The Dublin Community Blog

From 12 noon today, Dec 21st for 24 hours Dublin Simon Community will be singing non-stop on Grafton St.

The 21st of December is the longest night of the year, the worst night of the year to be without a home. Dublin Simon Community are asking you to get onboard and play your part in ending homelessness this December 21st. Together we can make a difference and make the longest night of the year more bearable for those experiencing homelessness.

If you are in the Grafton St area, pop over and support a good cause.

Christmas Flea Market:

Further information can be found on their blog here.

Formerly known as the Point Depot, “the O2″ opened its doors last night hosting the Childline Concert. Having been a frequent visitor to the Point over the last 20 years (I was 10 on my first visit, honest!), I’m looking forward to checking it out for myself. I watched RTE’s “The View” last night which interviewed Bono, the Edge and Harry Crosbie. The arena looks amazing. Catch the interview here.

The only review I have read so far is from Irish Times, On the Record. That was back in November, and no doubt there are more on the way, especially after Kings of Leon rock the house on Friday.

If you have visited, please let us know what you think.

Seasons Greetings to one and all! This is just a quick post to let you know of a very rewarding alternative to bringing your kids/siblings/nieces/nephews etc to see Santy at the local shopping centre.

I spent the afternoon with three nephews at the DSPCA Cat and Dog home in Rathfarham where we met Santa, saw lots of cats, dogs, goats, geese and other animals who live at the shelter, had some cocoa and cookies and learnt a little about the DSPCA’s tireless work around the city and county.

Admission is very reasonable- €5 for adults and €12 for children (which includes the visit to santa, their cookies and a present). There are also free goody bags for pet owners with all manner of treats inside.  Most importantly, your money is going to a very, very worthy cause at the time of year when its resources are stretched to the absolute limit and literally every cent counts towards rescuing an abused or abandoned animal. 

Book online here for the last available dates- Sunday 14th, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st December (or just make a donation!).

 

 

 

After spending the last three weeks in Germany and getting used to be on a Christmas market almost every evening, drinking mulled wine and eating way to much sweets, I’m really glad that Dublin’s very own Christmas Market offficially opened it’s gates today.

This year’s festival will be packed with market stalls offering a wide range of shopping ideas for family and friends from craft jewellery, Christmas decorations, beauty products and glassware – you are sure to find a gift to suit everyone’s tastes.

To get your share of mulled wine ..err.. Christmas spirit you may head to the Dockland from today until December 23 – the market is open from 12pm – 8 pm. And they even have Santa’s Grotto.

While searching around the radio dial for something to listen to last night I stumbled across a new radio station, Christmas FM on 89.9 FM. Playing Christmas music 24 hours a day in the Dublin area and online until December 26th.

One solid month of Christmas music 24 hours a day may seem like a bit much for most people but it all for a good cause. They are collecting money for ISPCC. All revenue from the broadcast goes to charity. If you are feeling in the Christmas spirit and cant find a decent Christmas carol on your iPod or radio then tune in here and you’ll hear Christmas songs you never knew existed (and probably wish didn’t).

Its the shopping time of year again and what better way to start/finish pressie buying than a trip to the National Crafts and Design Fair currently taking place in the RDS Main Hall. With 500 stands and a Food Festival there should be lots to keep you entertained. Entrance is €10 and the fair continues until Sunday Dec 7th. Opening times and further details can be found here.

Happy shopping