Dublin City Council is delighted to announce the inaugural ‘Funtropolis’ family-fun events coming to Dublin City Centre this July & August.
Two fun-filled days will be absolutely jam-packed with free live performances, exciting street theatre and science shows, immersive storytelling, delicious food and drink and everything in between! The ultimate summer events and the perfect occasion for making memories, reconnecting and having some good old fashioned family fun and frolics, all set in the very heart of Dublin’s fair city and easily accessible by Luas & Bus routes.
‘Funtropolis’ will burst into life both north and south of the river in the stunning surrounds of Merrion Square Park on Sunday July 10th and again at the iconic Mountjoy Square Park on Sunday August 21st.
At Merrion Square Park, the theme of Storytelling will be brought to life in the magical Story Yurt where a packed programme (including readings from some of Ireland’s best loved writers!) is sure to entertain while also igniting a love of literature. Families will be encouraged to work together to decorate structures inspired by their favourite book, using materials such as wool, plastics, fabrics and foil at ReCreate. Kids and adults alike will also get the chance to sing, dance and chat with their favourite characters from the popular children’s songbook Polcaphonc.
Sit back and relax close to the bandstand and enjoy music from the amazing Rathfarnham Ukulele Performance Group (RUGS), Cork based Irish Brass Band Code of Behaviour, vibrant samba ensemble Morro 16 and dance along with DJ Donal Dineen. Take some time out and learn yoga, movement meditation and mindfulness through dancing, singing, storytime and games at the Zen Den. Curious minds of all ages are sure to love getting their hands dirty and making discoveries at The Big Dig, true hands-on learning for young people through a simulated archaeological dig.
A meander through the park is sure to amaze and delight with awe-inspiring aerial antics from the one and only Kate Finegan along with a packed schedule of entertainment on the main stages. Gather round, gather round to witness the jaw-dropping antics of Guido Fanzini’s Thunderous Entertainment Haberdashery or join Scientist and TV Presenter, Mark the Science Guy, from RTEjr’s ‘Let’s Find Out’ for an interactive, fun filled, energetic display of awesome science experiments for the whole family to enjoy.
Curious State: Messrs. Smiley & Veneer are delighted to present Service with a Smile – a jam-packed performance of comedy, live music and song while Little Gem Puppets are guaranteed to bring joy and magic to their audience with their interactive puppet show. Ireland’s only all-woman cabaret Daring Dames are also set to make an appearance. With extraordinary skill, daring and humour these amazing women defy convention in funny, friendly and fabulous ways whether as hilarious clowns, or in astonishing acts of strength.
The focus of Funtropolis at Mountjoy Square Park will be a celebration of the rich local heritage that the area is steeped in, through fun performances, circus and science shows and immersive, interactive activities. Over in the Story Yurt, young and old heritage enthusiasts will be delighted to step back in time at EPIC: A Sailor went to Sea, Sea, Sea – An interactive, sea themed event for the whole family in association with EPIC Museum. Writer Sarah Webb will be on hand for a very special reading of The Bee Charmer of Henrietta Street along with illustrator Rachel Corcoran while Granny Whale’s Pirate Tale will be a wonderful collaboration of music, storytelling and shadow puppetry detailing the story of Grainne Mhaol, Ireland’s now mythologised Pirate Queen.
East Wall Folk Singer Macdara Yeates will also be sitting down with members of the Dublin Dockers Preservation Society for a session of songs and stories on the lives of Dublin’s former dock workers. In keeping with the nautical theme, once again ReCreate will be encouraging everyone to get involved and work collaboratively on a piece of evolving art throughout the event, this time in the in the form of a sailing ship, while The Big Dig will provide an amazing opportunity to bring history to life and explore the viking world.
Expect awesome live performances throughout the day with a visit from Messrs. Smiley & Veneer, an education in all things bees at Bee-ology which weaves together the threads of circus, storytelling and ecology, a chance to turn super-sleuths with Cryptozoologist Mick Minogue and for all those budding performers – Strong Women Science, a circus show for all the family revealing all the scientific secrets behind the astounding tricks you see on stage!
Add in some delicious eats, treats and sweets along with only the very best in pop up performances and wandering musicians and we just might have the winning formula for the ultimate family days out this summer!
‘Funtropolis’ is an initiative of Dublin City Council and runs at Merrion Square Park on Sunday July 10th 2022 and Mountjoy Square Park on Sunday August 21st from 12pm to 6pm each day. ‘Funtropolis’ marks a very welcome return of large scale family events to the city, and is an event series that Dublin City Council hope to build on for 2023 and beyond.
Source: Dublin City Council
