Posts filed under 'Dublin'
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.
March 26th, 2008
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.
March 18th, 2008
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.
March 12th, 2008
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
March 5th, 2008
Ron Black’s is all about socialising around food and drink.
Its city centre location makes it a convenient meeting place for locals and tourists and the split-level arrangement is exciting. The quality furnishings in Ron Black’s create a comfort zone; especially the lounge area at the rear of the ground floor bar and restaurant area. There is a variety of choice for a variety of moods and needs.
Whether you want to sit at the bar, people watch at the window or recline lazily on one of the couches at the rear, you can at Ron Black’s. You can even invite 150 of your friends to a party with its own private bar.
The restaurant area seats 200, making a lively atmosphere. The quality of the service is exceptional from a Europe-wide staff blessed with extra charm and courtesy.
The lunch menu combines excellent flavours with great value. Nothing on the food menu exceeds €10.50. If you have a soft spot for side orders such as delicious onion rings or cheese and garlic ciabatta. Main meals include beef cannelloni, Thai chicken curry, lasagne and Caesar salads, but even in these sophisticated circumstances, bangers and mash, fish and chips and burgers are also on offer. The younger members of the party will love them.
Sunday brunch comes highly recommended and the prices for evening meals do not drift upwards.
Ron Black’s is located opposite the Mansion House in Dawson Street.
March 4th, 2008
Pub chain Thomas Read has won the Best Multiple Operator award in the Irish Region at the Ireland & UK Theme Bar and Restaurant Awards 2008.
They were also nominated for Best New Bar, Best Drinks Selection and Best Bar Team.
The Best Multiple Operator Award was judged throughout all 32 counties of Ireland and the winners were announced on the 26th February in Belfast
All the winners automatically qualify as finalists for the Ireland & UK Theme Bar and Restaurant Awards Final. This takes place on the 17th June in London.
The Theme Bar and Restaurant Awards celebrates the best in the hospitality industry.
Now in their seventh year, they include four regional nomination parties and culminate in the Ireland & UK Final, where over 800 key professionals celebrate the dynamic and exciting industry.
The winners are chosen through a mixture of online voting, extensive canvassing of opinion from key regional contacts and mystery visiting. At the end of the process a winner for each category in each region is announced, with the four regional winners subject to further scrutiny and mystery visits prior to the announcement of the Ireland & UK Theme Bar and Restaurant Awards 2008 Winners on 17th June.
The four regions are: Ireland, Scotland, the South of England (covering everywhere south of Birmingham) and The North of England and Wales (this covers everywhere north of Birmingham and Wales).
The Thomas Read Group has successfully operated some of Dublin’s finest, cutting-edge and market-leading bars and restaurants.
Along with the original Thomas Read & Oak Bar, the group’s portfolio has expanded into different markets and includes popular venues such as Ron Black’s, The Bailey, Searsons, Lincoln’s Inn, The Globe, Ri-Ri, Pravda, Harbourmaster, Floridita Dublin, Thomas Read Smithfield, Thomas House, TRG Airport, Bodega Wine & Tapas Bar and Kingswood Country House.
They also run the Dawson Lounge, famed as the smallest bar in Dublin.
Recent additions including The Champagne Bar and The Winding Stair Restaurant & Bookshop prove the company’s commitment to leading the way in the food and drink sector.
The award winning Winding Stair Restaurant & Bookshop is situated on Lower Ormond Quay. Specialising in simple Irish cooking with an organic direction and extensive wine list, their latest award is the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand.
Its ‘unique’ atmosphere has been maintained and it still attracts many regulars who visit daily. The Winding Stair establishment is widely seen as one of Dublin’s hidden gems.
The Champagne Bar, located on the 1st Floor above Ron Black’s, is renowned for its large selection of Champagnes & Wines and its beautiful décor.
On the back of this, the Thomas Read Group has secured the ‘exclusive distribution’ rights for Henri Abelé Champagne in Ireland. This excellent Brut Traditional NV is true, highly-spirited champagne with distinctive floral aromas and a pleasing crispness.
With an expanding selection of venues, the Thomas Read group should expect even more success in the future.
February 29th, 2008
St Patrick’s Day is celebrated all around the world. However, for many it is simply a party, rather than a chance to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint. This is strange, because Saint Patrick had a dramatic life.
As a young lad of sixteen years he was captured by a band of raiders near Bologne in Gaul and taken with many others to slavery in Ireland. He was first brought to Mayo, but later sold to an Antrim farmer and he spent six years in captivity as a shepherd on Slemish Mountain.
