start index Welcome to 04 Special Feature 2night! Pub Crawling Your guide to six great If you’ve ever sat pondering what to do with nights out. your evening, you’ll be glad you picked this magazine up. We’re a brand new company giving you the low-down on the best places to go in . Inside this free monthly magazine, you’ll find the best events listings 14 around, hot cinema tips, insight into your Cinema favourite stars and the chance to win tickets The best of December’s releases, and an interview with to great events in the city. You’ll also find Jon Ronson, author of this month’s special feature dedicated to The Men Who Stare At Goats. that classic Dublin pursuit, the pub crawl, with an itinerary to suit every taste from craft beer lovers to dedicated celebrity 16 spotters. You’ll find even more goodies on Music - Fighting Fit our website, from an event guide updated 2night catches up with Tom every day to the best reviews of Dublin’s Ryan of . top pubs, clubs, restaurants and cinemas. And of course, we’d love you to tell us about your favourite places too, and to enter fun competitions for tickets to the hottest events. All you need to do is register 18 for free at www.2night.ie. Competitions Win free concert So stick with us. It’s going to be epic. and theatre tickets.

Derek Owens Editor - 2night 19 Events Your guide to what’s on in December PUBLISHER: 2night Entertainment Ltd SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR: Veronica Bucciarelli ([email protected]) EDITOR: Derek Owens ([email protected]) CONTRIBUTOR: Ruraidh Conlon O’Reilly COVER: Riki Kontogianni 33 GRAPHIC DESIGN 2night Best of Dublin PRINT: Chinchio Industria Grafica - Rubano - . Where to eat, drink and party This is a 2night Entertainment Ltd publication, all rights are reserved. in Dublin 2night is copyright of 2night Spa and it is licensed to 2night Entertainment Ltd. Reproduction of the 2night Magazine, in any form, is strictly prohibited. For further information email: [email protected]

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INTERVIEW

ecial Craft Beers Literary Pub that money can buy are over. live music lovers’ pub crawl, LIVE Sp If you’ve only drunk Guin- The pub, the poet and the pint Thankfully, many of the best we’ve chosen Anseo on Cam- ness, Bud and the other usual is something many outsiders pubs in the city are aware of den Street, The Cobblestone suspects to date, you simply understandably associate with this, and have cut their prices on King Street, O’Donoghue’s haven’t lived. More and more Dublin: you’ll often find all to suit cash-strapped drinkers. on Merrion Row, The Pint on ‘craft brewers’ are emerging three in the one place. Many But there are some pubs that Eden Quay, The Purty Kitchen across the world, offering inno- of Dublin’s best writers were have gone above and beyond in Temple Bar and Whelan’s of vative recipes and high quality fond of a tipple, some tragi- to offer value for their custom- Wexford Street. drinks from pale ales to stouts. cally so, and anyone trying ers, so we’ve given them their has witnessed a craft to capture the city’s life accu- due respect here. The great Stylish/ beer boom itself, encouraged rately simply has to include a value places we’ve chosen are Celeb Spotting by a 2004 tax break given to mention of its pubs. Happily, the Czech Inn in Temple Bar, For a small country, we punch ‘microbreweries’. While the some of our best-loved pubs Harold House on Clanbrasil above our weight in music, renowned Porterhouse group from literature are still stand- Street, Karma on Fishamble theatre, sport and other fields may be the most high-profile ing and serving drinkers to Street, The Pavilion Bar in of talent. It’s little wonder that success story in Irish craft beer this day. You might even have Trinity College, Restaurant we’ve turned out some a-list – and their Parliament Street a favourite watering hole that Royal on Stephen Street, and celebs over time. Of course, pub is of course on our ‘craft you never knew was loved by the Sub Lounge at Tara Street when they come home to beers’ itinerary – Ireland is a renowned Dublin writer. The Dart Station. the old sod, they’ll naturally By 2night.ie Staff host to several microbreweries literary pubs that we find par- be drawn to the hippest bars including the Franciscan Well ticularly worth visiting are The Live Music and clubs that the city has to in , the Brewing Brazen Head on Lower Bridge Whether it’s traditional Irish offer – which are of course Company (makers of O’Hara’s Street, Davy Byrne’s on South or cutting edge, Dublin pubs well worth visiting in their Stout) and the Hooker Brewery, Anne Street, The Duke on have long been popular own right. We’ve dug up a who create the much-loved Duke Street, McDaid’s on places to check out good few classy spots that are par- Hooker. While the pubs Harry Street, The Stag’s Head music. Singer-songwriter ticularly loved by Irish celebs in this itinerary proudly display in Dame Court, and Toners on nights abound in many good and others with discerning pub their craft beers for all to see, Baggot Street. establishments, but some taste: Café en Seine on Daw- many Dublin pubs will have places have excelled them- son Street, Dandelion on a small selection of top Irish Cheap Pub selves in supporting great Stephens Green, the Horse- drinks, so don’t hesitate to ask musicians. Whether it’s The We dubliners love our pubs, and with good reason: we have some of the best Even people who haven’t shoe Bar at The Shelbourne, what’s on offer! The pubs we’ve Dubliners cutting their teeth in in the world. So it seemed only natural for us to dedicate our first issue to a taken a financial hammering Krystle on Harcourt Street, selected for this itinerary are O’Donoghue’s, the indie acts celebration of Dublin’s best drinking emporia through the time-honoured pub in the last 18 months (they do Lillie’s Bordello off Grafton crawling The Bull & Castle at Christch- exist, you know) are minding that have found an audience Street and Mint Bar in The crawl. After enjoying some exhaustive research, we’ve selected some top venues urch, The Gingerman on Fe- in Whelan’s down the years, that are worth going that extra mile for. Whether you enjoy a quiet literary pub, their pennies a little more right Westin Hotel. nian Street, Messrs Maguire on or the stars of tomorrow get- a night out that won’t cost the earth, brilliantly-crafted beers, live music or a bit now. In other words, the days Burgh Quay, O’Neill’s on Suf- ting their first gigs at The Pint, of celeb spotting in Dublin’s most stylish joints, Dublin has something for you. of setting out with a credit card folk Street and Tramco Brewery Dublin musicians owe a lot to Check out the fun itineraries over the following pages for you to try. in search of the best night on the lower Road. some of these pubs. For our photo by Tiberiu Ana from flickr.com Ana from Tiberiu by photo

4 cc 5 Pub Crawl Interview – Colm Quilligan olm Quilligan is the brains And where’s the best place Street, and McDaid’s, a great pub. Cbehind the Dublin Literary for a literary connection? Brendan Behan was a regular there in Pub Crawl, a lively tour through Davy Byrnes is associated with Joyce his heyday. The Bull & The the history of Dublin literature and Samuel Beckett was there for a Castle Gingerman with plenty of pints thrown while before he left the country in the And what’s your best tip for a Christ Church Square 39-40, Fenian Street rawl in. To find out more about the 1930s. He’d just resigned from his successful pub crawl? Dublin 2. Dublin 2. C Tel: 014751122 Tel: 016766388 Dublin Literary Pub Crawl, visit teaching post in Trinity College in 1931, Well, ours has been running for 21 b www.dublinpubcrawl.com. so he was remembered as a remote, years. They say it’s the pub, the poet u P isolated figure. and the pint, and that’s what we’re his place calls itself a gastropub and beer hall, and it’s the latter amed in homage to J.P. Dunleavey’s popular tale of late-1940s de- Where’s your favourite place known for around the world. They’ve that we love. The Bull & Castle has a jaw-dropping array of drinks, bauchery this pub also gives a nod to literature by renaming their

to go? And what pubs would you go read about writers and poets going eers including O’Hara’s Red, O’Hara’s Stout, Lean Follain (a strong stout) selection of craft beers – the pub serves The Franciscan Well Brew-

B T N Somewhere quiet! The Keogh’s is a through on the literary pub from bar to bar. And they had to, be- and Curim, an intriguing Irish wheat beer. They also stock drinks from the ery’s Revel Red and Rebel Block, billing them as Writers Red and Writers great pub on South Anne Street. I usu- crawl? cause the only way to get published in Whitewater Brewery in Down, the Hilden Brewery outside Belfast - Molly’s Block respectively. They also stock the brewery’s Friar Weiss. At €4 a pint, ally go to the pubs that know me. Any- We’d talk about Davey Byrne’s, we’d those days was through journalists and Chocolate Stout from the Hilden is a particular treat – and a range of bottled all three are very affordable, and you can share a pitcher for €10 if you’re newspaper offices. raft where local really works for me! talk about The Long Hall on George’s C continental beers. so inclined.

2havenighters and your their nightli sayfe Messrs The Porter- Maguire House 1-2, Burgh Quay 16-18, Parliament Street Name: Christine Murray Name: Marianne O’Rourke Dublin 2. Dublin 2. Age: 22 Age: 24 Tel: 016705777 Tel: 016798847 2night.ie Avatar: starlikedolly 2night.ie Avatar: orourkeme

What’s your favourite Dublin pub and why? What’s your favourite Dublin pub and why? ery friendly service and a good pub grub menu are a winning combi- fter seeing their first micro-brewing enterprise collapse, cousins Ol- It would probably be O’Neills on Suffolk Street. The outside is beautiful, and the Sin É on Ormonde Quay. It encapsulates everything that an Irish pub should nation, and specially-created delights from an excellent microbrew- iver Hughes and Liam LaHarte decided to set up their own pub in inside is too. There tends to be a good atmosphere there and a mixed crowd, offer: a cosy candlelit atmosphere, relaxed bar staff, colourful clientele and an Very make Messrs a bit special. You can choose from a Plain Porter, ABray selling quality beers. It wasn’t until this pub and microbrwery which can make for a very good night. The best bit for me is the smoking area eclectic musical offering. a Weiss, a Haus and a Rusty Red Ale. The pick of the bunch, though, is opened up, though, that the Poterhouse Group really took flight. Aside from on the roof. It’s full of old-school advertisements and, with buildings surround- the Bock, which recently scooped the Best Overall Beer award at the Inde- their range of unique beers – the Temple Brau, Plain and Porterhouse Red ing it on almost every side it feels a world away from the busy streets. Aside Where’s the best area of Dublin for pubs? pendent Irish Beer & Whiskey Festival 2009. A tasty pint will set you back are all worth a try – the Porterhouse also stocks a huge variety of interna- from that, they do a great range of craft and foreign beers – I’m a bit of a lager Every city centre street is a mixed bag. The Liberties has a few hidden gems, a manageable €4. tional drinks. girl myself- which makes it a great place to spend an hour or three. including student favourites McGruders and The Thomas House, both on Tho- mas Street. Camden Street is home to one of my shabbier favourites, Anseo. Where’s the best area of Dublin for pubs? It’s probably a bit of a cliché, but the area around Saint James’ Gate and the What qualities would you look for from a pub? brewery can be good. The area used to have lots of breweries, which I think everyone wants to step into a pub and feel instantly at home. This tends spawned lots of pubs, and Saint James is the patron saint of brewing so you to happen when the venue reflects the tastes of a particular group. For me, Tramco can’t go far wrong. A lot of the pubs in the area have been around for years, those tastes include a great selection of music, a space for events, an informal Brewery and they’re great for old Dublin character and history. atmosphere, an area for dancing and a good buzz that accommodates conver- O’Neill’s 121, Lower Rathmi- sation without drowning it out. 2, Suffolk Street nes Road, Rathmines What qualities would you look for from a pub? Dublin 2. Dublin 6. I like a place with character. Friendly staff, a good selection of drinks, and a pub What’s your ideal pub crawl – one with value, a traditional/literary Tel: 016793656 Tel: 014968050 where you can linger over your pint in comfort are big pluses for me. feel, craft beers or a stylish atmosphere? An ideal pub crawl would celebrate Dublin’s bar culture. Grogan’s or The Old What’s your ideal pub crawl – one with value, a traditional/ Stand for a cosy booth and a quiet pint, Anseo for the pre-going out banter, popular big pub in a prime location doesn’t need to do much for aving changed its spots dramatically since its days as Dublin’s fa- literary feel, craft beers or a stylish atmosphere? The Mezz for a packed house and live , Whelans for a fire in the grate and punters, but O’Neill’s does it regardless. You’ll find a range of at- vourite student venue, Tramco Brewery is owned by the same group I’m not really into stylish bars: my taste in pubs runs more to shabby-chic! Lit- some old nineties anthems, and Sin É for the most congested but addictive Atractive beers here, including Galway Hooker, Rebel Red, Blarney Hbehind Messrs Maguire’s on the quays. They’ve turned it into quite erary pub crawls are always good fun, but I love my craft beers. A combination dance floor on the north side. Blonde, O’Hara’s Stout and Molly’s Chocolate Stout. The stouts will set you an impressive place to enjoy craft beer far from the maddening crowd. The of those two would be ideal for me. back by €4.80, while the other craft beers cost €5.30. A mean carvery with menu includes their own stout, Mizen, and a tasty ale named Dearg, at €4.60 When’s the last time you had a bit of a pub crawl? man-size portions makes this place particularly handy if you’re starting a pub a pint. They also offer Kilaree lager and Cashel Weiss and Lager at €4.90. When’s the last time you had a bit of a pub crawl? Culture Night in September. All the action was happening along the Thomas I can’t remember – maybe that’s a good thing! Street belt, although it rapidly turned into a gallery crawl along Francis Street. crawl early from here. The madness then leaked over to Wexford Street and descended into Whelan’s. 6 7 The Brazen Davy The Czech The Harold Head Byrne’s Inn House 20, Bridge Street 21, Duke Street Essex Gate, Temple 34, Clanbrasil Street rawl Dublin 8. Dublin 2. rawl Bar – Dublin 2. Dublin 8. C Tel: 016785186 Tel:016775217 C Tel: 014179900 Tel: 014534529 b b u u P P

he Brazen Head may be the oldest pub in the country, so it’s no sur- avy Byrne’s is particularly loved by fans of , who gave the p Temple Bar’ and ‘cheap pubs’ aren’t exactly phrases most people put to- he Harold House don’t exactly make a big song and dance of their prise that several literary giants including Jonathan Swift and James ‘moral pub’ and its teetotal proprietor a fairly substantial appearance gether. But the Czech Inn, aside from stocking a range of quality imported drinks promotion – it’s primarily for pensioners, and they only make

