Lobby of Ireland’s Criminal Court building, located near Heuston train station.

Former Fulbright Pam Eddy and I enjoyed a quick visit to Temple Bar’s First Thursdays events during her February visit.  Throughout most of the year, the galleries and other cultural establishments throughout Temple Bar stay open late (6-8 PM) on the first Thursday night of each month.

Pam and I had time to visit just two galleries because I’d been part of a Fulbright “field trip” to the Criminal Courts of Justice building that started at 5 (as pictured to the left).

It appears that First Thursday is officially dormant during March. This year, it  will re-emerge on Thursday, April 4.

The surprising thing about the many free cultural events offered in Dublin each year is the high level of participation among Dublin residents.  In many other cities, residents ignore such offerings.  That is truly not the case here!

The Temple Bar Cultural Trust website explains:

First Thursdays Dublin is a Temple Bar Cultural Trust initiative that brings together art galleries, cultural and creative spaces on the first Thursday of every month – by sharing the same late-night opening times.

First Thursdays Dublin (FTD) happens on the first Thursday of every month. Opening hours are extended from 6 – 8pm in a number of galleries. Please note: this list changes every month for First Thursdays! It offers you an extra opportunity to visit exhibitions, attend cultural events and experience some light-night culture. It is our way of experiencing a taste of Culture Night on a monthly basis!

The National College of Art and Design (NCAD) draws a big crowd on First Thursdays… even on a rainy night!

Pam studies a table on display at NCAD.

Enjoying a glass birdcage with Pam at NCAD.

This is a detail photo of a piece on display at NCAD.

Pam and I got a comprehensive tour at the art gallery in the New Theater on Essex Street.

I found some fun reflections to capture.

Here is the list of the galleries, cultural and creative spaces that are now part of First Thursdays Dublin:

1. Basic Space
2. Block T
3. Centre for Creative Practices
4. Cow’s Lane Designer Studio
5. Darc Space
6. Debbie Paul Studio and Gallery
7. Design Yard
8. Designist
9. Douglas Hyde Gallery
10. Draiocht, Centre for the Arts
11. Dublin Civic Trust
12. Exchange Dublin
13. Gallery @ No. SIX
14. Gallery of Photography
15. Gallery Zozimus
16. Graphic Studio Gallery
17. Green on Red Gallery
18. Hillsboro Fine Art
19. Jam Art Factory
20. James Joyce Centre
21. Kevin Kavanagh Gallery
22. Little Green Street Gallery
23. Monster Truck Gallery & Studios
24. National Gallery of Ireland (open late every Thursday)
25. National College of Art and Design Gallery
26. No Grants Gallery
27. Project 51
28. Project Arts Centre, Gallery
29. Olivier Cornet Gallery
30. Science Gallery
31. Sol Art Gallery
32. Talbot Gallery & Studios
33. Tamp & Stitch
34. Taylor Galleries
35. Temple Bar Gallery & Studios
36. The Copper House Gallery
37. The Doorway Gallery
38. The Goethe Institut
39. The Green Gallery
40. The Icon Factory
41. The Joinery
42. The Keeling Gallery
43. The LAB
44. The Little Museum of Dublin
45. The Market Studios
46. The Picture Rooms
47. The Pallas Projects
48. The White Gallery
49. White Art Lady