, 4 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, D02 AX96, and on Zoom. **[LINK TO REGISTER](https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcldOmsrTMuH9Mi8_j2EuzfjB33kbHnpxnf)**[ ](https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcldOmsrTMuH9Mi8_j2EuzfjB33kbHnpxnf) [https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcldOmsrTMuH9Mi8_j2EuzfjB33kbHnpxnf](https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcldOmsrTMuH9Mi8_j2EuzfjB33kbHnpxnf)[ ](https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsd-ygqD0pEtz_ArkglopMTKMRaOqirMeA). After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

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. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

Ciao a tutt\*! Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the Upper Arlington Library (**Tremont** Branch) in **Meeting Room A** to speak in Italian for 1 hour.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan