The Dublin Community Blog

Here are few shots I took on Monday night at Circus Vegas, which is currently in Swords, on the Airport Rd (transparency: my family run this circus).

Even though I ran away from the circus for a 9-5ish job in Dublin, I have huge amounts of affection and admiration for what goes on here – real, live people, doing amazingly skilfull things. It’s by no means an easy life – that massive big top is still put up and pulled down mainly by hand – but every one involved truly loves it.

The sad thing is, Dubin dwellers are getting to see fewer and fewer circuses as land is guzzled up for devlopment – one of my favourite circus sites in Blackrock is now so tiny very few circuses can fit there any more, and I recently passed the grounds in Whitehall (just opposite the Bingo hall) and they are also in the middle of getting devloped so no more shows there either

In saying that, interest in all things circus has increased in the past few years – Sara Gruen’s wonderful book, Water For Elephants, was a massive word-of-mouth phenomenom, topping the NY Times bestseller list. Closer to home, the Abbey Theatre is showing Circo de la Sombra in April, a family-friendly “mischievous take on the traditional travelling circus show.”

Circus is a lovely, wonderfully old-school tradition and it’s great to see how much kids still enjoy it.

A few more pics on the Dublin Blog Flickr.

Dublin Theatre Festival is currently taking place in venues around the city. The full programme of events can be found on their website. I’ve heard great reviews of the Druid production Long Day’s Journey. It runs in the Gaiety until Oct 13th. I’m hoping to go along this week.

If you go to a play, please leave a comment with your thoughts.

UPDATE: here are some reviews of “A Long Day’s Journey” from its Galway run:
Sunday Independent – Sep 23rd
Irish Times – Sep 22nd
The Guardian – Sep 21st

If you haven’t already done it, I highly recommend getting over to St. Stephen’s Green for a free open air performance of The Taming of the Shrew by Public Shakespeare. (LINK) After seeing it today, I can say that it’s a brilliant show! The actors did an excellent job of making the play come alive (which can be a great thing if you’re not a big Shakespeare fan.) Often they walked through the audience and even interacted with them, evoking both laughter and applause. It’s been on twice every day, at 1 and 4pm, since 26th August. This Saturday will be the final performances, so there are only a few days left.

Be sure to have a tenner or something on you since they are only able to offer these free performances as a result of donations. Today most of the audience members seemed to enjoy the performance so much that they were more than willing to throw in a few Euro at the end of the hour long production.

Aside from this last Thursday being an interesting day in the news for Dublin (falling staircases at the Dead Zoo, a Dun Laoghaire harbour full of frightened teens swimming for their lives, etc., etc.), it was also a brilliant date night for my wife and I at the Gaiety Theatre. You don’t have to be a big fan of dance to be truly awestruck by Riverdance. The live musicianship, the theatrics, the lighting and effects, and of course the phenomenally rigorous dance routines combined to create an absolutely stunning theatre experience.

Starting out with a Celtic flavour, the show did an amazing job of capturing the earthy, mythological feel of ancient Irish culture. Late in the first act, a Spanish/Flamenco-flavoured theme was introduced into the mix, followed by a Russian dance routine – both of which were visually pulsating and brimming with aesthetic brilliance. The second act took on more of an 18th/19th century theme and collided with a more modern jazz tap routine that was very entertaining. Whatever one may think of the art of dance before seeing this show, one leaves with a sense of wonder at the raw talent, athleticism, and artistic genius of these world-class performers.

Riverdance is in Dublin until the end of August and then begins a world tour through Europe and North America. Though seeing the show in Ireland is something a little extra special, audiences around the globe have been enjoying it since 1994.

I was strolling along O’Connell Street yesterday around 5pm and I noticed it was closed off to traffic, so being the curious type that I am I took a walk up to the GPO and happened upon the unveiling of this years Christmas tree. Yes, love it or hate it, it’s that time again already folks…

Unfortunately had a pressing engagement to get to (ok, it was a pint of Guinness), so I didn’t hang around for the official light up.

