Dublin Events Blogs

Heineken Cup 2008 / 2009 Fixtures

The fixtures, dates, kick-off times and host broadcasters for the first four Rounds of the Heineken Cup 2008 / 2009 tournament were announced earlier today by ERC.

2008/9 Thomond Park Season Tickets Now on Sale

Munster fans are being advised that a limited number of Thomond Park season tickets have been put on public sale on www.munsterrugby.ie.

Add comment July 25th, 2008 admin
Posted in: Rugby

Munster Rugby News

Leamy out until Christmas

An operation on a shoulder will keep Denis Leamy out of action until end of November or early December.
The Tipperary man will undergo the surgery next Monday. Leamy had been troubled by the injury for past while and examination after the end of the tour to New Zealand and Australia confirmed the need for the surgery.

McGahan’s team nears completion

The announcement of Laurie Fisher as Munster Forwards coach, firmly ticked one of the boxes that remained open in Tony McGahan’s coaching staff.
Fisher, who was coach to the ACT Brumbies for the past number of seasons succeeds another Brumbies man, Jim Williams, and he (Fisher) returned to Australia the following day to put his affairs in order before returning to take up his new role alongside McGahan.

Munster U18 and U19 Summer Training

The nine week training programme is well underway at this stage, with the ultimate goal of identifying next season’s U18 and U19 Interprovincial sides.
The nine week programme will culminate with both camps taking part in an intense, week-long training session in Clongowes. Players from all over the province have been selected to take part in the training, which incorporates outdoor skill sessions and gym conditioning programmes utilising Munster Rugby resources.

Add comment July 11th, 2008 admin
Posted in: General

Munster Rugby News

McGahan In Place

Despite a gruelling long haul flight from Australia that eventually saw him, his wife and young family arrive at their Limerick home late afternoon Wednesday, new Munster coach Tony McGahan was at his desk in the Munster Rugby office at the University of Limerick, bright and early, yesterday morning.

Interested in Refereeing?

The Munster Association of Referees is giving you the opportunity to give back to the sport. Rugby referees enjoy the same benefits of the game as the players, but without the injuries!

MRSC Associate Membership 2008/2009

Membership Closes on Sunday! Have you joined the Munster Rugby Supporters Club yet?

Add comment July 8th, 2008 admin
Posted in: Rugby

Munster Rugby News

Good End To Busy Week

A week that began with Munster finding out who they’d play in the Pool stages of next season’s Heineken Cup ended with the announcement that Tony McGahan will be the person who will lead them into that campaign.

Thomond Park Update

The June instalment of the Thomond Park images have been added to the Photo Gallery. Work is advancing and running to plan.

Comyn in as Munster Branch IRFU President

Sunday Well’s Nicholas Comyn was named as the new President of the Munster Branch IRFU at the annual AGM at Sundays Well RFC in Cork on June 4th.

Add comment June 30th, 2008 admin
Posted in: Rugby

Dublin Horse Show

Dublin Events Prize

To celebrate the action packed Failte Ireland Dublin Horse Show, we have an exclusive prize up for grabs!

Enjoy a night’s stay for two people in Bewleys Hotel Leopardstown during the Show and a pair of tickets to the day of your choice.

Check out the competitions page to enter or follow the Competitions link.

The Show is packed with lots of exciting things to do – experience live music, marvel at the fashion of Evian Ladies’ Day, wander through the crafts and art exhibitions, shop at over 300 trade stands and visit the ultimate Kids’ and Nature Zones! Plus you will witness the best in national showing and show jumping!

The Failte Ireland Dublin Horse Show August 6 – 10

Join us this August…there is something for everyone!

Add comment June 18th, 2008 admin
Posted in: Horse Racing

Munster Rugby News

Ireland Undermined By Insider Knowledge?

Munster’s Ireland internationals in Melbourne could be excused for thinking about calling in the Fraud Squad ahead of the Test against Australia on Saturday morning.

Coaching and Development Office Update

Update on the Level 1 Coaching Course that took place at the end of May, and details of upcoming courses in Munster.

