Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
HOT SPOT
Alicante rediscovered
TAKE A TOUR
Go walkabout in Dublin
CHICAGO, CHICAGO
Belinda McKeon on her kind of town
ON THE PISTE
AUGUST 2011
| 1
COMPLIMENTARY COPY
For international companies operating in Ireland AIB is the corporate bank of choice. Were a corporate bank that thinks globally. We see the big picture we do everything in our power to support visionary ideas. Were experienced, with dedicated teams working in sectors in which they have specific expertise. We strive to fulfil all your banking requirements and overseas companies locating here have benefited from that for years. We have a dedicated unit focused on Foreign Direct Investment in Ireland. But we also remember that, for a company setting up a business in Ireland, getting the finance in place is just the first step. Because its not just about supporting business requirements, its about supporting people, and making the move as simple as possible. In an increasingly complex business world, AIB Global Corporate Banking still believes in keeping it personal. Contact details: Diarmuid ONeill Head of International Corporate Banking, AIB Global Corporate Banking, AIB Bankcentre, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Tel: +353 1 641 4808 Email: diarmuid.e.oneill@aib.ie
AIB Global Corporate Banking is a registered business name of Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Registered Office: Bankcentre, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland. Registered in Ireland, No. 24173 .
Contents October/November
Hot young talent Bressie
22
NEWS
06 ARRIVALS We meet Aer Linguss frequent yers at Dublin Airports T2 09 NEWS DIARY The dates to save for October and November 10 NEWS HOTEL From glamping to pristine suites check out the latest hotel openings and refurbs 12 NEWS RESTAURANT The latest openings from the seasoned professionals 14 NEWS SHOPPING Gadgets to Go: Sive OBrien has new gizmos and gadgets 16 NEWS PEOPLE My Travel Tips: international rugby referee Alain Rolland shares his how-tos 18 NEWS PEOPLE Whats in my suitcase: rising fashion force Simone Rocha on the contents of her case 20 NEWS BOOKS Shelf life: Claire Brophy on the latest must reads
Chicago dreamscape
FEATURES
58
22 THE MUSIC MAKERS Tony Clayton-Lea meets the brightest young singers, performers and musicians on the Irish music scene 34 A MAN OF VISION International artist Sean Scully talks to Gemma Tipton about the art of painting, parenting, travel and how he manages living in three places at once 40 A CAPITAL IDEA Four writers go walkabout in Dublin and uncover hidden treasures 50 HIT THE SLOPES Its snowtime and Karen Creed tests her ski skills on the slopes of Morzine 58 MY KIND OF TOWN Its love at rst sight when author Belinda McKeon visits Chicago 71 AIRSPACE Writer Joseph OConnors commemorative poem to celebrate Aer Linguss 75th anniversary
34
Artists impression
REGULARS
65 AN INSIDERS GUIDE TO ZURICH Irish artist Sarah Honner captures her favourite Swiss spots on camera 68 TAKE ME TO THE SUN ALICANTE Paul ODoherty enjoys a taste of the real Spain 75 AER LINGUS INFLIGHT News, inight entertainment and route maps to while away your journey 96 TRIP OF A LIFETIME Co-skipper Damian Foxall remembers tough times in the Barcelona World Race
68 71
Flying high
Cover: Lisa Hannigan photographed by Trevor Hart at The Odessa Club, Dublin.
Smart traveller
CONtrIButOrS
eDItOral editor Frances Power editorial Consultant Laura George editorial assistant Cassie Delaney Contributors Sive OBrien, Claire Brophy art art Director Clare Meredith aDvertISING account Director Clodagh Edwards, 01 271 9634, clodagh.edwards@image.ie ad manager Mary Ryan, 01 271 9625, mary.ryan@image.ie advertising Copy Contact Derek Skehan, 01 855 3855, dereks@typeform.ie aDmINIStratION Head of Pr & Promotions Linda McEvitt 01 271 9643, linda.mcevitt@image.ie Oce manager Tina Koumarianos accounts Olga Gordeychuk BOarD OF DIreCtOrS managing Director & Publisher Richard Power, richard.power@image.ie Chairman Robert Power Director Ann Reihill Director Patrick Dillon-Malone PrINtING Boylan Print Group OrIGINatION Typeform
Cara magazine is published on behalf of Aer Lingus by Image Publications, 22 Crofton Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, Ireland, 01 280 8415; advertising sales, 01 271 9625; fax 01 280 8309; image.ie, email info@image.ie. Company registration number 56663 Image Publications Ltd. All rights reserved. Editorial material and opinions expressed in Cara Magazine do not necessarily reect the views of Aer Lingus or Image Publications Ltd. Aer Lingus and Image Publications Ltd do not accept responsibility for the advertising content. Please note that unsolicited manuscripts or submissions will not be returned. All material is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Production in whole or part is prohibited without prior permission from Image Publications Ltd.
PHOTOGRAPH BY HIROKI KOBAYASHI
When bestselling author Joseph OConnor was commissioned to write a piece to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Aer Linguss rst ight, he didnt want to create a piece laden down with facts and gures. Instead, he wanted to capture the indenable aura that Irish people feel Aer Lingus has. He wrote Airspace, which we begin to serialise this month on page 71, earlier this year when the country was buried in heavy snow, and for a short time, we were isolated from the rest of the world. Severe snow cut us o from the world for a while, says Joe. In a small way, that separation reminded me of the longing we feel for other lands, other dreams, of the connections that Aer Lingus has existed to serve.
Belinda mcKeon visited Chicago in June to take part in the Printers Row Literary Festival; she was reading there from her debut novel Solace, which was published earlier this year. Because my granduncles had emigrated to Chicago in the 1960s, the city had almost mythical associations for me all through my childhood, but despite living just down the road in New York, Id never spent time in the city until this trip, says McKeon. The architecture, the sense of space, blew me away. I couldnt stop staring. Again, you think Id be used to skyscrapers, living where I do, but no. McKeon, who makes a living as an arts journalist and curator, in fact divides her time between Brooklyn and Co Leitrim, which may explain why she needs a x of majestic skylines every now and then. You can read about her rst impressions of Chicago on page 58.
Cara Magazine is a member of Magazines Ireland, PPA UK, FAEP and FIPP.
Image Publications Ltd is a member of the Press Council of Ireland and supports the Oce of the Press Ombudsman. To contact the Press Ombudsman, visit pressombudsman.ie or presscouncil.ie Image Publications Ltd PUBLISHING COMPANY OF THE YEAR 2010 TO ADVERTISE PLEASE CALL MARY RYAN ON 01 271 9625 OR EMAIL MARY.RYAN@IMAGE.IE
Dividing her time between Dublin and Kinsale, writer Gemma tipton loves art, travel and horses. She says that Dublin is best for the art galleries, great bars, family and friends; and Kinsale for the glorious scenery and fabulous food, plus there are brilliant pubs and good friends there. Kinsale is also where the love of her life, her horse, Bosco, lives. So Im really spoiled for choice, she says. Living in two places can be complicated, you have to be very organised about what is meant to be and to happen, where and when. Thats why shes full of admiration for artist Sean Scully, who she interviews for Cara this month on page 34, and who manages to live in three places: Barcelona, Bavaria and New York. Although his work is abstract, you can see the dierent kinds of light and senses of those places coming through in his paintings, says Gemma.
