Culture Date with Dublin 8 Goldenbridge Concert to Celebrate 250 Years of Daniel O’Connell
This year, the Culture Date with Dublin 8 festival is set to honor the 250th anniversary of Daniel O’Connell’s birth with a series of thoughtfully curated events that promise to resurrect the fervor of one of Ireland’s most influential figures. The festival pays special homage to the legacy of O’Connell’s famed “Monster Meetings” with a unique concert event that intertwines history, performance art, and contemporary cultural expression.
The centerpiece of the celebration will take place on Sunday, 11 May at Goldenbridge Cemetery—a venue steeped in Dublin’s rich heritage. Curated by celebrated musician Fiach Moriarty, the concert is designed to transport audiences back to an era when stirring oratory and impassioned public assemblies galvanized a nation. Reenactments of key speeches by Daniel O’Connell, alongside those of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, will be brought to life by performers Jim Roche and Peter Smith. Their renditions are expected to capture not only the words but also the spirit of those landmark addresses that once rallied stands against injustice.
Enhancing the immersive experience, spoken word artists Roxanna Nic Liam and John Cumins will share their interpretations, weaving lyrical narratives that evoke the passion and perseverance of the past. Historian Ultan Moran is set to provide additional context, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the socio-political landscape that shaped O’Connell’s career and the enduring impact of his initiatives. Together, these contributions are aimed at bridging the gap between historical documentation and modern-day engagement, making the past both accessible and relevant.
The event further celebrates Ireland’s cultural tapestry with performances that highlight the nation’s musical and dance traditions. The soulful strains of renown pipe and flute virtuoso Louise Mulcahy, alongside musician Sive, promise to deliver evocative soundscapes that resonate with the historic ambiance of the venue. Additionally, a dynamic performance by the Foley Irish Dancing Academy is set to add a vibrant visual element, perfectly complementing the day’s multifaceted program.
Sunday 11 May 1 pm – 3 pm
Free Event