Munster Branch AGM Update

The Munster Branch AGM took place in Sundays Well RFC, Cork last Wednesday the 4th of June. The following officers have been elected for the 08/09 Season:
President: Nicholas Comyn (Sundays Well RFC)
Senior Vice President: Declan Madden (Garryowen FC)
Junior Vice President: Cyril Fitzgerald (Dolphin RFC)
Hon. Secretary: Frank Byford (Sundays Well RFC)
Hon. Treasurer: Jim Riordan (Old Crescent RFC)

MyMunster.com

Get connected with MyMunster.com and make friends with other Munster Supporters worldwide.

Connect Now

Add comment June 13th, 2008 admin
Posted in: Rugby

Munster Rugby News

Quinlan Facing Fitness Fight

Alan Quinlan faces a battle to be fit in time for Ireland’s second test against Australia and could return early if he is deemed not fit to be considered for the second game of Ireland’s tour.

Munster Rugby Summer Camps 2008

The countdown is on for the Munster Rugby Summer Camps, sponsored by Centra. Just over three weeks to go for the first venues in Cork and Limerick - have you booked your child’s place yet?

Don’t miss out on a great week of fun, learning new rugby skills and making new friends. Make sure you get to see the Heineken Cup as it visits all the Munster Rugby Camp venues!

Download Application Form

June 9th, 2008 admin
Posted in: General

Rugby news

Munster Rugby

Players Switch Focus

The Cork based Munster players slipped quietly through Cork International Airport on Wednesday afternoon en route to England where they assembled before flying to New Zealand.

The Sound of Silence

Can you hear the silence? They’ve stopped, you know. Who? The begrudgers, of course.

Shelbourne Dublin Events Competition

The Dublin Events team have been running a competition on our behalf on their website www.dublinevents.com over the past couple of months and we would like to extend a very warm welcome to the Dublin Events team on their visit to Shelbourne Park this evening.

The result of all their work is that 310 people are enjoying their visit to Shelbourne tonight and one of them will win the overall prize of Dinner for Four in our magnificent Dobbins Restaurant.

We hope all our guests have a fantastic evening with us and that many of them will return in the future to sample the unique entertainment package that is Greyhound Racing at the home of greyhound racing, Shelbourne Park.

We race here at Shelbourne every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday with doors opening at 6.30 p.m and racing commencing at 7.55 p.m.

Restaurant bookings can be made by ringing 1890 269 969 (1890 BOW WOW)

Add comment June 3rd, 2008 admin
Posted in: General

Munster Rugby News

Kidney Expects To Be Dealing From A Full Deck

Munster’s coach Declan Kidney expects to be dealing from a near full deck when he sits down with management next week to select his starting 22 for the Heineken Cup final clash with Toulouse.

Paint The Province Red

Calling all Businesses, Schools and Supporters……
Wear Red and show your support for Munster Rugby!

We want photos and good luck messages, so keep them coming - and show the team you are behind them!

Find Out More…..

Win 2 Tickets to the Heineken Cup Final

Connect with mymunster.com… and get your chance to win 2 Tickets to the 2008 Heineken Cup Final!

Enter Here

Add comment May 16th, 2008 admin
Posted in: Rugby

Munster Rugby News

Foley To Lead Munster
Squad announced for Munster’s final Magners League game of the 07/08 Season, against Glasgow Warriors in Musgrave Park on Saturday.

End of an Era

When John Kelly made his debut for Munster in September 1997, Anthony Foley already had three seasons in the red jersey under his belt. In this season that sees Munster nominated the number 1 club in Europe, both hang up their boots, 13 and 10 seasons respectively after they started, leaving the squad ever the stronger for their presence. Mark Woods remembers two of the legends of Munster rugby.

Video - Jason Holland

Jason Holland, Munster Rugby Video Analyst talks on the Munster View.

View Now

Add comment May 9th, 2008 admin
Posted in: General

Team to face Dragons.

IN THIS ISSUE

1. LEINSTER TEAM TO FACE DRAGONS
2. BUY YOUR TICKETS FOR TOMMORROW’S MATCH
3. BUY A SEASON TICKET FROM TUESDAY
4. BOOK YOUR OFFICIAL MICHAEL BUBLE CORPORATE HOSPITALITY

Leinster Team to Face Dragons:

—————————————————————–

The Leinster team to face the Dragons in the province’s final
home Magners League clash of the season at the RDS on Saturday
(KO: 6pm) has been named.
Ireland duo Trevor Hogan and Keith Gleeson return to the
starting line-up for the penultimate game of the season and
Gleeson’s inclusion will mark his final home appearance for the
province.

