Posts filed under 'Travel & Tourism'
See the home-grown talents of Mr Damien Rice and some very special guests over the bank holiday weekend on 25 August in Dublin’s Marlay Park.
The gig in Dublin will take place come rain, hail or shine and the organisers are advising fans to “dress appropriately”. So pack your wellies, sunglasses and waterproofs and book your tickets for this melodic music event now.
It’s refreshing news that Damien and co are tough enough to perform whatever the weather. All too often the plug is pulled on an outdoor gig because of the weather and there’s nothing worse than looking forward to a music event only to hear it’s cancelled a few days before.
Damien is tough though, after splitting from rock band Juniper (now Bell X1), busking around Europe and gigging live in coffee bars around Dublin he has now found success with albums O and 9, tracks from which he’ll perform at the music event in Dublin at Marlay Park.
The line up for this live music event in Dublin’s Marlay Park looks a bit like this:
- KT Tunstall
- Guillemots
- Willy Mason
- Fionn Regan
Find out more about the gig in Dublin over at our main site, dublinevents.com
Or book now!
July 30th, 2007
Innovative circus performer Kwabana Lindsay ensured Circus Week got off to a flying start on Sunday with his amazing aerial acrobatic show ‘Fiddler on a Rope’. The audience were amazed by his challenging, dangerous stunts.
Circus Week forms part of the annual Diversions Festival and will see the streets and public spaces of Temple Bar transformed into a circus arena for 7 days of spectacular outdoor performances from Irish and international circus acts including acrobatics, trapeze, magic and stilt walking performances throughout the week. Highlights include:-
· The premiere of a new walkabout circus performance called ‘The Sommelliers’ from UK circus pioneers Bongo Bolero;
· The Italian Kerrymen known as the Fanzini Brothers new show ‘Deathwish’; and
· A one-day extravaganza of Irish circus throughout the streets of Temple Bar (Sunday 22nd, from 1pm).
Plus lunchtime performances in acrobatics, trapeze, magic and stilt walking throughout the week!
Even better, all events are FREE.
July 16th, 2007
The idyllic grounds of Stradbally Hall may not seem like the most obvious place for a music festival, but since 2004 the Electric Picnic has brought some of rock’s biggest names to these rolling fields.
Since it began as a one-day event, the Electric Picnic has always been unique among music festivals. And not just because of the mix of music.
At the Electric Picnic, you can enjoy the 24-hour cinema, watch some great plays, get a makeover in the Pamper Palace and even fire off a few rounds at paintball.
If you’ve ever thought festival food consisted of dodgy kebabs and burgers, the Electric Picnic will change your mind. There is plenty of high quality, organic food, including mouth-watering barbequed steaks.
All the traders at the Electric Picnic will be using Fair Trade ingredients where possible and the festival is doing all it can to become carbon neutral.
This year the Electric Picnic has teamed up with Act for Climate. Their ‘Adopt a TD’ scheme will help ensure Ireland’s politicians get the message about global warming.
The Electric Picnic could well be the world’s most ethical music festival. Looking at the line-up, it will also be one of the most entertaining.
The 32,500 fans who were lucky enough to get tickets for the Electric Picnic’s three-day weekend will get to see an unbelievable range of acts.
Other festivals may say they have a diverse line-up, but few can compare to the Electric Picnic. It’s not often you get to see Iggy Pop play on the same bill as the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.
The festival has always made a point of including many up-and-coming acts, making it a great stepping stone for younger bands. It also features classic acts such as Sonic Youth, ensuring there is an older audience compared to other festivals.
The Electric Picnic runs from the 31st of August to the 2nd of September.
July 11th, 2007
Over 80,000 fans enjoyed a weekend of music and mud at the Oxegen festival.
The Killers brought the weekend to a close, with a storming set. Their brand of indie rock had the whole of Punchestown Racecourse bouncing.
Saturday was headlined by Snow Patrol and Muse. Snow Patrol were given a heroes welcome, for what was treated as a homecoming.
