Dublin City Council launch programme of free cultural events for Giro d’Italia

To celebrate the arrival of one of the world’s greatest cycling events to Dublin on the 11th May; Dublin City Council has announced an exciting programme of free cycling-themed cultural events throughout Dublin City from 2nd – 11th May. Of most interest to us at Scannain are the free film screenings in Meeting House Square of cycling themed movie classics The Bicycle Thieves and Breaking Away.

Other highlights include Blink, a music installation created by cycling bells in St. Anne’s Park, Raheny; pop-up art installation Modius Release with recreations of Marcel Duchamp’s Bicyle Wheel mounted throughout the city; and an homage to the world of two wheels with Opera in the Open featuring L’Elisir D’Amore by Gaetano Donizetti.

Why not hop on your bike and take a two wheeled look at the city – Café Rothar will pink your bicycle with pop up biking performances to keep you entertained whilst you wait. Or try taking one of the alternative tours of Dublin with LeCool, join the last leg of the Giro to support Oxfam or even join Bealtaine over 50’s cycling ‘gang’! For those with wobbly wheels, Borza will be offering tours that highlight the links between Ireland and Italy; the Irish Writers Centre will be celebrating cycling in literature, while the museums and galleries of the city have created A Glimpse of Italy a self guided tour highlighting the influence of Italian culture in art and culture.

Be sure to look up and keep an eye out for Dublin landmarks turning pink, cycling quotes projected onto buildings, bespoke pink Giro signage and you can even tweet your favourite images using the hash tag #PinktheCity.

Commenting on the programme of cultural events, Dublin City Arts Officer Ray Yeates said: “Artists are by nature interested in everything, and Giro d’Italia has provided the raw material for some very creative ideas. This is an opportunity to see the race and its relationship to Dublin in new ways with a special emphasis on families, fun and the Italian heritage in our midst Avanti!”

Giro d’Italia and the programme of free family events and activities that are planned in the lead up to and over the weekend of the Giro will be one of the highlights in Dublin City Council’s programme of year long festivals and events in the city.