FULL STORY

Buy Your Tickets For Tommorrow’s Match
Join Us for our End of Season Blue Fiesta

Over 15,000 tickets have been sold for the final home game of
the Season against the Dragons tomorrow. Kick-Off in the RDS is
at 6pm. To mark the end of the Season, our annual end of Season
Party, in association with Magners League, will take place
directly after the match. Tickets are still avialable online, in
Spar Donnybrook, and at the gate…

FULL STORY

Buy a Season Ticket from Tuesday

Leinster Season Tickets go on general sale on Tuesday morning at
10am. Feel the Magic next Season and guarantee your place to see
all the action, with prices starting from e219…

FULL STORY

book Your Official Michael Buble Corporate Hospitality

Michael Buble, the multi-million selling artist, takes to the
stage in the intimate surroundings of Donnybrook Stadium on
Saturday 26th July 2008.

FULL STORY

Add comment May 6th, 2008 admin
Posted in: Rugby

Llanelli Looming

Strong Squad for Strategy

Munster will send their strongest possible squad to Wales for the weekend Magners League clash with Llanelli Scarlets, this being Munster’s third away game in the space of six days.

Junior Interprovincial Championship 2008

Round two of the Junior Interprovincial Championships and Munster take on their Ulster counterparts in Ballincollig RFC, Sat. 3rd May, ko 3pm.

IRB Rugby Ready Programme

The IRB Rugby Ready programme aims to support individual coaches, referees, players and Unions in preparing to play the game and with good practice models for physical conditioning, technique, injury prevention and injury management.

Add comment May 2nd, 2008 admin
Posted in: General

Leinster Rugby News

Leinster Rugby News Heineken Cup Kicks Off
Friday, April 25, 2008
Issue 169

In this issue:

1. LEINSTER SQUAD TO FACE DRAGONS NAMED
2. LEINSTER BEST SUPPORTERS IN MAGNERS LEAGUE
3. END OF SEASON FIESTA FOR THE DRAGONS
4. CONTEPOMI SUPPORTS CROSS CHARITY

Leinster Squad to Face Dragons Named
Shane Horgan Returns

The Leinster squad to face the Dragons in Saturday’s Magners
League clash at the RDS (KO: 6pm) has been named. Shane Horgan
returns to the panel and is included in a 27-man panel for the
province’s final home game of the season.

FULL STORY:
Newsweaver.ie

Leinster Best Supporters in Magners League

Celtic Rugby is pleased to confirm that Irish Province Leinster
have retained their title as ‘Best Supported Team’ in the
Magners League for 2007/’08.

FULL STORY:
Newsweaver.ie

End Of Season Fiesta for the Dragons

Over 15,000 tickets have been sold for the final home game of
the Season against the Dragons on Saturday. Kick-Off in the RDS
is at 6pm. To mark the end of the Season, our annual end of
Season Party, in association with Magners League, will take
place directly after the match.

FULL STORY:
Newsweaver.ie

Contepomi supports CROSS Charity

The registered charity, CROSS (CHY 389874) is an acronym for
Cancer Research of the Oesophagus and Stomach at St. James’s
Hospital. Supported strongly by the rugby playing community,
CROSS was set up in 2004 as a channel to provide funding for the
advancement of cancer research in Trinity College and St.
James’s Hospital and CROSS are delighted to announce that this
year’s rugby patron is the Leinster and Argentina
fly-half/centre, Dr. Felipe Contepomi.

FULL STORY:
Newsweaver.ie

Add comment May 2nd, 2008 admin
Posted in: Rugby

Munster Rugby News

O’ Callaghan’s Ricoh Return

Donncha O’Callaghan will be hoping to see his name listed among the 22 when Declan Kidney announces his side tomorrow for the return to the Ricoh Stadium for the Heineken Cup clash with Alan Gaffney’s Saracens on Sunday.

Tommy O’ Donnell

Munster Rugby Sevens Squad

A Munster Rugby select has been chosen to travel to this weekend’s Ondeo City of Stirling 7s Tournament.

Munster Juniors Begin Interpro Campaign

The Munster Junior Inter provincial team start their campaign on Saturday when they travel to Leinster, and with an unprecedented third grand slam in a row in the offing, they certainly will be aiming for a strong start.