Over the last year, the Northern Irish band have become one of the biggest acts in the world, and few bands could have followed them.
Fortunately, Muse were the perfect choice.
Their flamboyant art-rock is made for festivals, and Muse brought Saturday to a close with a bang.
The eclectic mix of music meant Oxegen had something for everyone. Tori Amos drew an appreciative crowd, which enjoyed her experimental piano ballads. At the other end of the musical spectrum, the Wu Tang Clan also thrilled their fans, proving they are the kings of gangsta rap.
The Gossip, Scissor Sisters, Avril Lavigne and Mika were all making their first appearance at Oxegen, but they all played liked festival veterans.
This year’s Oxegen festival also saw many acts returning to Punchestown. Razorlight, The Kooks, Maximo Park and Daft Punk were all given a warm welcome by the fans at Oxegen.
If the 100 bands weren’t enough for you, the festival featured some of Ireland’s best comedy talent in the Laughter Lounge tent. There was also a fun fair and, thanks to the less than ideal weather, plenty of opportunities to enjoy mud wrestling and mud slides. In fact, anything that involved mud.
But the rain couldn’t dampen spirits, and no doubt people have already started counting down to Oxegen 2008.
July 9th, 2007
Dublin has a lot to offer throughout the year, and summer probably has more than its fair share of events to entertain visitors and locals.
There is fun for all the family at the various Activity Days. Throughout July, venues around Dublin will be hosting a selection of live music, circus workshops, puppet and magic shows, face painters and bouncy castles.
Each activity day starts at 3 pm and they will be on at:
1st of July at Bunting Road
8th of July at Fairview Park
22nd of July John Paul Park
29th of July Johnstown Park
And that’s not all. There is a great range of concerts throughout the summer. The Lunchtime Concerts series is on at 1 pm – 2 pm and features:
The Army Band – 4th July – Merrion Square
The Garda Band – 10th July – Herbert Park
Mary McEvoy & Friends – 11th July – Civic Offices
Avondale – 18th July – Wolfe Tone Park
The Niall Toner Band – 25th July – Civic Offices
Crofton Folk Band – 1st August – Herbert Park
If you have the energy for shopping after all that, you should see the Smithfield Summer Market. Opening in August 3rd, this is the biggest open air market Dublin has ever seen.
As well as stalls selling something for everyone, the Smithfield Market hosts street entertainment and kids’ activities. There is also a picnic area so you can relax.
The Smithfield Summer Market is open every Friday and Saturday until September 1st.
If you want a taste of the exotic, the Eurocultured Festival is sure to satisfy you.
This free festival features the best in European art, dance, music, performance and cuisine at Smithfield Plaza on Saturday August 18th.
Over 150 top performers from across Europe will be coming to Ireland for the Eurocultured Festival. Expect to see street art, flamenco dancing, DJs, live music, workshops and much more.
The summer in Dublin is always filled with activities, and there is a lot more to do in 2007 as well as the options here.
June 25th, 2007
Situated canal side in Portobello The Lower Deck in the upper echelons when it comes to the traditional Dublin pub.
A pleasant paved civic area in Harbour Square enhances The Lower Deck’s environment.
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. In fact there is only one important exception – the TV screens.
This intrusion is allowed because the clientele love their sport and especially the G.A.A. teams of Tipperary and Dublin.
The floor area is not like the big pubs in which you could land a jumbo jet no bother. The Lower Deck opts for intimacy, with comfortable enclaves which cater for groups of 8 to 10 people. It is an ideal venue for visitors seeking a live music scene and a party night out.
From Wednesday to the weekends the diversity of music tastes is catered for with sing-along cabaret shows, plenty of rock music and the monthly traditional Irish music showcase.
Tasty sandwiches are available at lunchtime. If you are a smoker, you can enjoy the relaxation of the square which was once a harbour.
Inside or out, life is good on The Lower Deck.
June 22nd, 2007
The Dublin Woollen Mills is a landmark surrounded by other landmarks. The Halfpenny Bridge, a quintessential symbol of Dublin, is adjacent to the shop.