Joyce graced its doors over time. A good pub food menu comple- in Ulysses. In homage to that appearance, this place sees a consider- hea beers and authentic Easter European food, also runs an excellent promo- it available for everyone to avoid accusations of discrimination. Even

T D C ‘ T mented by friendly service and well-pulled pints go a long way to explain- able crowd on Bloomsday in search of Leopold Bloom’s Cheese sandwiches. tion: a generous pitcher of Staropraven (a delicious Prague Beer) for a mere without the fuss, a pint of Guinness for €3.60 during the day (it switches to iterary

L ing why they kept coming back here. “You get a decent enough do in The The pub takes considerable pride in its literary connection and sponsors €10, all day every day. At close to €2.50 a pint, it’s one of the cheapest deals €4 at night) is nothing to be sniffed at. There’s an older, laid back crowd, Brazen Head” opined Joyce in the Eumaeus chapter of Ulysses. It’ll certainly the Irish Writing Award, which gives financial support to one up-and-coming you’ll find in the city, and certainly in Temple Bar. which suits many, while both the pints and service are faultless. do for us. writer chosen annually. cc Photo by Ivan Zuber from flickr.com

Karma. The Handel’s Pavilion The Duke McDaid’s Hotel Bar 9, Duke Street 3, Harry Street 16-18, Fishamble 2. Dublin 2. Street, Dublin 2. Dublin 2. Tel: 016799553 Tel: 016794395 Tel: 16709400 Tel: 016081279

he Duke has lots to recommend it: good bar food, well-poured pints, his building has served a few purposes in its time: the city morgue, ith most bars, you’ll either get a fancy interior – Karma’s reminds e’re still not sure what the rules governing entry to ‘The Pav’ are: and a lively traditional music session on Sunday nights. However, it’s a chapel and, later in the eighteenth century, a Victorian pub. You’ll us of a kung-fu film – or good value, not both. However, this when it’s quiet, or too busy for staff to eyeball you, it seems open Tbecoming increasingly famous as the staging point for the Dublin Lit- Tsee evidence of the old décor, but not much hint of the literary fig- Wplace is a bit special. Karma offers pints of Guinness and Smith- Wto everyone. If they don’t like the look of you, it’s students only. erary Pub Crawl, in which two talented actors combine drinking, Dublin’s ures that graced it: McDaid’s was a favoured watering hole for both Patrick wicks at €3.70 a pop, while you can get Heineken, Bud and Carlsberg for One thing’s for sure, though: the chance to pick up four cans of Bavaria for literary culture and a tour of the city with considerable panache. The tour Kavanagh and Brendan Behan who, between the pair of them, probably kept €4.20. With all bottles priced at €3, and shots at a manageable €3 each too, €8 is a reliable draw. The standard summer shenanigans (kickabouts on the lasts just over two hours, meeting upstairs in the pub, and costs €12 (€10 it going in the 1950s! Today, you’ll still find an old-style bar with brimming this pub is one of the cheapest in town. It’s also close enough to be a short grass and more) aren’t possible at this time of year, but the Pavilion is still a for students). conversation and no piped music. walk from the heart of Dublin. lively place for a cheap drink.

The Stag’s Head Toners Restaurant Sub Lounge 1, Dame Court 139, Lower Baggot Royale Tara St Station - Dublin 2. Street – Dublin 2. Upper Stephen Street Dublin 2. Tel: 01 6793701 Tel: 016763090 Dublin 2. Tel: 016716769

he Stag’s Head Pub has been one of the city’s favourite watering holes oners is, reportedly, the only pub that William Butler Yeats ever vis- his restaurant-cum-bar blends a bright and airy décor with a decided- od only knows how long these guys can carry on serving all pints since the 1870s. It was also a haunt of James Joyce during his time ited. We’re told he was a regular, but not a mixer, inclined to silently ly old-school approach: €5 specials for breakfast, an ‘evening break- at €3.40 and all cocktails at €5. Unless you count a lunatic peddling T(he got around, didn’t he?) and there’s little evidence of change since Tsip his sherry and leave. A more convivial atmosphere prevailed in Tfast’ (which is perfect for pre-pub fortifying) at €8, and a good value Ghomebrew out of his flat, this is the cheapest pint in the city centre, then. The Stag’s Head still has comfy leather chairs, stained glass windows, the mid-to-late twentieth century, when the pub was a favoured sport for the menu overall with hearty, often organic food all round. Crucially, it also offers and a lovely place to get it too: the décor is very modern with a mix of colours a big mahogany bar with a marble top, and cosy lunchtime snugs. Again, city’s journalists to drink, gossip and swap tips. Though many have moved excellently priced pints, with Bud, Carlsberg and Guinness all costing €3.50 and some intriguing gothic features. Service is swift, which is essential for anyone who shuns thumping music in favour of rich conversation will find a on, you’ll still find the odd old-school hack, and the chatty vibe remains. all day and night. It enjoys an informal crowd and keeps normal pub hours. keeping up with the small army of cost-conscious drinkers we encounter nice little haven here. here most evenings.

8 9 10 Live Music Pubs Crawl 23:00. before free always is Thursdays.Admission on comedy and covers rock big on mainly traditional Irish covers instruments) every Monday, and indie Totallyclassic Wired playing and trad playing band, alternative (an Spite for ing rare ‘aul times. the in Dublin for nostalgia little a you give will decor the Even high. is evening from 21:00, with a mixed-age crowd, and of the musician- standard every run still Tradsessions heyday. their in here regulars the entertaining O L W a high standard ofmusicforthat. a highstandard ensures policy music eclectic and discerning a However, stuff. their strut to in the upstairs room. It’s a place for up-and-coming singers and larger bands has a certain kind of shabby cool now, enhanced immeasurably by live music Tel: 016770945 Sussex Dublin 2. Street - East 34/35, Kitchen The Purty Tel: 016607194 Dublin 2. Row Merrion 15, ghue’s O’Dono- Tel: 014751321 Camden Dublin 2. Street - Lower 18, Anseo - the legendary Dubliners and spent countless nights countless Row, spent Moore Christy and Dubliners Merrion legendary the - super-chic on ordinary the O’Donoghue’s is possibly Dublin’s most famous traditional music pub of out slightly ooking day into a rocking venue and club by night. Highlights include Liv- include Highlights night. by club and venue rocking a into day by pub traditional quiet a from transforms Kitchen Purty The area, ne of the best gastropubs-come-clubs to emerge in the Temple Bar ness of its predecessor throughout the décor, that scruffiness that décor, the throughout predecessor its of ness scruffi- the kept it’s While Anseo. into place, unremarkable but e’ll always be grateful for the transformation of Con’s pub, a nice upstairs. The emphasishere,though,isonwell-played,authenticIrishtrad. room’ upstairs. ‘back the in place take , to folk from styles musical of variety a few tunes informally in the designated corner of the main bar. Paid with gigs, timate setting. in- an in acts larger as well as series, up-and-comers, ‘Whelan’sUpstairs’ the see in particularly to place a still is Whelan’s Rice, Damien and Frames mes. Having provided an early platform for leading Irish artists including The up tofriends. talk and love to band as-yet-unknown an of search in fans indie discerning for destination popular a become already has night, Saturday every upstairs place from collegemusicians.Theparticularly thus far, which takes Session, A T cc Photobyandyketfromflickr.com A Tel: 014780766 Dublin 2. 25 WexfordStreet Whelan’s. Tel: 018745255 Dublin 1. QuayEden 28, The Pint Tel: 018721799 Dublin 7. Street King North 77, stone The C for fostering young talent. The Pint actively encourages any young bands with chutzpah to send in any demos and have yielded some results encourages actively Pint The talent. young fostering for credit considerable deserves hiatus, long a after re-opened pub, his makes for a good atmosphere when a musician decides to spin a all spin to decides It musician a clientele. when atmosphere and good a decor for makes rustic a has Cobblestone the tourists, rampaging from away well located bar traditional Irish authentic n the earth and, crucially, a booking policy that’s moved with the ti- the with moved that’s policy booking a crucially, and, earth the cost don’t that drinks atmosphere, cosy warm a reasons: many for long so survived has Whelan’s years, for scene indie the of staple obble-

Stylish/ Celebrity Spotting Pub Crawl times and, perversely, a little more glamour make this even better than in the boomtime. than better even this make glamour more little a perversely, and, lunch - times weekday on in coming money Less all). after party, to have still up the decadent art deco furnishings and occasional celebrity (the b-listers and remains popular withseveralfamous visitorsfromoverseas. It here. frequent still that take a-listers the they harasses nobody imagine, that ensure can to care you As tasteful. are events the and plush course, L I T captains of industry, alongwithsomeofourmoresedatestars. ofindustry, captains to House Leinster escaping politicians from here, figures establishment see themselves standing around by necessity, which encourages mingling. You’ll Tel: 0867816251 Dublin 2. Street – Grafton Court, Adam Bordello Lillie’s Tel: 016634500 Dublin 2. en - Stephen’sGre- St. 27, rne Hotel The Shelbou- shoe Bar. The Horse- Tel: 016774369 Dublin 2. St Dawson 40, Seine Café en to post-work mingling at The Horseshoe Bar. Most drinkers tend to find to tend drinkers Bar.Most Horseshoe The at mingling post-work to interminable renovations. Whatever it was, it didn’t seem to hold a candle t’sTheundergoing while was did Shelbourne we what remember to hard the bordello, despite the still-discerning bouncers. The interior is, of is, interior The bouncers. still-discerning the despite bordello, love the still people Thankfully, clubs. newer from competition with up keep to years recent in game her up to had has is, she whoever illie, With less people about, it allows the remaining drinkers to appreciate emptier.little it’sa when punters) 1500 café- in pack can gigantic (which bar-club this prefer we but here, down quietened have hings okal, hc poal epan wy ts oua wt yug post-work professionals. young with cheap popular it’s serves why and explains probably location which convenient cocktails, a enjoys also Dandelion all. after place, one of out stumbling photographed be only can she or he that sure important-but-secret dealmight begoingdownatthe nexttable. important-but-secret the delicate Elderflower Collins. A great place if you like the feeling that some try – selection cocktail delicious a plus them, attracts that haven derground your bestcourseofaction. beautiful people, sharing a nicotine fix in the heated beer garden is probably the with mingle to try must you refinement If feel. of laid-back a lot and a Street, Harcourt with for club a in night a enjoy can All superior. feel how T T cc Photobyfibroblastfromflickr.com A Tel: 016451000 Dublin 2. WestmorelandStreet Hotel Westin Mint Bar- Tel: 0863068081 Dublin 2. Sreet Harcourt 21-25, Kr Tel: 014760870 Dublin 2. en - Gre- Stephens St 130, D andelion y e aiir ih f o ra te uies ae –ulc iue the figures –public paparazzi don’t chase. pages We reckon business it’s the the conspiratorial feel of read this un- you if with familiar be only you’ll that celebrities of kind the by frequented is Bar Mint he from shoot) a and VIP those of us who spot celeb spotters and some- anyone recognise they if made be will night (whose spotters celebs, Irish groups: three into divided crudely be can Krystle of clientele he stle good meal and party late is another handy hook – it makes a star star a makes it – hook handy another is late party and meal good a eat to place A celebs. for draws essential course, of are, tographs au- for ask to cool too far are that patrons and interior retro bold, 11 NEPHIN ROAD

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6 The best of December’s cinema By Derek Owens