One cold winter’s night, while Patrick slept, he heard a voice telling him “it is well that you fast, soon you will go to your own country” and a short time later the voice said to him “Look, your ship is ready”.
The spirit guided Patrick to the south of Ireland near Wicklow where he boarded a ship with a cargo of dogs bound for Gaul.
At this time an invasion of Gaul had left much of it desolate. Patrick and the crew of the boat wandered for 28 days until all food had run out. Patrick said to the crew “turn to God and he will provide” and suddenly a herd of pigs appeared and they had food once more. Patrick had performed his first miracle.
For a number of years Patrick wandered through Gaul. Conscious of his lack of formal training in theology and law he spent his time talking to and learning from the wise deacons and Bishops and soon he was made a Bishop in Rome.
He was lonely in Gaul so he went to visit his relations in Britain. While he was there he had another vision in which a man arrived from Ireland with many letters, including one for himself. The letter said “We ask you boy to come and walk once more among us”. Patrick was delighted and went to Ireland immediately.
The people of Ireland at this time were pagans under the influence of the Druids. Patrick had first to rid the country of these “magicians”. This is symbolised by the banishing of the snakes forever from Ireland.
He now set about converting the people to Christianity. His deep faith and belief in the Blessed Trinity made this doctrine a centre piece of his instruction. To help explain the mystery he used the simple 3 leaf shamrock to illustrate 3 persons in one God.
St Patrick died in 461. By this time he had created an established structured church throughout the country. His converts were across the entire social classes from Princes to slaves and many of his priests and deacons were from the youth of Ireland. He is still to this day the most famous figure in Irish history and is one of the best known figures throughout the Christian world.
February 27th, 2008
If you are looking for a traditional Dublin pub, there are few better choices than the Lower Deck. Situated canalside at Portobello, the Lower Deck has benefited from the infill operation at the harbour.
The pleasant paved civic area that has been created enhances the Lower Deck’s environment and also provides some shelter if you are a smoker.
While the harbour may have changed dramatically outside, inside the ambience in the Lower Deck is just as gracious, homely and comfortable as ever.
The black and white pictures of old Dublin at the entrance to the pub set the scene. The panelled mirrors and the dominance of timber have resisted the advance of modernity, but for one important exception – the TV screens. This intrusion is allowed because the clientele love their sport – especially the GAA teams Tipperary and Dublin.
It is an ideal venue for visitors seeking a live music scene and a party night out. A great range of musical tastes is catered for, with sing-along cabaret shows, plenty of rock music and traditional Irish music.
Inside or out life is good on the Lower Deck.
January 31st, 2008
Dublin Castle is one of the most important tourist attractions in Ireland, and has played an important role in Irish history throughout the centuries.
Construction began in 1204 and by 1230, Dublin Castle was largely complete. The original castle was of typical Norman design, with a defensive tower and each corner and a courtyard instead of a keep. Today, Record Tower is the sole surviving tower of the medieval castle.
The castle continued to evolve and change use over the years, acting as the seat of government, a prison, a royal residence and, its original purpose, a defensive fort.
Today Dublin Castle is a great tourist attraction and is also used to host state functions. The castle complex also hosts the Chester Beatty Library, which houses the manuscripts collected by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty.
No visit to Ireland is complete without visiting Dublin Castle – a remarkable building with a remarkable history.
January 29th, 2008
If you want Mexican food with a twist, look no further than Cactus Jacks.
This elegant and relaxed restaurant first opened in 2002 in Galway. Quickly growing in popularity, a second branch was opened on Millenium Walkway, Dublin three years later. The addition of the Belgard Square branch of the Cactus Jacks shows just how popular this restaurant is.
The menu in Cactus Jacks is always creative, combining consistency in food quality and colourful plate presentations. With superior service and a friendly atmosphere, this gives their guests a gracious, memorable dining experience.
At Cactus Jacks, all the staff pride themselves on offering an excellent alternative to the standard fare with a contemporary menu successfully combining the very best of authentic Mexican cuisine with more traditional dishes such as steaks and seafood.
Cactus Jacks, Millennium Walkway, Middle Abbey St Dublin 1 Tel - 01 8746198
Cactus Jacks, Belgard Square, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Tel - 01 4514111
Cactus Jacks, Courthouse Lane, Quay St. Galway Tel - 091 563838
January 24th, 2008
Leinster are preparing for their Heineken Cup clash at Leicester on Saturday 19th of January.
