For those of you now suffering from post-summer hang over, taking part in sporting events is probably the last thing on your minds. If, on the other hand, some of you out there have an interest in observing the extremities of different high octane sports through the lenses of numerous award winning photographers, then this exhibit should be right up your alley!

The Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2010, an open air exhibition featuring the best 50 photos from nearly 23,000 action and adventure sports images, last night officially opened at Trinity College, Dublin, to widespread critical acclaim. The highly anticipated identities, and images, of the fifty finalists and category winners, were finally revealed yesterday in what was a hugely successful opening ceremony at the college, hosted by our very own Sile Seoige. The collection, which includes images from the worlds of surfing, motocross and kayaking, to name but a few, were selected largely according to their composition, creativity and artistic flair, and were voted on by fifty-three judges from around the world. After much deliberation, the judging panel narrowed their selections down to ten category winners, and one overall winner, of what is essentially the biggest prize in freesports photography, that accolade going to Mr. Chris Burkard (USA) who wowed the international jury with his amazing landscape-style surf photo.

The exhibition is free to the public and runs until the 11th of September with all the images on display, for your viewing pleasure, on Trinity’s front square from 8 – 11pm every night.  For a taste of what’s in store, visit the website, www.redbullillume.com for thumbnails of all 50 photographs, complete with photographer biographies and photos descriptions.

The picturesque Howth peninsula has long been a popular destination for both foreign tourists and Dublin locals alike.  Jutting out into the Irish sea, the lush headland emanates both pastoral and maritime charm.  Located just 30 minutes from Dublin city centre, Howth provides the perfect escape for those seeking to reconnect with nature and enjoy some fresh sea air.  Add in a host of historic and scenic attractions, a lively restaurant and pub culture and easy access via the DART line, and you have yourself a great day out.

Over the last few weeks there has been even more on offer in Howth.  Correction-off Howth  The waters encapsulating the peninsula have been busy of late, serving as the main stage for summer visitors.

The first wave of excitement was caused by a foreign visitor to Howth.  Unlike many others he did not arrive on the DART.  In fact, he probably wouldn’t ft on a DART carriage!  The sighting of a humpback whale between the harbour and Ireland’s Eye in July was something of a sensation.  According to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group it was the first sighting of a humpback in the eastern Irish Sea for 20 years and one of only a handful of validated recordings in Irish waters in the past century.  Locals and visitors flocked to the water’s edge to see could they spot and welcome this visitor for themselves.

Last weekend I joined the crowds at the water’s edge to witness a sea search and rescue demonstration presented by the Howth Coast Guard.  As a local of the peninsula I am well aware of the work that these brave men and women undertake to help people in distress and prevent disaster.  Each year brings with it another tale of tragedy averted by the efforts of the Coast Guard.  However I had never seen them in action.  Sunday’s presentation involved Coast Guard Rescue Helicopters, Irish Coast Guard Patrol Boats, RNLI Rescue Boats and the local Civil Defence Boats..  The operation was truly impressive.   Both educating and inspiring,  the demonstration left spectators in awe of the skill and courage of the rescue service.

An ongoing spectacle in the waters around Howth this week is the prestigious Etchells World Championships. Hosted by Howth Yacht Club, the Regatta is drawing lots of visitors to the peninsula and keeping all eyes firmly fixed on the water!  It may not be the best time to spot a whale, but there is a certainly a fantastic atmosphere and festival feel to this small town.

If you haven’t been to Howth in a while, or have never been at all, now would be a good time to test the water!

For a review of the Howth peninsual click here.

For more information on visiting Howth click here.

The annual Peoples Photography exhibition on the railings around St Stephens Green will be on this weekend Saturday 28 and Sunday 29th from 9am to 6pm each day. A free event, now entering its 24th year, it will showcase the work of around 200 photographers from amature to professional.

If you are around the Green over the weekend take a stroll around the railings and have a look.

The Irish sandsculpture group Duthain Dealbh have created four incredible sandsculptures in the courtyard of Dublin Castle to compliment the Dublin Viking Festival which is happening in Wood Quay this weekend.  The sculptures, based around Norse mythology, are being exhibited until the end of August.  Despite the rain we’ve seen since the beginning of the month the figures have managed to avoid turning into a sandy puddle and are still attracting lots of visitors.  There is no entrance fee involved so call over for a look if you’re in that part of the city before they are torn down at the end of the week.

Duthain Dealbh consist of three DIT graduates who design sand, snow and ice sculptures across the world.  See their Facebook page for more details and photos of other works they’ve created.

Far outshining his creepy crawly cousins in the beauty stakes, the delicate butterfly is perhaps the most welcome insect in our gardens.  But what do we really know about our fluttering friends and how can we encourage them to decorate our gardens?

To find out more about the butterfly population in Dublin then why not pop along to the Garden Butterfly Workshop tomorrow from 12-2 PM.  The event takes place at the Robert Emmet CDP Garden at Bridgefoot Street and is aimed at both children and adults.  The workshop will provide a  practical hands on experience and overview of the butterflies that coexist with us amongst the urban landscape of Dublin. A talk and demonstration will outline butterfly life cycle and habits, while gardening tips for encouraging and supporting their presence will also be  revealed.  Accompanying all things butterfly will be light refreshments, face-panting and a relaxed atmosphere.

Further Information:

Contact Robert Moss.

Tel: 086 3579663

Email: robcontrolaltdelete@yahoo.com

Last month Dublin became the fourth city in the world to be named a UNESCO City of Literature, following in the footsteps of Edinburgh, Melbourne and Iowa City.  With a town so steeped in literature (in both the past and present) it’s not surprising that the Dublin City library service decided to lead an application for the award last year.  Their success was announced in July by Dublin’s Lord Mayor Gerry Breen and UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova.

It is a wonderful recognition of the rich literary culture that has been cultivated, not just in our capital city, but in all parts of the country throughout our history.  With our ogham stones, illuminated manuscripts, silver tongued poets & playwrights and even chick lit luminaries we have gained a world wide reputation as a country of artful wordsmiths and it is a pleasure to see that acknowledged with Dublin now included as one of the world’s only Cities of Literature.

See the Dublin UNESCO City of Literature website for more details and information on upcoming literary events in the city.

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”:

Every now and then we put out a call for people who are interested in joining up with the team here at Dublinblog. Today is one of those days. If you like what we do, you love Dublin and you want to write about it, let us know!

You don’t need to have a blog already (though that certainly helps!) to join the team, nor do you have to commit to a certain number of posts etc.

So, if you are interested, drop us a mail to authors@dublinblog.ie explaining a little about yourself and why you would like to join up.