CINEMA Top five and baby lambs in their arms to the use of peaceful or dis- 2night’s top five movie releases in December and The man who cordant sounds and psychic powers. Perhaps the strangest tale, and the one which lended the book its title, involved a where you can see them in Dublin City Centre. chased the goats small herd of de-bleated goats held at fort Bragg. A covert The Men Who Stare at Goats, a rip-roaring tale of new age lunacy in unit was assigned to test the potential of psychic powers in Sherlock Holmes the U.S. military, has an intriguing opening line – that more of this war by staring at the goats all day in an effort to kill them. Action/Adventure Showing in: Cineworld Dublin, Savoy Cinema is true than most people imagine. It’s no lie, and we spoke to Jon On hearing this story, Ronson knew he had found some- Ronson (author of the non-fiction book that inspired the film) to A big budget cinema adaptation of a well-loved classic is traditionally a find out what really happened. thing special. “I felt like I’d hit the mother load. I thought you recipe for disaster, but the casting of Robert Downey Junior (who single- couldn’t make that up – it had to be true,” he says. I knew handedly imbued Iron Man with some charm) as the legendary detec- enough about the military to know that these kinds of mad tive on the hunt of a conspiracy to destroy Britain is inspired. on Ronson isn’t exactly used to promoting a major movie with an ideas were being tried out. And the reason we didn’t think it all-star cast. “I have a growing admiration for celebrities who do is that we think our leaders are more sane and more sensi- ble. It was such a beautiful microcosm.” Where the Wild Things are this a lot, because it’s extremely tiring,” he admits. However, the Fantasy J The Men Who Stare at Goats went experience is still exciting for Ronson, a documentary maker and jour- Showing in: Cineworld Dublin, Savoy Cinema nalist who, back in 2003, stumbled across tales of the U.S. military’s beyond these bizarre anecdotes, Spike Jonze’s quirky take on a classic children’s book seemed aimed efforts to create psychic soldiers that would fight wars using new age tracing a line from the occasionally just as much at adults as children. Max (Max Records) rails against the idealistic notions of the First Earth everyday injustices of family life and flees in a sailboat, reaching an is- methods. The result was The Men Who Stare at Goats, an international land filled with lovable wild animals. Fans of the book will be familiar with bestseller that spawned a movie of the same name starring George Battalion to their sinister modern application in torture at Abu Gharib the morality tale that ensues, but Jonze manages to make a movie that’s Clooney, Ewan McGreggor and Jeff Bridges. sweet for all ages without being overly cloying. The book wouldn’t have happened at all, though, but for and Guantanamo Bay. Accord- ing to Ronson, that was essential a lucky break. “I had an idea that my previous book Bunny and The Bull had been about craziness at the fringes of society, to a worthwhile book. “If it’s just zaniness, it’s just a freakshow that Comedy so my next book should be about craziness at the Showing in: Screen Cinema heart of society, so I’d go looking for that. It was doesn’t mean anything. But if there Writer/director Paul King blends a road movie, buddy comedy and love a real mistake the way I did it,” he says. “I was is that absurdity on the surface, triangle with a dash of surrealism in this new effort. Set in the flat of flailing around for at least a year or two, going with a serious side, then you’ve Stephen Turnbull (Edward Hogg), the movie recalls a disastrous road trip off and meeting people, and wasn’t sure what got a story.” across accompanied by his less-than-reliable best friend, Bunny the project was about. Channel 4 was sup- The darker side of the story is (Simon Farnaby). Watch out for a welcome appearance by Richard Ay- oade of The IT Crowd. porting it and I felt I was spending all their something that the film shied away from, instead referring money. Then I went to Hawaii and found to the stranger anecdotes in the book through zany com- out about the goat-staring.” edy. “They decided they wanted to make an affectionate film Avatar Ronson convinced veterans who were about the war, and it was quite a radical decision to make. Sci-Fi/Action involved in this new age experimenta- Within that set of rules, it works really well, and I really like it. Showing in: Cineworld Dublin, Savoy Cinema Try to get past the slightly trite storyline - a U.S. Military programme with tion – including Colonel Jim Channon, I have no idea what it would be like if the film suddenly got evil designs on a peaceful alien race - in James Cameron’s latest block- General Albert N. Stubblebine, and really dark. It may well not have worked” says Ronson. “The film is much more sweet-natured than the book.” While the buster. Instead, enjoy the lavish blend of animation and live action, the Glenn Wheater – to tell him about dramatic set-piece battle scenes and beautiful landscapes. how an army collectively traumatised film on its merits is fun, frequently funny and enjoyable, any- by Vietnam allowed Channon to go one whose interest is whetted by the zany adventure should on a ‘fact finding’ mission around check out the true story in Ronson’s book. Situations Vacant Comedy the new age circuit of the early Showing in: Screen Cinema 1970s, and embraced the ideas he The Men Who Stare at Goats was released in cinemas on November 6. The book, also named The Men Who Stare at Another contemporary Irish comedy with a heavy dose of Dublin wit, came back with. These ranged from Situations Vacant follows David Bracken, together with his friends Vinny Goats, is published by Picador. soldiers of the First Earth Battallion Burke and Tom Farrell, trying to break into the corporate high life in the greeting enemies with ‘sparkly eyes’ time honoured fashion: lying in job interviews. It all goes swimmingly, of course, until the fibs start to unravel in hilarious fashion. 14 15 ormed in 2006, Fight Like Apes is made up of Mary-Kate “MayKay” Geraghty (vocals and synth), Jamie “Pockets” Fox (keyboard and vocals), Tom Ryan (bass) and Adrian Mullan (drums). The Dublin band’s unique sound, thrashy- Fbut-infectious songs riddled with B-movie references, shouted expletives and synth hooks, made a massive mark on Dublin’s music scene very quickly, and 2EPs – How Am I Supposed to Kill You If You Have All The Guns? And David INTERVIEW INTERVIEW Carradine is a Bounty Hunter Whos Robotic Arm Hates Your Crotch – were released in 2007. The band released Fight

SIC Like Apes and the Mystery of the Golden Medallion in 2008. SIC U “It’s safe to say that I Fight Like Apes and the Mystery of the Golden Medallion has since been released in the UK and in Japan through Sony U hate every band in the Music. Fight Like Apes have enjoyed other international success, touring in support of both and . They have also played at several leading music festivals, including Oxygen, Glastonbury and . An LIVE M LIVE M LIVE Irish music industry; EP - You Filled His Head with Fluffy Clouds and Jolly Ranchers, What Did You Think Was Going to Happen? – has been if not the whole released in the , and the band are currently writing material for another , planned for release in 2010. world.” Fight Like Apes have been nominated for the Best Breakthrough Artist at the UK Festival Awards (sharing the shortlist with artists including Florence and the Machine and ) and a clutch of Meteor Music Awards, including Best Irish Album, Best Irish Band, and Best Irish Live Performance. They have scheduled a show at The Academy on Decem- ber 18, featuring a full-sized wrestling ring and special guests from the sport. As they limber up for some bodyslamming action in their hometown, Tom Ryan speaks to 2night.

You’ve come very far very quickly to watch good movies now. We’ve nice living, but it can become stag- films like Plan 9 From Outer Space with an unconventional sound. watched everything crap (that can nant. There are only so many gigs together? What advice would you give to be bought on DVD). Our current you can do in Ireland in a year. We’ve watched some pieces of pure someone who’s starting to experi- transport does not have a VHS play- gold in our time. Plan 9 has really ment and write their own songs? er; which sucks. Maybe that’ll be a Where does the whole wrestling made a mark in recent years. It’s a Enjoy what you’re doing! Have a project for me. Install video player connection (aside from the ring pleasure to watch. I recommend laugh. Get others involved so the in van. Boom. Then find a copy of at your Academy gig, we spotted everyone watch “The Brain That writing process can be messed with Pugwall’s summer. footage of Pockets and Maykay Would Not Die”. It’s a classic. We a bit! Make loads of noise! at the recent American Wrestling tend to sit around a lot. It’s a habit. Are you sick of each other yet? Rampage shows) come from? What advice would you give to I doubt it. We work well together, What was it like to get roughed up I notice you’ve toured with a very yourselves circa 2006? and there are rarely fights. A good by a wrestler and hit with a chair? varied bunch of groups. Who do For myself, chill out and play less kick up the arse is all that’s required And who are the special guests you think you were particularly Diablo II. Everyone else was fine. to sort out a disagreement. from the world of wrestling that suitable support for, and who do will be making an appearance in you think wasn’t such a good fit? What do you like or dislike about Do you feel a sense of friction with December? We’re suitable for everyone. At any where you are now? the Irish music scene, given that Pockets used to run a backyard time. We are the mother of all sup- I like that I’m still in a band after two you sound very different to typical wrestling organisation at his house port bands. We have never had a and a half years. Actually, it’s prob- front cover fodder? for a few years. However, not much bad support experience. I’d support ably three now. I like that I still have There’s friction, like sandpaper. It’s footage has survived, which is a the Pope if he asked us. I’d support the same bass that I had at the safe to say that I hate every band in shame. That’s where the main link Obama. I’d support Angus Deayton start. I like that my hair is slightly the Irish music industry; if not the comes from; and yes, they were if he’d have us. bigger than it was three years ago. I whole world. I’m a Star Trek fan. If totally at that AWR show. I wasn’t dislike that most of my trousers have there are other bands out there in hit with anything. I wasn’t actu- Can you pin down why do your holes. I dislike that I don’t drink as the universe, I guarantee I hate them ally there, but I saw the bruise and fans like you, or why people might much coffee as I used to. I dislike too. I can’t speak for the rest of my slash across Pocket’s head and his not like you? yan of Fight Like Apes. that I don’t listen to enough music at band. I don’t think we ever made the wrecked back and realised it must Yes. We’re explosively rude. the minute. That’s changing. front cover. really have hurt. The lad’s a trooper though. By Derek Owens What’s the hardest thing to get What’s wrong or right with Irish Coming up used to about constant touring? Is music today? Do the B-Movie references and Fight Like Apes are set to play The 2night catches up with Tom R it what you expected? Irish bands need to push abroad. samples in your work come mainly Academy on Abbey Street on De- It’s exactly what I expected. The They need not get stuck in Ireland. from any one band member, or cember 18 at 19:00 Fighting Fit hardest thing to get used to is having It’s a place where you can make a do you guys sit around watching Tickets cost €19.50.

16 17 LIVE MUSIC CLUBBING REGULAR EVENT EVENTS EATING AND DRINKING THEATRE ARTS WEEK 1 - 6 DECEMBER EVENTS / DUBLIN FREE TICKETS FREE By Ruraidh Conlon O’Reilly