1|
August 2011
Arrivals
Not all frequent yers are business folk as Cara discovered when we visited Aer Linguss home terminal T2 recently to snap some new arrivals. Photographs by Anthony Woods.
Frequent Flyers
The glamorous CAROL SOLOMON has own to Dublin from North Carolina to celebrate a friends 90th birthday.
GINNY CALLAWAY, left, and DAVID HOLT, far right, have own from North Carolina to meet friend JACK LYNCH , centre. Jack and David are renowned storytellers and the three friends are heading o to the Cape Clear Storytelling Festival.
Businessman GUIDO FRACKERS is no stranger to the skies. As a travel manager for Symphony Orchestras, he spends 200 days of the year on the go. When hes not globetrotting, Guido lives in California.
Its lovely to be home, laughs GARY ARMSTRONG , left, beautiful cloudy skies again! Gary and friend GAVIN SMYTH , right, have just own back with Aer Lingus from Geneva, where they mountain biked through the Alps.
lm director English lm SOPHIE FIENNES is lming a new in Ireland lming documentary. She and son Horrace were happy to be in front of the camera for once!
I love your country, says BLANDINE DE PARSCAU, especially when there is ve ve minutes of sun! She has own own from Lyon to Dublin for a wedding and plans to make the most of her week-long trip by visiting Connemara and Galway.
Its all systems go for CIARA COSGROVE . Working for an Irish company in Frankfurt for the last two months, she is now back in Dublin on business. Its my rst time home, she says, I was delighted landing. Seeing the grey skies actually cheered me up!
Frenchman GWENVAEL RONSIN-HARDY has arrived in Dublin for an annual business trip. He has just 24 hours in the city before he catches a ight to Perpignan.
6|
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011
A store which celebrates luxury, creativity, service and the very best Irish and international brands
GRAFTON STREET DUBLIN , PATRICK STREET CORK , OCONNELL STREET LIMERICK , EGLINGTON BUILDINGS GALWAY
10%
LOWER
THAN DUBLIN CITY CENTRE
6 F A N TA S T I C F A S H I O N & A C C E S S O R I E S S H O P S A T D U B L I N A I R P O R T, T E R M I N A L 2 S E E I N - S T O R E F O R M O R E D E TA I L S
The Collection@Dublin offers the following brands: Fiorelli, Furla, Guess, Orla Kiely, Radley
news DiArY
October/November
roisin Fitzpatrick, new York irish artist Roisin Fitzpatrick opens her solo exhibition her works use silk and ne crystals to reect light and draw on Celtic mythology and astronomy for inspiration. Runs October 3 to november 16, at the Consulate General of ireland, new york, 345 Park avenue; for more information, roisintzpatrick.com.
Aer Lingus FLies FROM duBLin TO new York daiLy, and FROM shannOn TO new York, FOuR TiMes a week.
26
glasnevin Cemetery tour, Dublin For an eery festive thrill, try the Glasnevin Gravedigger Cemetery Tour. Tours are led by Gravedigger Jim, an expert on all the local legends. don't forget your garlic! Family tickets (two adults and up to three children) from 15. Runs October 26 to October 31, Glasnevin Cemetery, dublin 11; glasnevintrust.ie.
The Little Musuem, Dublin The long-awaited Little Museum opens, oering an eclectic and totally charming view of dublin. Powered by Trevor white, the man behind Cityofathousandwelcomes.com, the collection will grow and change over time its made up of donations and loans from civic-minded citizens. From 5.95. at 15 st stephen's Green, dublin 2; littlemuseum.ie.
21
Berlin Festival of Light Forget Tinseltown. For twelve sparkly nights, Berlins most famous landmarks shimmer and shine in the world's largest illumination festival. For a touch of romance, try a Light Carriage; a 45-minute tour around the city in a horsedrawn carriage (all lit-up, of course). Magic. Runs October 12 to 23; festival-of-lights.de.
Aer Lingus FLies FROM duBLin TO BerLin daiLy.
12
irish Jewellery Celebration, Dublin Passing through Terminal 1 and 2 of dublin airport, you might notice the ash of a blowtorch or the sound of a hammer. its just some of the countrys nest jewellery designers hard at work on their craft. demos and this unique exhibition run november 14 to Christmas week. For more details, giveirishcraft.com.
14
Taste of Christmas, Dublin yes, Christmas has come early this year. Prepare for the festive season with how-to tutorials from some of irelands top chefs, stock up on artisan cheeses, chocolates or get your turkey. and dont miss the Taste Chefs Table, where you a get a chance to quiz the experts. Tickets, 15. Runs november 25-27, at the Convention Centre, dublin 1; tasteofchristmas.ie.
october/november 2011
25
| 9
news hotel
esCaPe
Smart stays and fresh hotel openings.
If its glitz and glamour you want, book your room at the new Corinthia in London right now. The revamped hotel (with a 300 million investment) is gloriously lavish, boasting a four-storey ESPA Life spa decked out with a silver swimming pool and semi-submerged glass sauna. The public spaces are just as breathtaking, a David Collins designed bar that showpieces a seven-metre long counter which morphs into a grand piano. Seriously. The bedrooms are a little more quietly elegant. And of course, it is just 150 metres from the ocial epicentre of London (Charing Cross Station apparently), so walking distance from the sights. Worth a splurge. Rooms from 450. Whitehall Place, London, 0044 207 930 8181; corinthia.com.
aer lingus fLIES fRom DubLIn, ShAnnon, CoRk AnD bELfAST To london heathrow DAILy.
Corinthia, london
Want to holiday like a local? Check into one of one fine Stays properties and youre staying in the house of a Londoner, given a suggested itinerary compiled by the owner of their favourite places and left to wander round for an explore. Its a great idea, especially for longer stays. And has all the benets of a cleaning service and sta on 24/7, if you want them. Theyll even kit out your bathroom with those small bottles of fancy shampoo, courtesy of The White Company. fresh to their list is Trinity Close, a bright, airy spot planted right in the heart of Londons bustling Clapham, perfect for forays into the city. Trinity Close, old Clapham Town. Rooms from 179 per night; onenestay.com.
aer lingus fLIES fRom DubLIn, ShAnnon, CoRk AnD bELfAST To london heathrow DAILy.
