With the festive season now firmly upon us why not embrace the Christmas spirit with an old-fashioned shopping spree. Now coming into it’s third week, The Christ Church Cathedral Christmas Market has proven a very popular attraction since its inaugural launch in November last year. Running over four consecutive Saturdays (Nov. 26th, Dec. 3rd, 10th, and 17th), the market boasts a wide range of  Arts & Crafts and Jewelery stalls from some of Ireland’s most exciting up and coming designers. What will really attract visitors however is the market’s spectacular setting in one of Dublin’s most celebrated medieval landmarks. Contained within the depths of the famous 12th Century crypt, the market creates a uniquely intimate and memorable festive shopping experience, enticing visitors with its delightfully archaic atmosphere. Easily accessed via public transport or on foot from Dublin’s main shopping areas, the Christmas Market will also feature various food stalls featuring cuisine from around the world, as well as choir and even a Santa’s grotto for younger children. Shoppers will also be glad to know that, unlike last year, entry to the Christmas Market is now totally free of charge. And if that is not enough, it’s all for a good cause too, with all the proceeds received over the four days going towards the upkeep of the Cathedral as part of a major fundraising campaign to raise up to 2 million Euro worth of funds to assist some urgent repair and restoration work to the Cathedral’s iconic belfry. Market trading times are from 11am to 4pm and with only two Saturdays remaining before its closure we urge you all to pay a visit to Dublin city’s medieval heartland before the Christmas rush really kicks in.

An eerie looking video by Mike Kacperski, showing photos of places around Dublin (and in Wicklow) in a time lapse. A bit too much color for my taste, but atmospheric nonetheless.

PLACES AROUND DUBLIN from Mike Kacperski on Vimeo.

Congratulations to Moses Kibet who won the mens race in 2.08.58 and Tatiana Aryasova who won the womens race in 2.26.12 both of which were course record times. Paul Hannon was the wheelchair winner in a time of 2:20:38 and of course congratulations to all those who took part in this years race. The results list can be found on the Dublin Marathon site.

On Saturday I walked through St Stephens Green and it struck me that this is the last Autumn for this part of the Green.

By October next year these trees will have been removed to make room for the new Metro station. Personally in post Celtic Tiger Ireland I don’t see the need for the Metro or how we can afford it both financially and spiritually, The Green is the heart of the city center and no cost benefit analysis can measure that. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not someone who could be described as a “tree hugger” or “anti-progress” but I do believe that sometimes you cannot justify destroying something as beautiful as St Stephens Green in the name of progress.

The developers promise to restore the Green to its former condition after the building has finished. I was part of a group that met with the RPA lately and the plans for St Stephens Green were discussed. In fairness to them I believe they do mean well and do intend to preserve as much of the Green as possible. A lot of effort is going into documenting the current layout and structure of the Green so that everything can be put back to the exact spot where it was prior to the construction work but the trees will have to go and there is nothing that can be done about that. New trees will be planted and even semi mature ones could be moved into the Green but no matter how much effort they put into replacing stones and railings it still takes 200 years to fully restore a 200 year old park.

Last weekend Dublin Zoo were kind to invite bloggers from around Ireland to a or a behind the scenes look at the zoo before the crowds arrive and while the animals are active at breakfast. Several DublinBloggers attended and took photographs. We’ll post a selection of our photographe after the break in this post and you can find more on out flickr feeds.

Declans Photos:

Yeah really, Happy Arthurs Day. The Arthurs Day 2009 celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the Guinness brewing company are now an annual event with music and events all over the city. Sure it’s made up but at least it’s our made up celebration and couldn’t we use one after the last couple of years.

Nicely shot video by a group of expat friends living here in Dublin. To show their appreciation for their favourite city, hobby musicians Tamas (Hungarian), Kasia (Polish) and Christof (Germany), have recorded their own version of Glenn Hansard and Marketa Irglova’s modern classic, ‘Falling Slowly’. The film features close-ups of some of the most memorable locations of the city centre, shot to that easily recognisable tune from the famous film. Recommended for any new visitors who want a short insight into some of Dublin’s many treats, or for any of us who just need a small reminder of what our fair city has to offer. Enjoy.

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.