Thursday 5 July 2012

Fancy a flutter?


The Irish are well known for their love of horses.
For a great day out, why not head to the races.

From June to August,you can head to Live at Leopardstown,
9 summer evenings of festival fun, live horse racing followed by a live concert,
all for only €15 per ticket.
For further details check out www.leopardstown.com.

Or you can head out of Dublin for the day, and travel down to Kildare.
The Curragh or Punchestown racecourses are a short distance away and always great fun, particularly on Ladies Day when you can check out all the style.



Monday 2 July 2012

Fancy Meeting Up?


Online Meetup Clubs

Online meetup clubs have become a really popular way
 for people with similar interests  to meet up.
Its also a great way to make new friends,
especially if you are new to an area or want to expand your circle of friends.

There is a great variety of different meet up clubs in Dublin.
Check out the list below to see if you fancy any:

Food and Wine

The food and wine Club - if you like trying new restaurants but don't want to sit there on your own like Billy No Mates, this could be the club for you



Running Image

Dublin Running Club - if you are looking for some running mates



cinema picture



Cinema Craicers - for people who enjoy going to the cinema and discussing films




Group of singles picture

Singles Nights Dublin - looking for someone special?



Laughing Yoga Picture



Laughter Yoga Dublin - or just fancy a good laugh?







Sunday 1 July 2012

Looking for somewhere to eat out in Dublin?


The Travellers Choice 2012 Restaurant Guide Dublin


If you're looking for somewhere special to eat out in Dublin,
why not check out The Travellers Choice 2012 Restaurant guide on www.tripadvisor.ie

Based on actual reviews from travellers from all over the world,
this guide showcases the best of Dublin restaurants.

From traditional Irish fare to European and Asian cuisine,
there is something for everyone's tastebuds.


This years number 1 spot went to Restaurant Patrick Guilbauds.

The French restaurant has been opening its doors for more than 30 years.
Check out their website and make a booking on  www.restaurantpatrickguilbauds.ie

Friday 29 June 2012

Why not try the 30 day challenge?

Bikram Yoga

If you haven't tried it before, basically Bikram Yoga is a 90 minute session of yoga in
a very hot, sweaty room with loads of other very hot, sweaty people.

Sounds gross?

It does take getting used to when you try it first, but once you do it's well worth it.

You'll feel great and it's a great way to lose a few pounds -
The first time I tried it I lost 5lbs after just one class!

Watch this video to see what you can expect:



It can be expensive, but most of the studios have special offers for beginners.

There are loads of studios dotted around Dublin city
- follow the links below to find one near you:

City Centre

Harold's Cross

Fairview

Blanchardstown

Sandyford

Tuesday 26 June 2012

The Best Way to See A City

Dublin Bus Tour

One of the best and quickest ways to see the attractions of any city is to jump on a tour bus.

CIE run a fantastic City Bus Tour in Dublin with 24 stops which takes in all the major sights,
and with an adult ticket at €18 for 2 days, it's great value for money too.

Check out some of the stops below:

Trinity College

Trinity College


 The oldest university in Ireland and home to "The Book of Kells",  Trinity College is well worth a visit.







Guinness Storehouse

The Queen's Visit to The Guinness Storehouse



You can also head to the Guinness Storehouse and would never know who might drop in for a pint of the black stuff!

 



 

Phoenix Park & Dublin Zoo

President of Ireland Michael D Higgins


You can also visit the Phoenix Park and drop in to Aras An Uachtaráin to say hi to "Michael D"







Check out this video to see all the sights at Dublin Zoo!

For more details on Dublin City Bus Tour click here.


Monday 25 June 2012

We all need a good laugh!

Vodafone Comedy Festival


If you missed Taste of Dublin, why not head to The Iveagh Gardens for The Vodafone Comedy Festival this July instead. What with Ireland being trashed in Euro 2012, the European economy in disarray and not being able to get money from ATM machines, we all need a good laugh!

 Line Up

This years line up includes international stars like "Man of 10,000 voices"
 and Police Academy fame, Michael Winslow and English pub landlord, Al Murray.