Here’s a list of some of the events taking place in the city over Christmas taken from the official DublinCity.ie press release :

Live Animal Crib – (11 – 23 December) For the 11th year running, The Mansion House on Dawson Street will host a traditional nativity scene set with live animals in a specially constructed lifesize stable. This event has become a beloved Christmas tradition amongst families and has collected over €110,000 for the Lord Mayor’s Charity Fund. Organised by the Irish Farmers Association and Dublin City Council, this wonderful event is free but everyone should donate money to this worthy cause! A wonderful opportunity to bring a little bit of the country to city kids. ·

Smithfield on Ice, t.0818 946900 / http://www.smithfieldonice.ie/ – (10 November – 7 January)

Dublin’s original open-air Ice-Rink, returns to Smithfield for the fifth year running. A large skating rink, a Victorian carnival and Christmas market all contribute to a sense of the ‘White Christmas’ Bing Crosby sang about. Santa will be up the 170ft Smithfield chimney, there will be carols every Sunday, and everyone can get a chance to bump and slide on the ice! All together now: “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas!� ·

Santa’s Workshop – (every weekend in December) This year for the first time Santa has moved his workshop from Lapland in the North Pole to Dublin’s City Hall!! ·

Christmas Market – (1 – 10 December)

Dubliners will have the opportunity to savour the atmosphere, tastes and smells of a traditional Christmas market in Wolfe Tone Park with Christmas fare available from over 20 stalls offering a wide selection from which to choose. Dublin Docklands Authority, Georges Dock, IFSC, D1: http://www.ddda.ie/ · 12 Days of Christmas –

Traditional Festive Market – (12 – 23 December)

Featuring over 40 traders selling Christmas decorations, seasonal food and craft gifts from decorated stalls the market also offers the scent of mulled wine, a German-themed bar, carol-singing, an eating area and fairground attractions. Not only will it bring a bit of Christmas spirit to the city but it will also be an opportunity to see how the Docklands is changing.

The National Museum of Ireland, t.01 6777444: http://www.museum.ie/ ·

Christmas Open Day, Museum of Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, D7 -(Saturday 2 December): children can make Christmas decorations and learn about old fashioned toys. ·

Get Ready for Christmas!, Museum of Archaeology & History, Kildare Street, D2 – (Saturday 16 December): children will be encouraged to make their own Christmas decorations and decorate a tree at this children’s art workshop (booking is essential). ·

 A Medieval Christmas, Museum of Archaeology & History, Kildare Street, D2 – (Sunday 17 December): presented by the Irish Arms Living History Group, enjoy the fun of the Medieval Fair – education amidst Christmas fun, what more could you want for your kids?

 Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA),Royal Hospital Kilmainham, D8: http://www.modernart.ie/ ·

A number of exciting exhibitions will be running for all the family to enjoy including Michael Craig-Martin (Until 14 January),Hearth: Concepts of Home from the IMMA Collection in collaboration with Focus Ireland (Until 1 April), Iran do Espírito Santo (Until 21 January) and All Hawaii Entrées (Until 18 February)

Dublin City Gallery – The Hugh Lane, Parnell Square North, D1: http://www.hughlane.ie/ ·

Children’s Art Workshops (see website for further details) Why not bring all the budding artists in the family along to explore their creative side:- Making Winter Tophats – (Saturday 2 December) 12 Days of Christmas – (Saturday 16 December) Little Christmas – (Saturday 6 January)

The Gaiety Theatre, South King Street, D2: http://www.gaietytheatre.net/ · Mother Goose Panto – (3 December – 4 February)

“He’s behind you! Oh no he isn’t! Oh yes he is!� The Gaiety Panto is the largest in the country and it’s always a great night out for the whole family. Expect lots of good guys, bad guys, good girls, bad girls, men dressed as women and the most important ingredient lots of happy, loud, shouting children.

The Olympia Theatre, 72 Dame Street, D2: t.01 670 3323/0818 719330 ·

 Cinders Panto – (26 December – 7 January) 98fm’s Little Becky and ITV’s Bel from Bel Boys are appearing live in pantomime this Christmas in the all time classic Cinders at the Olympia. With an all-Irish child cast of over 110, 4-16 year olds, two live ponies, Bebo the Dog and the biggest kid in the world, June Rogers, returning to panto for the first time in many years – this is bound to be an evening of fun and frolics for the entire family!

Liberty Hall, Eden Quay, D1:01 872 1122 / http://www.libertyhall.ie/ ·

Sleeping Beauty – The Lyons Tea Panto – (15 December – 21 January) Ireland AM’s Alan Hughes appears as Sammy Sausages with a host of other celebrities including Joe Conlon, George McMahon and Hazel O’Connor in this year’s classic panto production which is bound to entertain young and old alike!

The National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, D2: http://www.nch.ie/ ·

Christmas Crackers – (7 December, 8 pm) Hosted by showband legend Dickie Rock and Niamh Kavanagh the evening features a host of popular seasonal carols and Christmas hits including Silent Night, I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus, Christmas Song, O Holy Night and lots more. ·

 A Christmas Festival – (9 December, 8pm) Presented by Niamh Murray, this event will feature the Dublin County Choir, the Billie Barry Children and the Royal Irish Academy of Music Wind Ensemble. If you’re a fan of Christmas music then there is no better way to get into the spirit of the season!

