Culture Night returns for its tenth year this coming Friday September 18th and it’s great to see another brilliant line up for us food lovers! Below are the highlights.

Downstairs Dublin

The Irish Times are back in Georgian Dublin this year with ‘Soundbites’, a tantalising taste experience where as well as food, the menu will include topics of conversation. Participants will eat with a stranger and be led through a number of different questions and topics during the meal. It’s a chance to meet someone new, explore and engage, perhaps learn a little something – and eat something delicious of course

Rick Stein at Hodges Figgis

Legendary chef, restaurateur, cookery book author and television star Rick Stein will be in conversation with Newstalk’s Henry McKean in Hodges Figgis Dawson Street between 6 and 6.30pm. If you’re there in the afternoon you’ll catch the St. Patrick’s cathedral in choir at 3.30.

Bluefire on Smithfield Square

BlueFire will bring their Smithfield Summer Picnics to Culture Night, but with a twist. Bask in the glow of candlelight, enjoy live music, performances and workshops. Pack some delicious treats and join the fun on Smithfield Square for an evening under the stars!

Teeling Whiskey Distillery

As the first new distillery to open in Dublin in 125 years, the Teeling Distillery will open its doors to show visitors how the latest generation of Teelings are carrying on the family’s legacy which originally began in 1782 on Marrowbone Lane in the Liberties area of Dublin. Contact reservations@teelingwhiskey.com to book your place on the tour. Booking advised.

National Gallery of Ireland

The National Gallery of Ireland will be open late until 9.30pm for Culture Night 2015. The programme will feature guided tours, workshops, and a special performance of ‘Cotaí Dearga’ by the Ciotóg Dance Company. The Gallery’s cafe will also be open until 9pm offering tapas dishes at excellent prices, with three tapas for just €5.

Melt Apothecary

Irish hedgerows are full of health- boosting flowers leaves and berries. Meet the practitioners in Melt Apothecary in Temple Bar who use wild herbs and local plants and ask about their cultural significance and practical uses.

Italian Quarter Dublin

Experience some Italian food and wine culture with Wallace Taverna or why not try some salsa dancing on the street! As well as this there will be lots of food samples and live street performances.

Instituto Cervantes

Instituto Cervantes on Lincoln Place are offering visitors the opportunity to sample scrumptious Latin American and Spanish delicacies. Why not take in a special dance performance of Flamenco and Tango and, if you wish, join in! Show times are every hour on the hour, from 6 pm to 9 pm.