The Dublin Community Blog

I love markets and its so exciting to see a new market start up.  May 3rd next sees the launch of the Art & Crafts Market in Newmarket Sq, Dublin 8 – 5 minutes walk from St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It is held on the first Sunday of every month from 11am to 5pm.

In these tough economic times, the market also encourages people to embrace their creative side and make some extra money doing it. So if you think you have a great idea that will sell or think that you can make some money from your favourite hobby then why not take a stall?

On the first Sunday of each month, 35 stall holders will set out their wares and with stalls priced at just €30, the ethos is low rent equals low price and haggling is encouraged!

With free parking on a Sunday and an ideal indoor location, come rain or shine the Art & Crafts Market is a great, fun day out for all the family with entertainment and a cafe offering delicious home made treats.

And if that wasn’t enough we also will be giving away two artworks absolutely free to a lucky winner each month!

Further information including location directions, stall booking and featured stall holders can be found on the Arts & Crafts Market website.

Happy shopping and selling!

I’ve been meaning to visit Newbridge Silverware Museum of Style Icons for ages. Now I definitely need to get a move on. Next month an auction of over 2000 of Michael Jacksons personal belongings take place in Beverly Hills. The auction is being organised by Julien’s Auctions and some of those items are going on view in the Newbridge Museum from tomorrow. According to news reports Michael Jackson issued a legal threat during the week but it appears the exhibition is still going ahead.

I’m not sure how long the exhibition will be on show, but get yerselves to Newbridge soon. Directions can be found on their website here. Its not that far from Dublin really

Dublin city centre will come to a standstill this afternoon while the Irish Congress of Trade Unions march is in progress. The march sets off from Parnell Square at 2pm travelling to Merrion Square via O’Connell St, Westmoreland St, College Green and Nassau St. By all news accounts a massive crowd is expected. Thats no surprise really. People are not happy.

Dublin Bus have changed some routes. Full details can be found here.

Keep and eye on AA Roadwatch and news bulletins for up-to-date information.

The rescue helicopter has been hovering around Temple Bar/Liffey for the last couple of hours.  According to Breaking News

A search is underway in the River Liffey in Dublin following reports that a man jumped off O’Connell Bridge in the city centre this lunchtime.

Gardaí and emergency services are at the scene at Burgh Quay after being alerted by a member of the public at around midday.

AA Roadwatch is advising motorists of long delays in the area.

I do hope theres a positive result this afternoon.

Walking up High St earlier today I spotted a banner on a railing Recession Bus Tours.

# Transport from Dublin to Newry in a luxury coach

# After you ‘shop-til-you-drop’ we take all your bags off your hands in Newry and deliver them direct to your doorstep in our fleet of vans (in association with Sainsburys and The Quays Shopping Centre) sealed up in specially designed containers

# You can put your feet up, relax and listen to the radio or watch TV while getting transported in comfort back to Dublin

Coach leaves at approx. 8am – 6 days a week in a pick up point near you, and returns at 2.30pm approx. On receipt of your booking we will arrange a local pick up point near your house.

Sounds to me like a great idea. Yes some may say “what happened to buying Irish” but with the “R” world looming large, I wish this enterprise well. I may even use their service myself sometime. Certainly something to consider.

The Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company (FAI & IRFU) today announced the renaming of Lansdowne Road Stadium to Aviva Stadium:

Hibernian Aviva, Ireland’s largest insurance company, has secured the naming rights to what will now be called Aviva Stadium in what is one of the most significant sponsorships in Irish history. The deal sees Hibernian Aviva take on the naming rights for a ten-year period and provide investment support to the IRFU and FAI for their grassroots programmes.

In making the announcement, Philip Browne, Chairman of the LRSDC and Chief Executive of the Irish Rugby Football Union said that he was delighted to welcome Hibernian Aviva on board. From the outset the IRFU and the FAI stated that the naming rights would be an important element in the funding of the €400 million stadium which will be a home for both Irish rugby and soccer.

Personally I think its a sad day, but I guess sentimentality has to make way for progress.

What a clever idea – a new art concept:

Free Art Friday is a relatively new art movement that’s rapidly gaining in popularity around the World. Artists create a painting, sketch, sculpture or installation and leave it on the street. The piece can then be picked up by anyone and claim it as their own. Finders are encouraged to email the artist and tell them how and where they found it.

Further info and updates here.

expect to find FAF art in sheltered areas such as, a bus seat, door way or phone box. Basically, anywhere public. If the weather is good then, you’ll find them on; park benches, window ledges, railings and you can even expect to find one piece in a sitting on a cinema.

Last art drop is at 4pm. I think I’ll go for a wander! Let us know if you find any art.

I’m so sad to hear that Road Records is closing its shop on Fade St after 11 years. Well known as an outlet for independent musicians and local Irish releases, it also hosted many single launches and live performances. Many of which I attended. According to the statement on their website downloading (legal and illegal), online below cost sellers, decrease in footfall, increase in rent, insurance etc, are some of the reasons for the closure decision.

The reasons for the downturn are many and varied and if there was just one then we could try overcome that in some way but its no longer possible to pinpoint just one.

I will try list some of the reasons I see for the death of the small shop and I really do hope I am not right in thinking that many more will go the same way, I have always been optimistic that this city can sustain a couple of smaller indie shops but I no longer believe that to be true, again, I really hope I am wrong with this opinion but the way people go about buying their music these days does not instill me with too much confidence.

It really is the end of an era. I’m not even sure if there are any remaining Indie music stores open in Dublin.

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.