Literature

Hello Everyone! Let's read something before coming to the event. It can be a few pages from a book, an article, a poem, an advertisement, a joke, a recipe, a quote, social media content - anything you find interesting. We meet and chat about it, as a starting point of conversation. Please feel free to bring books :)

Dublin Data Science is having an event in Zalando for June. Zalando is one of the top Europe’s leading online fashion platform, connecting 62 million active customers with more than 7,000 brands across 29 markets. We will have two talks: one from Senior Data Scientist at Zalando, Alex Martinelli, and one from DDS regular Duncan Healy. **Talk 1:** **Data Science at Zalando** and a non-hyped view on how we optimize the use of LLMs for different tasks In this talk I'll provide an overview of the data-science work happening in Zalando, focusing on core projects built right here in our Dublin office, including product-matching, product-tagging, and Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis (ABSA) for customer reviews. While the rapid evolution of LLMs has made them powerful tools for these tasks, we adopt and evaluate them carefully. I will discuss our practical, balanced approach to adopting and evaluating LLMs, demonstrating how we integrate them into our existing pipelines to achieve optimal performance while keeping infrastructure costs in check. Alex Martinelli is a senior data-scientist at Zalando, previously worked for IBM-Watson. Mainly focusing on representation-learning, computer-vision and generative-models. Additional hobbies and interests include procedural-computer-graphics in Blender, drawing and lucid-dreaming. **Talk 2:** **How to Tame the Dragons of Data** Duncan Healy is a freelancer and DDS regular, he made the mistake of pontificating too often about LLMs and databases and now has to give a talk about it.

What does authenticity mean? What is 'authentic thinking'? What does it have to do with who we are and who we are becoming? Join us for a talk by Dr. Frances Hannon, PhD researcher in philosophy in Maynooth University as she investigates these questions through the lens of Edith Stein's philosophical anthropology. If you'd like to receive primer material on the talk and be informed about future events by email, you can also register here: https://forms.gle/QaGzqky6V7K6Ve6f6

Join us to **practise and improve your target language with native speakers on Thursday downstairs in River Bar** (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 Wide range of 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 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.

Come and join us for this exciting production specially for Bloomsday Week. **COST: 19 euros Tickets from the theatre.** *Back by popular demand, Volta’s critically-acclaimed Counterparts & A Little Cloud has been expanded to include adaptations of three stories from Joyce’s debut work -- Two Gallants, A Little Cloud, and Counterparts -- as part of the Bloomsday Festival.* These three short stories are vivid "slices of life" from early 20th century Dublin. Stunningly accompanied by live music, they portray a society in paralysis in immaculately detailed scenes: in *Two Gallants*, a couple of ne’er-do-wells mooch around Dublin on the make. *A Little Cloud* sees a sensitive soul thrown by a meeting with an old college friend back from London, while *Counterparts* takes us on a doomed pub crawl with an ungainly, bad-tempered law clerk. At once funny and tragic, Joyce’s tales are populated with an array of colourful characters who remain entirely contemporary, despite the bowler hats and Edwardian collars. *[‘Exquisite… heart-rendingly perfect’](https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/theatre-arts/bewleys-cafe-theatre-double-bill-lights-up-the-genius-of-joyces-dubliners/a1916520100.html)* \- Emer O'Kelly\, **Sunday Independent** *[‘Superbly articulated performances…’](https://www.theartsreview.com/single-post/a-little-cloud-counterparts "'Superbly articulated performances...'")* - **Chris O'Rourke, The Arts Review** *[‘A perfect hour’s entertainment…’](https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/theatre-arts/stories-from-james-joyces-dubliners-still-shine-like-gems-more-than-a-century-on/a450257839.html "'A perfect hour's entertainment...'")* - **Katy Hayes, Irish Independent** **DETAILS:** **18:30: Meet in the Foyer of the theatre** **As it is usually free seating, we need to be** there early to get to the front of the queue. **19:00:** Play begins After the play we will go for a drink and chat.

Join us to **practise and improve your Spanish/English with native speakers every Thursday @ River Bar** (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 Spanish, then change table** This ensures everyone gets an equal opportunity to speak the language they're learning. Our team organises everything such as the timing, seating people, moving people 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 people from 18 years to 70+ attending each event • 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)

Join us to **practise and improve your Italian-English with native speakers every Thursday downstairs at River Bar** (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 exchange events since 2012 to practise and improve their target language - you can too! 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 organise this event every Monday at River Bar at 6.30pm.

📚Reading books and discussing them are two distinct experiences! Conversations about books and sharing insights help us better appreciate literature and enrich our lives. [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/dublinersjoysofreading) 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! 😊

This group is all about hosting a monthly in-person book club right here in Dublin City! If you're into the book we're reading and want to chat about it with others, this is the perfect spot for you. We'll meet for about 1-2 hours, enjoy some drinks and/or food, and dive into the book of the month—sharing our thoughts, exploring themes, and swapping recommendations for future reads. We suggest a €2 voluntary contribution per person to help cover MeetUp fees (cash or Revolut works). See you there!

