Ireland is a great place to visit in 2011!! It is official!! As we were saying in our most recent article, we think Ireland is a great place to visit at any time of the year and our thoughts have been confirmed by the readers of Frommer's travel guides who have voted Ireland as top European holiday destination for 2011 - see this report in the Irish Times newspaper: Frommer's votes Ireland top European tourist destination for 2011
The beautiful landscapes, the people, the castles, the beer are all mentioned as reasons to make Ireland the most 'tourist-friendly' country: "Frommer’s Irish highlights include sailing around the west coast, horseback riding in Donegal and drinking a hot whiskey in Davy Byrne’s pub. It recommends Newgrange, the Slieve Blooms, the Dublin Writers’ Museum, Cahir Castle, Glendalough, Powerscourt Gardens, kayaking in west Cork, cycling through Cork and Kerry and kissing the Blarney Stone." (Irish Times Newspaper)
The Irish Times also tell us of a recent report by the official Irish tourism board "Failte Ireland" which shows that prices in Ireland are decreasing and value-for-money is improving for tourists visiting Ireland.
DLTC Language School Dublin Ireland
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
When is the best time of year to come to Dublin?
At the DLTC English Language school in Dun Laoghaire in Dublin, Ireland, we're often asked this question by students who want to come on a study holiday to Dublin to learn English. The good news is that it's always a good time to visit Ireland, Dublin and Dun Laoghaire - there are some great events on all year round. Here's a list of some events that are on each month to help you plan your study holiday in 2011.
January:
Temple Bar Trad fest - traditional Irish music festival (Temple Bar area of Dublin - last week of January) Every January, the pubs of Temple Bar come alive with the sound of traditional Irish music. This is a great opportunity to see Irish music in its traditional setting - the Irish pub. Temple Bar is the centre of Dublin's nightlife and is only 20 minutes by DART (train) from the DLTC Language School in Dun Laoghaire. Temple Bar is full of pubs, restaurants, galleries, discos and is right in the very centre of Dublin, it is a 'must-see' on every tourists list of things to do. The festival takes place in the last weekend of January. http://www.templebartrad.com/ Some Free events. (Music)
Funderland Fun Park (RDS Ballsbridge - 26th December 2010 to 11th January 2011) - Funderland is the largest travelling Theme Park in the Europe. It has up to five roller coasters, two giant ferris wheels, and lots of thrilling attractions from all over Europe. https://www.funderland.com/dublin.php (Entertainment)
Dublin on Ice - Ice skating (Arnotts Store roof - until 23rd January 2011; RDS Ballsbridge until 09th January 2011). What an experience to ice skate on the roof of Arnotts store on Dublin's main street, O'Connell Street. For times and online booking visit: http://www.7upchristmasonice.ie/ (Entertainment)
February
Jameson Dublin International Film Festival (17-27th February 2011) - 10 wonderful days of movies new and old from all around the world that are shown in cinemas all around the centre of Dublin. While the details of films in this year's festival have not yet been released, last year's festival had over 100 movies: a gala opening of 'Ondine' with colin Farrell; a tribute to Kristn Scott Thomas; a Kenneth Anger retrospective; orchestral performances of the film scores of Italian Nina Rota, feature showings of Russian and Korean movies, films from Ireland, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Czech Republic, Brazil, France, Spain, Italy and many more. http://www.jdiff.com/ (Cinema)
