Irish Arts and Human Rights festival – EVENTS AT SMASHING TIMES VISUAL ART GALLERY

EVENTS AT SMASHING TIMES VISUAL ART GALLERY AND CENTRE FOR THE ARTS AND HUMAN RIGHTS,

30 SANDYCOVE ROAD, DUBLIN

IRISH ARTS AND HUMAN RIGHTS FESTIVAL 10 – 19 OCTOBER 2025

SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER

Voices of Peace Artists —Evening of Artist Talks, Poetry and Short Story readings and a display of Artworks

Saturday 11 October, 7.30pm. Tickets €15/10. Book online or tickets at door.  Book here.

Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery + Centre for the Arts and Human Rights, 30 Sandycove Road, Dublin

Join us for Voices of Peace – an evening of artist talks, poetry and short story readings, and a display of artworks. The evening features presentations by Voices of Peace Artists as they reflect on  their creative journeys, the inspirations behind their work, and the theme of Voices of Peace, exploring the role of the arts in promoting equality, human rights, and diversity worldwide.  The evening is facilitated by producer Ciara Hayes and writer and poet Mary Moynihan who presents on her work with a poetry reading and talk about the origins of the Voices of Peace programme. Four Voices of Peace Artists were selected through an open call to have their work featured in the July edition of Tintreach: The Smashing Times Arts and Literary Journal  and to become Voices of Peace Artists at the annual international Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival 2025. The Voices of Peace Artists are Shreya Gupta, a poet and neurodivergent woman; Jessica Rodrigues, a multidisciplinary artist; Rowan Tate, poet and essayist and Noah Sexa visual artist. A final poetry presentation on the evening is by Féilim James, writer and poet and editor of Tintreach: The Smashing Times Arts and Literary Journal.

MONDAY 13 OCTOBER

Irish in Resistance During World War II – Evening of Storytelling, Poetry and Chat

Monday 13 October, 7-9pm. Tickets €15/10. Book online or tickets at door. Book here.

Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery + Centre for the Arts and Human Rights, 30 Sandycove Road, Dublin

We are delighted to present an Irish in Resistance during World War II event featuring artist talks, storytelling, poetry readings and chat. Join us as we explore the stories that feature in the Irish in Resistance During World War II exhibition – stories of Irish people in resistance during the Holocaust and World War II who stood up against fascism and totalitarianism, and spoke out for the rights of others.  Artists and guest speakers come together to present on themes of peace, remembrance, equality and human rights, exploring how stories can inspire artistic creation and resonate in today’s climate of war and genocide and a search for peace.

TUESDAY 14 OCTOBER

25 Glasses of Wine and Not Only One – Women’s Voices from Europe. Two International Live Performances from Serbia and The Netherlands

Tuesday 14 October 2025, 7-9pm. Free admission. Book online or tickets at door.  Book here.

Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery + Centre for the Arts and Human Rights, 30 Sandycove Road, Dublin

Enjoy ‘25 GLASSES OF WINE’ a live lecture-performance  written and performed by Dijana Milošević from Dah Theatre, Belgrade, Serbia, based on autobiographical texts in which Dijana discusses the trials and adventures of a theatre troupe from Serbia working in the historical-political context of ‘a country which no longer exists.’ This is followed by ‘Not Only One’ a stunning solo performance by Nivin Baranbo from ZID Theatre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, revealing a powerful, personal journey of growing up and working as a journalist in Syria, a country which she was forced to leave. “Not Only One” is about breaking taboos, questioning women’s rights, and making personal choices.

THURSDAY 16, FRIDAY 17 OCTOBER

Seo Chugainn na Mná– Live Stage Performances in Irish of The Woman is Present: Women’s Stories of World War II translated by Áine Ní Ghlinn

Tickets €15/10. Book online or tickets at door. Thursday 16 October, 7pm. Book here. Friday 17 October, 7pm. Book here 

Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery + Centre for the Arts and Human Rights, 30 Sandycove Road, Dublin

Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality are delighted to commission award-winning writer Áine Ní Ghlinn to translate into Irish the original highly successful stage script The Woman is Present: Women’s Stories of World War II. The Irish language translation includes new poetry in Irish by writer Áine Ní Ghlinn and a translation of At Summer’s End by Féilim James. Seo Chugainn na Mná is a creative reimagining of moments from the lives of women during WWII recalling stories of bravery, sacrifice and love amidst the horror of war, as women stood up against fascism and totalitarianism and refused to accept oppression.

