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20th December 2016
12:10am GMT
Looking for things to fill your evenings that don't involve pints?
Save your wallet and head some turmoil by opting for something slightly less boozy and slightly more wholesome.
Here's our pick of the best of the month.
Directed by RTE's Claire O' Reilly, who recently won the Spirit of the Fringe 2015, Eamonn (from Menswear) is an irreverent and satirical look at the idea of "Irishness" and "having the craic" as well as some of the darker elements of contemporary Irish society.
Set to a rhythm and as such, most of the dialogue is rapped or sung - think séan-nós meets Nelly. Admirably, it's a comedy about things-that-aren't-funny, showcasing an interesting outlook into the Irish psyche and its resilience over time.
Catch the show at Smock Alley Theatre from tonight until Saturday at 8pm each night. Tickets are €15 (€12 concession).
The music, discussion, food and friends festival located in the heart of Meath – this festival is all about love and laughs, nothing more, nothing less.
With everything from DJs to libraries to cinemas to The Love Olympics, this festival is so activity filled, that a drink wouldn't even cross your mind.
They also boast a stellar selection of food on offer – which is, in our opinion, how you should be spending your weekend.
Upskill yourself in the best way you know how; with food.
Dublin Cookery School offer loads of different cooking courses, including ones that are a whole week long, in which you can learn an impressive new skill set, without venturing too far from home. New courses for 2016 include Chefs Skills, Patisserie Masterclass, Breadmaking Masterclass, Healthy Eating Made Easy and Global Food Trail.
And if that doesn't get your mouth watering, then nothing will. More information here.
In association with the good people at Happenings, every Saturday of the summer, as long as it's not raining (you'll be informed the morning of whether the class will go ahead or not, if so).
The classes are available to all ages and abilities, and they ask you to please bring your own mat, however they do have spares if needs be. Priced at just a fiver, this is the smuggest way to spend your Saturday morning.
Running until August 11, Shakespeare in the Open is a wonderful outdoor performance by Fortune's Fool Productions who will present Measure for Measure in the luscious grounds of Casino Marino. All are welcome, with the exception of dogs, and the people of Casino Marino ask you to dress for the weather.
Oh, and admission is free. Splendid.
Been meaning to go to IMMA for ten years? Now's your chance.
The IMMA Collection entitled A Decade provides a snapshot of how the National Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art has developed over the past 10 years. The works are shown in a series of rotating displays, ensuring that no-one sees the same thing twice.
Admission is free, and you get to see the best exhibits IMMA have showcased over the past ten years. Bargain!
The Dublin City Liffey Swim is one of the most famous open swimming races in the world.
Taking place first in 1920, the event has gone from strength to strength. Many traditions run alongside the race including the involvement of Dublin’s Lord Mayor who starts the race each year, as well as the inclusion of Dublin’s Fire Brigade.
Basically, it's a very fun day out – and you should go have a gawk. Or get involved, if you're mad.
Kicking off August 8, the Rock 'n' Roll half marathon starts on the corner of North Wall Quay and Castleforbes Road and finishes in Phoenix Park. An incredible way to see the city, try something new and do yourself some good in the process.
Local bands and entertainers will provide music every mile along the course, and that's not all – there's a free concert at the finish line with food vendors and VIP hospitality.
Not up for drinking, but definitely up for eating?
Always.
The Big Grill is back this year, and meatier than ever. The tasty troupe are setting up shop in Herbert Park once more, and answering all of our carnivorous prayers at once.
With a killer line-up of everyone who's anyone in the delicious meat business attending, you're absolutely certain of a good time.
Located in Whelan's this year, this unique festival is gracing our streets from August 12-14. With free admission, you can enjoy live music from the three genres currently enjoying a global revival in 2016 – blues, roots and brass.
Times are TBC, but keep an eye on their Facebook page, and you should be informed soon.
The Dublin Bay Coastal Trek is a great way to shake off the cobwebs and kick start the day. It kicks off with a 10.30am meet-up at the GPO, and continues on to Killiney Beach on a route that favours the less beaten track – and a more flavoursome route.
Stroll through the Docklands across the Liffey at the 02 Arena, cross the East Link Bridge and on to Aviva Stadium, then to Ringsend, through Sandymount, Booterstown and Blackrock. From there, make your way to Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey and finally Killiney Beach.
August 14. Be there or be square.
Yep. We're being serious.
Get yourself to Phoenix Park on August 20 and join Dublin Zoo’s elephants for fun and games, face-painting, special keeper talks and much, much more. It runs from 11am - 5pm, and is suitable for all the family. More information here.
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