RBS Six Nations International Rugby. Taking place in February and March, this is the big European international rugby event of the year. This year Dublin will host the games (Ireland V France - Sunday 13th February 5pm); (Ireland V England - Saturday 19th March 5pm). Other matches include (Italy V Ireland Saturday 5th February 2011 2.30pm); (Scotland V Ireland Sunday 27th February); (Wales V Ireland Saturday 12th March). It's not easy to get tickets for these games but it's great to watch them even in the pubs where there is always a great atmosphere! (Sport)
March
St Patricks Day festival - national festival of Ireland (events in every town in Ireland - events take place during the week of 17th-20th March). St Patricks Day is Ireland's national day. In every town, city and village, there is a colourful parade and a great family atmosphere with live music and dancing on the streets and in the pubs. The largest parade is in Dublin and in recent years events in Dublin has taken place over 5 days around the 17th. March 17th is definitely the best day of the year to visit Dublin. Many Free events. http://www.stpatricksfestival.ie/ (Festival)
RBS Six Nations International Rugby. Taking place in February and March, this is the big European international rugby event of the year. This year Dublin will host the games (Ireland V France - Sunday 13th February 5pm); (Ireland V England - Saturday 19th March 5pm). Other matches include (Italy V Ireland Saturday 5th February 2011 2.30pm); (Scotland V Ireland Sunday 27th February); (Wales V Ireland Saturday 12th March). It's not easy to get tickets for these games but it's fun to watch them even in the pubs where there is always a great atmosphere! (Sport)
April
Great Ireland Run - popular running event for all levels: international, professionals, amateurs, runners, joggers and walkers (Phoenix Park, Dublin - 10th April 2011). This is a 10km run through Dublin's beautiful Phoenix Park which is a beautiful place to visit anytime. Last year thousands took part in this run. To enter or for more information: http://www.greatirelandrun.org (Sport)
Wicklow Hills Walking Festival (various locations Co Wicklow - mid April) - Wicklow is an area of beautiful and wild mountains to the south of Dublin. You can reach these mountains within 30 minutes by bus or car from Dun Laoghaire. Details have not yet been announced of the 2011 festival. Last year the festival included a wide range of activities all based in the Wicklow Hills: trekking, mountain walking, hiking, mountain biking, river kayaking, paintballing, orienteering, horseriding, bird watching, fishing. Many free events. http://www.wicklowoutdoors.ie/ (Sport)
Easter
Good Friday (Friday before Easter) - school is closed but there is an extra free private tour/event for full-time DLTC language school English students this week.
**Important note: No alcohol can be sold in Ireland on Good Friday (Friday before Easter) so all pubs etc are closed on this day.
Easter Monday (day after Easter Sunday) - is a public holiday in Ireland so there is no school at the DLTC Language School this day but there is an extra free private tour for DLTC full-time English students on the Friday of this week.
May
May Bank Holiday Weekend - the first Monday in May is a public holiday in Ireland. There is no school for DLTC language school students that day - an extra, free private tour will be arranged for full-time students on the Friday afternoon of this week.
Bray Jazz Festival - one of the best music festivals on the east coast. Bray is only 20 minutes by DART (train) from the DLTC Language School in Dun Laoghaire. Many free events. http://www.brayjazz.com (music)
Dublin City Soul Festival (Dublin City - 26th-29th May 2011) - popular soul music festival including the free outdoor Soul Picnic on 29th May in Merrion Square Park; Icons of Soul photographic exhibition from Getty Images; Rising Stars performances in Temple Bar's Meeting House Square. Many Free events. http://www.dublincitysoulfestival.ie (Music)
June
June Bank Holiday Weekend - the first Monday in June is a public holiday in Ireland. There is no school for DLTC language school students that day - an extra, free private tour will be arranged for for full-time students on the Friday afternoon of this week.