Getting to the Ricoh Arena

Rugby fans have been advised to plan and confirm their travel arrangements ahead of the Heineken Cup semi-final showdown between Saracens and Munster. The Ricoh Arena are advising fans from both clubs to take the following information into account when planning their journey.

Add comment April 25th, 2008 admin
Posted in: Rugby

Rugby News

Dear Munster Fan,

Please note Munster v Ospreys is sold out. There will be no tickets available on the night.
Tickets for the Munster v Glasgow game on May 10th will be available to purchase from next Monday.

O’Gara Misses the Ospreys Game

Although there is no place for Ronan O’Gara in the Munster squad for Saturday’s Magners League clash with Ospreys (Musgrave Park 7.30pm), the out-half is reported to be making ‘good progress’ in his recovery from the knee injury he sustained against Leinster.

Player of the Year Awards

Lifeimi Mafi, Mick O’Driscoll, Ronan O’Gara and Alan Quinlan are the four players who will vie with one another for the top award at the Munster Rugby Awards that take place on May 10th next at Silversprings Moran Hotel in Cork.

Highfield’s Peter O’ Rourke Wins Volunteer Awards

Munster Rugby is delighted to congratulate Peter O’Rourke of Highfield RFC on becoming the latest winner of the Right Price Tiles Volunteer of the Month award.

Munster Rugby Golf Society

Munster Rugby Golf Society still have a limited number of spaces.
Joining fee for above is €75 for the year.

MRGS are glad to announce that the next outing will take place at Dundrum House Hotel on the 8th May. There are still a limited number of places available. If you would like to join or to come along as a guest on this occasion, please contact Caroline at
golf@munsterrugby.ie for details.

Add comment April 24th, 2008 admin
Posted in: Rugby

LEINSTER TEAM TO FACE EDINBURGH NAMED

IN THIS ISSUE
—————————————————————–

1. LEINSTER TEAM TO FACE EDINBURGH NAMED
2. BRIAN O’DRISCOLL SET TO WIN 100TH CAP
3. TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR FINAL MATCH OF THE SEASON
4. LEAD OUT LEINSTER
5. LEINSTER AWARDS BALL SOLD OUT
6. GUINNESS PRESENT SUPPORTERS WITH BODHRANS
7. LEOPARDSTOWN FAMILY RACE DAY
8. MCCABE BUILDERS SEAPOINT RUGBY CLUB BLITZ TO ATTRACT OVER 1,000
PLAYERS
9. TRAVEL TO LEINSTER V DRAGONS WITH AER ARANN
10. WALLPAPER OF THE WEEK - LEINSTER DEFEAT MUNSTER

—————————————————————–

—————————————————————–
Leinster Team to Face Edinburgh Named
—————————————————————–

The Leinster team to face Edinburgh in Friday night’s Magners
League clash at Murrayfield (KO: 7.30pm) has been named. Brian
O’Driscoll returns to the Leinster starting line-up and will
make his 100th appearance for the province.

FULL STORY:
http://newsweaver.ie/leinster/e_article001072436.cfm?x=bctjLqd,b4b01Ml4
—————————————————————–
Brian O’Driscoll Set to Win 100th Cap
—————————————————————–

Speaking ahead of what could be his 100th Leinster appearance,
Leinster captain Brian O’Driscoll said that he will be proud to
reach the landmark and the Clontarf man is looking forward to
getting back to competitive action for the Magners League
leaders.

FULL STORY:
http://newsweaver.ie/leinster/e_article001072128.cfm?x=bctjLqd,b4b01Ml4
—————————————————————–
Tickets Now on Sale for Final Match of the Season
—————————————————————–

Tickets are now on sale for the season finale against the
Dragons, on Saturday 3rd May at the RDS, Kick Off, 6pm.