Just outside the Dublin Woollen Mill is the statue which has become known as “The Hags With The Bags”, thanks to the Dublin trait of gentle and affectionate slagging of public art.
“The Hags With The Bags” shows two shoppers, resting after their session of retail therapy. The statue is now as much a part of the local scenery as the Dublin Woollen Mills.
The Dublin Woollen Mills has been in the ownership of the Roche family for 118 years, covering four generations. The current manager, Valerie Roche, takes pride in the fact that the business has remained uniquely Irish for so long.
Dubliners and tourists frequent the Dublin Woollen Mills seeking the highest quality tweed, fabrics, knitwear and haberdashery. Larger customers include businesses in the dress-making industry.
The Dublin Woollen Mills has survived many economic changes over the past century, and seen some new landmarks appear in Dublin.
It is sure to see a lot more in the future.
June 22nd, 2007
Dublin Zoo is due to unveil the Kaziranga Forest Trail. This habitat has been purpose built for the Zoo’s Asian elephants, including the new addition to the elephant family.
On Monday 7th May, Bernhardine gave birth to a healthy female calf, the first baby elephant to be born in Ireland!
Although the birth took place in total darkness in the early hours of the morning, keepers monitored the process using special infrared CCTV cameras.
The calf took her first steps within ten minutes of the birth, delighting keepers and all the other staff at Dublin Zoo.
The Director of Dublin Zoo, Leo Oosterweghel, said: “We could observe the other elephants, Yasmin and Anak, offering their support to Bernhardine and taking great interest in the calf. We are all delighted with the birth of our healthy baby elephant and there is a real buzz of excitement in the zoo.”
The Kaziranga Forest Trail habitat is due to be opened during the next few weeks, when visitors will be able to see all the zoo’s Asian elephants.
The new calf is sure to prove popular with visitors. She is yet to be named but lots of suggestions have been made.
June 12th, 2007
The seventh and final section of the Royal Canal Way takes walkers on a peaceful trek through the beautiful natural surroundings lying between Riverstown Bridge and Moran’s Bridge in Mullingar. This section of the walking route is located in County Westmeath in the Leinster province. Walkers will have to cover a considerable distance of fourteen kilometres in order to finish walking on this walking trail. There is little climbing to be done here so most walkers shouldn’t need more than four hours to get to the end of this trail. The surface terrain of this walking route is mostly composed of grassy bank. The harbour at Mullingar is notable for the fact that it is divided into two parts by Scanlan’s Bridge.
April 2nd, 2007
Hill of down is the place walkers need to be at to start the sixth section of the Royal Canal Way. This section ends at Riverstown Bridge. For this section of the walking trail, walkers will take in the delightful views of County Meath in the Leinster province. This section of the walking route is also easy like the previous sections and doesn’t any difficult climbing. Walkers will have to cover a distance of a little over ten kilometres. Three and a half hours should prove to be enough time for them to get from start to finish of this section. The surface terrain of this section of the Royal Canal Way consists of road and track. There is a wooded demesne called Hyde Park near D’Arcy’s wood. The old canal boats on D’Arcy’s bridge remind newcomers of the Leech family who were the last traders to work on the canal before its closure. Walkers will be able to view a fine harbour at Thomastown that owes its existence to the widening of the canal here. From this point onwards, there are two towpaths to follow on both sides of the canal. The southern path is even good enough for driving vehicles.
March 30th, 2007
The fifth section of the Royal Canal Way stretches from Enfield Bridge to Hill of down. This section is located in County Kildare in the Leinster province. This section is also easy to complete for most walkers and extends over a long distance of fifteen kilometres. There isn’t much climbing involved on this section. Walking at a normal pace, walkers should be able to complete this section of the walking trail in less than four and a half hours. The walking terrain of this route is comprised mostly of grassy bank and to a lesser extent, track and road. Those with a passion for angling will want to check out the fishing competitions at Enfield Harbour. Stretching from here to Moyvalley, walkers will be thrilled with the attractive line of trees that is unmatched in its beauty on the whole canal.