SATURDAY 18 OCTOBER AND SUNDAY 19 OCTOBER

The Art of Trees by Mary Moynihan – Live performances

Saturday 18 October, 7.30pm. Tickets: Book here.

Sunday 19 October, 2pm. Tickets: Book here.

Tickets €15/10.   Show suitable for ages 5 and up.  Book online or tickets at door.

Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery + Centre for the Arts and Human Rights, 30 Sandycove Road, Dublin

Following a successful international tour to Greece, Germany and Spain, The Art of Trees by Mary Moynihan returns to Sandycove for two performances only. The Art of Trees is a live multidisciplinary performance reflecting on trees and forests, the importance of biodiversity and our connections to nature, featuring theatre, poetry and movement.  What Audiences Say about The Art of Trees by Mary Moynihan‘’Incredible show, wonderful performers”“An immersive experience that brought the history of Ireland alive”, “Wonderful performers, beautiful movement and storytelling”.

SUNDAY 19 OCTOBER

Smashing Times: Architecture and Activism. A guided tour and public talk at the Smashing Times Centre for the Arts and Human Rights at 30 Sandycove Road, Dublin

Sunday 19 October 2025, 12pm. Admission Free. Book online or tickets at door.  Book here.

Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery + Centre for the Arts and Human Rights, 30 Sandycove Road, Dublin

In partnership with Open House 2025, Smashing Times offer a guided tour and talk in the new Smashing Times space titled “Architecture and Activism: What values do we embed into the spaces we leave behind?”.  The talk explores how we are making innovative use of an intimate space in an inclusive, accessible way and explores what future heritage looks like when it embeds a human rights approach reflecting on justice for all. Presented by Freda Manweiler.

SUNDAY 19 OCTOBER

CAS – Music Festival Finale

Sunday 19 October 2025, 7-9pm. Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets €15/10. Book online or tickets at door. Book here.

Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery + Centre for the Arts and Human Rights, 30 Sandycove Road, Dublin

Join us for the grand closing celebration of the Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival with an unforgettable evening of music, conversation and refreshments.  Enjoy a fantastic and vibrant evening of music with CAS – the acclaimed trio of Sebastian LuthersCarol Scott, and Andy McMenamin. Drawing inspiration from the landscapes ranging from Connaught to Auvergne, CAS weaves intricate melodies and spirited rhythms into their music, creating a unique sound with a blend of original and traditional Irish music that is both authentic and fresh.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER

Irish in Resistance During World War II Multidisciplinary Installation

Runs Friday 10 October to Sunday 30 November 2025, Wednesday to Sunday 1-6pm. Admission Free.

Irish in Resistance during World War II is a multidisciplinary installation featuring visual art, photography, film, poetry, and storytelling. The installation reflects on stories of Irish people in resistance during the Holocaust and World War II who stood up against fascism and totalitarianism, and spoke out for the rights of others.  The installation features original artworks by Hina Khan, visual artist; Amna Walayat, visual artist; Féilim James, writer and poet; and Mary Moynihan, writer, poet, creator of art and photograph, created in response to stories of people who stood up for the rights of others. Alongside these artworks we have original artworks by Noah Sex, visual artist, and Jessica Rodrigues, visual artist, whose work highlights themes of peace, equality or human rights through powerful artistic expression, sparking dialogue and new visions for the future.

EVENTS at RATHFARNHAM

From The Forest to The Ocean multidisciplinary exhibition with artists Mary Moynihan and Hina Khan, Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin

Tuesday 16 September to Sunday 2 November 2025. September Open Daily 9.30am – 5.30pm, thereafter, Wednesday – Sunday 10.30am – 5pm. Admission free. No booking required.

Public Launch and Artist Talk, Thursday 18 September 2025, 6-8pm, Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin, D14K3T6

From The Forest to The Ocean is a powerful, new multidisciplinary exhibition at Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin, D14K3T6, with artists Mary Moynihan and Hina Khan. The exhibition is a stunning collection of visual art, photography, poetry and film inspired by physical landscapes and the interconnectedness of life from forests to the ocean.