FULL STORY:
http://newsweaver.ie/leinster/e_article001072552.cfm?x=bctjLqd,b4b01Ml4
—————————————————————–
Lead Out Leinster
Competition Result
—————————————————————–

The winner of the Leinster Cubs Competition to lead out Leinster
as Leinster mascot at the final home game of the season against
the Dragons is Adam Gibney from Co. Wexford. Click read more for
Adam’s entry…

FULL STORY:
http://newsweaver.ie/leinster/e_article001072446.cfm?x=bctjLqd,b4b01Ml4
—————————————————————–
Leinster Awards Ball Sold Out
—————————————————————–

The 2008 Leinster Rugby Awards Ball, set for Friday week is sold
out.
The gala evening, set for the Ballsbridge Inn, will see the
announcement of the Bank of Ireland Senior Player of the
Season…

FULL STORY:
http://newsweaver.ie/leinster/e_article001072137.cfm?x=bctjLqd,b4b01Ml4
—————————————————————–
Guinness Present Supporters With Bodhrans
—————————————————————–

Andrew Crawford from Guinness presented the Official Leinster
Supporters Club members with a huge number of bodhrans at the
recent Leinster v Munster game.
This most recent Guinness initiative follows on from the
Supporters’ Bus to Cork in November, and the recent meet the
players night in the Guinness Storehouse.
—————————————————————–
Leopardstown Family Race Day
20% Discount For Leinster Supporters
—————————————————————–

Join us at Leopardstown on the 20th of April for the first of
our 2 Family Fun Racedays.

Don’t forget to use your 20% Leinster Rugby discount when you
pre-book your tickets. Just call 01 2890500 and ask for Jane!

FULL STORY:
http://newsweaver.ie/leinster/e_article001072152.cfm?x=bctjLqd,b4b01Ml4
—————————————————————–
McCabe Builders Seapoint Rugby Club Blitz to Attract over 1,000
Players
—————————————————————–

All Ireland Junior Rugby Club Champions Seapoint Rugby Club are
delighted to announce that it will be once again hosting the
Annual Seapoint Blitz on Sunday 27th April and this special 20th
year of the competition will be sponsored by McCabe Builders.

FULL STORY:
http://newsweaver.ie/leinster/e_article001072156.cfm?x=bctjLqd,b4b01Ml4
—————————————————————–
Travel to Leinster v Dragons with Aer Arann
—————————————————————–

Following the confirmation this week of Friday 9th May as the
date for Leinster’s final game of the Season Away to Dragons Aer
Arann is delighted to announce a special flights offer for
Leinster Supporters. Depart Dublin at 8.25am on Friday 2nd May
and return from Cardiff, 12.30am on Sunday 4th May. Return cost
is e130 including taxe

To book your seat contact Amy at Leinster Rugby on 01 2693224,
email amy.murphy@leinsterrugby.ie [
mailto:amy.murphy@leinsterrugby.ie ] Places are limited so book
early to avoid disappointment.

FULL STORY:
http://newsweaver.ie/leinster/e_article001072169.cfm?x=bctjLqd,b4b01Ml4
—————————————————————–
Wallpaper of the Week - Leinster Defeat Munster
—————————————————————–

To download this week’s wallpaper of the week, Leinster v
Munster double, direct to your desktop click here [
http://newsweaver.ie/eletra/go.cfm?z=leinster%2C256548%2Cb4b01Ml4%2C931770%2
CbctjLqd ].

_________________________________________________________________
Published by Leinster Rugby (mailto:leinsternews@leinsterrugby.ie)
Copyright (C) 2008 Leinster Rugby. All rights reserved.
At Leinster Rugby, we only want to send you information which we
believe you will find interesting. If you want to join our
mailing list, that’s great but you will always have the option
of leaving at anytime you wish. If you know someone who would be
interested in Leinster Rugby, please forward this newsletter to
them.

Add comment April 24th, 2008 admin
Posted in: Rugby

Airport expansion to meet customer demand

Planning permission has been granted for the first phase of the terminal expansion at Ireland West Airport Knock. The airport expansion is due to be completed by the end of the year.

Currently, Ireland West Airport Knock can carry 500,000 passengers a year. When the new developments are completed, this should rise to 800,000.

The terminal expansion will include a new security screening area, an expanded check-in hall, additional departures capacity and enhancements to the baggage sorting facility.

There is also a second extension planned for 2009-2010, which will provide additional arrivals capacity and further develop the departures areas.

Add comment April 9th, 2008 admin
Posted in: Travel & Tourism General Ireland Derry Kerry Articles Transportation Airlines Places to Visit

Motorhome Aide de Service launched in Limerick

An Aide de Service - a specially designed service stop for motorhomes - has been launched at Askeaton in County Limerick.

Previously practically unheard of in Ireland, Aide de Services are common throughout the UK and the rest of Europe. According to current Aide de Service sites, they can bring in the benefits of tourist activity, such as increased business for local shops and restaurants.