Talk about bijoux. meadow Cottage at Swallowtail hill farm is like a dolls house on wheels. or a divine caravan. but while it looks tiny from the outside, it actually sleeps four and once youve stayed there, youll never want to leave. It sits in lovely farmland, all wildower meadows, coppice woodlands and undulating hills and kids can feed the pigs, sheep and chickens. The farm oers plenty to do, from woodland craft courses to archery lessons. from 53 pp per night (minimum stay two nights). Swallowtail hill farm, Rye, East Sussex. 0044 127 53 95 447; canopyandstars.co.uk.
aer lingus fLIES fRom DubLIn, ShAnnon, CoRk AnD bELfAST To london heathrow DAILy.
usually a cheap new york hotel means staying out in the sticks, but The Pod hotels uSP is that its not only budget but slapbang in midtown. Its a high-design concept with great public spaces a rooftop terrace for soaking up city views, a Pod Lounge where you can order breakfast, snacks and drinks all day. Rooms come in bunkbed, single or queen the rst two share bathrooms on each oor, the queen has its own pint-sized en suite. And theres even a Studio Suite available on a monthly basis. Tiny? yes, but that doesnt mean it cant be funky. Double room from $179. 230 East 51st Street, new york, 001 212 3 55 03 00; thepodhotel.com.
aer lingus fLIES fRom DubLIn To new york DAILy, AnD fRom ShAnnon, fouR TImES A WEEk.
SAVE THE DATE Love vintage? On November 13, check out the Dublin Vintag e Fashion and Dcor Fair where over 50 vintage fans will have their wares on show. At the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laogha ire, Co Dublin from 11.30am to 6.30pm.
10 |
october/november 2011
neWs restAurAnt
food file
Check out the new foodie hotspots served up by a host of seasoned professionals.
Shoppers at dublins much-loved northside emporium Arnotts may have noticed that its Studio Caf has been revamped with the help of one of the countrys busiest food champions, Clodagh Mckenna. now, Homemade by Clodagh Mckenna is just the place to pause for lunch after a hard mornings work raking through the rails (we hear their new Coach range of accessories is well worth a visit) october sees the opening of the redesigned Aspire restaurant at Arnotts, again with the help of Clodagh, with even more mouthwatering irish goodies. one to add to your shopping list. 12 Henry Street, dublin 1, 01 805 0400; arnotts.ie.
Take an East London warehouse, add in a sprinkling of Gordon ramsay, a dollop of interior designer russell Sage, and you get the Bread Street kitchen, the human tornados latest opening. This is a laidback spot, less ne dining than somewhere to meet friends for a drink and something tasty from the raw bar or the wood-burning oven. The bustle of the open kitchen promises to add a bit of theatre to the space (russell Sage, remember, is the man who glammed up the royal suite at the Goring hotel in Belgravia for the Middletons). Here he has gone with the East End vibe and used reclaimed furniture, vintage armchairs and exposed brick. 10 Bread Street, London, 0044 207 592 1616; breadstreetkitchen.com.
Aer lingus fLiES froM duBLin, SHAnnon, Cork And BELfAST To london heAthroW dAiLy.
Hardly has Conrad Gallagher left the premises of Salon des Saveurs, than in comes chef Geo nordell, ex-La Stampa and La Mere Zou, to open his rst restaurant, The Whitefriar Grill. Like just about every chef worth their salt these days, he is going big on local, seasonal ingredients with starters like twice-baked Mount Callan cheese sou or bone marrow with oxtail marmalade, salsa Verdi and toasted sourdough and mains such as slowcooked rabbit in white wine with pancetta, grain mustard and buttery mash. But he also boasts one other special ingredient wallet friendly prices which makes for a winning combo. 16 Aungier Street, dublin 2, 089 46 17 429; whitefriargrill.ie.
Having spent four years as Marcus Wareings head chef at The Berkeley in London, chef Alyn Williams is nally stepping out alone. The venue was formerly the Artisan at Mayfairs swanky Westbury hotel, and will no doubt draw Londons power-lunchers. Williams aims to combine awless service with a relaxed atmosphere and very ne dining indeed. Sample menu? Starters of Aquitaine caviar and Granny Smith apple and full-hearted British produce like Cornish ruby red beef with oxtail, parsley and true. Puds will pay homage to nostalgia with goodies such as walnut whip with vanilla and walnut ice cream. Expect richness, grandeur and elegance. Bond Street, Mayfair, 0044 westburymayfair.com.
Aer lingus fLiES froM duBLin, SHAnnon, Cork And BELfAST To london heAthroW dAiLy
t, for the annual food festival, with street SAVE THE DATE October 7 is the day to head to Kinsale, gourmet hotspo gastronomic blowout; kinsalerestaurants.com. cook-offs a tour of the towns foodie highlights (with tasters) and a black tie
12 |
october/november 2011
Welcome.
Radisson Blu makes each unique location feel like a home from home. Perfect the art of short break travel and stay in the perfect, well-situated base from which to get under the skin of a place. Enjoy rst-class facilities, free Wi-Fi and our Yes I Can! Service that leave space for your own personal voyage of discovery.
Say Yes! to Radisson Blu here in Sligo and in Belfast Berlin Brussels Cardiff Cork Dublin Lisbon Lyon Madrid Manchester Milan Paris Prague...
1 800 55 74 74
radissonblu.ie
NEWS SHOPPING
Planning a getaway? Heres our pick of the slickest gizmos to make your trip easier. By Sive OBrien.
2 1
GADGETS TO GO
7
1 GOLF GPS WATCH Garmin, 166.94 at amazon.co.uk 2 NATURAL SLEEPING AID PROJECTOR LightSleeper, 144 at lightsleeper.co.uk 3 NOISE-CANCELLATION LINX AUDIO HEADSET Able Planet, 44 at ableplanet.com 4 IPHONE 4 COVER Tine Isachsen, 27 at giantsparrows. co.uk 5 PERSONAL 3D VIEWER Sony, to order at Sony stores 6 E-PL2 DIGITAL CAMERA Olympus, 899.99 at Conns Cameras, Dublin 2 7 KINDLE WI-FI 127.67 at amazon.com 8 POLAROID 300 INSTANT CAMERA 109.99 at cameracentre.ie 9 TRIP SOUND SYSTEM SUITCASE 395 at travelteq.com.
14 |
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011
A BETTER
Android Market, YouTube, Google Maps, Google Talk are trademarks of Google, Inc. Adobe and Flash are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems.
www.samsung.com/ie/galaxytab/10-1
news PeoPle
Former rugby player turned international rugby referee, Alain Rolland, talks to Sive OBrien.