Movies in the Park (People's Park, Dun Laoghaire - start of June) - free festival of films shown outdoors on a big screen in the People's Park in Dun Laoghaire. Bring a blanket to sit on the grass, an extra sweater, and a picnic - lovely way to spend a summer afternoon or evening. Free. http://www.dlrevents.ie/ (Cinema)
Bloomsday - James Joyce Festival (Dublin city and Dun Loaghaire - 16th June 2011) - June 16th is BLOOMSDAY, the day in 1904 on which all the action of James Joyce’s novel Ulysses takes place. It is celebrated every year on 16th June by Joyceans all over the world. It is traditional to dress up and go out for the day, visiting the locations of the book around Dublin and taking part in readings, walks, food, music and drink which in some way connect with the book. Part of the book takes place around Dun Laoghaire and there are celebrations here during the day. Many free events. http://www.jamesjoyce.ie (literary)
Street Performance World Championships (Merrion Square, Dublin city - 16-19th June 2011) - This June the best contortionists, magicians, breakdancers, comedians and other assorted world-class professional jesters will descend on Dublin’s Merrion Square, to battle it out for the most coveted title in street performance, the AIB Street Performance World Champion. 20 minutes by DART (train) to Pearse Street DART station from the DLTC Language School in Dun Laoghaire. Free. http://www.spwc.ie (Entertainment)
July
World Cultures Festival (Dun Laoghaire - end of July) - details of the 2011 festival have not yet been released. Previous festivals have seen 10s of thousands of people visiting Dun Laoghaire over a single weekend to sample music, food, art and crafts from all over the world. Best weekend of the year to be in Dun Laoghaire. Many free events. http://www.festivalofworldcultures.com/ (Festival)
Bray Summer Festival (Bray Co Wicklow - middle of July) - two weeks of free live music on Bray seafront; comedys shows; theatre; street entertainment; aeronautical displays; international food markets; funfairs; fireworks. All this just 20 minutes by DART (train) to Bray station from the DLTC Language School in Dun Laoghaire. http://www.braysummerfest.com (Festival)
Galway Races (Galway city - 25th-31st July) - huge party in all the pubs and venues of Galway during the week of the famous Galway horse races. Accommodation can be difficult to find during this week but many homes become B&B's for the few days. There are many public and private bus services from Dublin to Galway. Many free events. http://www.galwayraces.com/summer-festival-meeting (sport/entertainment)
August
August Bank Holiday Weekend - the first Monday in August is a public holiday in Ireland. There is no school for DLTC language school students that day - an extra, free private tour will be arranged for full-time students for the Friday afternoon of this week.
Dublin Horse Show (RDS Ballsbridge - 03rd August - 07th August 2011) - From August 3-7 the Dublin Horse Show takes place in the RDS complex in the heart of Dublin. This year they are celebrating 138 years of the Dublin Horse Show, Ireland’s top equestrian event. It really is one of the highlights of a traditional Dublin summer and offers a great day out for horse enthusiasts and families alike. 15 minutes by DART (train) to Sydney Parade DART station from the DLTC Language School in Dun Laoghaire. Tickets: http://www.dublinhorseshow.com/ (Sport)
Puck Fair (Killorglin, Co Kerry - 10, 11, 12th August) - The fair is one of Ireland's oldest and most unusual festivals. It is held without fail on 10th, 11th and 12th August every year with lots of free street entertainment. The main feature of the fair is that the people place a crown on a wild goat and make him 'King' of the festival. For the 3 days, the 'King Puck' stands on a platform in the middle of the town and watches over the festivities. This will require car hire or taking national transport - accommodation can be difficult to find in the immediate area but is available in nearby towns. Many free events. http://www.puckfair.ie/ (festival)
National Heritage Week (national locations - 20th-28th August 2011) - events include: free tours of heritage sites; exhibitions; Whale Watch Ireland; and much more. Mostly free. http://www.heritageweek.ie/ (culture/heritage)
September
If you like popular music then there is the Electric Picnic music festival from 2nd-5th September – about an hour outside Dublin but transport is well-organised – you have to buy tickets for this festival very early. See www.electricpicnic.ie
Arthurs Day (many pubs and venues in Dublin city - 23rd September 2011) - Celebrate the most famous beer in the world and its creator, Arthur Guinness, in its home city. Lots of events take place in the bars, pubs and venues around Dublin. http://www.guinness.com/en-ie/arthursday/index.html (music)
October
October Bank Holiday Weekend - the last Monday in October is a public holiday in Ireland. There is no school for DLTC language school students that day - an extra, free private tour will be arranged for full-time students on the Friday afternoon of this week.