***

The Art of Trees by Mary Moynihan – Live performances indoors and outdoors. Nine shows only back due to popular demand

The Art of Trees by Mary Moynihan is a live multidisciplinary performance reflecting on trees and forests, the importance of biodiversity and our connections to nature – featuring theatre, poetry and movement.

Seven performances take place outdoors at The Pearse Museum and St Enda’s Park, Grange Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, D16 Y7Y5 and two performances take place indoors at  the Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights Centre, 30 Sandycove Road, Sandycove, A96V9P1 on Saturday 18 October, 7.30pm and Sunday 19 October 2pm.

Venue: The Pearse Museum and St Enda’s Park, Grange Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, D16 Y7Y5. Outdoor performances, promenade style. If the weather is not suitable, performances take place indoors.  

Tickets €15/10.   Show suitable for all ages.  Book online or tickets at door.

Wednesday 15 October, 10am. Tickets: Book here.

Wednesday 15 October, 12pm. Tickets: Book here.

Thursday 16 October, 10am. Tickets:  Book here.

Thursday 16 October, 12pm. Tickets: Book here.

Friday 17 October, 10am. Tickets: Book here.   

Friday 17 October, 12pm. Tickets: Book here.

Saturday 18 October, 1pm. Tickets:  Book here.

Smashing Times Creative Arts Eco-Conference at Rathfarnham Castle Dublin exploring Connections Between the Arts Nature, Biodiversity, Ocean Literacy and Climate Justice – Where Art Meets Action

Tuesday 14 October, 10am-4pm. Free Admission. Rathfarnham Castle, Rathfarnham, Dublin D14K3T6

Book here

Join us for theSmashing Times Creative Arts Eco-Conference, a major international gathering that unites the arts and environmental awareness. Taking place at the historic Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin, on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, from 10am to 4pm, as part of the annual, international Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival, this event explores how the performing, visual, and digital arts can inspire action and advocacy around climate change, biodiversity, and marine conservation. All are welcome. This is a unique eco-arts conference delving into the powerful role of creativity in shaping a more sustainable world, exploring connections between the arts, nature, biodiversity, ocean literacy and Climate Justice – Where Art Meets Action!   Guest speakers from Serbia, Greece, Norway, The Netherlands and Ireland.

EVENTS at IVEAGH GARDENS, DUBLIN

Memorial Monologues: The Path of Memory Part 2 by Mary Moynihan – Live performances

Friday 10 October, 1pm, Iveagh Gardens,  Book here

Friday 10 October, 7pm, Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality, 30 Sandycove Road, Sandycove, Dublin A96V9P1 – As part of the launch of the Irish Arts and Human Rights festival. Book here Saturday 11 October, 1pm, Iveagh Gardents, Dublin.  Book here

Saturday 11 October, 3pm, Iveagh Gardens, Dublin.  Book here

Sunday 12 October, 1pm, Iveagh Gardens, Dublin.  Book here

Sunday 12 October, 3pm, Iveagh Gardens, Dublin.  Book here

Free Admission. Book online or tickets at door.

Memorial Monologues: The Path of Memory Part 2 by Mary Moynihan is a world premiere scripted from the words and stories of five brave and inspirational human rights defenders from around the world who were murdered because of their peaceful work defending the rights of others. Presented as a promenade, ‘walk-in-the-park’ performance blending theatre, poetry, and song, this unique show brings audiences through the Iveagh Gardens (Dublin’s secret garden, located close to St Stephen’s Green) to the Human Rights Defenders Memorial monument. The five human rights defenders whose stories feature in the performance are: FannyAnn Eddy (1974-2004), LGBTIQ+ activist, Sierra Leone; Daphne Caruana, (1964-2017),  journalist, columnist and blogger, Malta; Rosemary Nelson, (1958-1999), human rights lawyer, Northern Ireland; Marielle Franco (1979-2018), human rights activist and elected council woman, Brazil and Teresa Magueyal (1958 – 2023), woman searcher of disappeared people and a human rights defender, Mexico. Presented by Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality in partnership with Front Line Defenders.