With three Irish caps, 30 Leinster caps and now the title of one of the worlds leading referees for international rugby, theres not a lot this guy doesnt know about the game. He has a tough job officiating some of the strongest (and biggest!) men in rugby, but Alain stands apart from his peers, being the only player-turned-ref to umpire international rugby, right now. With two rugby world cups under his belt as a ref, hes currently on the elite ten-man referee panel for the Rugby World Cup in Auckland. A hectic schedule takes him all over the globe to the largest stadiums and into the heart of the action. When hes not trying to keep the game moving or reminding players of the rules, hes working as a mortgage broker for Cornmarket Insurance in Dublin, where he lives with his wife and four children.
FoR THe BesT RUGBY ATMosPHeRe Its hard to beat Cardis Millennium Stadium and the Stade de France in Paris. Both are well worth the trip for the electric atmosphere they generate. Im lucky enough to referee in the best stadiums in the world and nothing beats the atmosphere at an England v Wales match in Cardi. Do YoUR ReseARCH Rugby sites like irb.com or planetrugby.com have super travel tips for rugby match destinations and tickets as well as the full run-down on games and venues. BAGGAGe AllowAnCe Ive recently noticed how strict airlines are with the 10kg carry-on allowance, so make sure you get a good quality nifty bag that ts everything you need for a short trip to a match and weigh it at home before you go. sKYPe If, like me, you travel a lot, make sure your laptop has Skype so you can stay in touch with your family. Its the most precious thing when you are away a lot to see your children and hear all about what happened in their day. AIRPoRT PARKInG I pay for parking online before I y, its so much cheaper and makes for more ecient travelling. If youre travelling to Terminal 1 in Dublin airport, park in Block C, Level 3 and stroll straight across to check-in,
it takes a nifty two minutes. For Terminal 2, park on Level 5 the closest car spaces to the terminal, just a seven-minute walk. To loUnGe The Aer Lingus lounge at Terminal 2 at Dublin airport is great for some chill-out time before you board. If youre not a gold circle member, you can pay for the luxury its well worth it. JeT lAG For longhaul ights like New Zealand, stay away from alcohol, drink three litres of water gradually and, most importantly, do some stretching exercises before you board and en route. Youd be surprised how much better you feel when you are less tense. Avoid Rugby World Cup jetlag by staying awake on the London to Hong Kong ight, then sleep from Hong Kong to Auckland so you arrive having just napped. It really helps me get through the rst day with ease. Its what the players are advised to do to keep them in the right time zone and at optimum tness. In AUCKlAnD The infrastructure is well set up and there are trains and buses from the minute you arrive. Avoid the taxis that approach you at arrivals, they may just rip you o. Instead look out for Rugby World Cup volunteers, theyre everywhere to help you get the most out of your trip.
edinburgh v leinster, Rabo Direct Pro 12, oct 28, edinburgh Murrayeld can lack atmosphere for these Pro 12 games, and Leinsters record here is not good. But the pubs along Rose Street await, whatever the result.
Castres olympique v Munster, Heineken Cup, november 19, Castres A clash of two gnarled rugby sides in Pool 1 of the European Cup. It wont be pretty, but its worth a trip into the heartland of rugby in France.
Bath v leinster, Heineken Cup, December 11, Bath Defending champions Leinster travel to the Rec in the pool stages of the European Cup. Expect the genteel city of Jane Austen to be rocked to its foundations.
16 |
october/november 2011
Traditional Irish hospitality awaits you in the Arlington Hotels. Boasting 200 Bedrooms in the Heart of the City. Experience the true Dublin and stay with us in these Iconic Locations.
KEHOES
THE QUAYS
Awarded Irelands Best Value Hotel 2010 190 bedrooms 21 meetings rooms
THE QUAYS
Amazing Wedding packages available Newlands Cross, Dublin 22. Tel: 01 403 3300 Email: stay@louisfitzgeraldhotel.com www.louisfitzgeraldhotel.com
AN POITIN STIL
JOELS RESTAURANT
Naas Rd, Dublin 22 Tel: 01 4592968
Modern and bright, Joels is one of Dublins livliest dining venues, with an extensive menu catering for almost every taste.
A warm welcome awaits you from all the staff at the Louis Fitzgerald Group
www.louisfitzgerald.com
NEWS PEOPLE
WHATS IN MY SUITCASE
Simone Rocha
If you havent heard of this up-and-coming fashion designer memorise her name, fast. Shes the daughter of one of Irelands most celebrated designers, John Rocha, and at the tender age of 25, shes already a fashion force to be reckoned with. One year out of Central Saint Martins college in London and shes already stepping out from under her fathers shadow. Her first first knockout solo show at London Fashion Week was in September; this month, she shows in Milan as part of the Vogue Talent show, while her first first collaboration diffusion diff usion collection has just launched at high-street giant Topshop. Her designs hang in the hippest hubs: Havana in Dublin, Colette in Paris and I.T in Hong Kong. Travel is part of her life, whether its a quick trip to visit manufacturers in Italy, Paris for a fabric fair, Dublin, where her knits are made or Dalston in East London, the place she calls home. One to watch; simonerocha.com. Sive OBrien
1 3
WHAT A GEM
A Dublin jewellery designer has scored a hit in Sean Penns latest movie.
One man on tenterhooks to see Sean Penns latest movie This Must be the Place, which is partly set in Dublin, must be jewellery designer Sean Osborne. In the movie, Penn plays a retired rockstar living in a mansion outside Dublin who decides to track down his fathers executioner, an ex-Nazi hiding in the US. The stellar cast boasts Oscar-winner Frances McDormand, Harry Dean Staunton, and singer David Byrne (the title comes from one of his songs), as well as Irish talent Olwen Four, Simon Delaney and the young Eve Hewson, daughter of Bono. Early reviews are mixed but then Osborne may not be following the plot so much as checking over his own handiwork he was commissioned to make a knockout ruby ring for Penns rocker (in fact, he made eight), and a pair of nose rings for Eve Hewsons character. Its not the rst time Osbornes work has hit the limelight. He was recently commissioned to make a special piece for each of the Dubliners by Bono, and further back, he designed the wedding ring for Julianne Moores character in Laws of Attraction (Pierce Brosnan presented it to her after the movie). So before the stampede begins, Penn fans wanting to secure a little piece of stardust for themselves can bag a ruby ring, 550 or commission their own Gothic one-o; seanosborne.ie.
This Must be the Place screens on October 26 and 27 at the London Film Festival; b.org. It goes on general release in Ireland in early 2012.
