“Let’s Walk & Talk has helped me meet and greet new friends, keep fit and expand my local knowledge”  Greg Young, Dublin 12

“When I came to Ireland, I wanted to meet Irish people and learn about Irish culture but it was very difficult.  The only people I met at my language school and at work were from outside Ireland like me.  These walks have given me the chance to do this as well as helping me improve my English.”  Felip Garzon (Mexico), Dublin 7

Dublin City Council’s community initiative, ‘Let’s Walk & Talk’ is indeed a great way for people to stay healthy, meet people and learn a little something about our Fair City. This initiative comprises weekly walks in various parts of the City, themed historical walking tours and other special events.

To mark European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, a new ‘leg’ to this initiative was launched entitled ‘New Shores, Ancient Footprints’, the purpose of which is to educate Irish people and ‘new’ communities about other cultures that exist in the City.  The first in the series took place on European Neighbours Day in May and focused on the Jewish Community in Dublin.  The event included an historical walking tour of Old Jewish Dublin with Pat Liddy followed by a reception afterwards at Tailors Hall with a panel discussion, the screening of the short film ‘Blind Eye’ and an opportunity for people to sample Jewish culture. It was a huge success by all accounts with almost 250 people turning up despite the damp conditions. Even larger numbers participated in the second and third ‘instalments’ which explored Italian and French Dublin and plans are ‘afoot’ to continue this series into 2010 and beyond.

Let's Walk & Talk Newsletter Autumn 2010

• Click here to download the Autumn 2010 edition of Let's Walk and Talk Newsletter 

AUGUST

'Drumcondra - Legacies of Service' - Thursday, 26th August at 2pm - Meet outside the Cat & Cage Pub,  74 Drumcondra Road Upper, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. 

Take a walk by some of the institutions which were formed over past centuries to provide religious and community service both at home and abroad.  Tour to finish at St. Vincents Hospital, Richmond Road, Fairview, Dublin 3.
 

‘Merrion Square - Notable Residents around a Beautiful Park’ - Saturday, 28th August at 12 noon - Meet at the Rutland Fountain (opposite the National Gallery), Merrion Square West, Dublin 2. 

Hear about the lives of many who have lived on one of the city’s largest and grandest squares whilst taking in the sites and architecture of Georgian Dublin.  This event is brought to you as part of Merrion Square Open Day which is organised by Electricity Supply Board and after the tour, you can to drop into or take a tour of many of the historic buildings in the area (contact 7026165 for further information). 

 
The above tours form part of Dublin City Council’s programme of events for Heritage Week www.heritageweek.ie  
 

SEPTEMBER

‘Phibsborough - A Fascinating & Many-Sided Suburb’ - Sunday, 12th September at 12 noon - Meet outside Phibsboro Library, Blaquiere Bridge, Dublin 7. 

Absorb the atmosphere of the new community arts festival, Phizzfest as we look at Phibsborough’s varied history which is marked by several contrasts; a jail to a canal spur, Dublin’s tallest spire to Dublin’s smallest avenue, Victorian facades to humble laneways, and a host of other unique local features. Phizzfest takes place from the 9-12 September. www.phizzfest.ie

 
‘The War of Independence - Silent Witnesses’ - Tuesday, 14th September at 2.30pm - Meet outside the Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2.

Pass by the many places and streets that witnessed events during the guerilla war against the then British Government in Ireland.  To conclude this event, the Hugh Lane Gallery have kindly arranged for some guides to be on hand to introduce you to the Sir John Lavery: Passion & Politics exhibition which provides a unique insight into this turbulent period of our history.
 

OCTOBER

‘Dublin's Halls of Justice - Old Meets New’ - Saturday, 9th October at 12 noon - Meet at the Four Courts, Inns Quay, Dublin 7.

Due to the resounding success of last year’s ‘Dublin’s Legal Quarter Revealed’ event we are joining forces again with the Courts Service to explore both old and new parts of Dublin’s Legal Quarter. 
Experience the magnificence of the Four Courts before setting off on a tour taking in some of the great buildings erected to support and administer the Justice of the Land; concluding at the recently completed architectural marvel, the Criminal Courts of Justice on Parkgate Street. 
Members of the judiciary will be present at this event so you’ll also have an opportunity to learn about various aspects of the courts system and view courtrooms etc. Please note this event will not finish until 3.30pm.
 

‘Dublin: European Capital of Sport’ - Tuesday, 12th October at 1pm - Meet at the Central Mall in front of GPO, O’Connell Street, Dublin 1. 

Celebrate Dublin’s reign as 2010’s European Capital of Sport with a look at the many sports and sports people, who down through the centuries, have helped to put Dublin on the sporting map, both nationally and internationally.  The walk will encompass areas of the north city which act as reminders of great sporting events before finishing up at one of the greatest stadiums in Europe, Croke Park where you can enjoy a short tour and visit the museum.  Expect to meet some of our sporting heroes along the way too!
 

• All of our historical walking tours are led by acclaimed historian, Pat Liddy.
• All ‘Let’s Walk & Talk’ events are FREE and no advance booking necessary.
• All Walks and Tours usually last about 90 minutes.

And remember…‘Let’s Walk & Talk’ is a great way to stay healthy, meet people and learn a little about our Fair City!

Weekly Walking Groups

The ‘weekly walks’ are simply leisurely walks in the community, not historical walking tours.  However from time to time they do incorporate visits to places of cultural/historical interest, talks etc. These walks are led by a dedicated team of volunteers from the community and demonstrate how collaboration between the community and Dublin City Council can produce such positive results.

Dublin City Council will be organising a ‘Walk Leader’ training course for those of you who may wish to help out at these walks.  Active Citizenship & Volunteering Week takes place from 25th September to 1st October so we’ll be actively looking for new leaders at walks that week.  If you are interested in becoming a Walk Leader, please let us know! 
 
Some of our walks during the last week of September will also be marking World Heart Day. Remember! Keeping active has several benefits including reduced blood pressure, strengthened immune system and a healthy heart and head! 

Note: Neither Dublin City Council or any of the Walk Leaders can be held responsible for any injury or loss caused to participants in any of the above walks.   In the interest of your own safety, please observe vigilance and care when crossing roads and junctions.  It is advised that you first consult with your doctor if you have a medical condition or are not used to regular exercise.