TEMPLE BAR 17 MARCH 2024

20/03/2024

Below is a typical description of Temple Bar and what on can expect on St Patrick's Day.

Temple Bar on St Patrick's Day is a legendary experience, known for its lively, festive, and sometimes chaotic atmosphere. Here's what you can expect:

A Massive Celebration:

Crowds: Temple Bar becomes exceptionally packed on St. Patrick's Day. Be prepared for throngs of revellers throughout the streets and pubs.

Noise and Excitement: Music spills from the pubs, laughter and lively conversations fill the air, and the energy is infectious.

Green Everywhere: Expect a sea of green as people don festive outfits, hats, shamrocks, and other celebratory attire.

The Pub Scene:

Packed to Capacity: The pubs in Temple Bar are always popular, but on St. Patrick's Day they'll be bursting at the seams and getting a drink might require patience.

Live Music: Most pubs will feature traditional Irish music, adding to the joyous atmosphere.

A Party Atmosphere: Forget quiet drinks. Pubs will be brimming with people singing, dancing, and celebrating with abandon.

Overall Impression:

The Heart of the Celebration: If you want to be in the thick of the St. Patrick's Day party, Temple Bar is the place to be.

Not for the Faint of Heart: Temple Bar can be overwhelming with its noise, crowds, and sometimes over-the-top revelry.

An Unforgettable Experience: Whether you're looking for a raucous party or a cultural experience, Temple Bar on St. Patrick's Day will leave an impression.

Tips:

Arrive Early: If you want a chance of getting a seat in a pub, arrive well before midday.

Embrace the Chaos: Go with the flow and be prepared for a wild, immersive celebration.

Stay Safe: Keep an eye on your belongings in the crowds, and drink responsibly.

A BETTER CITY

14/03/2024

A BETTER CITY IS AN EXCITING OUTDOOR GALLERY PROJECT IN DUBLIN 8 BEGINNING 15th MARCH 2024

A Better City (A.B.C) is an exciting outdoor gallery project in Dublin 8. Here's what you need to know:

About the Project

What: A vibrant outdoor gallery featuring works by six talented artists, celebrating themes of joy and community.

Where: Thomas Street, Crane Street, and Market Street in Dublin 8, showcasing large-scale murals and printed works.

When: Launching March 15th, 2024, and running for three months.

Why: Part of St. Patrick's Festival 2024, bringing art, vibrancy, and a sense of community to Dublin 8 in collaboration with the Guinness Storehouse, the Digital Hub, and Dublin City Council.

Curated by: Good Shout Studio, a Dublin 8-based creative agency.

Featured Artists

Claire Prouvost: A French muralist based in Dublin, Claire's work is known for its bold, joyful characters and dynamic use of colour. She often explores themes of community, celebration, and the energy of urban life.

Sophia Vigne Welsh: Sophia creates visually striking abstract works that explore nature, color, and the interplay of light and form. Her pieces evoke a sense of renewal and optimism.

Mark Conlan: This artist playfully reimagines Dublin's architectural landmarks with a whimsical touch. He often blends natural elements into urban landscapes, creating a sense of wonder and connection with the city.

Ruan van Vliet: Ruan's distinctive style features playful, cartoon-like characters with a contemporary edge. His works explore the concept of modern-day "cowboys" within the context of Dublin 8, finding unique stories within the urban landscape.

Bebhinn Eilish & Gavin Connell: This creative duo combines Bebhinn's delicate, ethereal illustrations with Gavin's bold, graphic style. Their work often explores themes of nature, interconnectedness, and the transformative power of art.

Gavin Connel: Gavin Connell is a 26-year-old illustrator/designer based in Dublin, Ireland. His style is made up of his main inspirations such as vintage comics, 1930's animation, old school rave posters and contemporary illustration/character design. Graduating from NCAD in June 2018, he went straight into freelancing and working for himself. He worked closely as a junior designer with John Slade of H.Y.T Studio 2017-2018 on jobs for large brands such as Nike and Vans where he learned a lot of technical skills.