Dublin city marathon (Dublin city - 31st October 2011)
November
December
January:
Temple Bar Trad fest - traditional Irish music festival (Temple Bar area of Dublin - last week of January) Every January, the pubs of Temple Bar come alive with the sound of traditional Irish music. This is a great opportunity to see Irish music in its traditional setting - the Irish pub. Temple Bar is the centre of Dublin's nightlife and is only 20 minutes by DART (train) from the DLTC Language School in Dun Laoghaire. Temple Bar is full of pubs, restaurants, galleries, discos and is right in the very centre of Dublin, it is a 'must-see' on every tourists list of things to do. The festival takes place in the last weekend of January. http://www.templebartrad.com/ Some Free events. (Music)
Funderland Fun Park (RDS Ballsbridge - 26th December 2010 to 11th January 2011) - Funderland is the largest travelling Theme Park in the Europe. It has up to five roller coasters, two giant ferris wheels, and lots of thrilling attractions from all over Europe. https://www.funderland.com/dublin.php (Entertainment)
Dublin on Ice - Ice skating (Arnotts Store roof - until 23rd January 2011; RDS Ballsbridge until 09th January 2011). What an experience to ice skate on the roof of Arnotts store on Dublin's main street, O'Connell Street. For times and online booking visit: http://www.7upchristmasonice.ie/ (Entertainment)
February
Jameson Dublin International Film Festival (17-27th February 2011) - 10 wonderful days of movies new and old from all around the world that are shown in cinemas all around the centre of Dublin. While the details of films in this year's festival have not yet been released, last year's festival had over 100 movies: a gala opening of 'Ondine' with colin Farrell; a tribute to Kristn Scott Thomas; a Kenneth Anger retrospective; orchestral performances of the film scores of Italian Nina Rota, feature showings of Russian and Korean movies, films from Ireland, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Czech Republic, Brazil, France, Spain, Italy and many more. http://www.jdiff.com/ (Cinema)
RBS Six Nations International Rugby. Taking place in February and March, this is the big European international rugby event of the year. This year Dublin will host the games (Ireland V France - Sunday 13th February 5pm); (Ireland V England - Saturday 19th March 5pm). Other matches include (Italy V Ireland Saturday 5th February 2011 2.30pm); (Scotland V Ireland Sunday 27th February); (Wales V Ireland Saturday 12th March). It's not easy to get tickets for these games but it's great to watch them even in the pubs where there is always a great atmosphere! (Sport)
March
St Patricks Day festival - national festival of Ireland (events in every town in Ireland - events take place during the week of 17th-20th March). St Patricks Day is Ireland's national day. In every town, city and village, there is a colourful parade and a great family atmosphere with live music and dancing on the streets and in the pubs. The largest parade is in Dublin and in recent years events in Dublin has taken place over 5 days around the 17th. March 17th is definitely the best day of the year to visit Dublin. Many Free events. http://www.stpatricksfestival.ie/ (Festival)
RBS Six Nations International Rugby. Taking place in February and March, this is the big European international rugby event of the year. This year Dublin will host the games (Ireland V France - Sunday 13th February 5pm); (Ireland V England - Saturday 19th March 5pm). Other matches include (Italy V Ireland Saturday 5th February 2011 2.30pm); (Scotland V Ireland Sunday 27th February); (Wales V Ireland Saturday 12th March). It's not easy to get tickets for these games but it's fun to watch them even in the pubs where there is always a great atmosphere! (Sport)
April
Great Ireland Run - popular running event for all levels: international, professionals, amateurs, runners, joggers and walkers (Phoenix Park, Dublin - 10th April 2011). This is a 10km run through Dublin's beautiful Phoenix Park which is a beautiful place to visit anytime. Last year thousands took part in this run. To enter or for more information: http://www.greatirelandrun.org (Sport)
Wicklow Hills Walking Festival (various locations Co Wicklow - mid April) - Wicklow is an area of beautiful and wild mountains to the south of Dublin. You can reach these mountains within 30 minutes by bus or car from Dun Laoghaire. Details have not yet been announced of the 2011 festival. Last year the festival included a wide range of activities all based in the Wicklow Hills: trekking, mountain walking, hiking, mountain biking, river kayaking, paintballing, orienteering, horseriding, bird watching, fishing. Many free events. http://www.wicklowoutdoors.ie/ (Sport)
Easter
Good Friday (Friday before Easter) - school is closed but there is an extra free private tour/event for full-time DLTC language school English students this week.