SIC 1 December JULIAN PLENTI U Don’t be fooled by the semi-invented persona CLUBLAND LIVE 3 on his website nor the semi-joke of the pseu- Dancefloor superstars , N-Dubz, Dar- donym: Julian Plenti is none other than Paul LIVE M LIVE ren Styles and Agnes hit the 02 for a night Banks, singer with Interpol. Freed from the of huge hits. Cascada are one of the biggest conventions of his day job, album Julian Plenti dance acts in the world, with chart-topper is... Skyscraper strikes out in new directions ‘Evacuate the Dancefloor’ proving more infec- without straying too far from Interpol HQ: tious than swine flu. Natalie Horler and her expect more electronics and orchestrals, then, companions are ably supported by but fewer vampiric bass guitarists. a who’s who of upcoming acts. €33, 20.00 €33.60/€35.60, 19:30 The Academy, Middle Abbey Street, Dublin The 02, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1. 1. Tel: 018779999 Tel: 018198888 THE THEATRE MACHINE TURNS YOU ON A CHRISTMAS CAROL Ever hear of The Rock Machine Turns You On? Bah, humbug! Sometimes a person just isn’t It was a 1968 sampler record featuring Bob in the mood for Christmas, with its crowded Dylan, The Byrds, Leonard Cohen among oth- Free Tickets / Competitions shops, aggressive streets and epic to do lists. ers, and legend has it that a whole generation But most find some time to enjoy it. Meet of music fans were influenced as a result. Well, Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserable sod whose here comes The Theatre Machine Turns You Win tickets to top gigs and shows with 2night. Christmas spirit has dropped off the scale. Yet On, the theatrical equivalent. Patrons can pick By Derek Owens confronted by the spirits of Christmases past, and choose from a selection of three shows present and yet to come, Scrooge looks inside each night, and the series runs for five nights. It’s been a monumental 12 months for a lady who his heart to find the true meaning of the fes- “Expect organised chaos,” they say. “Expect Aslan The Seafarer has only grown in strength since emerging from tive season. high standards. Expect to feel how you did These northside rock veterans have been Liberties girl Imelda May is gearing up for It’s Christmas Eve and the self-destructive the shadows of (apparently, she John Mortimer’s adaptation of Charles Dick- when you bought your first record.” Presented through splits, addiction, critical write-offs a big-ticket headline show at the 02 Arena, Sharky has returned to Dublin to look after hasn’t spoken to him since she was fired before a ens’ classic is set to run throughout Decem- by Exchange Theatre, a new arts collective run entirely by the yoof. and more comebacks than Lance Arm- with her solid band (featuring hubby Dar- his ageing brother. Old drinking buddies gig in ). , Hannigan’s evocative and ber. strong. They still enjoy a devoted following, rel Higham on guitar) and Jerry Fish and Ivan and Nicky are holed up at the house From €20, 20:00, some matinees €5, 20:00 firmly DIY debut album, was released in September Project Arts Centre, East Essex Street, Tem- and most Dubliners will have heard their The Mudbug Club in tow. Having pulled off too, hoping to play some cards, but they’re 2008 and it all kicked off from there. Highlights Gate Theatre, Cavendish Row, Parnell Square, Dublin 1. Tel: 018744045 ple Bar, Dublin 2. Tel: 018819613 hits This Is and Crazy World at some point. the impossible and made rockabilly cool in joined by a mysterious stranger who raises included a Mercury Music Prize nomination - “I Their most recent album, Uncased, was a 2009 with her inspired album, Love Tattoo, the stakes higher than any man expects. can’t transcribe the high pitched noise of excite- PAOLO NUTINI covers effort where artists ranging from she’s expected to draw a large crowd of Family, addiction and redemption are ment that I’m involuntarily making right now, but 2 December to Lennon got a reworking. They play punters paying Eur37.50. You can win a pair themes that get an extended airing in this It seems that this popular Scot, a regular visi- ‘!” sums up my feelings best,” she wrote on her tor to venues and recording studios on Irish on December 27, and tickets of tickets for free with 2night! intense tale by Conor McPherson. The Sea- blog - appearances on of all shores, can do absolutely no wrong. Still on PATROL RE-WORKED normally cost Eur33.60, but we have a pair farer runs from December 9 to January things, duets with and , the young side of 23 and promoting second What to do when you’ve sold millions, played to give away! 30, and we’ve two pairs of free tickets to and charity duties for with hardly a break album Sunny Side Up, three Irish dates will to enormous audiences and – it might be fair to say – annoyed a huge number of people give away. in the touring schedule. Hannigan sings a shy draw an epic European tour to a close. From €30, 19:30 in the process? Many successful bands find yet deceptively strong brand of indie folk – ex- themselves not knowing what happens next, pect a hushed audience for this, the first gig of a The Olympia Theatre, Dame Street, Dublin HOW TO ENTER 2. Tel: 016793323 but few respond so innovatively. Snow Pa- We don’t charge you to send in answers to silly questions by text – entering our competitions is free and fun. You can simply log on to round trip tour that begins and ends in Vicar St. trol’s solution is to invite along old friends and www.2night.ie and, in our competitions page, tell us why you want free tickets to see Aslan, Imelda May or The Seafarer. €28, 20:30 guest musicians to rewrite the songbook. The The best contributions will win a set of tickets! Vicar St, inclusion of songs by The Reindeer Section, Winners are selected at the sole discretion of the editorial staff. For full terms and conditions, visit www.2night.ie Thomas Street, Dublin 8. Tel: 014546656 an oddball offshoot that included members 18 19 of , Idlewild The Olympia Theatre, Dame ly coming to the boil for years, with until 2:30am. Party anthems to go The Academy, Middle Abbey Vicar St, Thomas Street, Dublin 8. and , may serve Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 a series of exhibitions and TV spe- ape to, the lads say. Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 Tel: 014546656 to silence the doubters and remind cials. How anyone will keep their Free, 23:00 latecomers of ’s indier, THE ANTLERS minds off football when they play RÍ RÁ, Dame Court, Dublin 2. PJ GALLAGER CINDERELLA pre-arena roots. This Brooklyn trio, causing rever- Dearg Doom is anyone’s guess. Tel: 016711220 The star of RTE series Naked Cam- It’s opening night for Theatreworx €56.80/62.70, 19:30 ential whispers in certain under- Support comes from another leg- era, Gallagher’s insane energy in Productions’ Cinderella, set for a The Olympia Theatre, Dame ground circles, are based around endary name in Irish rock, Some- harassing passers-by has, fortu- long run through December and Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 the singing and songwriting of thing Happens. 6 December nately, translated into a manic stage right into January. Carol Anne Ryan Pete Silberman. This year’s album, €49.50, 18:30 show. stars as Cinderella, while Eoin Can- Hospice (which was initially self- The 02, North Wall Quay, Dublin THAT PETROL EMOTION €28, 20:30 non is on Charming duties. 4 December released by the band but then 1. Tel: 018198888 An undisputed blinder of a set at Vicar St, Thomas Street, Dublin 8. Oh no he isn’t! Oh yes he is! picked up the assistance of last year’s proved Tel: 014546656 From €24 (adults) or €20 (chil- NEIL DELAMERE Frenchkiss Records) tackles the ELECTRIC SIX that fifteen years of absence dren), check website for times Now a household name after ap- grim tale of a man watching his The Detroit band responsible for has indeed made the heart grow SONIC YOUTH The Helix, DCU, Collins Av- pearances on The Panel and Just for nearest and dearest succumb to Gay Bar and other campy hits are fonder – and the reunion has con- Noise, and lots of it. Appearing in enue, , Dublin 9. Tel: Laughs, Delamere is also appearing cancer. Despite the grim subject still rolling. Don’t hold it against tinued ever since. Emerging out what is a boom month for the re- 017007000 in Vicar St on December 12. matter, the wistful Americana them of the ashes of The Undertones union gig, Sonic Youth just never €28, 20:30 tends towards just as €19.50 circa 1985, success didn’t last, went away. Now some 16 JAMES MORRISON Vicar St, Thomas Street, Dublin 8. much as the bitter. The Academy, Middle Abbey but inspiration did and the list of and over 25 years to the good, the The English singer-songwriter re- Tel: 014546656 €12.50, 19:00 Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 bands citing That Petrol Emotion more this band changes, the more turns to Dublin, having topped the The Academy 2, Middle Abbey as influences is admirable. Politi- it stays the same. One of the few charts with last year’s Songs For AIDA Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 SPACE... THE VINYL FRONTIER* cally abrasive, and with a sense of grunge-era survivors to retain long- You, Truths For Me. The promoters are promising “an Every Saturday night, Glen and right-place-wrong-time that was term credibility, Thurston Moore, €39.20, 18:30 operatic performance on a scale Gerry from Temple Bar’s Beatfind- almost self-destructive, this forgot- Kim Gordon and friends provide a The 02, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1. never before seen in Ireland,” and, 5 December er Records lay on the soul, funk, ten gem is shining again. unique avant-garde onslaught. Tel: 018198888 with a cast of over 250, let’s take disco, house, electro and techno €25, 21:00 From €42.50, 19:30 their word for it. Verdi’s four-act THE POOR MOUTH / AN BÉAL melodrama opera, first performed BOCHT in 1871, tells the story of Aida, an Flann O’Brien-slash-Myles Na Ethiopian princess captured and Gopleen’s hilarious send-up of the enslaved in ancient Egypt. Melba stereotypical classic Ramos plays the title role. novel hits the stage. O’Brien’s From €70, 20:00 original novel was written in Irish, The 02, North Wall Quay, Dublin and in order to fully portray the 1. Tel: 018198888 “Gaelic misery” of the protago- nists this play is performed in Irish – with a live English translation Two nights at the Olympia, and it setting up the potential for over- just wouldn’t be Christmas without whelming surreality. Think Peig them. Still led by that great survivor cross-bred with Monty Python. Shane McGowan, there’s always €16/12, 20:15 that unsettling feeling that the next Draíocht, Blanchardstown Centre, time they play may well be the last. Dublin 15. Tel: 018852622 McGowan is rarely far from disas- ter’s edge, and the breadth of his abilities – from the unwatchably A lot of men in a lot of beards ramshackle to the utterly inspired have waited a lot of years to see – make look like Mr. Horslips reform. So, here are the Consistency. Expect the singalong inventors of Celtic rock (minus of the decade for Fairytale of New their reluctant but supportive York. Support comes from William bandmate Eamon Carr) for the Elliott Whitmore. band’s first public gigs since 1980. €44.20, 19:30 It’s a reunion that has been steadi- 20 LIVE MUSIC CLUBBING REGULAR EVENT 9 December the more distinctive veterans of EATING AND DRINKING THEATRE ARTS the much-derided singer-song- EVENTS THE SEAFARER writer scene, Dempsey takes in EVENTS / DUBLIN Conor McPherson’s play is a a vastly wider array of influences WEEK 7 - 13 DECEMBER than the average acoustic-both- By Ruraidh Conlon O’Reilly story of alcoholism and despair. Sharky, played by Liam Carney, erer, yet is never anything other TANGO CLASSES AT THE TURK’S HEAD* 7 December is a Dub who returns from the than an Irish original. Look out And now for something completely different: countryside to look after his blind for the weird ‘ weekly tango classes for beginners. Entry MODEST MOUSE brother for Christmas. Struggling gives me HOPE’ graffiti opposite includes admission to the evening club. Feel Two eagerly-anticipated nights from Isaac to go without booze, things take a Busaras next time you’re in the free to contact [email protected] for Brock’s indie outfit, now currently leaderless turn when the devilish Mr. Lock- area. Either his mammy’s gone to more details. following his defection to The Cribs. It’s been hart shows up and threatens to some lengths promoting him, or 10, 19:30 five years on since crossover hit Float On, € take Sharky’s soul. his music means something. The Turk’s Head, Parliament Street, Dublin 2. but they still rock our world. From €25, 19:30 €26, 20:00 Tel: 016792606 €27, 19:00 The Abbey Theatre, Lower Abbey Civic Theatre, Town Centre, Tal- The Academy, Middle Abbey Street, Dublin Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 018787222 laght, Dublin 24. Tel: 014627477 1. Tel: 018779999 8 December 10 December DAVID O’DOHERTY Veteran Scottish rock band tour- Offbeat comedian and victor at last year’s LILY ALLEN ing Graffiti Soul, their first top ten DEPECHE MODE Edinburgh Fringe Festival, David O’Doherty The gossip column pop diva it’s ok to like, in 14 years. Can’t place them? In another time and another may never fully escape his alternative and Lily Allen returns to remind us that behind Just remember ‘Don’t You (Forget place, Depeche Mode would underground appeal – and he’s all the bet- all the tabloid bitching lies an intelligent, ar- About Me)’ from the start of The have been as big as U2. Thank- 8 December ter for it. Famed for laconic commentaries ticulate and skilful artist. Allen is the daughter Breakfast Club. fully, they decided to be far more backed by the tackiest of Casio keyboards, of Britart enfant terrible Keith Allen – which €49.20, 18:30 interesting. Now on their twelfth FLORENCE AND THE Doherty wants to deliver “very low-energy might explain something – and has hardly left The 02, North Wall Quay, album, Sounds of the Universe, musical whimsy” and “rock our world - in the airwaves since 2006’s sublime Smile. This Dublin 1. Tel: 018198888 the band puts the current shal- MACHINE year saw the release of second album It’s Not low ‘80s revival into sharp relief: 2009 will be remembered for a heartening raid Me, It’s You and, whether it’s about George W. HAR MAR SUPERSTAR minus the darkness and the ex- on the lads’ club of alternative music, with the Bush or the BNP, single Fuck You shows just Question of the day: does the perimental instinct, the revival- breakthrough of Little Boots, Bat for Lashes, Lady how far she will go to antagonise someone. sometime Sean Matthew Tillmann ists have missed the point. For Gaga and a whole host of female-fronted acts. Support comes from rapper and Lily collabo- still prowl the stage dressed in some reason Depeche Mode are Few made the same impact as Florence Welsh, rator Example. nothing but his y-fronts? In find- particularly beloved of Dublin’s whose album Lungs bewitched one and all with From €33.60, 18:30 ing out, expect considerable Polish community, with tribute its free-spirited soul and almost gothic drama. The 02, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1. belly-laughing. acts and club nights a staple of Eccentric, distinctive and arty, the onstage harp is Tel: 018198888 €15, 19:30 Dublin nightlife for the past few almost as unusual as that belter of a voice – Kate The Academy, Middle Abbey St, years. Support comes from Soul- Bush on a course of wrestling-grade steroids. BASEMENT JAXX Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 savers. “I’ve got my ideal job. I like to sing, I like to Good for an album every two to three years, From €65.70, 20:00 dance, I like to bang drums and dress up, and the latest offering from these DAMIEN DEMPSEY The 02, North Wall Quay, someone pays me – it’s incredible,” says the stalwarts, Scars, has arrived on cue. It’s a Singer-songwriter ‘Damo’ under- Dublin 1. Tel: 018198888 eponymous Florence. Backed by a band with a collaboration-fest, with appearances by Yoko takes a pre-Christmas world tour strong combination of leftfield weirdness and pop Ono, Amp Fiddler, Santigold, Kelis and Sam of Dublin, via suburban , ENTER SHIKARI hookery, the whole setup is immensely powerful. Sparro. These guys are just as reliable live – Blanchardstown, Ballymun and The UK hardcore/punk act are If you’re looking for a good point of entry, listen their Oxygen set a few years back is still talked Dun Laoghaire before two nights touring this year’s Common to Rabbit Heart and its big, big chorus for that mo- quite a gentle way”. off in hushed tones – so expect a lively night. at Whelans. It’s been a relatively Dreads album. ment of “now what TV ad was that on?” confusion. €20, 20:00 €49.20, 19:30 quiet year for the prolific Dub, but €23, 19:00 Civic Theatre, Town Centre, Tallaght, €24.50, 19:30 The Olympia Theatre, Dame Street, Dublin 2. early 2010 will see the recording The Academy, Middle Abbey Dublin 24. Tel:014627477 The Olympia Theatre, Tel: 016793323 of a new studio offering. One of Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 Dame Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 22 cc Photo by nontelodiromai from flickr.com 23 THE MARS VOLTA was given the tour he deserved 12 December from . See them live by all Out of the ashes of the beloved before dates in Singapore and means, but be warned that the Bell At the Drive-In came The Mars Thailand – now it’s time for the PARAMORE X1-branded teapots have all sold Volta, led by Omar Rodriguez- Christmas party. Becoming one of the world’s big- out from the website. Lopez and Cedric Bixler-Lavala. €25, 20:00 gest bands thanks to a young and €29, 19:30 Their latest album, Octahedron, The Olympia Theatre, Dame hugely devoted fanbase, Tennes- The Olympia Theatre, Dame marks a change in tack: it’s con- Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 01-6793323 see’s Paramore have somehow Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 sidered their “acoustic” album by come out the other side of emo Rodriguez-Lopez, so it probably and gone on to great success. If CHRISTY MOORE AND DECLAN just sounds a little less scary to DUBLIN GOSPEL CHOIR nothing else, how’s this for a feat: SINNOTT everyone else. Gospel, eh? If ‘Oh, Happy Day’ they managed to keep both the The first night in a huge run of gigs €35, 19:30 was first thing you heard on an Central Bank kids and the Gram- at Vicar St, both before and after The Olympia Theatre, Dame Electric Picnic Sunday morning my Award jury happy. If the band Christmas, living legend Moore Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 (having fallen asleep in a ditch a falls through, maybe they can get continues to tour this year’s Lis- few hours previously) then you into tightrope walking. ten album. Whether your point of MR JONES AT THE TWISTED have met the Dublin Gospel Choir From €37, 18:30 entry is , political engage- PEPPER* before. An annual festival high- The 02, North Wall Quay, Dublin ment or just singing along to Ride Expect “house/electro/bassline/ light, if not a hangover cure, here’s 1. Tel: 018198888 On, Moore offers something for /Kuduro and all those a chance to catch them for two everyone. other gritty urban genres in be- nights in Tallaght. DAWN LANDES From €39.50, 20:00 tween”, according to the good €20, 20:00 Kentucky girl, occasional Hem col- Vicar St, Thomas Street, Dublin 8. Mr Jones. Also on offer is an ever- Civic Theatre, Town Centre, Tal- laborator and wife of Josh Ritter, Tel: 014546656 changing whatever-you’re-having- laght, Dublin 24. Tel: 014627477 Dawn Landes has a new album. yourself of art, photography, fash- Sweetheart Rodeo is a charming ion and bands. KATHERINE LYNCH piece of alt. country, folk and in- €10, 23:00 A wonder woman punching her die Americana that is impossible The Twisted Pepper, Middle Ab- own weight in the world of co- to satisfactorily categorise. So bey Street, Dublin 1. medic maledom, larger than life let’s stick to the facts: her stated Tel: 018734800 Leitrim girl Lynch came to wide influences are Beck, Neutral Milk attention on her own RTE series Hotel, Willie Nelson and Linda Working Girls and Wonderwomen. Ronstadt, and the album’s title 11 December The latter underlined a talent for title is inspired by her great grand- performing in widely diverse guis- mother’s boyfriend who ran off to es, inventing stereotyped charac- THE CORONAS the rodeo in the ‘30s. Done. ters familiar from everyday Irish One of a number of hard-working €13.50, 20:30 life. This came as little surprise to Dublin indie bands trying to step The Sugar Club, Lower Leeson those who saw Lynch’s first char- things up a gear, to mixed results Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 016787188 acter, Busty Lycra, make waves on – put and Deloren- the gay scene over ten years ago. tos into that category too, for good 28, 20:30 measure. Second album Tony Was € Vicar St, Thomas Street, Dublin 8. 13 December An Ex-Con landed in September, Tel: 014546656 with frontman Danny O’Reilly Bell X1 explaining that “we realised along and chums con- time ago that it’s impossible to tinue to support fourth album Blue try to impress everyone. You can Lights on the Runway, released only make music that you believe earlier this year and the first since in yourself - be it pop, rock, indie, the departure of . rap, whatever. Hopefully the tunes They’re seemingly popular in all will speak for themselves.” Tony the English-speaking world apart 24 LIVE MUSIC CLUBBING REGULAR EVENT MILEY CYRUS Project Arts Centre, East Es- success didn’t always sit well with Tripod, Old Harcourt Street Sta- The 16 year-old sometime Hannah sex St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Tel: the Welsh singer-songwriter. Hav- tion, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2. EATING AND DRINKING THEATRE ARTS EVENTS Montana star brings her polished 018819613 ing moved on from his old band Tel: 014763374 EVENTS / DUBLIN pop for two nights at The 02. Sup- – oddball drummer Clune included WEEK 14 - 20 DECEMBER port comes from her bigger broth- SEBASTIEN LEGER – current album Draw The Line is an ROBIN HOOD By Ruraidh Conlon O’Reilly er’s electronic rock band, Metro Coming a promising 78th in the attempt to rip it up and start again. It’s another panto opening night at 14 December THE SWELL SEASON Station. Premiership-like DJMag top 100 The enjoyable Regina Spektor (who the Olympia, with Noel V Ginnity Sometimes Frames man , From €65.70, 19:30 (that’s up 11 places on last year, you’ll remember from Hotel Song’s (billed as ‘Ireland’s funniest man’), The 02, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1. don’tcha know), the French house appearance in the Vodafone ad) is Linda Martin and 100 kids. The show ALISON MOYET Markéta Irglová and band have one hell of an Tel: 018198888 DJ/producer and Mistakes Music la- on support duties. runs until January 5. Veteran, varied English singer-songwriter achievement to follow up: an Academy Award bel owner returns. Remixes include €39.20, 18:30 From €20, 19:30 and former Yazoo member takes to the stage for best song, Falling Slowly, in ’s Justin Timberlake, Kylie Minogue, The 02, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1. The Olympia Theatre, Dame Street, following October’s Best of Alison Moyet film Once. Few musicians divide opinion like 17 December Groove Armada, Ali Love and Duran Tel: 018198888 Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 retrospective, revisiting the past 25 years of Hansard: to some, he is a poet and an unfair BATTLE OF THE AXE* Duran. solo work. “For a while in the mid-80s, it was victim of Irish begrudgery. To others, more No, not a cheesy battle of the bands, €15, 23:00 FIONN REGAN THE SNOWMAN amusing to be a pop bitch, but that changed... inclined towards plagiarising The Simpsons, but a laidback comedy night that’s Tripod, Old Harcourt Station, Har- Here comes a real moment of The magic of Raymond Briggs’ clas- It matters to connect with your audience and Glen Hansard with an Oscar is like a mule with as old as the hills. Tuesday nights court Street, Dublin 2. truth: the dreaded Difficult Second sic The Snowman meets the emo- these songs have had their place in more lives a spinning wheel: nobody knows how he got have more open mic and singer- Tel: 014763374 Album, Shadow Of An Empire, ar- tion of the National Concert Hall’s than my own,” she says. Support is from Alex it, and danged if he knows how to use it. The songwritery types, while Thursday rives in February or thereabouts. orchestra in an event that will send Cornish. romance with Márketa may have subsided, offers up refreshing and reliable THE PRODIGY Debut The End Of History will shivers up and down the spine – From 46.20, 19:30 but the project continues. Their second al- € standup treats. Find yourself a flier The Indian summer of these mid- hopefully be remembered as much and not just because of the snowy The Olympia Theatre, Dame Street, Dublin 2. bum, , was introduced to the world at for cheaper entry. ’90s dance-rock stalwarts continues for its thoughtful Dylan/Young subject matter. Fergus Shiel will con- Tel: 01-6793323 the National Concert Hall in August, and has done solidly since. Support comes from The €9, 21:30 on the back of a well-received al- songsmithery as its Mercury Mu- duct the orchestra through Harold Ha’penny Bridge Inn, Wellington bum, Invaders Must Die. Count ‘em. sic Prize nomination – but do we Blake’s original score, with Brian JULIAN CASABLANCAS Hare’s Corner, Frames/Swell Season member Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. How many hits do you remember? have any clue as to what’s in the Ormond narrating. ‘Walking In The Yes, it’s yer man from The Strokes touring Colm Mac Con Iomaire’s side-project. Tel: 0868156987 From €49.20, 18:30 Bray man’s latest offering? Per- Air’, for so many years the An Post solo in support of his album, Phrazes For The €33.60, 20:30 The 02, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1. haps slightly more of a city feel, but Christmas signature tune, will get an Young, backed onstage by The Sick Six. Vicar St, Thomas Street, Dublin 8. 14 December DUBLIN ON ICE* Tel: 018198888 probably still the same poetic folk always-worthwhile airing. €25.50, 19:00 Tel: 014546656 If you’ve never gone ice skating, recorded in as natural a setting as From €20 (adult) or €15 (child), The Academy, Middle Abbey Street, EDDIE IZZARD you’ve no excuse this month. FIGHT LIKE APES possible. 