Heritage Week at Dublin Port (19th – 27th August 2025)
18 August 2025
As part of Heritage Week, Dublin Port is proud to present a special programme of events. Running throughout the week in the Substation, this week’s focus is on inviting visitors to reflect on the softer values that shape Dublin’s heritage and culture.
August 16 -The Lighthouse, the Radio, the AIS with Cliona Harmey – 12:30 IST
Artist Cliona Harmey explores the evolution of maritime communication technologies, from the lighthouse and signal lamp to modern AIS tracking, and their influence on how we experience and navigate maritime space. The talk will also revisit her 2015 Dublin Port commission Dublin Ships, which transformed live AIS data into a large-scale public artwork, connecting historical signalling methods with contemporary digital tracking
August 16 -Keepers of the Port -Heritage Week -14:00 IST
Screening of Moira Sweeney’s documentary Keepers of the Port, capturing the lives, work, and memories of Dublin Port workers. The film explores identity, place, and community through personal stories, followed by a talk and audience Q&A with the filmmaker.
August 19 -Embargo: Screening + Talk with Deirdre Kinahan & Jim Culleton -17:00 IST
Join playwright Deirdre Kinahan and director Jim Culleton for a special screening of Embargo, their acclaimed play about the 1920 dockers’ and railway workers’ refusal to transport British munitions. Staged at Dublin Port during the 2020 Dublin Theatre Festival, the production brings to life a pivotal act of civil resistance during the War of Independence. After the screening, Deirdre and Jim will discuss the historical inspiration, creative process, and the challenges of staging this powerful work in a site-specific port setting.
August 20 -ANU Productions and Dublin Port -18:00 IST
Theatre-maker and ANU Productions co-founder Louise Lowe reflects on the company’s collaborations with Dublin Port, where immersive, site-specific performances have brought history vividly to life. Drawing on archival research, place, and community engagement, Louise will share how these elements shape ANU’s work and the challenges of creating theatre within the unique environment of a working port.
August 21 -Songs and Stories from Dublin Docks -18:00 IST
Playwright Gary Brown and singer George Murphy present an evening of live music and storytelling drawn from The Dockers and The Buttonmen. Through song and spoken word, they bring to life the resilience, and heritage of Dublin’s dockland communities.
August 22 -Slice, the Thief -A Talk with Lee Coffey and Aaron Monaghan -18:00 IST
Join playwright Lee Coffey and directir Aaron Monaghan as they discuss Slice, The Thief, their collaboration with Dublin Port for The Pumphouse presents series (2020), and the creative process behind bringing complex, character-driven stories to the stage in unique settings.
August 23 -The History and Heritage of Bullock Harbour -12:00 IST
Local historian Rob Goodbody explores the rich history of Bullock Harbour, from its medieval Cistercian origins to its 19th-century coal trade, fishing tradition, and continuing role as a working harbour today. An illustrated journey through over 200 years of maritime heritage.
August 27 – Saved from the flames: conserving Ireland’s ‘lost’ archive -18:00 IST
In the aftermath of the 1922 fire, the staff of the Public Record Office of Ireland salvaged over 25,000 sheets of paper and parchment from the rubble of the Four Courts complex. Miraculously an almost complete set of revenue accounts for Dublin Port, dated April 1818, was among the survivors. They present a snapshot of Dublin Port at the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Thanks to the support of Dublin Port Company a programme of conservation has been undertaken at the National Archives to recover these precious records that were once thought lost for ever.
August 28 – The History of Dublin Port – 13:00 IST
Join Port Heritage Director and historian, Lar Joye, for a fascinating journey through the rich history of Dublin Port. From its medieval origins to its role as Ireland’s vital maritime gateway, Lar will highlight key moments, remarkable personalities, and transformative events that shaped both the port and the city. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of maritime heritage and historical collections, Lar offers unique insights into how Dublin Port has evolved, leaving a lasting imprint on Dublin’s culture, commerce, and community.