Location Dublin : Celtic Music Festival 2008
Posted by admin on Aug 9, 2008
Happy Hours in Dublin - Courtesy Google Images
Arra, the stint in Dublin is nearly getting over, to be sure. My summer temp has been a great way to see the place that had been Develyn me for a while. Every one I knew has been here – worked, vacationed, passed through and even attended literary reviews! For me it was the Viking origins that goaded me on. I scoured the job sites to quickly accept the activity assistants job that was to give me time out to cover my to-do list.
Its a great big town full of young blood and the legendary Guinness Stout. Woe is me. Shortly after I landed, the new liquor laws came into effect quietly at midnight on July 30! And to think I had plans for the seven-course Celtic meal - six-pack of Guinness and a potato! Never mind. That’s of course an old Irish joke. But seriously what’s with the new restraining orders. Dubh Linn is reputedly one of the most youthful cities in Europe that estimates suggest has 50% of inhabitants younger than 25. It’s also been voted the friendliest city In Europe. I guess the pubs dotting right across have something to do with this.
There are many ways to see and experience Dublin. There’s a whole lot to see here actually. The Dublin port offers charming views of the sea, the vessels, the light house and the toll bridge that familiarize you to Dublin as a mercantile center. Of course the Dublin literary crawl is a must. Besides there are the fascinating buildings, structures and parks. You could do it by foot and sample the sights, sounds, and tastes of the city as you move on. Or you may prefer to take the many hop-on-hop-off tour buses that criss-cross the city. I did both from time to time to make the most of my Irish time out. It’s a city that grows on you.
And grow it did. From a Viking trading port to a walled medieval city to the present day metropolis with its smooth avenues, interesting squares, famed canals and beautiful structures. The business district at the mouth of the River Liffey is the catchment area for the geeks and grubstakers - the essence of the modern day Dublin. All of it captures your senses slowly but surely. The temperate climate of Dublin makes summers cool and refreshing except when the rare thunder and lightning – a summer phenomena hits out of the blue with none of youse having a clue!
You have to have your ear to the ground to know the exciting things that occur here. Loads of notable events happen throughout the summer months. As for me I simply hook up with this guy called Tim to receive a list of free events in Dublin. Right now the gigantic feast of arts and culture is on. You can find the full program for the 2008 Festival of World Cultures on line. This year’s festival offers a cultural cavalcade of music and arts, with a stellar line-up of headline musical performances.
Dublin is a mellow city that relishes its own newfound prosperity. The strong financial and information technology sectors draw new professionals like a magnet from all over Europe. This is what has given the Irish capital a huge cosmopolitan texture in recent years. However none of the facade of the apparent modernity ever really erases the typical Irish ambiance. Irish traditions are hard to put by.
The old-world Dublin lurks out in many a nook and quarter of the city. The frothy pubs, the history-doused streets, the Gaelic expletives, the Irish cuisine and the feisty temperament – keep Dublin alive and kickin’. I had been fortunate in having made some of the most amazing friends while in Dublin. Its going to be kind of hard saying goodbye. Especially to my grandee landlady who made sure every morning – have you your breakfast eaten?
No trip to Dublin is ever quite complete unless you have seen the scenic outdoors. If you want to take in a bit of the sea and the land, my best bet would be the Dalkey Island. Its small enough to be done on foot all over and the couple of ruins would bring out the explorer in you. I freaked out on the promontory fort and the Mortello tower on the island. Keep your eye on the ground for rabbit burrows and thorny plants. Nothing else will come in your way to enjoy a bit of an elysian getaway.
Its musical chairs the whole of August. There are going to be a lot many concerts. Every body is going to be lending their ears for the Organics, Organ and Choral Festival, Eurocultured 2008, ESB BEO Celtic Music Festival 2008, Festival of World Cultures 2008 and the Heritage Week 2008, to make memories come alive when its all done with. Also in the offing is some sporting action with the All Ireland Senior Football Championship and the Hurling Championships – both scheduled this August at the Croke Park Stadium. The Dublin calendar of events has a rousing itenarary for visitors. It would be worthwhile checking on line. Well, in case ye feel like a bit of a Celtic outing – all ye need to do is hit on the Downtown Dublin hotel site for a taste of all things Irish. Head back in time and discover a wide open world – hidin in plain sight!