19:00 and several afternoon screen- With some jokes, you just have to be there. With Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 TRIPTIK Running for four nights, this dance production Opening on November 20 and con- MayKay and friends wrap up a suc- €21, 19:30 ings some jokes, it may not be all that funny, but it’s 15 December upends the usual deal where dance and night- tinuing until mid-January, Dublin City cessful year of touring – Glaston- Whelans, Wexford Street, Dublin 2. National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Ter- the way he said it. Enter Eddie Izzard, a master of life are for the ultra-young and you’re over the Council’s annual ice skating setup bury, Eurosonic and whatnot – in Tel: 014780766 race, Dublin 2. Tel: 01-4170000 both those special moments of hilarity. “It’s the promises a world-class professional characteristically barmy fashion. PLACEBO hill by 23. Three dance pieces, specifically oral tradition. Human beings have been doing it outdoor ice rink. In this age of glo- How so? They’re doing this gig in a THE XX Back for their first Dublin headliner in yonks, created for a company of the over 50s, reveal 20 December bal warming, sometimes it’s the only specially built wrestling ring. Spe- Very young people who are very for thousands of years,” he says, Cross-dressing is it’s a minor wonder that Placebo continue to the person behind the dance. truly wintery thing about the place. cial guests from the wrestling world talented annoy us: Lewis Hamil- PAUL MCCARTNEY one thing that sets him apart from contemporar- make albums and sell out gigs when they are From €14, 20:00 From €10, times TBA. will be in attendance, and if no-one ton, Wayne Rooney in less bald- 2009 might have been the year of ies, and he’s also ambitiously claimed that it is his one of the most hated bands in the world. Un- Project Arts Centre, East Essex Street, Tem- Smithfield Square, Dublin 7. Tel: gets killed then hopefully there’ll be ing days, those secondary school Ireland’s dramatic economic bel- destiny to wear a dress on all seven continents. fairly dismissed as a joke in the dying days of ple Bar, Dublin 2. Tel: 018819613 018788008 a second album released next year. students who change the world at lyflop. It might have been the year But after a few minutes exposed to the surreal, the UK music press, they continued to make €19.50, 19:00 the Young Scientist Awards every a great change came to America. good on huge support in continental Europe 16 December Pythonesque standup, the clothes become a The Academy, Middle Abbey Street, year. And The XX do too, having re- But to some, it will be the year The and an obsessive fanbase á la Manic Street 18 December footnote: one of his most famous routines in- Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 leased such a superb album before Beatles’ albums were remastered Preachers. Their latest album, Battle For The CINDERELLA volves pondering whether the Death Star had a CLODAGH EMOE a single member of the four-piece and some computer game was re- Sun, shows the band filling the industrial/goth Panto season continues unabated with the staff canteen. From there, it’s not too far a leap to The visual artist presents “a space had reached 20. Despite the goth- leased. Now’s the chance to see void better than they have done for many a classic story of princesses, glass slippers 19 December imagine Darth Vader queuing for his pasta. Rarely filled with the essence of ritual, kids-from-South-Park demeanour, Paul McCartney not as a corny year. The band are also playing 16 December. and handsome princes. Top model Pippa where events – occult or banal – DAVID GRAY there’s a broadness to their influ- grouping of Rock Band pixels, but has there been such a buzz about a comedy gig. 44.20, 19:30 O’Connor is the Fairy Godmother, while Ire- € are bound to take place.” Working Forget it: if he hasn’t already apolo- ences thanks to their south-east as a living legend – if you can get Or two comedy gigs: he plays the next night The Olympia Theatre, Dame Street, Dublin 2. land’s Eurovision representative Sinead Mul- through structure, tapestry, video gised for being David Gray, he’s un- cultural melting pot origin. a ticket. too. Stripped is Izzard’s first full Irish/UK tour in Tel: 016793323 vey is Cinderella. six years, so expect considerable excitement. €29.50, 18:30pm, some matinees and sound, “tropes of mysticism, the likely to do so at this stage. Appar- The gig is upgraded from the small- From €86.25, 20:00 cult of engagement and Greek thea- ently White Ladder retains its record er Button Factory, with original tick- The 02, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1. €40, 20:00 The Tivoli Theatre, Francis Street, Dublin 8. Tel: 014544472 tre” are the influences. as the biggest-selling album Ireland’s ets still valid. Tel: 018198888 The 02, North Wall Quay, Dub- Free, 11:00-20:00 ever seen, but that phenomenal From €14, 19:30 lin 1. Tel: 018198888 26 27 LIVE MUSIC CLUBBING REGULAR EVENT fore finishing a new album. party of the end of the world.” Sold. and meeting Bosco, all in the one THE WIZARD OF OZ TBA, 20:00 33.10, 22:00 magical day. Funderland is what you Early booking is advised for this re- EATING AND DRINKING THEATRE ARTS € € EVENTS The Button Factory, Curved Tripod, Old Harcourt Station, do after Christmas: the amusement turning staple of the holiday season, EVENTS / DUBLIN Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Harcourt Street, Dublin 2. park with rollercoasters, thrill rides beloved by all – and not just the WEEK 21 - 27 DECEMBER Tel: 016709202 Tel: 014763374 and attractions for ages is now in its messers who found that the 1939 By Ruraidh Conlon O’Reilly 34th year and still the largest travel- film syncs up perfectly with Dark 21 December been plying their mischievous trade else- DISNEY ON ICE – PRINCESS ling theme park in Europe. Punters Side Of The Moon. Poor Dorothy where: back and forth across the US, playing 24 December WISHES have two options: pay for each ride gets whipped up by a tornado, tells If you’re not one for staying in individually, or get an all-access cheeky Toto that they’re not in Kan- NETWORK* an Oscar Wilde tribute event in front of Kate LEO BURDOCK’S FISH AND and watching 12 hours of football wristband for €14.95 (if you fall foul sas any more, and then the magic What about the people who serve you the Winslet, getting bailed out by one of Jackass, CHIP SHOP on ‘Boxing Day’, whatever that is, of the height restriction, then it’s of the Land of Oz unfolds. Down drinks, sell you deodorant in the jacks and collaborating with rapper . Hope. Not a sweaty nightclub, not a Disney On Ice opens today for a €9.95). Runs from December 26 that yellow brick road, Dorothy clean the place up afterwards? When do they Irish activity was limited to the odd U2 Croke heavy gig, not a moving theatrical six-day run. The theme is dreams to January 10. meets a lion who seeks courage, a party? Network is the night out for those Park support, or slot. Any chance of performance, but an event more coming through and wishes being €2, 12:00 –22:00 scarecrow who wants a brain and a who’ve been working all weekend, running guest appearances? Sinead O’Connor, Shane important than any other. In less granted – and on hand are the sev- RDS Simmonscourt, Simmons- tin man who wants a heart. Blocking every Monday night. McGowan, Gavin Friday and Damien Demp- liberal times, meat was forbidden en princesses Ariel, Belle, Cinderel- court Road, Dublin 4. their path is the evil Wicked Witch of Free, 21:00 sey have all gone before, and the Republic are on certain religious occasions, and la, Mulan, Jasmine, Sleeping Beauty Tel: 012838188 the West. The classics include We’re Noo Bar, Royal Hibernian Way, Dublin 2. still cool. to this day Good Friday and Christ- and Snow White in a production full Off To See The Wizard, If Only I had Tel: 016796259 €25, 29:30 The Academy, Middle Abbey Street, mas Eve remain a great excuse for of trademarked Disney magic. A Brain and Somewhere Over The Dubliners to queue around the From €15.50, various times Rainbow. Runs until January 3. HEFTY MONDAYS: TIDAL DISTRICT* Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 27 December block for fish and chips. The choice Convention Centre, Citywest Ho- From €18, 18:00 and matinees The Hefty Horse has a simple idea: get inter- of chipper is crucial, and Leo Bur- tel, Citywest, Dublin 24. THE SNOW QUEEN National Concert Hall, Earlsfort esting bands to DJ and make the booze a bit COLM MAC CON IOMAIRE dock’s is ours. Tel: 0818719300 It’s Donegal group An Grianán Terrace, Dublin 2. Tel: 014170000 cheaper. Instant hit. Tonight it’s Dublin indie It’s ‘Dublin Night’ at Conor Byrne’s unusual Leo Burdock, 2 Werburgh Street, Productions’ tenth birthday, and band Tidal District. Button Factory County Sessions: each event Christchurch, Dublin 8. GR80S* they’ve chosen to celebrate with MR NORTH Free, 23:00 focuses on folk and traditional Irish acts divid- Tel: 01-4540306 Fridays and Saturdays are “the a brand new version of the classic The US-based band are home for Upstairs at Whelans, Wexford Street, ed by county – Imagine an Irish version of Suf- jan Stevens’ 50 States Project. With Tipperary, home of the slow set” - Bon Jovi, Hans Christian Andersen fairytale. Christmas, so there’s no better 22 December Dublin 2. Tel: 01-4787066 Roscommon and Donegal out of the way, here , Prince and non- The Snow Queen steals Kay, so his time for a gig. Formed in 1992, comes /Swell Season man (see 15 25 December stop fun with plenty of nostalgia. best friend Gerda goes on an epic and living first in Italy then New IMELDA MAY €10, 22:30 adventure to bring him home. Ex- York, they’re still relatively unknown Liberties girl Imelda May pulled off the impos- 22 December December) and band leading the charge for Dublin, with the Góilín Singers and more to CHRISTMAS DAY Club Nassau, 1-2 Nassau Street, pect stunning aerial dance from the in their homeland despite having sible in 2009: she finally popularised rockabilly, Nightlife warning: the pubs are Dublin 2. Fidget Feet company. Running until shared a bill with The Who, Bryan SPRING BREAK be announced. It’s been well over a year since the ‘50s-ish rock and roll that’s been threatening closed, the off-licences are shut- January 8. Adams, Van Halen, Liz Phair, Pud- Not to be taken too seriously, “Ireland’s pre- solo record, The Hare’s Corner, emerged, so to make a comeback for years now. Dublin has tered and anything involving LEOPARDSTOWN €15. 19:00 on 27 December, dle of Mudd, Evanescence, Jet, and mier ‘80s supergroup” return for another round let’s see what Mac Con Iomaire has up his a small but strong rockabilly scene, sometimes booze outside the family home is The traditional four-day racing fes- check with venue for further times. Sheryl Crow over the years. Two of cheesy Reagan-era hits, bizarre intro videos sleeve. What’s with the hare, you ask? Back in verboten. tival isn’t just about horses legging Civic Theatre, Town Centre, Tal- brothers, a cousin and a next-door gaining converts through the fans of quiff-sporting and Top Gun costumes. Everything here is a the olden days, farmers would leave a corner it around a big field all day – there’s laght, Dublin 24. Tel: 014627477 neighbour make up the close-knit singers Morrissey or Richard Hawley. Few saw po-faced joke. Yep, that’s the Baywatch theme of their fields unharvested so that the little debauchery and distractions to be band. Imelda coming through: though she kept in touch on the setlist there. And a bit of Foreigner - We guys could find refuge. There we have it. had too, and the pubs in the locale ASLAN €16.50, 20:00 and visited often, she moved to London years ago. Built This City On Rock ‘N’ Roll, of course. Fun- €12/15, 20:30 26 December remain lively long into the night. It’s covers album time for Ross Whelans, Wexford Street, Love Tattoo was released in 2008 and, through nier still is their website, updated by the lead- The Button Factory, Curved Street, Temple EDDIE HALLIWELL - FIRE IT UP €25 general admission, first race O’Carroll Kelly’s worst nightmare, Dublin 2. Tel: 014787066 ing lights of the era. The latest: former German Bar, Dublin 2. Tel: 016709202 word of mouth and the strong support of Universal Former Mixmag World DJ of the 12:25 and this year’s Uncased album chancellor Helmut Kohl credits Spring Break records, became a snowballing hit. It’s the kind of Year Halliwell broadcasts his Fire Leopardstown Racecourse, provided the necessary U2, Gilbert with the collapse of the Berlin wall. album that unites the generations: fresh and excit- It Up set across 30 digital and FM Foxrock, Dublin 18. O’Sullivan, Chilli Peppers and Len- 24.50, 19:30 23 December ing enough for the kids, new but familiar for mature € stations to over 20 countries. Better Tel: 012890500 non goods. Fronted by Christy Dig- Vicar St, Thomas Street, Dublin 8. buys, and those who haven’t bought an album in to be there in person than sitting at nam and going since the mid ‘80s, Tel: 014546656 MIKE GOT SPIKED home. Over to Mixmag for their final FUNDERLAND the northside Dubs’ hits include decades find their youth reborn. May is backed It’s been a while. This Dublin metal band de- say-so: “There are people who play Some day, someone will write a This Is and Crazy World. Both fans by a solid band, including hubby Darrel Higham camped to the States in June 2006 and col- records, and there are DJ’s who book about Funderland and it will and haters are passionate sorts. on guitar. Support comes from Jerry Fish And The The stalwart Dublin funk-merchants have left lected a huge number of gigs and support blow minds, Eddie Halliwell is the be an alternative history of Irish life €33.60, 20:30 Mudbug Club, also enjoying a successful year. it late to play their first Dublin headliner of the slots: Anthrax, Biffy Clyro and Kerbdog spring latter, [a DJ] who makes every set, - throwing up that smuggled naggin Vicar St, Thomas Street, Dublin 8. From 37.50, 19:00 year, so they’d better make it a good one. If it to mind. Sharing management with Dead € no matter how small the club or how of vodka after big wheel vertigo, the Tel: 014546656 The 02, North Wall Quay, Dub- seems like a quiet year, that’s because they’ve Kennedys and livin’ the dream at Whisky A Go Go, there’s time for some homeland dates be- big the festival, feel like the closing sheer stickiness of the candy floss, lin 1. Tel: 018198888 28 29 LIVE MUSIC CLUBBING REGULAR EVENT €22, 20:00 Whelans, Wexford Street, EATING AND DRINKING THEATRE ARTS EVENTS Dublin 2. Tel: 014787066 EVENTS / DUBLIN WEEK DECEMBER 28 - 10 JANUARY ANTICS* By Ruraidh Conlon O’Reilly Powered by cheap booze, the long- 28 December PJ GALLAGHER running indie night boasts a playlist How can anyone trust PJ Gallagher after Na- from Arctic Monkeys through The Strokes and Joy Division, cheap THE PERFORMANCE ‘09 ked Camera? The Dublin comedian’s break- booze, occasional live sets and, It may be the end of the year, but there’s still through show involved embarrassing the hell indeed, cheap booze. Oh ok then: time for one more insane idea: 100 bands out of all and sundry on the capital’s streets. all pints are €3, VK Ice €2, promo across five stages in Whelans and The Village. It could have been you that was harassed shots €3, Jaeger bombs €5 and Or- The day is split into two parts: festivities kick by that perverted oul’ wan or waylaid on the angebooms are €2. off around 11:00 and continue to 18:00. Then scenic route by his irritating taxi driver char- €5, 23:00 everyone goes off for their dinner, until play acter. And it was deeply, darkly funny. Now Crawdaddy, Old Harcourt Station, resumes at 19:00 until an epic 02:30 shut- in stand-up mode and touring extensively, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2. down. The full lineup is to be announced, and make sure you encounter him on your own Tel: 014763374 gigless performers could do worse than email- terms. ing [email protected] €20, 21:00 Price TBA, from 11:00 Civic Theatre, Town Centre, Tallaght, Whelans and The Village, Wexford Street - Dublin 24. Tel: 014627477 Dublin 2. Tel: 014787066 New Year’s Eve THE DUBLINERS 29 December Nights died in August last year, to 31 December the kind of outpouring of grief reserved for PIERCE TURNER The veteran Wexford singer-songwriter, who 28 January truly beloved figures – which he of course Pogo - Kormac Big Band, Silent was. The Ballad Of Ronnie Drew, featuring was in the news this summer for taking an almighty pop at RTÉ’s music policy, makes Disco, Nighflight Yaught Rock, MADNESS the great and the good of Irish music, came Barry Redsettaz Glastonbury sees many bizarre and unusual shortly beforehand, bringing in some cash a welcome return after playing with the one and only Philip Glass and wowing Carnegie A special multiroomed New Year’s things, but a big saxophonist flying about the for cancer charities. Still an immensely hard- party from the Bodytonic folk, with working band with extensive European tours Hall. “Joyce with a voice, Yeats on skates,” said stage upside down and suspended on wires is Hot Press. Kormac’s Big Band the highlight. pretty strange. Welcome to the wonderful world of ever year, the remaining Dubliners – two are The Dublin DJ is accompanied by original members – mark the Christmas/New €23, 20:00 The Nutty Boys, ska veterans Madness. Formed The Sugar Club, Lower Leeson Street, a large array of backing musicians, Year’s no man’s land with three nights of their messing around with genres old around 1976, they made a part of the ‘80s their distinctive trad. Each song is an alternative Dublin 2. Tel: 016787188 own with huge hits including One Step Beyond, and new and causing many sur- national anthem, from The Irish Rover to A Na- prises. Support is from the Scribble Our House and It Must Be Love. Then came a tion Once Again via Poor Old Dicey Riley. If 30 December Soundsystem. Downstairs, Pogo break-up, an on/off series of reunions, and Suggs’ you’re bored and stuck in front of a computer regulars Barry Redsettaz, Eoin Cre- reincarnation as solo artist and TV personality. any time soon, stick ‘Octopus Jig’ into Youtube gan and Tayor are to be found, while 2009 was an active year, with a very fine best- for a stunt that made Franz Ferdinand brand SOMETHING HAPPENS These fondly remembered ‘80s Irish rock- eclectic sounds courtesy of Night- of collection, an extended reissue of the One The Dubliners “heroes”. flight are going on in The Mezz. The €42, 20:00 ers are fond of the occasional nostalgic Step Beyond album, and their first new album trip, and should be firing on all cylinders Café hosts a silent disco, just in (The Liberty of Norton Fulgate) in a decade. Vicar St, Thomas Street, Dublin 8. case there’s anyone still standing. Tel: 014546656 after supporting Simple Minds in the 02. You As befitting a band well-versed in the strange, might remember multitalented frontman Tom €10 (advance), 21:00 when Oasis imploded backstage at a festival Dunne from such radio stations as Today The Twisted Pepper, Middle Abbey THE RONAN COLLINS SHOW CHRISTMAS Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 018734038 in Paris, Madness were asked to step in and DANCE FM and Newstalk. Watch out for those tradi- save the day – despite the fact that they’d al- tional Something Happens Irish Tour t-shirts Olde time dancing and showband-era fun Hed Kandi ready played for the same crowd. Cool as. from the RTÉ radio personality. (S.H.I.T), and think that, if nothing else, they chose the best title for a greatest hits compi- Ring in the New Year with the Min- From €44.20, 20:00 €28, 80:00 istry of Sound-owned house music The 02, North Wall Quay, Dub- The Burlington Hotel, Upper Leeson Street, lation ever: The Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves. label and general club lifestyle lin 1. Tel: 018198888 Dublin 4. Tel: 016185600 30 31 oligarchs. The music lasts long into more like wakes. 24 sessions on, a five night run at the Olympia. 8 January 2010. though, and they’ve turned into €28, 20:00 €20, 22:00 celebrations. Gracing venues as The Olympia Theatre, Dame DARK ROOM NOTES Tripod, Old Harcourt Station, Har- big as The Point at one stage, and Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 This Dublin-based alternative elec- court Street, Dublin 2. attracting devotees from every tropop four-piece have plenty to Tel: 014763374 corner of the globe, this year’s GILBERT AND SULLIVAN GALA celebrate: a deal with the BBE label, BEST OF DUBLIN event is entitled ‘Running Back’. The RTÉ Concert Orchestra per- a gig at the CMJ Music Marathon Among the highlights are Hoodoo form Gilbert and Sullivan’s most in New York and a UK tour to pre- After Work pervades this deliberately gloomy The Dragon. South Great Hogans. 35, South Great 1 January Rhythm Devils performing the clas- famous songs, with selections from pare for after coming offstage at New York-style bar. Georges Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Georges Street - Dublin 2. sic album, Live And Dangerous, The Pirates of Penzance, The Mi- The Academy 2. This year’s debut The Baggot Inn. 143, Lower 014781590. Hip gay bar with a Tel: 016775904. Popular after Nightflight* Metallitia, and Norwegian band kado, HMS Pinafore and The Gon- album, We Love You Dark Matter, Baggot Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Centre Stage Café. 6, youngish crowd. work bar. Décor is gloomy but A dance night that’s been regular Yellow Pearl, with many more to be doliers. These comic operas are still is set for a worldwide release. Japa- 016618758. A very trendy pub in Parliament Street – Dublin 2. Tel: comfortable. ever since Downtown Sounds, announced. popular one hundred years on. nese and European gigs are in the a convenient location, The Baggot 016703390. A café-cum-bar open The Exchequer. 3-5, Exchequer Space Camp, Hang Tough and Win- €35, 20:00 From €12, 20:00 offing. Who needs Christmas when Inn also has plenty of room and late from Thursday to Saturday. Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016706787. Irish Film Institute. 6, Eustace ter Olympics got their acts together The Button Factory, Curved Street, National Concert Hall, Earlsfort life’s this good? a ‘pull your own pint’ offer to Gay-friendly. Brilliantly restored hotel bar with Street, Temple Bar – Dublin 2. Tel: and decided to go for it, Nightflight Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Terrace, Dublin 2. Tel: 014170000 €12, 7pm recommend it. a very strong food menu using 016778788. Offers screenings features international guest DJs and Tel: 016709202 The Academy 2, Middle Abbey Dakota. 9, South William Street – Irish-sourced ingredients. of offbeat, classic and art-house local talent every Friday. Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 €10, 23:00 7 January The Bailey. Duke Street – Dublin Dublin 2. Tel: 016727696. Hip bar films. Great bar and restaurant 2. Tel: 016704939. Trendy bar popular with the after work crowd. The George. South Great also. The Button Factory, Curved Street, 5 January PETER PAN with an old literary connection and Georges Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Temple Bar, Dublin 2. JOHN BISHOP Coolmine Panto Group present JM The Church. Junction of Mary Tel: 016709202 CHRISTY MOORE AND DECLAN Is John Bishop an Elvis impersona- Barrie’s classic story about the boy good pub food menu. 014782983. The grand old dame The Isaac Butt. Store Street - SINNOTT tor or not? Negative. John is as old who refuses to grow up - complete Street and Jervis Street - Dublin 1. of Dublin gay bars. Still popular Dublin 1. Tel: 018555021. A large Their marathon Vicar St run contin- as The King was when he died. And with spectacular flying scenes. This The Bank. 20-22, College Tel: 018280102. Multi-function after all these years. hotel bar with a great downstairs 2 January ues after being so rudely interrupt- like men hitting a mid life crisis be- runs until January 16. Green - Dublin 2. Tel: 016770677. venue with a restaurant, modern music venue. ed by Christmas and New Year’s. cause they realise they aren’t Christ, €20, 19:30 This former bank has been bar and sleek club. Crowded most The Gin Palace. 42, Mid- TRANSMISSION* From €39.50, 20:00 this has got John thinking. Thinking Draíocht, Blanchardstown Centre, transformed into a jaw-dropping evenings after work. dle Abbey St - Dublin 1. Tel: Le Cirk. 2, Dame Street – Dublin This indie/dance/noise night aims Vicar St, Thomas Street, Dublin 8. about being a dad, thinking about Dublin 15. Tel: 018852622 pub and restaurant with a lively 018478881. A mix of an elegant 2. Tel: 016350056. Boutique to “break down the barriers be- Tel: 014546656 having quit his job, thinking about atmosphere. The Clarendon. Corner of Victorian bar and modern cocktail hotel bar with cocktail lounge, live tween guitar culture and DJ culture the weird world. For John, Elvis has Chatham Row and Clarendon bar spread across an L-shaped Jazz and tapas. in Dublin every Saturday. How? Mix so completely left the building that 9 January The Boar’s Head. 149, Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016792909. floor. A cocktail in the former of- The Cure in with the Beastie Boys, it’s the title of this show. 6 January Capel Street – Dublin 1. Tel: A stylish bar with some nice fers the best of both worlds. Lotts Café Bar. 10, The Smiths with Crystal Castles and €23, 20:30 OPERA TO CELEBRATE 018723107. A very popular spot grub during lunchtime and early Lower Liffey Street, Dublin 1. Tel: set MIA alongside Foals. Dave Sa- KEITH BARRY – THE ASYLUM Vicar St, Thomas Street, Dublin 8. Ann Murray DBE and Virginia Kerr, lacious, Ian Bright, Jon Averill, Trev Joining the illustrious company of Tel: 014546656 for lunch and a pint, this is also evening. The Gingerman. 40, 018727669. A mixed decor of a chair of Opera Theatre Company, fun to visit after work. Fenian Street – Dublin 2. Tel: traditional and modern café bar, Radiator and the Antics folk are resi- David Copperfield and Siegfried sing with the OTC’s Young Asso- Cobbler’s Wine Bar. Leeson 016766388. A popular post-work and a trendy crowd. dent DJs, with regular guests. and Roy, Keith Barry is ‘Mentalist THE CORONAS ciate Artists and special guests. Bruxelles. 7-8, Harry Street – Lane - Dublin 2. Tel: 016785945. pub with craft beers on offer. €10, 23:00 of the Year’. This means that he’s Moving on for their big Christmas Expect arias, duets and ensembles The Button Factory, Curved Street, an outstanding magician and the party, the Dublin band put together from baroque to contemporary and Dublin 2. Tel: 016775362. Bar Popular lunchtime café. Soups The Market Bar. Fade Street – Temple Bar, Dublin 2. recipient of a Merlin Award, not an a run of three Academy shows in- Mozart to Puccini. with a mix of musical tastes, from are particularly favoured by office The Globe. 11, South Great Dublin 2. Tel: 016139094. Excel- Tel: 016709202 absolute headbanger. Born in - cluding an all-ages night. €50, 20:00 good pop up top to metal down worker crowd. Georges Street – Dublin 2. Tel: lently converted bar with no-music terford, Barry’s career has been on €23, 19:30 National Concert Hall, Earlsfort below. 016711220. Extensive bar with policy and a great tapas menu. an upward path ever since the age The Academy, Middle Abbey Terrace, Dublin 2. Tel: 014170000 Doheny & Nesbitt’s. 5, Baggot lots of seating and good music. 4 January of 14, when he bought Magic For Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 Café en Seine. 40, Dawson Street Lower - Dublin 2. Tel: Check out the ‘Sunday Roast’. The Mezz. 23, Eustace Street, The Complete Klutz on a school trip St – Dublin 2. Tel: 016774369. 016762945. Sometime watering Temple Bar – Dublin 2.Tel: 24th VIBE FOR PHILO to Edinburgh. Fast forward a few Popular superpub, with room for hole for Ireland’s elite, now Grand Central. 10 -11, 016707655. Cool hotel bar with “Do a vibe for me sometime,” said years and he’s learned how to hyp- up to 1500 revellers. tastefully converted into a true O’Connell Street - Dublin 1. Tel: occasional live music. ’s Phil Lynott to his friend notise and paralyse, stop his own superpub. 018728658. A Dublin landmark, Smiley Bolger in 1981. Philo died in pulse and even die onstage. Now Carnival. 11, Wexford St - Dub- this place is packed out by post- 1986, and the first few Vibes were based in Hollywood, he returns for lin 2. Tel: 014053604. Pure cool work drinkers most evenings. 32 33 BEST OF DUBLIN

