Summer in the City from Kate at Mummymaps.com

Midsummer was a soft day in Dublin but, thanks to the festivities put on by the TBCT, spirits were not dampened. (In fact, we think the ritualistic Maypole dances may have ushered in this glorious week of sunshine!) 

As for the event on Sunday, solstice revelers sprawled out on the urban green lawn were treated to a bounty of gourmet treats and merriment including lovely cheeses, coffees, ice cream - and live music and face painting. Families flocked with their picnic baskets, buggies and bicycles despite the drizzle (we’re a hardy bunch) to chill out in Meeting House Square and watch the world go by. And the Saturday evening outdoor screening of Dead Poets’ Society was a unique treat for Dubs which should (in our humble opinion) absolutely be repeated.  So kudos to TBCT for another successful event! We sensed a tangible buzz in the air – and it wasn’t just the overexcited kids – that lead us to believe that summer has truly arrived!      

Stilts, Gooseberries, and A Spud For All Seasons – Midsummer in Temple Bar by The Daily Spud

Arranging outdoor summer events in Ireland is never without the inherent risk of the weather not playing fair. Sunday’s Midsummer Fair may have had a grey, drizzly start, but the weather eventually came good and there were plenty of reasons to spend some time camped out on the temporarily grassed Meeting House Square. Click here to read more

Midsummer Fair in Meeting House Square

Apples and more this Midsummer in Temple Bar! Win the juiciest of prizes here!

Meeting House Square will be bulging with activity this coming weekend (June 20^th and 21^st) as Temple Bar Cultural Trust roll out the grass for our Midsummer in Temple Bar celebrations.

To mark the event we have a deliciously juicy mixed case of apple juice, cider, cider vinegar and balsamic vinegar from Llewellyn’s Orchard Produce to give away. David Llewellyn will be just one of the 23 producers and traders on Meeting House Square on Sunday June 21^st as part of the Midsummer Fair which will run from 11am-5pm.

Other events happening over the weekend include fire performances, a free outdoor screening of Dead Poets Society and plenty of superb children’s entertainment.

To be in with a chance to scoop these juices leave us a comment here on our blog about your Midsummer experiences.  Perhaps you have spent Midsummers day or night in an exotic place, played a part in A Midsummers Night Dream or maybe it’s your wedding anniversary! Tell us about the significance of Midsummer to you and be in with a chance to win this lovely prize. The winner will be notified on Friday 19^th June.

Midsummer magic in Temple Bar – June 20th and 21st

Temple Bar Cultural Trust invite you to celebrate Midsummer in Temple Bar on June 20^th and 21^st as we salute the sun with fire, feasting and film this June. Experience Temple Bar like you have never experienced it before as Meeting House Square is transformed into an urban meadow with a carpet of grass for the duration of the festivities.

As the sun sets on Saturday the 20^th of June, Meeting House Square will burn brightly with performances from Brightspark Fire performers who will mark the start of the Summer Solstice festivities with a breathtaking visual display of fire dancing and juggling.

If things get too hot for you, “view the world from a different perspective” immediately after the fire performance and grab a seat on the grass for the outdoor screening of Dead Poets Society (1989). Join English teacher John Keating, played by Robin Williams as he introduces his students to an array of poetry and literature including William Shakespare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Grab your picnic blanket on Sunday morning and come back in and join us from 11am for the Midsummer Fair which will feature Temple Bar’s three outdoor markets including foods, handmade crafts, books and flowers.  Make sure that your father feasts like a Midsummers King this Fathers Day( June 21^st) and treat him to lunch at the fair where, he can sample spit roast hog, homemade ice-cream from Burke’s Farm, Raclette Irish-Style or freshly baked Irish potatoes from ‘Dinner Jackets’.

Children and adults can pick their space on the grass and enjoy all the fun of the fair and be entertained by the ‘One Man Show’ including magic shows, a Punch & Judy show, games, gags, dance-a-longs, face painting and much more. Make sure and keep and eyes yours peeled for ‘Mr Whizzy and his Friend the Juggling Jester’ as they get up to all kinds of mischief. Why not look into the future with a visit to the 7^th Sun Tarot Card Reader or enjoy a very special Maypole Dancing performance from the Drumreilly Community Group. Music at the Fair includes ‘The Mad Hatters’ samba band and traditional musicians from ‘The Irish House Party’.

For those who seek something a little calmer, why not rediscover Dublin city with a Summer Solstice Walk organised by Dublin City Council (Lets Walk and Talk), Friends of the Elderly and Dublin Simon Community. The Summer Solstice Walk 2009 will kick off at Dublin Castle this is a unique opportunity to explore the city by foot and listen to tales of bygone years from renowned local historian Pat Liddy.

Midsummer in Temple Bar 20^th- 21^st June is brought to you by the Temple Bar Cultural Trust. Entrance to all events as part of the Midsummer Festival are free and do not require tickets. For information and booking details on Midsummer in Temple Bar please contact Temple Bar Cultural Information Centre,12 East Essex Street or telephone the Culture Line on 01 888 3610. Website www.templebar.ie

Click here to download the festival programme