With over 250 free events scheduled over three weeks, the festival promises diverse explorations of Ireland’s rich history, including All in Good Time: The Fascinating History of Dublin’s Public Clocks.
Adrian Le Harivel, a former curator at the National Gallery of Ireland, will take you on a journey through Dublin’s lesser-known public clocks on October 7 at Pearse Street Library.
There are around 80 such clocks scattered across the city, dating from 1804 to 2019.
Speaking to RTÉ News, he noted that during the 19th century, there was an “enormous expansion” of all types of buildings, which is reflected in the number of clocks that appeared on them.
“In 1916, Dublin was 25 minutes and 21 seconds behind London, actually following the path of the sun. There’s a certain logic to it, but clearly in a modern world, you have to have the same time,” he added.
It wasn’t until the arrival of the railways that time became standardised in Ireland. Le Harivel’s talk promises to be both informative and entertaining, especially since many of these decorative clocks didn’t even tell the correct time.
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The opening event, The Last Disco: The Story of the Stardust Tragedy, features authors Christine Bohan, Sean Murray, and Nicky Ryan discussing the aftermath of the 1981 fire that claimed the lives of 48 young people.
This discussion, taking place at Dublin Castle at 8pm on September 27, not only commemorates the victims but also highlights the relentless fight for justice by their families.
Other events as part of the festival include an exploration of the punk scene, From Prejudice to Punk to Pride, where Eoin Freeney shares insights from his life as a musician in Dublin’s vibrant punk era.
There are also musical performances, panel discussions on LGBTQ+ histories, and guided walks exploring Dublin’s hidden gems.
Another intriguing event is Bodysnatchers, Surgeons and Insurgents with Dr Ronan Kelly, who will host a talk in the Royal College of Surgeons at 6.30pm on October 4.
All events are free, but booking is recommended for many sessions to ensure your spot. For the All in Good Time event, no booking is required – just arrive early to grab a seat.
