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.

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.

Join us for a chat about ideas while having a pint. Meet new people, learn about new things and try something different.

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.

We’re also looking for new speakers from all kinds of backgrounds. Academics, writers, artists, researchers, comedians, creatives, or anyone deeply obsessed with a topic they love talking about.

If you’ve got an idea that could make for an unforgettable night in the pub, we want to hear it.