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. **For this week** **we have booked a table for us upstairs in the name of Dublin Korean Culture Meet Up. When entering the restaurant please ask for our group.** 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. \*\*\* PLEASE RSVP \*\*\* Photo Credit: Yeon Jung via Pexels 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! :)

**Ticket: BUY YOUR OWN TICKET FROM THE NATIONAL CONCERT HAL** ## Bloomsday – Celebrating James Joyce’s Ulysses **Sandra Oman**, soprano ​​​​​​​**Mary McEvoy**, actress **Simon Morgan**, baritone **David Wray** Bloomsday is a joyous celebration of arguably the greatest novel in the English language, Ulysses by James Joyce. An accomplished musician himself, the works of Joyce are musical landscapes, laden with references to songs and operatic works of the day. Accompanied by the outstanding pianist, David Wray, Dublin-Born soprano Sandra Oman, in the role of Molly Bloom, will perform such vocal delights as: Love’s Old Sweet Song; The last Rose of Summer; I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls; The Holy City; Sweet Rosie O’Grady; Oft in the Stilly Night; Silent, O Moyle; Habanera (*Carmen*); The Lass of Aughrim. Acclaimed actress and television icon Mary McEvoy (Biddy, Glenroe) plays the role of Nora Barnacle, Joyce’s wife, reading extracts from Ulysses and giving the audience a flavour of Dublin in 1904. Molly and Nora, the great loves of Joyce’s life (fictitious and real), converse and reminisce. A concert for lovers of Bloomsday, Joyce or simply beautiful songs of yesteryear! **DETAILS:** **12:20** Mwwr in the Main entrance of the National Concert Hall **12:25** Join the queue for seats. It is FREE SEATING **13:05**: Concert begins **14:05** Concert ends We will go to the **HARCOURT HOTEL** for refreshments and chat. **BUY YOUR TICKET AND THEN PRESS ATTEND**

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 the CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group for a dynamic afternoon of B2B networking! This event is perfect for professionals looking to expand their business connections, share insights, and foster collaboration within the community. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and grow your network in a supportive environment. Connect with like-minded individuals, explore potential partnerships, and discover new opportunities for professional growth. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your business network and take your career to the next level with CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group! We meet the 4th Monday of every month from 11am-1pm. Welcome and general networking from 11am - 11:30am with core meeting 11;30 - 12:30 and a final round of networking from 12:30 - 1pm.

Welcome to Drunken Philosophy, a casual, curious, social discussion club. Come grab a drink and a seat at The Oracle. **Optional topic for this meetup: Where is everybody?** In 1950 the physicist Enrico Fermi was talking about aliens over lunch and asked a question that still has not gone away: if the universe is so vast and so old, and even a fraction of those billions of stars have planets, where is everyone? By the numbers the galaxy should be crowded with civilizations. Instead we look up and hear silence. That gap between "they should be everywhere" and "we see no one" is the Fermi Paradox. One of the most unsettling answers is the idea of a **Great Filter**: somewhere on the road from dead chemistry to a galaxy-spanning civilization, there is at least one step that is almost impossible to get past. Maybe the filter is behind us. Maybe life starting at all, or simple cells becoming complex, or intelligence ever evolving, is the freak accident, and we already cleared the hard part. Or maybe the filter is ahead of us, and advanced civilizations reliably wipe themselves out before they spread. Here is the part that messes with people. If we ever found life somewhere else, even pond scum on Mars, most people would call it the greatest discovery in history. But it might be the worst possible news. It would mean life is common, the early steps are easy, and the hard step is still in front of us. So the eerie silence overhead might actually be the best sign we could ask for. **Questions to wrestle with:** * Is it better to be alone? Would you rather we find alien life and learn we are not special, or find nothing and quietly improve our odds of surviving? * Where do you bet the filter sits, behind us or ahead of us, and why? * If it is ahead of us, what is it? Nuclear war, climate collapse, AI, something we cannot even picture yet? And can we do anything about a filter we cannot see coming? * Two principles pull opposite ways here. The principle of mediocrity (the Copernican principle, Sagan's "no privileged place in the universe") says we are ordinary, so what happened on Earth probably happened everywhere, which makes the silence scream louder. The anthropic principle says of course we find ourselves somewhere life was possible, since we could not observe anything else, so our being here may say almost nothing about how common life is. Which lens do you trust, and does the silence still demand an answer once you account for observer selection? * And if we did confirm life out there and had to accept we are not special, what would that do to belief in a higher power, and would shedding (or keeping) that belief help or hurt our odds of pulling together as one species? * Does any of this change how you live, or how humanity should be spending its time and money right now? As always the prompt is optional. Come for the conversation, stay for the drinks, and bring your own questions.

This month we’ll be reading Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!

Join us for our June Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss [The Queer Principles of Kit Webb](https://catsebastian.com/the-queer-principles-of-kit-webb/) by Cat Sebastian in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.