While the Leicester side is strong, Leinster coach Michael Cheika is confident they will be able to get a result.
He said: “What we’ve got to do is go up there and make sure we keep sowing a bit of doubt in
their minds in their home base, where they don’t lose very often.
“We’ve got to make sure we continue to play well…and try to sneak a win up there.”
Leinster’s preparations were given a boost with the news that both injury worries Shane Horgan and Ollie le Roux have recovered enough to be included in the squad. They will face fitness tests oon Thursday, but are expected to be at near 100%.
The full squad to face Leicester is:
Forwards (15): Cian Healy, Ollie le Roux, Ronan McCormack, Brian Blaney, Bernard Jackman, Stephen Knoop, Stan Wright, Leo Cullen, Trevor Hogan, Cameron Jowitt, Malcolm O’Kelly, Stephen Keogh, Keith Gleeson, Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip
Backs (12): Guy Easterby, Chris Keane, Felipe Contepomi, Jonathan Sexton, Luke Fitzgerald, Rob Kearney, Gordon D’Arcy, Christian Warner, Brian O’Driscoll, Gary Brown, Shane Horgan,
Girvan Dempsey
Ireland duo Gordon D’Arcy and Malcolm O’Kelly, need only three more appearances for Leinster to equal who both joined Reggie Corrigan’s record for the province.
Over 1,000 Leinster supporters are expected to travel to Leicester for the Heineken Cup match, which kicks off at 3.30PM at Welford Road.
January 16th, 2008
Jaipur, winner of the Best World Cuisine Award in 2004 counts celebrities such as Bono, Van Morrison, Pierce Brosnan, authors Maeve Binchy and Hugh Leonard among its satisfied customers.
Jaipur is an authentic Indian restaurant in the charming village of Dalkey, which nestles between Killiney Hill and the Dublin Bay coast. Everything on the menu celebrates traditional Indian cooking, no more than the special Gourmet Menu. Priced at €40 Euro per person, this includes eleven delectable items.
As well as using traditional ingredients, the chefs in Jaipur recreate authentic cooking methods. For instance, to produce the rustic smoked taste for the kebabs, the traditional Punjab wood charcoal method is used.
According to manager Poojary, the Jaipur menu: “reflects the confluence of flavours drawn from the four corners of the Indian sub-continent. We endeavour to cook each dish in its purest traditional culinary form with spicing levels determined by the customer or the talented chef, Sunic.”
Jaipur talented staff have interpreted Indian cuisine and reproduced it in the context of the contemporary Irish environment. The result is a cooking format along European lines which is a process of refining the sauces and producing distinctive layers of flavours for the palate. This detailed dedication is truly admirable.
Jaipur in Dalkey is open seven days a week from 5.30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Early bird specials are available from 5.30 to 7 p.m - three delicious courses for just €20.
January 8th, 2008
There’s still time to pick up some great gifts at the Temple Bar Christmas Market.
The markets are on every Saturday and Sunday in the run-up to Christmas. That’s the 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd of December. Each day’s trading runs from 9.3AM to 4PM.
The Old City area in Temple Bar is completely pedestrianised, so you can enjoy a wander about the cobbled streets,without worrying about traffic.
You will be able to get jewellery, beauty products, decorations and much more at the Temple Bar Christmas Market. If all that shopping gives you an appetite, enjoy a cup of mulled wine and lunch at one of the local cafes or bakeries.
December 13th, 2007
The Unicorn in Merrion Court is a famous name in Dublin’s restaurant scene, where it has served its citizens and visitors for over 60 years.
The Unicorn is an established rendezvous for the movers and shakers in society, especially for Saturday lunch when it is popular with political animals, media types, thespians, musicians and playwrights. It offers a lively contemporary atmosphere with a sure-fire sense of occasion and a fidelity to Italian cuisine which is “religious” in its intensity.
Proprietors Giorgio and Jeff, who acquired the restaurant in 1995 from the family who ran it for the previous 58 years, believe in hands on management. The details of the traceable origin of the food are included on the menu. They monitor the quality of the food and its regional origins in Tuscany, Lombardy or Piedmont.
The outdoor terraced section of the restaurant which makes the Merrion Court a most colourful scene is a smokers’ sanctuary par excellence. Weather permitting, al fresco dining is enjoyed by non smokers to.