March 29th, 2007
The fourth section of the Royal Canal Way is located between McLoughlin Bridge and Enfield Bridge. This section is also located in County Kildare in the Leinster province. This is an easy walking route with little or no climbing to do. This section of the walking route requires the walkers to cover a distance of about nine kilometres. Three hours should be more than enough to complete this section of the Royal Canal Way. Walkers will have to pass through Cappa Bog on this walking route. There is a waterway here located between the 17th Lock and the Cloncurry Bridge. This waterway looks quite attractive thanks to the lining of trees along it. This walking route lies on the south bank of the canal. From Cloncurry bridge ahead, walkers will be walking along the canal for about a mile. After that, the road turns into a shaded area with trees and enters Enfield.
March 28th, 2007
The third section of the Royal Canal Way takes walkers on a short journey through the beautiful countryside of County Kildare in the Leinster province. This section starts from Maynooth Harbour and ends at McLoughlin Bridge. This is an easy walking route with very little climbing. Walkers will have to cover a distance of about ten kilometres on this section of the walking trail. Most walkers won’t need more than three hours to finish walking on this route. This section is located on the north side of the canal. Most of the walking surface on this section of the walking route consists of grassy track. The canal comes to a close after Chamber’s Lock. The innumerable trees here make it quite difficult to see Kilcock.
March 27th, 2007
The second section of the Royal Canal Way begins at Cope Bridge Leixlip Confey Station and ends at Maynooth Harbour. This section is located in County Kildare in the Leinster province. This is an easy walking trail with not a lot of climbing involved. This section stretches to a distance of seven and a half kilometres. Most walkers will be able to finish walking on this route in about two and a half hours. This track is located on the north side of the canal. The surface terrain of this walking trail consists of track and grassy bank. Carton House is located on this route. This house is known to be the former seat of the Dukes of Leinster. Tourists will be delighted to check out the rich culture and heritage evident in the architecture and artefacts of this house.
March 26th, 2007
The Royal Canal Way is a fine walking trail that stretches over a long distance of seventy seven kilometres. This walking route is divided into seven sections. Each of these sections can be completed in a half day of walking. The Royal Canal Way starts at Ashtown and ends in Mullingar. The first section of this walking path consists of the stretch between Ashtown and Cope Bridge Leixlip Confey Station. This section is local to County Dublin in the Leinster Province. It is an easy walking route with little climbing that will involve walking over a considerable distance of eleven and a half kilometres. Healthy walkers should be able to complete this route in about three and a half hours. Most of the walking terrain on this trail consists of track. Walkers will find it interesting to know that the canal passing between Coolmine and Clonsilla was actually cut through the solid limestone of Carpenterstown Quarry. There are plenty of trees to be seen on the banks of Deep Sinking.
March 21st, 2007
The tenth and final section of Barrow Way starts from Graiguenamanagh and extends all the way to St. Mullins. This last section of the Barrow Way is located in County Carlow in the Leinster province. The difficulty grading of this walking section is easy with not much climbing involved. This section is relatively shorter with only eight kilometres to traverse. Walkers will be able to easily complete this route in about three hours. The walking terrain on this route is largely comprised of grassy track. Walkers can look forward to a relaxing walk by the riverside on this trail. The landscape surrounding this walking trail mostly consists of forest, farmland and small dams called weirs. Bahana Wood and the Scar are two forests that walkers will see on this route. At Graiguenamanagh, walkers can view a bridge dating back to the 1760’s. This bridge was built to replace a 15th century stone bridge. The thirteenth century Abbey of Duiske is a well known attraction in Graiguenamanagh. Walkers will find Tinnahinch Castle located beside the lock to also be an interesting place to visit.