**Important note: No alcohol can be sold in Ireland on Good Friday (Friday before Easter) so all pubs etc are closed on this day.
Easter Monday (day after Easter Sunday) - is a public holiday in Ireland so there is no school at the DLTC Language School this day but there is an extra free private tour for DLTC full-time English students on the Friday of this week.
May
May Bank Holiday Weekend - the first Monday in May is a public holiday in Ireland. There is no school for DLTC language school students that day - an extra, free private tour will be arranged for full-time students on the Friday afternoon of this week.
Bray Jazz Festival - one of the best music festivals on the east coast. Bray is only 20 minutes by DART (train) from the DLTC Language School in Dun Laoghaire. Many free events. http://www.brayjazz.com (music)
Dublin City Soul Festival (Dublin City - 26th-29th May 2011) - popular soul music festival including the free outdoor Soul Picnic on 29th May in Merrion Square Park; Icons of Soul photographic exhibition from Getty Images; Rising Stars performances in Temple Bar's Meeting House Square. Many Free events. http://www.dublincitysoulfestival.ie (Music)
June
June Bank Holiday Weekend - the first Monday in June is a public holiday in Ireland. There is no school for DLTC language school students that day - an extra, free private tour will be arranged for for full-time students on the Friday afternoon of this week.
Movies in the Park (People's Park, Dun Laoghaire - start of June) - free festival of films shown outdoors on a big screen in the People's Park in Dun Laoghaire. Bring a blanket to sit on the grass, an extra sweater, and a picnic - lovely way to spend a summer afternoon or evening. Free. http://www.dlrevents.ie/ (Cinema)
Bloomsday - James Joyce Festival (Dublin city and Dun Loaghaire - 16th June 2011) - June 16th is BLOOMSDAY, the day in 1904 on which all the action of James Joyce’s novel Ulysses takes place. It is celebrated every year on 16th June by Joyceans all over the world. It is traditional to dress up and go out for the day, visiting the locations of the book around Dublin and taking part in readings, walks, food, music and drink which in some way connect with the book. Part of the book takes place around Dun Laoghaire and there are celebrations here during the day. Many free events. http://www.jamesjoyce.ie (literary)
Street Performance World Championships (Merrion Square, Dublin city - 16-19th June 2011) - This June the best contortionists, magicians, breakdancers, comedians and other assorted world-class professional jesters will descend on Dublin’s Merrion Square, to battle it out for the most coveted title in street performance, the AIB Street Performance World Champion. 20 minutes by DART (train) to Pearse Street DART station from the DLTC Language School in Dun Laoghaire. Free. http://www.spwc.ie (Entertainment)
July
World Cultures Festival (Dun Laoghaire - end of July) - details of the 2011 festival have not yet been released. Previous festivals have seen 10s of thousands of people visiting Dun Laoghaire over a single weekend to sample music, food, art and crafts from all over the world. Best weekend of the year to be in Dun Laoghaire. Many free events. http://www.festivalofworldcultures.com/ (Festival)
Bray Summer Festival (Bray Co Wicklow - middle of July) - two weeks of free live music on Bray seafront; comedys shows; theatre; street entertainment; aeronautical displays; international food markets; funfairs; fireworks. All this just 20 minutes by DART (train) to Bray station from the DLTC Language School in Dun Laoghaire. http://www.braysummerfest.com (Festival)
Galway Races (Galway city - 25th-31st July) - huge party in all the pubs and venues of Galway during the week of the famous Galway horse races. Accommodation can be difficult to find during this week but many homes become B&B's for the few days. There are many public and private bus services from Dublin to Galway. Many free events. http://www.galwayraces.com/summer-festival-meeting (sport/entertainment)
August
August Bank Holiday Weekend - the first Monday in August is a public holiday in Ireland. There is no school for DLTC language school students that day - an extra, free private tour will be arranged for full-time students for the Friday afternoon of this week.