5 9 10 7 12
11
1 ACETATE SUNGLASSES Illesteva, 170 at colette.fr 2 IPHONE 4 Apple, 499 at Carphone Warehouse 3 LEATHER AND MESH JACKET Simone Rocha, 1,295 at Havana, Donnybrook, Dublin 4 4 JANE AUSTENS MANSFIELD PARK Penguin Classics, 2.65 at Eason 5 GINGHAM BIB Simone Rocha, 170 at Havana, Donnybrook, Dublin 4 6 SILVER CLADDAGH RING 31.95 at elds.ie 7 QUILTED LEATHER BAG 1,880 at Chanel 8 LIPSTICK Nars, 25 at Brown Thomas 9 WOOL AND KNITTED JACKET Simone Rocha for Topshop, 305 at topshop.com 10 SAGE AND ZINC FACIAL HYDRATING CREAM SPF 15 Aesop, 32 at spacenk.co.uk 11 LIP BALM Carmex, 3.27 at pharmacies 12 TRAINERS Comme des Garons for Converse, 86 at farfetch.com.
18 |
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011
One should only buy a diamond or gemstone from someone who has a reputation they are afraid to lose.
John Appleby, 1958
Security of a
newS bookS
Shelf life
Vanishing Ireland: Recollections of Our Changing Times by James Fennell and Turtle Bunbury (Hachette Ireland, 27.99) out October 18. Already well-established as chroniclers of Irish lives this is the third title in the phenomenally successful Vanishing Ireland series photographer James Fennell and bestselling author Turtle Bunbury introduce yet more fascinating Irish people, whose lives span a century that drastically changed the face of Ireland. Nostalgic, yes, but Vanishing Ireland is also successful because it maintains the dignity and good humour of the people whose lives it explores, without straying into faux sentimentality. A feel-good book that stores up memories of a time when there was a place for blacksmiths, coal miners and bonesetters. Great Journeys (Lonely Planet, 29.99) out October 19. From Route 66 to the Ring of Kerry, Lonely Planets
From coee table volumes to memoir, Claire Brophy reviews the latest titles.
inspirational Great Journeys features trips ranging from the historic to exotic, with one common denominator they are all exhilarating. Check out the Coast to Coast walk, the drive down the Amalfi Coast or the iconic Grand Tour. Each of the 78 adventures has four pages of images, maps and information about the fascinating story behind the journey, and tips on how to recreate it for yourself. And each has its own shortcut or detour, depending on your length of stay, and includes the highlights you mustnt miss. A beautiful book, it will make you want to pack a bag and go. diagnosed with terminal cancer. Suddenly Des was what he calls parent to his parents, and in that role gained a better understanding of his father. Des Bishops book is a loving tribute to Mike, who died in February 2011, and a sincere, funny description of what it feels like to grow up that stays just the dry side of sentimental.
Inside the Peloton: My Life as a Professional Cyclist by Nicolas Roche (Transworld, 14.99) out now. Known to his friends as Nico, Nicolas Roche My Dad Was Nearly is about as close to cycling royalty as James Bond by Des you can get. Son of the former Tour Bishop (Penguin de France winner Stephen Roche, and Ireland, 14.99) out nephew to two former professionals, PSST! October 6. Nicolas already has a legion of the Potter fans Originally a devoted fans for his regular , w ne d, long-awaite te show in the column in the Irish Independent si er harry Pott interactive on g Edinburgh Fringe, My Dad not to mention his lo . th is mon launches th Was Nearly James Bond is distinguished sporting career. owling has R Jk at th t for factoids devoted to the memory of Inside the Peloton charts the life before abou ed al ve re r neve as how Mike Bishop, once a model, of a young man with a passion magic such the world of ad re or s on ti bit-part actor and, of course, for cycling, and provides a po ew br to stories very nearly James Bond. And gripping insight into the behind the com. pottermore. this is the crux of the book, as exhilarating and sometimes Mike Bishop gave it all up for his controversial world of cycling, from family. Then, in 2009, Mike was a genuine lover of the sport.
How to decipher the greats of Irish literature? Emma Cullinan joins an unusual book club.
I am sitting with a group of people in a grand Georgian building, learning about the context in which Joyce wrote his great works. It is part of a course called Feel the Fear and Read It Anyway, run by Eibhln Evans for the Flying Book Club, a new literary venture modelled on the book club format and aimed at opening up the works of the more complex Irish writers to the reader. Yis are all Jung and easily Freudiand, says Eibhln. She is quoting James Joyces comment on those who read his famously complicated Ulysses and hinting that the book included Over the next few hours, we learn about the political changes in Ireland and Europe and the quest for a new identity, and begin to unpack the layers in this classic book. Dublin is dotted with literary landmarks. And now, thanks to this enterprise, visitors to Dublin (and native Dubs) can learn how the city was absorbed into Irish literature, and how to get to grips with some of the great Irish writers. The Flying Book Club has one-day and three-day programmes and, like a regular book club, the emphasis is on sharing a book or books, or, in this case, a writer/group of writers such as James Joyce, the four Irish Nobel Laureates (William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney). All you need to bring is your enthusiasm for great writing, says Eibhln, who runs the programme. Sessions are relaxed but led by informed tutors all qualied scholars of Irish and contemporary writing.
The next Feel the Fear and Read It Anyway course focuses on Flann OBrien and runs October 6, 13 or 20, at 7pm, price 18. The next Flying Book Club, on the four Nobel Laureates, runs November 4-6, price 260. For more information, yingbookclub.ie.
references to psychoanalysis. When Joyce wrote Ulysses over seven years at the beginning of the 20th century, the world was undergoing a fundamental change and the novel reects that, says Eibhln.
20 |
September 2011
people
The
M
22 |
Theres a world of musical talent in Ireland that goes far beyond U2. Opera bu? Try the Wexford Festival Opera. Jazz more your thing? Check out the Cork Jazz Festival. Tony Clayton-Lea tracks down bright young talent across the Irish music scene. Photographs by Trevor Hart.
While Septembers Electric Picnic is the young pup of the trio, it has rapidly evolved into an allencompassing arts/literature/music/ whatever-youre-having-yourself event, frequented by grandparents and grandchildren alike. The Cork Jazz Festival and the Wexford Festival Opera, meanwhile, have survived decades of exposure by being the best of their type. Each is highly regarded internationally, and features, year on year, the best names in its field. Each is also, crucially, an urban event, which means instant infrastructure, a notents, no-campfire ambience, and plenty of opportunity to soak up what the city or town has to offer in tourist appeal and attractions. Ultimately, though, its all about embracing diversity, which is why the Irish music scene of right here, right now, is so rich. There doesnt seem to be the same rulebook rigidity that used to be around 20, even ten years ago, and you can put this down to that great creative and social leveller: the internet. The likes of MySpace and Facebook, and music streaming sites such as Spotify (and, really, too many more to list here) have opened up a cultural Pandoras Box of treats and goodies where people can easily pick and choose what they want to listen to. Its interesting, however, to note that two of Irelands most successful music acts are, creatively and critically, polar opposites: at one end you have U2, at the other you have Westlife. In between you have all manner of rock and pop, folk and jazz, classical and traditional
Music Makers
usical tastes and cultural attitudes in Ireland have evolved over the decades. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, there was a definite age barrier the generation gap was best exemplified by the sight of your father, agitatedly rustling his newspaper, looking in amazement at your favourite band on Top of the Pops, and asking, Is that man wearing lipstick?! But parents now are, by and large, listening to the same music as their children. And if theyre not, then at least cultural reference points arent as fractured as they once were which is why youll see a generation bridge, as opposed to a gap, at events such as Electric Picnic, the Cork Jazz Festival and the Wexford Festival Opera.
october/november 2011
How much of a change is the new album for her? Some musicians like to blindside themselves with each successive record, dont they? It feels quite dierent from the rst record, she muses, in that this time weve been on the road quite a bit, and those shows have served us very well as a band. I felt quite tentative the rst time around, with the rst album, I mean, but now I just want to get out and perform.