March 20th, 2007
The ninth section of Barrow Way starts from Goresbridge and ends at Graiguenamanagh. This section is perfect for getting acquainted with the beautiful sights and sounds of County Carlow in the province of Leinster. Average walkers will find this section to be pretty easy. There is very little climbing to be done on this route. This section of the Barrow Way stretches over a long distance of fourteen and a half kilometres. Most walkers should be able to finish this walking trail in about four and a half hours. This trail provides walkers with an opportunity to enjoy some riverside walking that will surely have a calming influence on their minds troubled by everyday worries. The walking terrain on this route consists mostly of a grassy track. Walkers will be intrigued to know that the bridge at Goresbridge dates back to 1756 when it was built. This village is named after the Gore family. Barrowmount House used to be the residence of this family. Borris Demesne is linked to the MacMurrough Kavanagh family. This family is said to be the descendents of the kings of Leinster. Walkers can also witness the ruins of Ullard House and castle near the Ballinagrane Lock.
March 19th, 2007
The eighth section of Barrow Way is a delightful walk from Leighlinbridge to Goresbridge. This section is also located in County Carlow in the Leinster province. This is an easy section to enjoy walking with a minimum of climbing involved. The distance to be covered on this walking trail amounts to thirteen and a half kilometres. Walkers can expect to spend about four and a half hours in order to finish walking on this route. Like most sections on the Barrow Way, the majority of the eighth section is also comprised of grassy track. If walkers feel a need to enter Bagenalstown, a walk along the canal bank will take them there. The Leighlinbridge is the oldest bridge on the river that dates back to 1320. Going downstream, a hill will become visible after a short distance on the west side of the Leighlinbridge. This hill is known as the Dinn Righ and it is thought to have served as the ancient seat of the Kings of Leinster. Mount Leinster’s magnificent view will once again become visible once walkers have been walking a few minutes out of Leighlinbridge. The west bank of the river is home to the Dionn Ri hill fort.
March 16th, 2007
The seventh section of Barrow Way begins in Carlow and ends when walkers reach Leighlinbridge. This section introduces walkers to the sights and sounds of County Carlow in the Leinster province. This is an easy section with little climbing involved. A distance of eleven kilometres will have to be covered by the walkers on this track. Walkers shouldn’t have much difficulty in completing this walking trail in less than four hours. Almost half of the walking terrain on this route consists of grassy track. This path takes walkers across the county border into County Laois. There is a house called Locks located here where accommodation can be found. The river here is divided by an island adorned with a good number of trees. Once the walkers are past this island, Mount Leinster will come into full view. Walkers will appreciate seeing the Clogrennan Weir here. This weir is a small dam and it is the only naturally occurring one of its kind on the Barrow Way. Walkers can also witness the ruins of Clogrennan Castle on the west bank here. Also located close by is the Cloydagh Church dating back to 1805.
March 15th, 2007
The fifth section of the Barrow Way takes walkers on a hike from Athy to Maganey Bridge. This section takes the walkers back to County Kildare in the Leinster Province. This route is graded as easy to walk due to the minimal climbing involved here. Walkers will need to cover a distance of about ten kilometres on this route. The estimated time required to complete this walking trail is approximately three and a half hours. Most of the walking terrain on this route is composed of grassy track. The lock gate at the 28th Lock must be crossed with the utmost care to avoid any unfortunate accidents. White’s Castle dating from 1506 is located beside the Athy Bridge. The thirteenth century Woodstock Castle is also located not far away from here. Walkers can visit a Celtic ring fort near the Tankardstown Bridge. After passing the railway bridge, walkers will find themselves on a path following the canal. There is an island here between the canal and the river. Thistle is abundant on this island. The canal is brimming with goldfinches and reed warblers. There is a bridge providing access to the island. While walking towards Levittstown Lock, walkers will enjoy the boreen where lots of young trees can be found by the canal side. Those interested in architecture will surely love the Meganey Bridge that is made from stone and features seven arches.