The first official Aire de Service in Askeaton forms part of the Askeaton Pool and Leisure Centre Development and is close to the Tourist Information Point at Askeaton Civic Trust House.

Many tourists enjoy driving holidays in Ireland, touring the country in their motorhomes. Research has shown they tend to stay longer in the country, spend more money and travel to more rural locations.

An Aide de Service post will include some or all of the following: a fresh water fill point, waste water emptying point, chemical toilet emptying point, rubbish disposal facility and in some cases, even an electrical hook-up. Those using the service say it is an excellent way to meet fellow motorhome owners.

Add comment April 9th, 2008 admin
Posted in: Travel & Tourism General Ireland Limerick Articles Newsletters Transportation Places to Visit

The Gate to New York

Dublin’s own Gate Theatre visits the prestigious Lincoln Center Festival this July in New York.

Three prestigious actors, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes and Barry McGovern, will perform Samuel Beckett monologues as part of the Gate | Beckett portion of the festival. This will feature three works not originally conceived for the theatre: Eh Joe, I’ll Go On and First Love.

Eh Joe will star renowned Irish actor Liam Neeson in his debut role for the Gate. This powerful monologue has been described as one of the “greatest half hours in theatrical history”.

Barry McGovern will star in I’ll Go On, a one-man show based on Molloy, Malone Dies and The Unnamable. First performed at the Gate Theatre in 1985, this tour de force has toured worldwide to great critical acclaim.

First Love, Beckett’s darkly humorous post war novella, stars international stage and screen actor Ralph Fiennes with direction by Gate Theatre Director Michael Colgan. The 55-minutes which make up First Love will fly by thanks to Ralph Fiennes’ charismatic performance.

The Lincoln Center Festival is a great opportunity to increase the international artistic significance of the Gate Theatre. Visit www.lincolncenter.org for booking details.

Add comment March 27th, 2008 admin
Posted in: Travel & Tourism Events Theatres Venues General Ireland Articles Theatres

80 years at the Gate

In the 80 years since it opened the Gate Theatre has been a unique venue. It has only had two artistic directors in its time, a level of consistency not seen in any other theatre.

In 1991 the Gate was the first theatre in the world to show a full retrospective of Samuel Beckett’s 19 stage plays. The theatre has also been at the forefront of promoting Irish writing and acting talent.

Over the past 25 years, the Gate Theatre has continued to refurbish, improve and expand on the 18th century building it is housed in. This building has been an architectural focal point in Dublin for over 200 years.

This year sees the Gate celebrate 80 years since it opened its doors as a theatre. Don’t miss the programme of plays and talks to mark this momentous event.

Add comment March 26th, 2008 admin
Posted in: Travel & Tourism Events Entertainment Theatres Venues General Ireland Dublin Articles Theatres Places to Visit

Trastevere – the Med comes to Temple Bar

Trastevere is an iconic restaurant in Dublin’s Temple Bar. The white timber chairs enhance the genuine Mediterranean atmosphere, and you can even be serenaded by a virtuoso busker while you dine.

Of course, the menu is the most important thing. And Trastevere more than delivers. There is a great selection of starters, including mozzarella-topped garlic bread, wild mushrooms, calamari and mussels. You can also build your own pizza, from an extensive list of ingredients. If you’d prefer something simpler, the set pizzas are also delicious.

You will be spoiled for choice if you decide to have pasta at Trastevere. There are more than a dozen varieties, including classics like spaghetti and ravioli.

As you would expect from an Italian restaurant, the wine list is designed to appeal to all tastes. The waiters will also be happy to recommend the best wine to compliment your meal.

If you want classic Italian cuisine, in a beautiful family run restaurant, you will be hard pushed to find anywhere better than Trastevere in Dublin.

Add comment March 20th, 2008 admin
Posted in: Travel & Tourism Entertainment Food and Drinks Restaurants Cafes General Ireland Dublin Articles Places to Visit

The Designer Mart

Every Saturday from 10AM - 5PM, The Designer Mart will showcase the work of over 30 Irish and Irish-based designers.

This is a great chance to see beautiful handmade creations in the areas of fashion, furnishings, crafts and visual arts.

The Designer Mart at Cow’s Lane, Temple Bar will run on every Saturday from March 22nd.