Lisa Hannigans new album, Passenger, is out on October 7. See lisahannigan.ie for further details.
OctOber/NOvember 2011
| 23
people
musics vying with each other for an audience. Culturally, its perhaps a given (and no one is saying this is fair) that the most attention is directed towards those in the rock/ pop areas, but there are quite a few in this category that stand alone, openly and seriously engaging with music genres that, three decades ago, their antecedents wouldnt have touched with a very long barge pole. For instance, you have singer/ composer Julie Feeney diving headlong into fusing (expertly, it has to be said) pop with classical music; you have classically trained musician Cora Venus Lunny on hand should any passing pop or rock act want svelte, string-driven things on their records; you have sean-ns singer Iarla Lionird blending traditional Irish musical texts with contemporary ambient/electronica; you have traditional fiddle player Caoimhn Raghallaigh staring experimentations with avant garde jazz full in the face; you have Crash Ensemble doing whatever the hell they want to do (whether you like it or not!); you have instrumental bands, such as And So I Watch You From Afar, Adebisi Shank, Halfset and The Redneck Manifesto, not so much pushing the envelope as ripping it apart with sounds that wilfully blend all manner of rhythmic shapes and forms. What all of the above means is that festivals such as Electric Picnic, this months Cork Jazz Festival and Wexford Festival Opera (and so many more) are no longer the preserve of niche, specific audiences. Yes, the masses might like to wave their hands along to The Script in very large venues but more and more you realise that smaller events are the most interesting and the most satisfying. You could say exactly the same for the Irish musicians, artists and performers profiled across the following pages; they might not be selling out Croke Park, Aviva Stadium, Dublin Conference Centre, the Grand Canal or the O2 anytime soon, but theres something very special about each of them that warrants your time, attention and respect. 24 |
october/november 2011
Pdraic Keane, uilleann piper and TG4 Young Traditional Musician of the Year
You could say its in the blood and the genes. Galways Pdraic Keane grew up in a house that swayed and clicked to little else but the sound of traditional Irish music. His father, Tommy, is a noted piper, while his mothers ngers know their way around the buttons of a concertina. For one so young (he is 20 years of age) Keane is already tipped to become one of the piping greats. The TG4 award has already given me opportunities that I probably would not have got before, he says. Recently, I was asked to be the soloist in a new piece of music written by Mchel Silleabhin, with the Irish Chamber Orchestra, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11, so that will be a great experience and a big challenge for me. While he might not yet have the objective measure of himself as a musician, Keane realises that in order to be the best in his eld he must never stop learning. I listen to recordings of dierent instruments, not just the uilleann pipes, and you will always hear something new. I suppose as I listen a lot to older recordings of pipers, especially I think my own playing has been inuenced by them. Discipline is all, then, but whats this about Keane having what some people are calling a rocknroll sensibility to his playing? Well, after playing a tune for a while I suppose I would take more chances in a performance as regards variation, and so on but Ive never heard it put like that before!
Pdraic Keane plays with the Irish Chamber Orchestra in Limerick, October 20, and the US, October 24 November 4; irishchamberorchestra.info
pdraic Keane wears TWeeD jaCKeT, 215; CHINOS, 65; bOTH DR DeNIM aT bT2; LeaTHeR beLT, 55, DIeSeL aT bT2. COTTON SHIRT, 100 aT ReISS.
The is how this one could be classed. Seated on top of the Dublin Mountains in Glencullen this pub has brought a multitude of visitors to the area, in fact, the footfall gures are an astonishing 250,000 people per year who make the scenic trek up the mountain roads to this step-back-in-time pub.
The Food
Famed for its height and also for its menu, Johnnie Foxs truly has it all, from wonderful seafood platters to signature dishes such as Scallops or Mahi-Mahi Diablo and whilst known for the seafood Johnnie Foxs also has succulent tasty Mountain Steaks, drop off the bone Lamb Shanks and of course a range of other dishes including vegetarian and even a childrens menu.
The Price
The is set just right because Johnnie Foxs steers clear of early birds and lunch specials by running a special Value menu alongside its acclaimed a la carte menu and what is more they run it all day every day (and night). The Value Menu sees main courses starting from as little as 9.95. and with good selection one can have a 3 course meal from as little as 16.85.
people
26 |
october/november 2011
Bressie wears T-ShIrT, 55, VelOUr; jeANS 160, AcNe; BOTh AT INdIGO & clOTh.
are proud to present their four award winning authentic Italian dining experiences.
A cosy Italian resuarant & extensive wine bar. www.dunneandcrescenzi.com +353 (1) 6759892
Elegant ne dining with authentic Italian avours. www.nonnavalentina.ie +353 (1) 4549866
One of the most famous Italian wine bars... La Repubblica Dunne and Crescenzi has changed the way the Irish eat Tom Doorley, THE IRISH TIMES.
They brought the real Italian food to Dublin FOOD & WINE .... pioneering and reigning...
ST E AK & W i n E B i S T RO
16 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2 Reservations: +353 1 676 314 4
www.peploes.com
New wiNteR MeNu | 12 NooN to 12pM | 7 DayS a week
On the doorstep of the Merrion, Shelbourne, Conrad, Westbury and Fitzwilliam Hotels
people
28 |
october/november 2011
OctOber/NOvember 2011
| 29
PEOPLE
30 |
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011
JENNIFER WALSHE WEARS GOLD DRAPED DRESS, 280, TIM RYAN AT BOW BOUTIQUE.
