Let Them Eat Kebab

Let Them Eat Kebab 

The Great Famine is one of the most significant disasters to ever strike our island. We all know about how the British were unable—or unwilling—to help. But did you know that the Ottoman Empire, on the far side of Europe did? £1,000 and several crates of food, landed by Ottoman Sailors in Drogheda in 1845, provided some relief.

But this story has since become so much more. In 1922, James Joyce referenced the event in his seminal Ulysses. In 1995, a placard to commemorate this event was erected at the Drogheda Town Hall. In 2012, plans were announced to produce a film, starring Colin Farrell, on the subject.

Did any of this ever really happen? Discover the twisting tale behind this obscure historical event, help separate fact from fiction, and learn a little about how we think of ourselves.

Something different to do in Ireland?

Come spend an evening in the pub listening to fascinating talks, meeting interesting people, and diving into ideas you probably won’t hear anywhere else.

This is a live lecture and talk series taking place in pubs across Dublin, Belfast, Cork, and Galway. Every event features a different speaker and theme, covering everything from science, history, psychology, philosophy, politics, film, Irish culture, and bizarre internet rabbit holes to cinema breakdowns, existential questions, and strange moments from history.

One night could be about Dublin history, cult movies, or the psychology of personality. Another could explore black holes, political movements, philosophy, true crime, science fiction, or the weird side of human behaviour.

After each talk there’s a live Q&A, drinks, conversation, and a chance to meet new people who are curious about the world and up for a good night out that’s a little different from the usual pub routine.