Dublin Horse Show (RDS Ballsbridge - 03rd August - 07th August 2011) - From August 3-7 the Dublin Horse Show takes place in the RDS complex in the heart of Dublin. This year they are celebrating 138 years of the Dublin Horse Show, Ireland’s top equestrian event. It really is one of the highlights of a traditional Dublin summer and offers a great day out for horse enthusiasts and families alike. 15 minutes by DART (train) to Sydney Parade DART station from the DLTC Language School in Dun Laoghaire. Tickets: http://www.dublinhorseshow.com/ (Sport)
Puck Fair (Killorglin, Co Kerry - 10, 11, 12th August) - The fair is one of Ireland's oldest and most unusual festivals. It is held without fail on 10th, 11th and 12th August every year with lots of free street entertainment. The main feature of the fair is that the people place a crown on a wild goat and make him 'King' of the festival. For the 3 days, the 'King Puck' stands on a platform in the middle of the town and watches over the festivities. This will require car hire or taking national transport - accommodation can be difficult to find in the immediate area but is available in nearby towns. Many free events. http://www.puckfair.ie/ (festival)
National Heritage Week (national locations - 20th-28th August 2011) - events include: free tours of heritage sites; exhibitions; Whale Watch Ireland; and much more. Mostly free. http://www.heritageweek.ie/ (culture/heritage)
September
If you like popular music then there is the Electric Picnic music festival from 2nd-5th September – about an hour outside Dublin but transport is well-organised – you have to buy tickets for this festival very early. See www.electricpicnic.ie
Arthurs Day (many pubs and venues in Dublin city - 23rd September 2011) - Celebrate the most famous beer in the world and its creator, Arthur Guinness, in its home city. Lots of events take place in the bars, pubs and venues around Dublin. http://www.guinness.com/en-ie/arthursday/index.html (music)
October
October Bank Holiday Weekend - the last Monday in October is a public holiday in Ireland. There is no school for DLTC language school students that day - an extra, free private tour will be arranged for full-time students on the Friday afternoon of this week.
Dublin city marathon (Dublin city - 31st October 2011)
November
December
Temple Bar Trad Fest - traditional Irish music festival
At the end of January each year there is a festival of Irish music that takes place in the pubs and venues of Temple Bar area of Dublin. It takes place this year over 5 days from 26th-30th January 2011. This is what the organisers say: "Temple Bar Trad is Dublin's premier celebration of traditional music and culture. It's hard to believe that before the first ever Temple Bar Trad in January 2006, Dublin had lacked a traditional music festival for almost twenty years! Temple Bar Trad is all about the music." For more information, visit http://www.templebartrad.com/ The DLTC language school will be organising a night out at the festival for English language students. Travel to Temple Bar from our language school in Dun Laoghaire is very easy and takes only 20 minutes by DART (train) from Dun Laoghaire to Tara Street station - from there it's a 5 minute walk to Temple Bar.
Monday, December 6, 2010
DLTC Christmas Party 2010 - the facebook video!
What a great night for our Christmas 2010 student party .. food, drink, music and dancing .. a great night .. thanks to everyone for coming .. hope you had a great time .. I know I did .. enjoy the video:
Link to video here or visit our facebook page
Best wishes,
Bob & Laura
DLTC Language School Dublin Ireland
Link to video here or visit our facebook page
Best wishes,
Bob & Laura
DLTC Language School Dublin Ireland
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