How to Experience A Better City

The gallery is designed to be enjoyed by simply walking along the designated streets. Follow the trail and discover the artworks.

THE BLUE ANCHOR

04/03/2024

I came across the Blue Anchor many years ago and had been meaning to invite friends for an evening meal. After a long delay, I finally phoned to book, only to discover they had ceased trading. I cannot remember if there was some street art associated with the restaurant when it was open.

The Blue Anchor in Dublin was a well-regarded spot, but unfortunately, it did close down. Here's what I could find:

Ownership: The Blue Anchor was owned by Marcin Dumanski, a Polish-born restaurateur passionate about bringing an eclectic mix of European wines to Dublin.

Popularity: It quickly earned the title of a "hidden gem" and garnered a lot of praise for its intimate atmosphere, focus on natural wines, and delicious food.

You can find several positive reviews online, indicating it was quite popular:

Type of Food: The food style focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients crafted into simple yet flavorful dishes designed to complement the unique wine selection.

Think charcuterie boards, interesting salads, and European-inspired mains.

When & Why it Closed: Unfortunately, I couldn't find a precise date on when The Blue Anchor ceased trading. The reasons for closure are often complex for small businesses. Likely, a combination of factors played a role, including:

Rising costs: Even before the current cost-of-living crisis, small restaurants face slim profit margins. Increased costs can make it unsustainable.

Location: While charming, its tucked-away location might have made it harder to attract regular foot traffic compared to a main street venue.

The Blue Anchor's Legacy

Despite its closure, The Blue Anchor clearly left a positive impression on the Dublin dining scene. It provided a unique and memorable experience that, even for a short while, brought joy to food and wine lovers in the city.

There has been a significant rise in restaurant and pub closures in Ireland, particularly Dublin. Here's a breakdown of the reasons and some statistics to support it:

Reasons for Closures:

Rising Costs: The hospitality industry is facing a multitude of rising costs, including:

Increased minimum wage requirements

Additional sick pay for employees

Upcoming pension auto-enrolment

Higher PRSI (pay-related social insurance)

VAT (value-added tax) hikes

Significant increases in supplier costs for food and beverages

Cost of Living Crisis:  These rising business costs coincide with a general increase in the cost of living, putting a strain on consumer spending. People may be eating out less often due to tighter budgets.

Statistics on Closures:

The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) estimates over 300 restaurants have closed in Ireland in the last six months (as of February 2024) [RAI source].

Dublin appears to be particularly affected, with news articles citing numerous closures in recent weeks.

Additional Factors:

While rising costs are the main culprit, other factors might also play a role:

Competition: The restaurant and pub scene is competitive, and some businesses may struggle to stand out.

Changing Consumer Preferences: Dining trends and customer preferences might be evolving, leaving some establishments behind.

Uncertain Future:

The RAI has warned that the situation is critical for the hospitality industry, and closures could continue at a concerning rate.

Here are some resources for further reading:

The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI): https://www.rai.ie/

DROP DEAD TWICE

03/03/2024

Beloved Dublin Cocktail Bar Drop Dead Twice Launches GoFundMe After Devastating Fire

The "Drop Dead" likely referred to a "drop dead gorgeous" person that left punters smitten.  As for the "Twice"? That remains a well-kept secret that, sadly, might have gone up in smoke.

Kelly O'Malley, co-founder of the popular Dublin cocktail bar Drop Dead Twice,  launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for rebuilding and reopening following a major fire. The community was encouraged to show their support and help this cherished establishment rise from the ashes.

On Monday, 11th July 22, five units of Dublin Fire Brigade  responded to a blaze at Drop Dead Twice on Francis Street.  Triggered by an automatic fire alarm, crews arrived around 4:30 am to smoke billowing from the premises. Reports indicate that a severe fire had engulfed the ground floor, necessitating the evacuation of an adjacent building.

Drop Dead Twice has been a vibrant part of Dublin's nightlife. Formerly known as the Backstage or Tivoli Backstage, and more recently Stage 19, the upstairs bar gained popularity for its unique bring-your-own-bottle cocktail concept.