The Unicorn is a highly successful business which has expanded to a piano bar in a separate building and thriving retail outlet for Italian food. The professional staffs, including chefs Paul Skelton and Brian Farren, enjoy a well earned reputation for friendliness and efficient service.
Book a table at the Unicorn to experience the excellent Italian cuisine.
November 28th, 2007
Celebrate the festive season with a visit to the Howth Ice Rink.
The Howth is Magic on Ice includes an all weather ice rink, refreshment stands and a free playground for younger children.
If you want a break from the ice rink, or can’t stay up on the ice, you can also enjoy the view of Howth harbour. See if you can see the seals.
Howth is Magic on Ice is open from December 14th to January 13th, from 12pm - 10pm during the week and 11am - 10pm at weekends.
Open hours
Adult - €15
Child Under 12 - €8
Family - €44
Students - €12
School Children - €8
Tiny Tots - €8
Spectators - €2 entrance fee
Enjoy a great day out with Howth is Magic on Ice.
November 22nd, 2007
From the moment you step into Poulot’s Restaurant in Donnybrook, Dublin, you are entering a comfort zone, designed so you can relax and enjoy your meal.
And you certainly will enjoy your meal. Charming though the environment may be, the food prepared and cooked by Jean-Michel Poulot surpasses everything. A speciality is a Japanese-style yellow fin tuna, while the loin of venison is wonderful and delicately flavoured.
Poulot’s is not cheap. How could cuisine of this calibre be so? But it is superb value. For sheer flair, its excellence will make any celebration memorable.
The imaginative dishes set Poulot’s in a class apart. Starters include rabbit loin served with basil risotto, pepper compote and sage butter or seared duck fois gras, served with fig compote, toasted brioche and vinegar syrup. Main courses like the fillet of barbary duck is worth ordering just for the buttered green cabbage with which it is served. Seafood dishes include spiced scallops or roasted fillet of sea bass. Both are highly recommended.
For good calorific value try Opera Carupano for dessert. It contains 70% cocoa chocolate fondant! A little of what you fancy indeed.
November 15th, 2007
Superstar diva Celine Dion will be appearing in Dublin on Friday 30 May 2008 as part of her European tour. She will perform at Croke Park, accompanied by operatic pop group Il Divo.
Tickets go on sale on Thursday 15th November, and are sure to sell out quickly. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Celine is one of the biggest selling artists in the world, with chart topping hits including “My Heart Will Go On” and “The Power of Love”.
‘Taking Chances’, is Celine Dion’s first English studio album in over 3 years and includes the single of the same name. The album is available now.
Celine’s 2008 European tour includes:
2 May - Manchester - M.E.N Arena
6 May - London - 02 Arena
13 May - Antwerp - Sportpaleis
14 May - Antwerp - Sportpaleis
16 May - Antwerp - Sportpaleis
19 May - Paris - Omnisports de Bercy
20 May - Paris - Omnisports de Bercy
21 May - Paris - Omnisports de Bercy
24 May - Paris - Omnisports de Bercy
25 May - Paris - Omnisports de Bercy
27 May - Paris - Omnisports de Bercy
30 May - Dublin - Croke Park
02 June - Amsterdam - Amsterdam Arena
05 June - Copenhagen - Parken
07 June - Stockholm - Globe
24 June - Zurich - Hallenstadion
09 July - Geneva - Stade de Genève
November 14th, 2007
There are many great wines - some that are known for the vibrant colour, some because they are bursting with flavour, some because of the pleasing packaging.
Beaujolais Nouveau stands out from the pack. It is a wine free of pretentiousness, without the complexities that may intimidate those new to wine tasting.
From Thursday 15th November, Beajolais Nouveau is available at La Mere Zou, in St Stephen’s Green, Dublin. You can book a table at this wonderful restaurant quickly and easily with DublinEvents.
Beaujois Nouveau is very much an ‘immediate’ wine, so don’t miss your chance to sample this year’s vintage.
November 13th, 2007
Perched comfortably on the banks of the river Dodder, Ashton’s is the restaurant you’ve been looking for.
By combining a quality menu with excellent atmosphere and convenience you won’t believe, Ashton’s seems almost to good to be true.
Ashton’s unique selling point is its address. Unlike other restaurants amid the jostle and traffic of the city centre Ashton’s is on the Clonskeagh Road; right in the heart of D6.