A Silver Christmas ·

Dublin City Centre Christmas trees will be adorned with the glow of silver stars from Newbridge Silverware this year who have donated a series of 3,500 exclusively designed and crafted silver stars to Dublin City Council. They will be featured in Christmas trees in O’Connell Street, Lower Grafton St., City Hall and the home of the Lord Mayor – the Mansion House and will be auctioned off in aid of the Lord Mayor’s charity TRUST after Christmas.

Contemporary Music Centre,19 Fishamble Street, Temple Bar, D8: http://www.cmc.ie/ ·

 Mornington Singers – (7 December, 6.30 – 7.30pm) Will perform Christmas Carols old and new followed by seasonal refreshments at the Contemporary Music Centre and Handel Courtyard.

St Martin’s Church, 42 Parnell Square, D1, t.01 8745465 ·

The Moving Crib – (1 December – 15 January) Established in 1956 by Fr. Louis Coffey, the Moving Crib has now entertained generations of Dubliners. It does more than it says on the tin with a selection of biblical scenes acted out by mechanical puppets including Adam and Eve, Noah’s Ark, the Three Wise Men and of course the Nativity. A reminder of what Christmas is all about.

The Ark, Cultural Centre for Children,11a Eustace Street, Temple Bar, D2: http://www.ark.ie/ ·

The Butterfly Effect: An Arklink Retrospective – (29 November – 7 January) An exhibition celebrating the captivating artwork of the participating children of ArkLink, a six-year programme in the community of Fatima Mansions. Together with resident artists Jole Bortoli, Kieran McNulty and Katie Lincoln, the children have created a imaginative body of original paintings, sculptures and films. A truly inspirational exhibition not to be missed.

Phoenix Park, D8: tel.01-820 5800 ·

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer – (17 December, 2pm) Take a guided walk with Don Doran, Deer Keeper at the Phoenix Park and meet Rudolph and all his friends before they get ready to take flight around the world on Christmas Eve! This event is organised by the OPW. The James Joyce Centre, 35 North Great George’s Street, D1: http://www.jamesjoyce.ie/ ·

Christmas Magic – (1 – 21 December) The James Joyce Centre will transform from this date into a Victorian wonderland straight out of a Charles Dickens novel. Two period Christmas Trees and sumptuous décor will blend with the smells of mince pies, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and apple cider, and the sounds of carols from the likes of the Belvedere choir. Every guest will receive a mince pie and a glass of warm spiced apple juice or mulled wine.

 Temple Bar Cultural Trust, East Essex Street, D2: http://www.templebar.ie/ ·

Christmas Movies on the Square – (every Thursday & Saturday in December) All movies take place on Meeting House Square, Temple Bar and are FREE. Movies DO NOT require tickets – just come along! Love Actually – Thursday 7th December, 6pm It’s a Wonderful Life – Saturday 9th December, 8pm Miracle on 34th Street – Thursday 14th December, 6pm The Santa Claus – Saturday 16th December, 8pm Santa Claus the Movie – Thursday 21st December, 6pm Scrooged – Saturday 23rd December, 8pm ·

Temple Bar Christmas Market – (14 – 17 December, 10am – 7pm)

A spectacular outdoor Christmas market in Old City Temple Bar, Essex Street West, for 4 days only this December! Over 50 stallholders will take to the streets offering you that alternative gift this Christmas. Santas in the City! · From Santas Grottos to snow mountains and a word with the man himself about what you want for Christmas – Christmas isn’t Christmas without a visit to see Santa in the City!
 

I went to see The Exonerated in Liberty Hall last night. It is a true story based on the experience of six innocent US citizens wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to death row. The current cast stars David Soul and Neve Campbell. Earlier in the run, Aidan Quinn and Sunny Jacobs (who one of the characters is based on) starred.

Its subject matter is rather harrowing and I’ve found myself wanting to find out more about the six characters. Tonight is the last night unfortunately. Dublin Theatre Festival committee should be congratulated for bringing such a powerful subject to the Dublin stage.

The Dublin Theatre Festival takes place in venues around Dublin from Sept 28th to Oct 14th. There are many highlights, some which include:

* The Exonerated staring Aidan Quinn at Liberty Hall Theatre.

* An Evening of Leonard Cohen Songs at the Point Depot featuring interpretations of Cohens music by Nick Cave, Jarvis Cocker (from Pulp), Gavin Friday, Beth Orton, Lou Reed and many more.

* The Abbey features a staging of the Druid production, Empress of India, directed by Garry Hynes, written by Stuart Carolan and starring Sean McGinley.

Tickets can be purchased via their website.

I hope to get along to a few productions. The programme this year is very exciting. I hope the festival continues to be a success.