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EPIC Exhibition - Common Ground: Ireland in the EU


Wednesday, 1 July 2026 - Thursday, 31 December 2026
About this event
Ireland joined the European Economic Community (EEC) – as the EU was then known – on January 1, 1973, after a referendum endorsed by 83% of voters. It was then among the poorest and most underdeveloped countries in western Europe, with a population just over half of its current size.
Ireland’s accession proved to be the most consequential economic milestone in the half century since Irish independence, but it also set in motion far-reaching social and cultural change. EU legislation has driven improvements in workers’ rights, for example, and set binding targets for climate action. Irish people have studied and built new lives across Europe, while many Europeans have since made their homes here in Ireland.

Lectures & readingsPop-up Talk: Orpen's Portrait of the Artist's Parents
More detailsTue, 21 Jul
National Gallery of Ireland




Dance & performing artsThe Wild Geeze presents The Hoes of Tralee
More detailsSat, 22 Aug
The Sugar Club
Lectures & readingsSeed Talks: Folklore, Female Aging & The Hag
More detailsSun, 26 Jul
The Sugar Club


Dance & performing artsMatilda the Musical
More detailsTue, 15 Sep - Sun, 18 Oct
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