Convenience is the order of the day at Ashton’s, lying as it does within easy reach by many bus routes and the luas, or maybe even within the reach of a leisurely stroll – which you’ll certainly feel the benefit of after sampling their wonderful menu! There’s no better time to enjoy hearty local produce, especially since the food is so excellent.
When dining al fresco, you’ll find Ashton’s beautiful riverside garden to be one of the most unique, relaxing and atmospheric outdoor locations in the city.
Having recently refurbished their bistro and introducing a new seasonal menu, Ashton’s are a restaurant that is sure to be talked about for years to come, in fact, it’s already becoming quite the place to be seen among the city’s bold and beautiful, so you never know who you will be seeing propping up the bar or sitting down to dinner - unless you are there first.
For added convenience, you can reserve a table at Ashton’s with DublinEvents.
November 12th, 2007
Find out about the scandalous and fantastic lives of infamous criminals and other leading Dublin personalities from times past, in Hidden Dublin – Deadbeats, Dossers and Decent Skins by Frank Hopkins.
The author of Rare Old Dublin has produced a great collection of true stories from the murkier regions of Ireland’s capital.
Criminal incidents, accidents, whippings, beatings, jail escapes and hangings were all a regular feature of life in Dublin in the 18th and 19th centuries. In this gripping new collection of true stories, Hopkins creates a vivid picture of violent crime in Dublin’s past. He describes the poverty, soup kitchens, food riots, street beggars and workhouses that were part of life in the capital.
He also introduces us to the weird, wonderful, and often downright strange customs and pastimes of Dubliners stretching back to the Middle Ages. These included the ‘bearing of balls’ annual parade by the city’s bachelors and the ritual humiliation of would-be bridegrooms at the bullring - not so different from today’s stag nights!
Frank Hopkins grew up in Ringsend and now lives with his family in Rathfarnham. He contributes a twice-weekly piece on Dublin history and characters to the Evening Herald and is also the author of Rare Old Dublin, published in 2002.
Hidden Dublin is published in hardback for €20.
October 30th, 2007
Who would travel to Italy and not eat spaghetti?
Well, when you travel to Ireland you have to try the local speciality – boxty. And where better than Gallagher’s Boxty House, who specialise in this rustic dish.
Boxty is a traditional potato pancake. While the name comes from the Gaelic “Aran Bocht Ti” (meaning “Poorhouse Bread”) the chefs at Gallagher’s Boxty House have turned this simple dish into a wonderfully special and mouth-watering meal.
Gallagher’s Boxty House is situated along the old cobblestone streets of Dublin’s cosmopolitan Temple Bar district, and has made serving unique Irish food presented in a contemporary, European context a speciality.
The ambience is just right for a restaurant located in vibrant Temple Bar with live traditional and modern Irish music played every day.
Prices start from €9.95 to €12.95, making Gallagher’s Boxty House an ideal choice for a lunchtime meal, available from 12.00pm - 4.00pm). The Early Bird Menu offers great value at €15.95 for 2 courses or €18.95 for a three course meal, available from 4.30pm - 6.30pm.
You can also pick up a Gallagher’s Boxty House polo shirt, cigarette lighter or keyring as a souvenir of your visit to a restaurant that celebrates the finest traditions in Irish cuisine.
You can book a table at Gallagher’s Boxty House quickly and easily with DublinEvents.
October 29th, 2007
Versatile comic all-rounder Sean Hughes returns to his first love of stand-up with his latest show at Vicar Street on Saturday the 27th of October.
Although he’s been away from the stand up scene for some eight years, he hasn’t exactly been resting on his laurels. With TV appearances in The Last Detective and Never Mind the Buzzcocks, his own show on Channel Four and even a stint on the West End stage in a serious role – not to mention two critically-acclaimed novels under his belt – it’s not surprising that he’s had little time for stand up. But now he’s back and in fine form on his home turf.
Behind Sean’s crumpled, hangdog looks and laconic delivery lies a surprisingly acerbic wit that veers effortlessly from the sublime through the surreal to the ridiculous, with plenty of audience interaction thrown in to spice up the mix. A real veteran of the comedy scene (having been the youngest ever winner of the coveted Perrier Award), stand up is obviously Sean’s natural medium, and his innate confidence on stage gives his material a laid-back spontaneity that can’t fail to impress.
Age hasn’t mellowed Sean one bit: in fact, if anything it’s lent a slightly darker tinge to his act as he bemoans his lot as a still-unmarried fortysomething with a self-deprecating honesty that’s at times almost touching while remaining consistently hilarious. That’s not to say his show is entirely self-absorbed, however - he retains his sharp eye for topical gags as well, sending up the absurdities of modern life with some perfectly-crafted one-liners.