Al Murray


There'll be plently of Irish talent too - Ardal O'Hanlon, Tommy Tiernan, PJ Gallagher,
David McSavage to name a few.
Ardal O'Hanlon



I recently saw David McSavage in The Seven Oaks in Carlow, and found he was much funnier than I thought he would  be but his show is definitely not for the faint hearted.

With his politically incorrect take on Irish society, from The Joe Duffy Show,  to the Gardai and The Church, if you are easily offended, his show won't be for you.

Check out the video below - it's a preview of his TV show, and is a taste of what to expect.



I was at the Vodafone comedy festival myself last year, and had a great night.
The event was run very well, although there was a wait at the bar but then there always is!

To find out more and book your tickets, follow my link here.

If you can't wait til July for your comedy fix, click here to check out other comedy venues in Dublin.

Wednesday 13 June 2012

Taste of Dublin 2012


Taste of Dublin is here again  so for a great day out, why not head to the Iveagh Gardens this weekend.  Watch the video below to see what you can expect.




Iveagh Gardens will be packed with great food, drink and entertainment for you to sample and promises to be an even greater success than last year.
With advanced bookings online starting at €23.50 or €28.50 on the gate, you can see celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver, Nevin Maguire, Kevin Dundon, Jean Christophe Novelli and Rachel Allen demonstrating their culinary skills up close and personal.
There is always great bands on too to entertain you while you stroll around soaking up the sun (hopefully) and sample all of the different tasters.
You can also buy Florins there or online (1florin = 1Euro) to buy the many fine produce on offer.
It’s a great day out, I have been many times myself, but be sure to have a big Irish breakfast before you go especially if you plan on visiting the O’Bien Wine tent!
Even though you will be tasting loads of different foods and drink, the samples are all quite small.
Check out their website www.tasteofdublin.ie for more details.

Thursday 31 May 2012

What you doing for the Bank Holiday weekend?


Okay the weather forecast is not looking too good for the upcoming bank holiday weekend (or the rest of the summer by all accounts)!  So as there’s not much chance of sitting out and sunning yourself in a beer garden with a cold drink this long weekend, why not get out and about and check out the many events on in Dublin.

Forbidden Fruit Festival

You could always head along to the Forbidden Fruit Festival in Kilmainham, a 3 day multi-stage music and arts festival. Winner of the Best New Festival at the Irish Festival Awards for 2011, it has an impressive eclectic and alternative line-up for 2012, along with a new comedy tent and plenty of fashion, crafts and delicious food.

Tickets are still available starting at €49.50 and as the festival has teamed up with DePaul, you will also be supporting a worthwhile Irish charity.


To check it out for yourself, watch this youtube video
or visit their website www.forbiddenfruit.ie

Bloom in the Park


In association with Bord Bia, Bloom, Ireland's largest gardening, food and family event, will take place in the Phoenix Park Dublin during the June bank holiday.
With kids going free and tickets starting from  €12, this is a great day out and fantastic value. With everything from show gardens to cookery demonstrations to fashion, Bloom in the Park was a runaway success last year and promises to be even better for 2012.


Check out what people had to say about last years Bloom in the video above 
or to find out more, visit www.bloominthepark.com


Bavaria City Racing


If you like the trill of fast cars, then the Bavaria City Race in City Centre will definitely be for you. This Sunday, Bavaria is bringing Formula 1 to the streets of Dublin!
It promises to be a spectacular display with Dakar trucks, Super League Formula, Indy Car, Formula 2, drifters and Formula 1 demonstrations just some of the highlights of the day.
Check out www.bavariacityracing.ie for all the details or watch the video below for a taster of what you can expect.

 

Flora Women’s Mini Marathon


Or if you prefer a slightly slower pace, why not head for city centre and cheer on the ladies running the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon this Monday.  This is always a great event with loads of money raised for numerous charities every year. Check out their website www.florawomensminimarathon.ie for more information.

To view the start of last years Flora Women's Mini Marathon, check out the video below. 40,000 screaming women, you might want to turn down the sound :) 





Tuesday 29 May 2012

Welcome to my Blog


Tired of sitting in the same corner of your local every Saturday night?
Fed up of the pub scene in Dublin and seeing the same old faces?
Have your loved-up friends deserted you?

In my blog, I hope to inspire you to get up off the couch, try something new,
meet new and interesting people and find out all our great capital has to offer!