Add comment March 18th, 2008 admin
Posted in: Travel & Tourism Events General Ireland Dublin Articles Places to Visit

Dublin in the 19th century

The 19th century was a period of great change for Dublin. By 1800 the population of Dublin had risen to around 180,000. To meet the needs of the growing population, fever hospitals were opened in Dublin in 1803 and 1804. The most common fever was typhus, sometimes called gaol fever, because it was so common in prisons.

In the early 19th century several new bridges were built across the River Liffey to improve transportation in Dublin. O’Donovan Rossa bridge was built in 1813; Ha’Penny Bridge (also called Liffey Bridge) opened in 1816 and Kingsbridge opened in 1828. This later had its name changed to Heuston bridge). Queen Victoria bridge, now Rory O’More Bridge was built in 1859. The Royal Canal was opened in 1817.

A column with a statue of Nelson on top was erected in 1808. It was destroyed in the 1960s. In 1855 the fair which had been held each year since the 13th century was stopped. In 1825 St Mary’s Protestant Cathedral was built.

In 1824 a gasworks was built in Dublin and gas was used to light the streets from 1825. The first electric lights in Dublin were switched on in 1881 but electric light was a rare novelty until the early 20th century. In the early 19th century sewers were laid but only in the middle class districts (poor areas could not pay the necessary rates). The sewers were extended in the 1850s, 1860s and 1870s.

The railway reached Dublin in 1834 when a line to Kingsbridge was built. Horse drawn buses began running in Dublin in 1840. They were followed by horse drawn trams in 1872.

From 1838 there were workhouses in Dublin where the destitute were fed and housed. During the potato famine they were overwhelmed by the numbers fleeing starvation in the countryside. Soup kitchens had to be set up in the streets to try and feed them. Although the population of Ireland fell sharply after the famine the population of Dublin actually rose because of the number of starving people fleeing to the city.

In 1853 an industrial exhibition was held in Dublin on Leinster Lawn. The Zoological Gardens opened in Phoenix Park in 1830. Portobello Gardens opened as a park in 1839. A Natural History Museum opened in 1857. The National Gallery of Ireland opened in 1864. The National Museum of Ireland opened in 1890. The Gaiety Theatre opened in 1871. In 1882 a memorial to O’Connell was erected in O’Connell Street.

The Catholic University was founded in 1845. Catholics were allowed to attend Trinity College after 1873 but the Catholic church disapproved of Catholics going there. Glasnevin Catholic cemetery opened in 1832. In 1892 a new fruit and vegetable market opened and in 1897 a new fish market opened.

Add comment March 12th, 2008 admin
Posted in: Travel & Tourism General Ireland Dublin Articles Newsletters Places to Visit Guided Tours

Rock, paper, scissors champion to go to Olympics

You can win a trip for two people to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing by entering the Budweiser Rock Paper Scissors Championships.

From Thursday 6th March, contestants will bravely risk hand cramps, broken nails and psychological exhaustion in their bid to become the Budweiser Rock Paper Scissors Champion of Ireland.

The champion will go on to represent Ireland at the 2008 Olympic Games (as a spectator).

Speaking at the launch of the Championship, Diageo Head of Lagers, Niall Tracey said “There is a real sense of excitement about this championship. It’s the first of its kind in Ireland and we hope to find a worthy Budweiser Rock Paper Scissors Champion, and of course have a lot of fun along the way. We will be looking out for someone with real agility and stamina that will be able to compete against the best”.

Matti Leshem, Commissioner of the USA Rock Paper Scissors League said: “With the support of Budweiser, we are excited to take Rock Paper Scissors to the international stage in 2008 and expect Ireland to produce a talented field. Rock Paper Scissors is a game of strategy and skill, and competitors will not be able to rely on the ‘luck of the Irish’ to become the country’s Rock Paper Scissors champion!”

The Rock Paper Scissors championships will take place in 64 pubs in the Dublin area throughout March and April. Players will compete in a knock-out tournament, on a best of three matches basis, until there is one left standing.

Any competitors may want to take note of some practical advice from the USARPS League: Rock is the most common opening move, and also the move used most often in times need. Paper is considered to be a passive move, but it still defeats rock. Scissors is the favourite of more cerebral players.

If you want to represent Ireland at the Olympics, now is the time to get practising. No-one wants to risk finger strain during the championships.

Find out more at http://www.usarps.com

Add comment March 5th, 2008 admin
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