In his own words: “I used to work in a subliminal message tape factory. We were only paid £2 an hour but no one seemed to mind…”
If you want to see a comedy great at the height of his powers, check out Sean Hughes this Saturday at Vicar Street.
October 25th, 2007
Restaurant Six is a popular pre-theatre dining venue, just outside the Gate Theatre in Parnell Square.
Formerly part of Groom’s Hotel, the building is rich in tales of after-hours socialising by politicians. It recalls an unlamented by-gone era of gombeenism (loan sharking) which may be good for a laugh as you await your starter of spicy crab or enjoy a traditional dish of boiled bacon and cabbage served with rich parsley sauce.
Highly recommended is the scallion mash which is the complement for braised shank of lamb – a quality alternative to fish or steak. The mash tastes delicious, especially when mixed with the juice of the meat. That menu is available from 5.30 p.m. to 7.15 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.
The main evening menu is a different kettle of fish! The excellent choice of starters includes Dublin Bay prawns, battered mussels tossed in smoked bacon and parsley dressing or seafood chowder.
Surf and Turf provides an interesting combination for main course indulgence. Prawns are served with fillet of prime beef and make an excellent combination.
Fowl choice includes shredded roast duck (greatly enhanced by the hoi-sin sauce) and pan fried breast of chicken (stuffed with spicy chorizo sausage). Lamb and steak are also available, but the roast tail of monkfish with mussel and prawn provencal is truly special.
A thought has been spared for the vegetarian diner who can opt for a baked spinach and cherry tomato omelette which is served with tasty pan fried onion and herb fried potatoes. Access to Restaurant Six is through Hotel entrance.
October 24th, 2007
I’m just looking I’m not buying, I’m just looking keeps me smiling – yes the Stereophonics are back after two years away and will be touring Ireland.
They will be playing in Belfast on 27 November, Killarney on 28 November and Dublin on 29 November. Tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster.
The boys’ fantastic sixth album, Pull the Pin, written by Kelly Jones includes the lead single ‘It means nothing’ and will be released on 15 October. The album can be pre-ordered from HMV.
This tour really will be amazing – with so much energy stored up for two years, I’m sure they will blow us all away.
UK and Ireland Tour Dates - 2007
Mon 29 Oct Lincoln, University of Lincoln SU
Tue 30 Oct Dundee, Caird Hall
Sun 4 Nov Bournemouth, International Centre
Mon 5 Nov Brighton, Brighton Centre
Wed 7 Nov Manchester, MEN Arena
Thu 8 Nov Hull, Arena
Fri 9 Nov Sheffield, Hallam FM Arena
Sun 11 Nov Birmingham, NEC
Mon 12 Nov Birmingham, NEC
Tue 13 Nov Nottingham, Nottingham Arena
Thu 15 Nov London, Wembley Arena
Fri 16 Nov London, Wembley Arena
Sun 18 Nov Cardiff, CIA
Mon 19 Nov Cardiff, CIA
Tue 20 Nov Cardiff, CIA
Thu 22 Nov Newcastle, Metro Radio Arena
Sat 24 Nov Aberdeen, AECC
Sun 25 Nov Glasgow, SECC
Tue 27 Nov Belfast, Odyssey
Wed 28 Nov Killarney, INEC
Thu 29 Nov Dublin, RDS
October 8th, 2007
Kanye West may be the biggest name in hip hop for most of the world, but based on record sales, 50 Cent is the man in Ireland.
50 Cent vowed to stop making solo albums if Kanye West’s Graduation sold more than his own album, Curtis. In most countries, 50 Cent has been blown out of the water, except for Ireland.
So is Kanye West bringing his excellent live show to Dublin and Belfast to help him get a clean sweep?
He certainly deserves it. Kanye West’s brand of hip hop is more imaginative and political than Fiddy’s gangsta fodder.
In fact, Kanye West is a controversial figure in the US, never afraid to criticise the government or the macho posturing of the hip hop community.
If you haven’t heard Kanye West yet, this live show is a great chance to discover his music. Kanye puts on a great live show, and even if 50 Cent is more popular in Ireland, tickets are sure to sell fast.
Find out more about Kanye West in Dublin or Belfast. Or get tickets for Kanye West live from Ticketmaster.
September 24th, 2007
Previous Posts
