5 Dublin Events That Are Better Than A Pint of Guinness.

We’ve been pretty busy around here the last few months working behind the scenes on a variety of projects for our blog as well as number of freelancing gigs. In the six years that Beth and I have been blogging, this is probably the quietest we have been on the site, but it was needed to get things in place for this year and beyond. Exciting things are on the horizon here at Beers and Beans, and we’re excited to have you a long for the ride!

One of our biggest and most unique projects that Beth and I are involved in may be taking us back to Europe, and possibly Ireland. Unfortunately, the campaign hasn’t been officially announced yet, so I’ve been sworn to secrecy until then. But trust me, as soon as we get the go ahead, you guys will be the first to know.

In the meantime, though, I thought I’d share a few Ireland events that I came across on the Hotel Direct event calendar while doing research for the upcoming project. I don’t know about you, but whenever we travel, I always try to incorporate local events or concerts with bands I love into our trip. Sadly, I haven’t been that successful at this endeavor, since I usually don’t find out about an event until it’s too late. This time around I’m going to try something a little different and commit my entertainment fun finds to a blog post as the ultimate reminder for you and me.

Clontarf Viking Festival | April 19–20

Held in St. Anne’s Park, the Clontarf Viking Festival features a large Viking village and robust battle re-enactment, the largest to ever be produced in Ireland. Additionally, festival-goers will get a taste of Viking life through an interactive display.

Channeling my inner-Viking in Iceland.

Dublin Prawn Festival | April 24–25

If you’re a seafood lover and you happen to be in Dublin during this weekend, then, my friend, this is what heaven looks like. Howth’s harbor will be full of food stalls offering locally sourced seafood and artisan delicacies as well as cooking demos. Additionally, the city’s top restaurants and pubs will have special menus dedicated to the festival.

John Butler Trio | April 24

I’ve been wanting to see these guys live for some time. I like my music unscripted and judging from everything I’ve read about the John Butler Trio these guys know how to improvise and jam. The Australian band is touring in support of their sixth album, “Flesh & Blood,” and will be at Vicar St., which was named Irish Music Venue of the year in 2008 and 2009. Alternatively, the band will be in the United Kingdom the following week, including a night at the O2 Academy in London. You may want to check the London Hidden Gems’ section on Hotel Direct to see if you can grab a sweet room on the cheap.

Photo Credit: John Butler Trio

Roseanne Cash | April 27

Honestly, I’m not too familiar with Roseanne Cash’s music, but I’ve heard good things—Elton John called her latest album, “The River and The Thread,” the “most beautiful album of 2014.” Plus, she’s the oldest daughter of Johnny Cash, so she has that going for her too. I’m sucker for live music, and I can’t think of a better way to discover Ms. Cash’s music, then seeing her live in Dublin at Vicar St.

Shackleton Exhibition | April 1 – Nov. 1

Beth and I are huge fans of the “Stuff You Missed in History” podcast, so much so, that we listen to it every night as we’re going to sleep. The Shackleton Exibition at Dún Laoghaire in Dublin reminds of the stories that the team at “How Stuff Works” covers. In fact, I’m going to have to go back into the archives and see if they’ve covered this early 20^th-century Trans-Atlantic Endurance expedition and its leader Sir Ernest Shackleton. The exhibition features a replica lifeboat used in the difficult rescue of Shackleton and his crew as well as more than 150 photos from the ship’s photographer.

Photo Credit: Shackleton Exhibition

What’s the best concert you’ve ever seen while traveling? Let us know in the comments!