March 13th, 2007
The fourth section of the Barrow Way involves trekking on the route located between Vicarstown and Athy. This section of the walking path is located in County Laois in the eastern region of the province of Leinster. The route is quite easy to complete and extends over a distance of eleven kilometres. Steep climbing is pretty much non existent on this track. Walkers should expect to spend three and a half hours walking on this route to finish it. Majority of the walking terrain on this section of the Barrow Way consists of grassy track. Once walkers leave Vicarstown behind, they will be greeted with nice views of Kilteale Hill, Hewson Hill and Bawn Hill. The countryside in this area is fairly flat. The majestically magnificent Bert House can be seen after the walkers are beyond Bert Bridge. This huge Georgian mansion is divided into seven bays.
March 12th, 2007
The third section of the Barrow Way begins from Monasterevin and ends at Vicarstown. Like the previous section, this section is also located in County Kildare in the Leinster province. It’s an easy walking route where climbing is almost non existent. With a distance of twelve kilometres, this walking trail will need about four hours to complete it in its entirety. Most of the surface terrain on this route is covered by grass. The road portions of this track are pretty quiet. The grassy portion of this track begins after crossing Moore’s bridge. Walkers will appreciate leaving the din of the traffic behind and will truly revel in the quiet and serene atmosphere of this grassy path. This portion of the trail is adorned with various floras like daisies, mint and yarrow. Ash, willow and hazel trees are also fairly abundant here. Herons can be heard here from time to time. The ruins of the fortress of Dunamase can also be seen on this route.
March 9th, 2007
The second section of the Barrow Way starts from Rathangan and takes the walkers all the way to Monasterevin. This section is located in County Kildare in the Leinster province. It’s an easy route with minimal climbing. Walkers will have to cover a distance of about ten and a half kilometres on this walking trail. Walkers will need to set aside about three and a half hours out of their schedules to complete this route. The surface terrain of this route mostly consists of grassy track. While walking through Rathangan, walkers can expect to see many Georgian style houses. The fauna on this path consists abundantly of hawks, herons and hares. The towpath gradually gives way to a grassy path with long grass. There are many wildflowers to be found here. However, this path can get pretty wet. Walkers can expect to catch glimpses of Dunmurray Hill, Slieve Bloom Mountains and the cooling tower at Portarlington. Upon reaching Umeras Bridge, walkers will be greeted with views of the Ballythomas Hill and Kilteale Hill towards the southwest. Both of these are limestone hillocks.
March 8th, 2007
The Barrow Way is a walking trail stretching over a pretty long distance of 114km. This route is located between Robertsown and St. Mullins and comprises of ten sections. Each section is supposed to be completed in about half a day. The first section of this trail starts from Robertsown and ends at Rathangan. This section is located in County Kildare in the Leinster province. The distance to be covered on this route is pretty long at about fourteen kilometres but due to the almost non existent climbing involved here, this is classified as an easy section for walkers. About four and a half hours should be enough to finish walking this trail. The road portion of this walking section can be busy with traffic so caution is advised. Ballyteigue Castle can be found along this route. Many species of birds can be found along the canal side here. These include hawks, kingfishers and herons. When walkers reach very close to Rathangan, they will get to view the Hill of Allen towards the south. This hill is easily recognizable with a tower at its peak.
March 7th, 2007
For the ninth and final section of the Grand Canal Way, walkers will have to begin their short journey at Armstrong Bridge and keep walking till they reach Shannon Harbour. This section of the walking trail is located in the Leinster province in the county of Offaly. This route is easy and stretches to a distance of about nine and a half kilometres. There isn’t much climbing involved on this route and most walkers shouldn’t need more than three hours to complete this walking path. The walking terrain on this route mostly consists of track. The north bank on this towpath features a lot of trees and hedges where birds can be heard chirping and adding to the peaceful ambience of this charming place. The north bank at Belmont might be a bit boggy so walkers might want to choose the south bank due to its soft bed of grass. Gallen Priory is located on this route. This is a house of Georgian architecture that reeks of Gothic influence. It used to belong to the Armstrong family but these days it has been converted into a convent.
March 5th, 2007
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