The Dublin Community Blog

Over on Boing Boing Sean Bonner has posted an article describing his recent trip to Dublin. This is a good read for two reasons.

First he records his trip from Paris to Dublin with some great photographs. Somehow he managed to get through Dublin Airport in 5 minutes an impressive feat of fast walking, I dont think I’ve ever done in in less than 15. Then he made it into the city center and to a coffee shop in 36 minutes using the Aircoach, who needs a Metro?

Secondly, he writes about a subject close to the heart of The Dublin Community Blog down through the ages, coffee and where to get the best cup. I like the reason he gives for visiting Dublin when asked by airport security “I heard they have really good coffee in Dublin”

His recommendation for a good cup

Third Floor Espresso isn’t just another coffee shop. It’s run by Colin Harmon who has a shelf full or trophies that includes the recent addition of 4th place at the 2010 World Barista Championship.

and who can argue with those credentials? I think I know where I’ll be going for my next cup of coffee. Coffee wasnt the main reason for his visit as he attended a photo exhibition as part of the recent Photo Ireland Festival. Go up to Boing Boing, read the post, admire the photos and tell me you dont want a nice cup of coffee

On Sunday afternoon I was lucky enough to spend a couple of hours in the RDS at the 2010 Pet Expo.  If, like me, you’re a sucker for a playful puppy or a lop eared rabbit then this annual pet show is a wonderful way to while away a couple of hours and it certainly won’t disappoint.  It’s got something for all sorts of animal enthusiasts from eagles to owls, reptiles to baby seahorses, you might even be lucky enough to hold a hedgehog or bet on a ferret!

One of the first things I noticed was the fact that when walking through the crowds you not only have to be careful not to bump into fellow human beings, but you also need to keep your eyes on the ground to avoid stepping on a tiny paw or tripping over a leash.  Plus you may just bump into a Great Dane or St Bernard who’s literally almost as big as you!   I also discovered that the words ‘Cat’ and ‘World’ can strike fear in many people (however, not to be missed by feline lovers!).

If you fancy bringing your pet along then you can enter them into one of the many competitions or drop your canine buddy into the Puppy Play Area while you watch the miniature horse display or munch on a Belgian waffle.  Or if (again, like me) you’re petless then it’s a great opportunity to get some petting in and convince your other half / parents / flatmates that having a hamster really is a good idea!

It makes a great day out, especially if you have kids (although they may just pester you into getting a cowfish or a bunny!) as there is plenty of entertainment and lots of friendly animals & their humans to meet.  If you’re looking for a pet then it’s an excellent place to talk to animal charities who are rehoming rescued animals, reputable breeders and a variety of pet shop staff from all over the country.

Don’t miss the 2011 Expo, keep an eye on their website for details.

Remember the friendly guys from Friend?, one of the first bands we featured in the Discovered in Dublin-series? The 5-piece has intensively toured in the last year, and has also secured a deal with local label Eleven:Eleven. And they are playing in Whelan’s this week. On Thursday, to be more precise. Together with two other Alternative/Rock bands from the North, Kasper Rosa and Axis Of.

So, if you are interested in getting a glimpse of the next generation of Irish alternative hopes from both sides of the border, why not head to Wexford Street on Wednesday – even to celebrate the German win over Spain after the game on Wednesday. To whet your appetite, here are Axis OF with the video for their new single “Port Na Spaniagh”:

Here’s a nice video (with a Johnny Cash-soundtrack, as in Dawn of the Dead) from this year’s Dublin Zombie Walk in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. Freshly animated zombies though, not much decay to be seen