- NEW YORK -
66 W 47th St - #24 New York, NY 10036 Showroom: +1(212) 302-6605 Fax: +1(212) 719-1018 info@haniken.com www.haniken.com
PEOPLE
Matt Jacobson agrees that jazz music as a genre has opened itself to a far wider audience over the past 20 years. Yet, as he ruefully explains, it isnt all fun and games in the jazz world. I nd that with my own band, RedivideR, we have a lot of more rocky elements that rock and indie fans might really enjoy, but if you sell it purely as a jazz gig, they will be put o attending because of out-of-date stereotypes about nger-clicking, hip-cat jazz! And on the other side, jazz fans that have a preference for a more traditional version of the music might turn up at my gigs and not enjoy it at all! I think its really important to nd the right audience and venue for the kind of music you are playing. With the above noted, has it been an easy or arduous journey for Jacobson, career-wise, to date? Anyone who plays jazz has, at times, played gigs with less people in the audience than in the band, but at the same time I have been really lucky to be involved in a couple of projects,
here and abroad, that have seen great crowds and got very good reactions. Im much happier playing gigs and making music for a small number of people, and for a small amount of money, rather than being stuck in a job I dont care about ve days a week. And, of course, having an incredibly supportive family makes things a lot easier, too! After his performances at the Cork Jazz Festival, Jacobson tours the country with his band before visiting Paris in November with Ronan Guilfoyles recently reformed Lingua Franca group. And in December, he says, I have a tour of Switzerland and Germany with a guitar trio called Blowout Fracture.
Matt Jacobsons band RedivideR perform at the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival (October 28 31), on October 30. They are also on tour in Ireland from November 2-6. See reverbnation. com/redivider and guinnessjazzfestival. com for further details.
Photographed by Trevor Hart, assisted by Sylvie Cordenner. Styled by Lauren McCreery, assisted by Nicole Crowley. Make-up by Sena Long, hair by Joanne Merriless, both at Brown Sugar, 50 South William Street, Dublin 2, 01 616 9967; brownsugar.ie. Photographed at The Odessa Club, 13 Dame Court, Dublin 2, 01 670 3080; odessa.ie. Our thanks to all at The Odessa.
32 |
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011
MATT JACOBSON WEARS BLACK SUIT JACKET, 400; WHITE T-SHIRT, 60 AND BLACK SUIT TROUSERS, 190; ALL ACNE AT BROWN THOMAS.
interview
A man of
S
ean Scully must spend a great deal of his time in the air. Dividing his life between homes in Barcelona, Munich and New York, he is one of that rare breed of truly international artists, jetting around the globe for major exhibitions in the worlds leading galleries and museums. When we speak he is at his German home in the Bavarian Forest, desperately trying to shake off a particularly vicious flu in time to take a flight to Greece for another show. The whole family has it, he explains, but I have to get to Athens, he says, his voice sounding somehow smaller than usual, I cant let them down. Born in Dublin in 1945, and raised in London, Scully is a driven man. I couldnt bear to live my life as a normal person, he has
OctOber/nOvember 2011
Hes one of our most internationally renowned artists, twice shortlisted for the Turner Prize, with homes in New York, Barcelona and Bavaria, and exhibitions staged across the globe. As Sean Scullys latest show opens in Dublin, Gemma Tipton catches up with him.
said. With a schedule that includes exhibitions in Dublin, London, New York, Athens, Rome, Philadelphia, So Paulo and Barcelona over the next two years, its no wonder he feels he doesnt have time to fall sick. In fact, its difficult to imagine him succumbing to any ailment as, even at 66, he is a large, energetic and physical man, built like a boxer. Im a fighter, he agrees. I remember seeing a film of him painting, made at the time he was shortlisted for the Turner Prize (he has been in the running twice in 1989 and 1993). In the clip, Scully advances towards one of his large canvases, paintbrush raised, as if about to do battle. At the time I was struck by the raw power of his movements. There was something macho about them, and yet they would build up through painted gestures to create a delicacy of line, and a subtle and nuanced expression of gridded colour. The artist himself, perhaps inevitably, sees his own process of painting differently. As with all highly creative people, time vanishes when he begins to work. I lose my sense of time, Im just painting, and Im really having an extraordinary relationship with the painting. I dont tell it what to do the painting has to tell me where its going, what it needs, and then Im riding it. Theres give and take, but if the painting starts to obey you, youll get something thats perfect but not interesting. Scullys interest in art began early, even as a nine-year-old schoolboy he knew he wanted to become an artist. Though his earliest works were figurative, and
vision
34 |
OctOber/nOvember 2011
| 35
interview
he received a first class degree for his figure paintings from Croydon College of Art, the discovery of an exhibition catalogue by the American abstract painter, Mark Rothko, changed the course of his life and career. He moved on to paint pure abstraction, concentrating on line and colour. His works demonstrate how each of those elements can inflect mood and feeling and create incredibly powerfully affecting atmospheres. The results have been highly successful series, such as Wall of Light, which have sold for hundreds of thousands of euro, and are held in major collections including that of the Museum of Modern Art, New York, the Guggenheim, the Tate, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Critics have suggested that not all his work is of a similar quality, though this is true for all artists, and some have said that he is Rothko for those who cant afford to buy a Rothko. Though, given that one Rothko sold at auction for $72.8 million in 2007, this doesnt seem a particularly searing critique of Scullys work. At their best, Scullys abstractions can move a viewer emotionally. The cumulative effect of the paintings in the Sean Scully Room at the Dublin City Gallery the Hugh Lane is one of a stilled joy, coupled with a controlled sense of energy that infuses the space around the paintings. These ideas are meat and drink to the artist. If you look at other cultures theres always abstraction those cultures that make patterns and dont show the face of God. They use abstraction to get in to the rhythm of ecstasy and spirituality. Relating these ideas to his own work, he says, I didnt want to make art that was just adored by a few curators these dry curators that live in dry corridors of art palaces I wanted to make art that lives. The Scully Room consists of eight paintings, seven of which were donated by the artist to make a permanent display of his work in the city of his birth. As the Hugh Lane is just a stones throw from the Rotunda Hospital where he was born, it has been a long and 36 |
OctOber/nOvember 2011
Sean Scully, above, believes painting is not really teachable you can either do it or you cant. Left, Cut Ground Blue Red, 2011 from his upcoming exhibition at the Kerlin Gallery.
global journey to bring him, and the works, back to this place and time, and to a room where colour sings, shimmers and dances on the perfectly balanced canvases. You cant teach someone to have a colour sense. Its not really teachable, neither is painting, you can either do it or you cant. Its not fair, and thats why some people dont like it. Despite the flu, Scully is firm in his opinions and doesnt suffer fools gladly in fact he doesnt suffer fools at all and has a reputation for gruffness. But
he can also be utterly charming, with a great deadpan sense of humour. He warms to his theme of fairness. Jimi Hendrix: that wasnt fair either. He had a larger bridge between his finger and thumb, so he could play guitar like nobody else. I point out that we all get to appreciate Hendrixs music, so maybe it is fair in the end We pick up the link to music, a subject about which Scully is also passionate. Im coming to Dublin for my exhibition, he says, and Im friends with the U2 boys, well be having dinner in their hotel [The Clarence], but I do think its very important rock and roll its like a river of sound. And the drawing in my work is like a rhythm, it has a rhythm that is very connected. You need to have that rhythm and the ability to think and not think [] then the edges are a consequence of the rhythm of work. Its rigid, and not rigid and it has a memory of itself. As we talk, Scullys voice and presence seem to grow stronger, even down the telephone line, across the
Theyre all here. In the only book that takes you on a parade route that spans 250 years. Honoring New York Citys St. Patricks Day Parade.