‘No Name Bar’. 3, Fade Street Bar Italia. 26, Bloom’s The Cedar Tree. 11A, Andrew Ely Wine Bar. 22, Ely Place Govinda’s. 83, Middle L’Gueuleton. 1, Fade St – Olesya’s Wine Bar. 18, make this ideal for enjoying a first – Dublin 2. Tel: 017645681. Once- Lane, Lower Ormond Quay - Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016772121. - Dublin 2. Tel: 016768986. Ever- Abbey Street – Dublin 1. Tel: Dublin 2. Tel: 016753708. Very Exchequer Street - Dublin 2. flick through a freshly-bought secret bar opened in a barely- Dublin 1. Tel: 018741000. An An authentic Lebanese restaurant trendy wine bar with a hearty food 01871315291. Vegetarian restau- popular French restaurant. Oper- Tel: 016724087. Well-stocked book. converted residential apartment. unpretentious Italian restaurant with a rich and intriguing décor. menu and an impressive range. rant with a varied menu. Branches ates a no-reservation policy. wine bar with a mix of Irish and with authentic, well-prepared An early bird menu also offers are also on Merrion Row and continental fare. Roly’s. 7, Ballsbridge Terrace Queen of Tarts. 3-4, Cow’s ingredients. good value. Enoteca delle Langhe. Aungier Street. La Cave. 28, South Anne Street – Dublin 4. Tel: 016682611. An- Lane - Dublin 2. Tel: 01633 4681. Blooms Lane - Dublin 1. Tel: - Dublin 2. Tel: 016794409. Long One Pico. 5-6, Moles- other Dublin institution, Roly’s is Known internationally for both BiaBar. 30, Lower Stephens Chapter 1. 18, Parnell Square 018880834. A welcoming and Gruel. 68, Dame Street - standing wine bar and restaurant worth place – Dublin 2. Tel: best enjoyed at quiet lunchtimes. savoury tarts and sweet treats. This Street - Dublin 2. Tel: North – Dublin 1. Tel: 018732266. authentic Italian wine bar. Dublin 2. Tel: 016707119. Wilfully with a loyal clientele. 016760300. A delightful little However, there’s a nice lively feel is the larger of the two twinned 014053653. Appealing food, Quite possibly the best restaurant unpretentious and hearty food. restaurant, that knows it’s a little at the evening sitting. restaurants, and the original Queen great drinks on tap, and live music in this fine city. Top food at very Fallon & Byrne. 2, Exchequer The ‘roast in a roll’ is a lunchtime La Maison. 15, Castle Market – bit special. Great French-influ- of Tarts is based on Dame Street. make this place a winner. competitive prices. Street – Dublin2. Tel 014721000. treat. Dublin 2. Tel: 016727258. A sole enced food. Saba. 26-28, Clarendon Street A mix of wine bar, gourmet food French restaurant opened where – Dublin 2. Tel: 016792000. Ron Black’s. 37, Dawson Brasserie Sixty6. 66, South Chez Max. 1, Palace Street – hall and high-class restaurant, this Harry’s Mediterranean the much-loved Maison des Gour- The Pig’s Ear. 4, Nassua Street Dublin’s coolest Thai restaurant, Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016728231. Great Georges Street – Dublin 2. Dublin 2. Tel: 016337215. A place is packed with little treats Cafe & Wine Bar. 22, Dawson mets once stood. – Dublin 2. Tel: 016703865. An with an award winning cocktail Trendy bar with a good cocktail Tel: 014005878. A popular spot wonderful little French bistro, with for yourself. Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 01 excellent new little bistro, with bar to boot. menu. for upper-mid-range dinner that an intimate atmosphere. 6394889. Popular post-work Lemon Jelly. 11, Essex Street hearty fare and charming views of also offers an indulgent breakfast. The Farm. 3, Dawson St - Dublin café bar with a branch in Dun East – Dublin 1. Tel: 018735161. Trinity college. Salamanca. 1, St Andrew’s The Vaults. Harbourmaster Place, A cocktail menu completes a The Chili Club. 1, Anne’s Lane, 2. Tel: 016718654. This organic- Laoghaire. Delicious crepes and more are Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016774799. IFSC – Dublin 1. Tel: 016054700. strong combination. South Anne Street - Dublin 2. Tel: themed restaurant also has a available at this trendy café. Plan B. 56, Manor St - Dublin A fantastic long-standing tapas Sprawling restaurant, bar and club, 016773721. Reportedly Dublin’s pleasant little cocktail menu. Havana. South Great 7. Tel: 01 6706431. Ambitious restaurant. Doesn’t usually take popular with Docklands office Cactus Jack’s. Middle Abbey first Thai restaurant, and still a Georges Street - Dublin 2. Tel : Leon.. 14-15, Trinity Street - restaurant with a dash of local reservations. workers. St – Dublin 1. Tel: 018746198. popular choice. Fire. Mansion house, Daw- 014005990. An unpretentious Dublin 2. Tel: 016771060. This charm in Stoneybatter. Fun Tex-Mex spot with an outlet in son Street – Dublin 2. Tel: tapas bar with a Cuban twist. brasserie and café has some of SamSara. 35, Dawson Street The . 8-10, Galway. Great margaritas. Clarence Tea Rooms. The 016767200. Fire has food to do the best sweet treats in the area. Restaurant Patrick Guil- – Dublin 2. Tel: 016774444. Townsend Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Clarence Hotel, 6-8, Wellington its beautiful setting justice. The Hard Rock Café. 12, baud. 21, Upper Merrion Street Thai food café bar, with a strong 016772756. A popular early house Café Novo. The Westbury Quay - Dublin 2. Tel: 014070813. flatbreads are particularly worth Fleet Street – Dublin 2. Tel: . 2-3, Chatham Row - Dublin - Dublin 2. Tel: 016764192. A cocktail menu. and generally welcoming pub at Hotel, Harry Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Even takes off his shades a try. 016717777. Dublin’s outlet in 2. Tel: 016704899. An excellent Dublin institution, Patrick Guil- any time. 016791122. An elegant restaurant when he eats here. Suffice to say, the popular franchise does well Asian restaurant, with a branch in baud’s Michelin-lauded restaurant Shanahan’s. 119, St in one of the city’s most-loved it’s a classy place for an evening Flannagan’s. 61, Upper from both tourists and temple bar Dun Laoghaire too. is at the high-end of high-end. Stephen’s Green - Dublin 2. Tel: Dinner hotels. meal. O’Connell Street – Dublin 1. Tel: revellers in need of a refuel. 014070939. An American-style 018731388. A popular restau- The Mill Stone. 39, Dame Peploes Wine BistroPe- steakhouse that doesn’t scrimp 101 Talbot. 100-101, Talbot CaféBarDeli. 12, South Great Cornucopia. 19, Wicklow Street rant, particularly with families and Il Posto. 10, St Stephen’s Green Street - Dublin2. Tel: 016799931. ploes Wine Bistro. 16, St on quality. Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018745011. Georges Street - Dublin 2. Tel: - Dublin 2. Tel: 016777583. An visitors. Good value food. – Dublin 2. Tel:016794769. A An intimate, warm restaurant with Stephen’s Green - Dublin 2. Tel: Fresh and contemporary Irish, 016771646. A lively restaurant all-vegetarian restaurant with lots wonderful Italian tucked away in some surprisingly creative pizzas. 016763144. Lovingly decorated Shebeen Chic. 4, South Great continental and African cuisine. with a great range of salads, pizzas of tricks up its sleeve. Also offers Gotham Café. 8, South a Georgian basement, serving restaurant set below a Georgian George’s Street – Dublin 2. Tel: and other treats. a cookbook for sale if the recipes Anne Street – Dublin 2. Tel: rustic, traditional fare. The Mongolian BBQ. 7, home. The menu is also packed 016799667. Elegantly shabby Acapulco. 7, South Great appeal to you. 016795266. A menu packed Anglesea Street – Dublin 2. Tel: with variety. décor hides a very sophisticated George’s Street – Dublin 2. Captain America’s. 44, Diep le Shaker. 55, Pembroke with delicious salads, innovative Jade. 27, Little Mary Street - 016704154. An all-you-can eat food menu. Live bands play fre- Tel: 016771085. Popular Tex Grafton Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Lane - Dublin 2. Tel: 016611829. pizzas and other treats ensures Dublin 7. Tel: 018874468. This restaurant with fresh Mongolian The Port House. 64 South quently in the bar. Mex establishment with quality 016715266. Long-standing This trendy Thai place is one of Gotham is packed out even on Chinese restaurant is one of fare cooked in front of you. William Street – Dublin 2. Tel: ingredients. American style cookhouse and bar. the most consistently good res- weeknights. A great place for a Dublin’s many ‘hidden gems’, and 016770298. A gorgeous little Simon’s Place. 22, South Great taurants at any stage in the day. weekend brunch. uses no MSGs in its food. Odessa. 13, Dame Court – tapas bar with candlelight, and George’s Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Bang Café. 11, Merrion Row – Carluccio’s. 52, Dawson Dublin 2. Tel: 016707634. A some innovative dishes. 016797821. A bohemian café Dublin 2. Tel: 016760898. Trendy Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016333957. Dunne & Crescenzi. 16, Green Nineteen. 19, Camden Koh. 7, Jervis Street, Mil- mouth-watering menu and a laid with lots of charm and delightful (and deservedly so) restaurant The first Irish branch of a popular South Frederick Street - Dublin 2. St Lower – Dublin 2. Tel: lenium Walkway – Dublin 1. Tel: back atmosphere makes this a Readers Café. First floor, cheesecake. serving modern Irish cuisine. UK chain, this venue blends a Tel: 016719155. Popular Italian 014789626. Popular good value 018146777. A popular Thai res- perfect ‘unwinding’ restaurant. Waterstones, 7, Dawson Street - coffee shop, foodhall and Italian wine bar and restaurant, with an restaurant. All main courses taurant and cocktail bar. The Dublin 2. Tel: 016791415. Lovely restaurant. extensive range. cost €10. gin is highly recommended. scones and high-quality cooking 34 35 BEST OF DUBLIN

