The Repair Café found its start in Amsterdam in 2009, and it was so successful that its founder,…read moreMartine Postma, established the non-profit Repair Café Foundation to support groups in many countries where people want to create their own events. The Repair Café is voluntary is organized and staffed by volunteers who believe in sustainability and a little DIY problem-solving. In Sandymount, the Repair Café took place at the Christchurch Hall, located right on the green in the center of charming Sandymount. The even was well-organized, with greeters performing triage at the reception desk based on your item and inquiry. There are forms to fill in and a whiteboard where names are listed for the volunteers who brought with them repair tools and know-how to share. I brought a pair of shoes that I purchased new but haven't been able to wear because of a defective buckle. While I waited for the jewelry-maker to finish up with another person, I had a seat and a cup of tea at tables thoughtfully provided next to a little refreshment stand. As I sat and sipped, I watched others bringing in their conundrums in the form of table legs, lamps, bicycles, and more. There were about 8 problem-solving volunteers (about equally divided between men and women), and about 4 volunteer organizer/facilitators. I'm not sure who enjoyed the experience more - the people seeking problem-solving advice and new skills, or those helping solve DIY dilemmas? The jeweler was very helpful, but she came up with the same perspective that I've had for months: to repair the shoe would also probably ruin it. Since I grew up on a farm, I'm pretty handy with repairs and creative solutions, and so I wasn't surprised by her finding. She suggested writing to the company, which I will do. What I most enjoyed, though, was the community spirit the event evokes and talking with participants and volunteers. If you missed the Repair Café in June, you can check back on Facebook for their next event, which I was told should take place in September.

An excellent theatre and performing arts school for children and teenagers with classes on the…read moreNorthside and Southside of Dublin

A place to gather and sing, act, dance and most of all, HAVE FUN! Every teen or kid is welcomed…read morewarmly and is taught to perform. Shows are often performed and never fail to impress. Very advanced with equipment and experience!

Founded in 1907, the United Arts Club is a haven, a venerable members club for arty folk. It was…read moreonce a regular haunt of mine; last Friday night the celebration of Stinging Fly publisher Declan Meade's 40th birthday was very much in line with local tradition. Troubadours, troublemakers and true geniuses bopped in the spacious front room with the sash windows open to the street below. Others blathered endlessly in the armchairs on the landing. The basement patio rang with repartee, and perched by the bar drinking whisky I was overwhelmed by waves of nostalgia, for the parties and exhibitions and larks of years gone by. Moments later I was overwhelmed by waves of Guinness as a pint was poured over me. Shuddering as the brown water trickled into my navel, and the bartender gingerly patted my shoulder with a towel, I recalled the old days - Ulick O'Connor receiving a light drubbing from a dominatrix and insisting on calling the guards, Camille performing the Masochism Tango when she was just starting out, some odd guru chanting away before a sudden bite on the arm from a stranger...God be with the days. Members can hire the function room and bar, and book keenly priced B&B rooms in the club. For a certain class of literary and artistic maven, it's a home from home. For others, it's a kip. The profile of the current membership is aging, and this place is ripe for a takeover. Now that the emphasis has shifted from conspicuous consumption and corporate fellatio to open acknowledgment of the life-enhancing value of cultural and artistic activity, it is hoped that a new generation will discover and reinvigorate this hallowed institution in the heart of Georgian Dublin.

Fabulous, fun, child-friendly classes!…read more Birthday parties are great fun and summer camp/day trips are an absolute must.

Showtime theatre school have been amazing for the whole family, there singing, dancing and drama…read moreclasses have been amazing, my kids attend twice a week, i can hardly keep them away - thanks for a great job showtime :)

Founded in 1770, The Hist is the oldest undergraduate student society in the world. It occupies…read morerooms in the Graduates' Memorial Building (GMB) of Trinity College Dublin, which it shares with the University Philosophical Society and the College Theological Society. It's members have included numerous renowned Irish individuals including playwright Samuel Beckett, first President of Ireland Douglas Hyde and Dracula author Bram Stoker. The society holds weekly debates each Wednesday night during term time in the GMB. The diverse motions present students with an opportunity to debate with experts on the particular motion selected. The set-up of the debate is that of British Parliamentary debating, with the proposition and opposition speaking alternatively. The proceedings are controlled by a guest chairperson. At the end of the debate, the audience have an opportunity to decide which side has made the most persuasive argument. Well-known politicians such as David Ervine and Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume have spoken at this debate. It is often typical for a Government Minister to address The Hist on a contentious topic. In 2005 the Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell T.D. divulged proposals for restructuring of the legal profession at a Hist debate on the issue. In the past two years guests have included Northern Irish First Minister Rev.Ian Paisley, illustrious author Sir John Mortimer, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and former British Prime Minister Sir John Major, among others. With a Hist membership card (can be purchased on the door) anyone, whether student or member of the public can sit and relish in a topical debate every Wednesday night as well as the special occasions when guest speakers visit to address the society on litigious topics.

The A.W.C.D. is a non-profit women's club for American women living in Ireland. Membership includes…read moreregular social activities, monthly meetings in Dublin, and fundraising events for local charities. The club provides key resources for women who are new to the country and trying to get their bearings. It also gives a nice boost to the community and its merchants! As a newcomer to Ireland, the club put me in touch with other women from America (some who have actually become Irish citizens) and also offered opportunities to get out and about and get to know new spots to enjoy in Ireland and meet new people in the Irish community - be it at a restaurant, museum, pub/bar, coffee shop, or even a hiking trail! The club also focuses on a new Irish charity each year and makes an effort to raise funds for it with various activities. So, members have fun together and are also doing something good at the same time! Here's to 'Girl Power'!

Don't bother if you have a day time job as all the activities cater to stay at home mothers or…read moreretirees. Wish I could get my money back!