Open House Dublin
5 - 7 October
Ever wandered past a beautiful building and wanted to explore inside? Now is your chance. Open House Dublin throws wide the doors of Dublin to welcome all to cross the threshold and see how the other half live. All sorts of halves that is. Tended tenements, Palladian domains, gorgeous Georgian houses and environmentally friendly homes are all open for viewing. This year’s theme ‘Architecture Alive!' explores the concept of how buildings impact and mold the lives of those who move within their walls. We say, come on in.
Entering Open House
Start the day on a full-stomach with a full Irish breakfast from Bewley’s Café as its Harry Clarke windows will set the tone for good taste. New to the festival this year is Andy Devane's 1976 St Fintan's Church. Hours could be lost wandering the spectacular halls of the National Library, which juxtaposes sharply against the new Sean Treacy House. In the heart of Dublin you're never far from a good bar and one of the best is the Shelbourne Hotel Horseshow Bar, ideal for a post-tour aperitif and a little more indulgence for your eyes.
Hot Houses
The houses may be the main event, but this year Open House Dublin is digging behind the wallpaper. With Open House Junior for the younger folk offering creative events for aspiring architects and Open Minds hosting discussions and exhibitions, this Open House you might just uncover a secret yearning to change careers. Photographer Rich Gilligan has been commissioned to capture Dublin's gorgeous architecture and present it in an exhibition at the RHA Gallery during the Open House weekend.
Also on show
When you manage to tear yourself away from Dublin's delightful architecture, make haste to Dublin Theatre Festival which will be bursting with the blockbusters of theatre. Up and coming Irish bands will provide the soundtrack to your stay at the weekend's Hard Working Class Heroes music festival. Oktoberfest will be on its last leg, so be sure to get a taste of weissbier and bratwurst before the weekend is over. Sound like a lot to pack in? We warned you you'd be busy.