Soho. 17, South Great The Winding Stair. 40, lower Brannigan’s. Cathedral Street Davy Byrne’s. 21, Duke Street - and theatre-goers, this pub has Lincoln’s Inn. 18-19, 016796259. The successor to popular place for late Northside Georges Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Ormond Quay – Dublin 1. Tel: – Dublin 1. Tel: 018725315. An Dublin 2. Tel:016775217. Liked by an open-plan ground floor and Lincoln Place – Dublin 2. Tel: Cocoon, this place has picked up nights. Relics of the tiny South 017079596. American-style diner 018726576. The restaurant old-school Northside pub with a both Joyce and Beckett, this pub a gloomier, homely bar down 016762044. A great restored where Eddie Irvine’s trendy old American state add a lot of food done with a bit of class and above this well-loved bookshop friendly welcome. wears its literary connections with below.. Victorian pub. Comfy seating is bar left off. character. creativity. has gone all upmarket in recent considerable pride. usually available outside the post- years, with considerable success. The Brazen Head. 20, The Foggy Dew. 1, Fownes work rush. O’Donoghues. 15, Merrion The Pint. 28 Eden Quay – Soup Dragon. 168, Capel Some great value lunch deals are Bridge Street – Dublin 8. Tel: The Dawson Lounge. 25, Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Row – Dublin 2. Tel: 016607194. Dublin 1. Tel: 018745255. St - Dublin 1. Tel: 018723277. A on offer. 016785186. This place can Dawson Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 016779328. A traditional bar The Long Hall. 51, South Great A legendary trad music pub that Neighbourhood bar with varied great place for hearty and creative legitimately claim to be one of 016775909. An antidote to the that’s retained its atmosphere Georges Street - Dublin 2. Tel: was loved by the Dubliners, and is live music mix. soups, as well as some indulgent Yo’Sushi. Brown Thomas, the oldest pubs in the country, trendiness of the Dawson Street through modernisation. Still great 014751590. A true traditional bar still popular today. sweets. Clarendon Street – Dublin 2. Tel: and one of the best in the city. strip, The Dawson lounge claims for a singsong on special nights. with a loyal crowd. There’s a great The PorterHouse. 16-18, 016728950. A sushi bar made Welcoming and comfy. to be the smallest pub in the city. atmosphere on almost any night. The Octagon Bar. The Parliament Street Dublin 2. Tel: Thorntons. 128, St unmissable by the charming ad- We believe it. The Front Lounge. 33, Clarence Hotel, 6-8, Wellington 016798847. An unmatched range Stephen’s Green - Dublin 2. Tel: dition of a conveyor belt carrying Capitol Lounge. 18/19, Lower Parliament Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Madigan’s. 16, Lower Quay - Dublin 2. Tel:014070800. of beers from Ireland and abroad 014787008. Kevin Thornton may the food. It’s also quite affordable Stephen Street – Dublin 2. Tel: The Dice Bar. 79, Queen 01670 4112. Restrained gay bar, O’Connell Street – Dublin 1. Elegant cocktail bar with some of make this a winner, even if it not have gotten over losing his by Dublin standards. 014757166. A very good value St, Smithfield – Dublin 7. Tel: popular with both sexes. Tel: 018743692. A very casual, the bester mixers in Dublin. didn’t have welcoming service second Michelin star, but Dublin cocktail bar with a gigantic menu, 018728622. Gloomy New laid-back pub. and a lively vibe throughout. still loves him. Creative, high-end After Dinner and comfy seating upstairs. York-style bar. Frequently features Hill 16. Middle Gardiner Street The Odeon. 57, Harcourt St – food. live music. - Dublin 1. Tel: 018744239. A The Marble Bar. The Westbury Dublin 2. Tel: 014782088. This The Portobello. 33, Richmond 4 Dame Lane. 4, Dame Lane Cassidys. 27, Westmoreland popular pub with a very strong Hotel, Harry Street - Dublin 2. Tel: beautifully converted pub is best Street South - Dublin 2. Tel: 01 Town Bar & Grill. 21, Kildare – Dublin 2. Tel: 016790291. Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 01670 Dicey’s Garden Bar. 21-25, GAA ethos. Packed out on All 016791122. An oasis of old world appreciated on quieter nights. 4752715. Set by the canal, this Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 016624800. Popular club and cocktail bar, 8604. Welcoming pub with lots Harcourt Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Ireland day. elegant within stumbling distance homely pub is one of the best A fun New York style eatery, with some novel creations on going on most evenings. 014784066. Popular after-dinner of Grafton street. This is the ideal The Old Stand. 37, Ex- places to watch American football Town’s strong menu and service the menu. bar, with an odd mix of the Cop- The Hairy Lemon. 42, Lower place for an elegant post-dinner chequer Street - Dublin 2. Tel: in the city. ensures it packs out most The Clifton Court Hotel. pers and Krystle-bound. Stephen Street - Dublin 2. Tel: cocktail. 016777220. Reportedly Michael evenings. Anseo. 18, Camden Street Lower 11, Eden Quay – Dublin 1. 016718949. An extensive pub Collins’ favourite place for lunch Pravda. Lower Liffey Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 014751321. Tel: 018743535. A welcoming Doyles. 9, College Street – with plenty of nooks and crannies Messrs Maguire. 1-2, Burgh or a post-work tipple, this is – Dublin 1. Tel: 018740090. Ukiyo. 7-9, Exchequer Street Old-school pub, with some great hotel with an excellent bar in ‘The Dublin 2. Tel: 016710616. A for a quiet conversation. Quay, Dublin 2. Tel: 016705777. particularly popular today with the Trendy bar and club on a unique – Dublin 2. Tel: 016334071. live music to offer. Metropolitan’. traditional bar by day and student A massive pub set on many rugby crowd. split-level design. Great vodka Japanese restaurant with mecca by night. Opens late at Ice Bar. Four Seasons Hotel, levels, with a good bar food menu selection extensive cocktail menu. Karaoke The Bernard Shaw. 11-12, Cobblestone. 77, North King weekends. Simmonscourt Road – Dublin 4. and some excellent Messrs- Oliver St John Gogarty’s. downstairs. Richmond Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Street - Dublin 7. Tel: 018721799. Tel: 016654000. An excellent brewed beers. 58-59, Fleet Street - Dublin 2. The Purty Kitchen. 34, Es- 0857128342. Another bodytonic A traditional Irish pub with both The Duke. 8-9, Duke Street - cocktail bar made even better Tel: 016711822. A traditional pub sex Street East - Dublin 2. Tel: The Unicorn. 12, Merrion pub, The Bernard Shaw has a impromptu and more formal live Dublin 2. Tel: 01 6799553. A by the addition of a sushi menu. Mint Bar. Westin Hotel, West- that’s very popular with tourists. 016770945‎. Large pub and club Row - Dublin 2. Tel: 016624757. great lo-fi feel throughout. trad music on offer. deceptively large bar with friendly Intriguing décor too. moreland Street – Dublin 2. Tel: with live music. Established long ago and still service and a respectable bar 016451000. Tucked inside the Pantibar. 7-8, Capel St – Dublin going strong, the Unicorn repays The Big Tree. 39, Lower The Croppy Acre. Ellis Quay menu. The International Bar. 23, Westin Hotel, this bar has a fan- 2. Tel: 018740710. Formerly Q-Bar. 1, Burgh Quay – Dublin Dubliners’ continued affection Dorset Street - Dublin 1. Tel: - Dublin 7. Tel: 016710783. A Wicklow Street - Dublin 2. Tel: tastic cocktail menu. Make sure Gubu. Popular gay bar with 2. Tel: 016777435. Perfectly- with hearty Italian fare. 018557662. A Mecca for good-value pub that’s not too far Dylan Bar. The Dylan Hotel, 677 9250. A fine bar in its own you try the Elderflower Collins. regular drag acts. located bar with good drinks northside-dwelling students and out of the city centre. Eastmoreland Place – Dublin right, and home to the popular promotions. Venu. Annes Lane South – GAA fans on matchdays, this pub 4. Tel: 016603000. Popular International Comedy Club. The Morgan Bar. The Morgan The Palace Bar. 21, Fleet Dublin 2. Tel: 016706755. A solid has a very friendly feel. The Czech Inn. Essex Gate, cocktail bar with a menu worth Hotel, 10, Fleet Street – Dublin Street, Temple Bar - Dublin 2. Tel: Sin É. 14-15, Upper Ormond restaurant and excellent cocktail Temple Bar – Dublin 2. Tel: the journey! Kate’s Cottage. 1, Amiens 2. Tel: 016437000. The cocktail 016779290. One of the most Quay – Dublin 7. Tel: 018787078. bar tucked away just off Grafton The Bleeding Horse. 24, 014179900. Czech-themed bar Street – Dublin 1. Tel: bar du jour, and a worthy holder welcoming traditional pubs to Popular bar, particularly among Street. Camden Street Upper - Dublin with plenty to appeal to everyone, The Flowing Tide/Neptune 018014325. A traditional Irish of the title. survive in Dublin city centre. clued-in students. Features oc- 2. Tel: 014752705. A traditional including an extensive beer range. Bar. 9, Abbey Street Lower - pub with a warm atmosphere. casional live acts and interesting pub with a modern-style range of Dublin 1. Tel: 018744108. A Noo Bar. Unit 2, Royal Panama. 30, Batchelor’s Walk events. domestic and foreign beers. popular spot with both actors Hibernian Way – Dublin 2. Tel: – Dublin 1. Tel: 018745730. A

36 37 BEST OF DUBLIN

Solas.31, Wexford Street - Dub- Late night POD. Old Harcourt Station, Tripod. Old Harcourt Street Train lin 2. Tel: 014780583. Another Harcourt Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Station, Harcourt Street – Dublin excellent cocktail bar on the Wex- Buck Whaley’s. 67, Lower 014763374. The original Palace 2. Tel: 014780225. Cutting-edge ford/Camden Street strip, this is Leeson Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Of Dance, and still a great place club and live venue from the folks an excellent spot to go before a 016334200. Popular wine bar, for a spot of clubbing. behind POD. The Exchequer clubbing trip. now with a full bar license and late 3-5, Exchequer Street - Dublin 2. opening. Pygmalion. 59, South Wil- The Turk’s Head. Parliament Tel: 016706787 The Stag’s Head. 1, Dame liam Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Street & Essex Gate, Temple Bar – Only a few weeks since re-opening un- Court - Dublin 2. Tel: 01 679 The Button Factory. Curved 014539890. Another expansion Dublin 2. Tel: 016792606. Handily der new management, The Exchequer is 3701. A literary pub that doesn’t Street, Temple Bar - Dublin 2. to the Bodytonic empire, this located restaurant, bar and club, already making serious waves. It’s easy seem to have changed in years, Tel:016709202. Formerly known place has taken over Bar Mizu’s with a great décor. Drinks promo- to see why: a renovation to prepare the venerable old bar as a hip gastropub has and most like it that way. as Temple Bar Music Centre, this prime location, and offers a great tions on most nights. breathed new life into the space, filling it redeveloped venue features some atmosphere. with interesting features and brightening it Sub Lounge. Tara St Station - excellent gigs and other events. The Twisted Pepper. 54, up immeasurably. Moreover, while many Dublin 2. Tel: 016716769. Once Rí-Rá. 11, South Great Middle Abbey St – Dublin 1. Tel: gastropubs are difficult to navigate, with known as O’Reilly’s, this is now Copper Face Jacks. 29, Georges Street – Dublin 2. 018734038. Hopping club oper- drinkers constantly getting in the way of one of the best places for a cheap Harcourt Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Tel: 016711220. The popular ated by BodyTonic Music. Offers diners, a short corridor separates the Ex- post-work pint or cocktail. 014758777. One of the city’s downstairs club of the Globe. Free a mix of clubbing, live music and chequer’s main bar from the eating area, most famous pick-up joints, this is admission every night, excluding innovative events. meaning you can enjoy a meal in peace. The Temple Bar. 47-8, Temple particularly popular with students special events. And enjoy it you will. The exchequer Bar – Dublin 2. Tel: 01 6725286. and visitors from the country. The Wright Venue. Airside Busi- boasts an ambitious menu prepared by A favourite with tourists, and Sin. 17-19, Sycamore Street, ness Park, Swords – Co. Dublin. head chef Lee Doyle, formerly of Cooke’s anyone in the mood for old-style Crawdaddy. Old Harcourt Sta- Temple Bar - Dublin 2. Tel: Tel: 018900099. Gigantic Miami- Restaurant. “Our emphasis is on Irish craic. tion, Harcourt Street – Dublin 2. 016334232. Popular late bar with style club. Buses are available as quality produce – trying to use Irish pro- Tel: 014763374. The downstairs varied music. Features a great transport to the venue from the ducers and support our own,” explains Tramco Brewery. 121 Lower venue of Tripod often hosts more €50 VIP offer for clubbers with city centre. Peter Rock, one of the pair behind the Rathmines Road, Rathmines – intimate gigs and other events. stamina. revamped Exchequer. Hearty but inven- tive dishes, including chicken stuffed with Dublin 6. Tel: 014968050. Re- black pudding and wrapped in bacon, are branded from a studenty pub to Dandelion. 130, St Stephens South William. 52, South available at prices to suit the moment. a brewery, this place now serves Green - Dublin 2. Tel: 014760870. William Street - Dublin 2. Tel: “The whole idea, even with the pricing some excellent craft. Very popular restaurant, bar and 016725946. Trendy club with a of our menu, was to attract people, be it club with a great location and pie-themed food menu, extensive young, old or in the middle,” notes Ian The Village. 26, Wexford ground-breaking décor. cocktails and varied club nights. Tucker, the other partner in the project. Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 014758555. The exchequer has also invested behind Excellent cocktail bar and live Krystle. 21-25, Harcourt Sreet – Spy. Powerscourt Townhouse the bar, poaching the award-winning venue. Also features an appealing Dublin 2. Tel: 0863068081. Very Centre, South William Street - Darren Geraghty to create a menu with bar food menu. trendy club, complete with bongo Dublin 2. Tel: 016770014. One signature drinks and top-class spirits, and players. of the most enjoyable bars in the making all cocktails available for €9. The Whelan’s. 25, Wexford St - Dub- city, with great club nights. Sound- ‘loop the loop’ (any child of the 80s will lin 2. Tel: 014780766. This live Lillie’s Bordello. Adam Court, check on Thursdays is particularly have an idea how is tastes) is a particular music venue has been a Dublin Grafton Street – Dublin 2. Tel: worth a visit. treat. Signature dishes on the food menu student favourite for many years. 0867816251. An Uber-hip and – specifically the cockles and mussels, venison pie, and impressive jelly and ice- very plush nightclub. Some events The Sugar Club. 8, Lower cream – are also essential eating. The Woolshed. Unit 4, Parnell are members only. Leeson Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Opening hours: Open seven days a Centre, Parnell Street - Dublin 1. 016787188. Intimate live venue week, from 12:00 (11:00 Sunday) to Tel: 018724325. A popular sports Howl at the moon. Lower with attractive décor and a good 23:30 (02:30 Friday and Saturday, bar with many drinks promotions Mount Street – Dublin 2. Tel: programme of events. 01:00 Sunday) on quieter nights. 016345460. Great multi-level club that’s worth the journey out. 38 39