To see for yourself, visit 250yearsparadebook.com. You can also call 203.582.8655, email jayne.young@quinnipiac.edu, or visit Barnes and Noble bn.com.
interview
each other. And theres a red tractor and a green tractor and a blue tractor Sometimes one will get stuck in the mud and the others will have to help it. Yes, I know them o by heart, and my singing voice has improved
too twinkle twinkle little star. Anyway, these are what Im reading now. Also a book with aps that fold up to show pictures. You dont get aps with Soljenitsin, which is what Id usually be reading, so these are much better value.
European continent from Bavaria to New York, a city that was to to Co Tipperary. Outside I can see become pivotal to his work and how the fields are shaped by walls career. It was in that city that he and hedges, and Im reminded of also met the painter Catherine two series of photographs the artist Lee. The couple married in 1978, has made: one of the walls of and a year later Scully began windows you see from any a practice of naming one Your own New York apartment, particularly important ScullY and the other of the work per year for Sean Scullys work is to be included dry stone walls of her. The Catherine in a handbound limited edition collection the West of Ireland. Paintings were first Did they influence exhibited together in of stories from ten writers, including Colm the shapes, colours 1993 in Fort Worth, Tibn, Sam Shepard, Salman Rushdie and and spaces of his Texas, and the full Anne Enright. The book is the brainchild of paintings? And has series is now held author Roddy Doyle and aims to raise funds he ever considered in the collection for his charity, Fighting Words, which oers coming back to live of the Modern kids free tutoring in creative writing. To in Ireland? No, the Art Museum of be published spring 2012, starting photographs follow Fort Worth. During price, 1,750. To pre-order, the paintings, they that time, tragedy stoneyroadpress.com. came a lot later, and also struck, when Paul, when I started taking them, Scullys 19-year-old son from I already had my style. As a previous marriage, died in a to a possible move to Ireland, the car accident in London in 1983. answer is yes he did consider it He channelled his grief into his I flirted with the idea, but I didnt work and dedicated his painting go ahead already its complicated in the 1984 influential Museum of enough, my life. Now, I think Im Modern Art New York exhibition, going to concentrate on Barcelona An International Survey of Recent and New York. Painting and Sculpture, to Paul. In the 1970s, Scully moved Scully is now married to another 38 |
OctOber/nOvember 2011
artist, Liliane Tomasko, and the experience of being a father to Oisn, aged two, has changed him. Once, he said that painting was the most adventurous, in a sense the most dangerous, the most insecure, and, potentially, the most profound thing I could do, but now that perspective is shifting. This is the first time Ive put family before work, but Im doing it. In 2013, Im going to take six months off and travel with my wife and son. Hell be four, the perfect age to travel. Were going to go all round the world, to the places weve always wanted to go to, like Tibet and New Zealand I will take my camera, he adds. The Wall of Light paintings, which began as a tiny watercolour, made in Mexico in 1984, took 13 years to evolve into the stunning series that Scully eventually created. Who knows where his world travels may lead?
Sean Scullys exhibition Cut Ground runs at the Kerlin Gallery, Dublin, from October 6 to November 19, 2011, kerlin.ie. His work can also be seen on permanent exhibition in the Sean Scully Room at the Dublin City Gallery the Hugh Lane, hughlane.ie.
... inspires us to connect with the light within, creating more peace and joy in our lives.
ROMA DOWNEY, ACTRESS (Touched by an angel) AND MARK BURNETT, TV PRODUCER (oprah/The apprenTice)
... brings beauty and nature together ... intricate patterns with simple elegance.
FORBES
Inspiring!
DEEPAK CHOPRA
ArtistoftheLight.com
Let gravity work its magic and pull you towards Irelands No.1 International visitor attraction. Craft your own pint, enjoy the Gravity Bars spectacular views of Dublin and let 250 years of Guinness heritage slowly settle into your heart and soul. Book online at www.guinness-storehouse.com and get 10% off adult tickets. Guinness Storehouse, St Jamess Gate, Dublin 8. Tel. 00353 1 408 4800
The GUINNESS and GUINNESS STOREHOUSE words and associated logos are trademarks. (c) Guinness & Co. 2010
Dublin
If you want to explore Dublin, why not try a guided tour? We sent four Dubliners o to try four very dierent tours of the city. Heres what they found.
A Capital Idea
40 |
october/november 2011
Even a native Dubliner would be hard-pressed to navigate the shiny new squares and glinting architecture of the Docklands. Edel Coey discovers a brave new world.
Theres a saying, life is what happens when youre busy making plans. In Dublin, the saying should be rain is what happens when you make plans. And so, as five hardy souls congregate on the steps of the 18th-century Custom House building, the rain drives in off the Liffey and we take what shelter we can behind the Portland stone columns of the facade. We are here to partake in one
of Architecture Tours Irelands guided walks. Led by enthusiastic and knowledgeable architects (today our guide is Carol Ryan), the tours lift the citys veil to reveal fascinating detail. Carol wears her knowledge lightly as we duck through showers and weave through the newly builtup area of the Dublin. She mixes dates, facts and figures with local knowledge and rich social history, along with architectural details of the buildings along our way. So, on the Sen OCasey Bridge, we learn that old battles between north and south sides of the river caused enough (unfounded) concern to require a garda to stand sentry on the bridge when it first opened in 2005 in case the local
october/november 2011
| 41
DUBLIN
people felt duty-bound to re-ignite such historical warfare; and that the bridge has since been dubbed The Bingo Bridge due to the heavy traffic of old dears who cross over to play their weekly game of bingo. We move from the Custom House down the quays, stopping at the citys bus station, Busras, where we discover the Michael Scott-designed terminus was inspired by the French architect Le Corbusier and that there is an unused nightclub on the top floor. Across Amiens Street, we move into the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), which was built in the 1980s as a tax incentive to attract banks and businesses from America. For this reason, the architecture reflects an American style. Running along Custom House Quay is the CHQ building, once a store for tobacco and spirits, now a beautiful shopping centre, which retains the steel structure originally designed by John Rennie (who also built Howth and Dun Laoghaire harbours). Further down the river, we walk across a bridge I have never encountered and with which I fall instantly in love, Spencer Dock Bridge. Its elegant, manta-ray shape 42 |
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011
and rubberised tarmac underfoot are almost transcendentally pleasing to behold. Reflecting the Blobism style of its creators, husband-and-wife team Future Systems, the manta-ray shape was the ideal fluid curve to accommodate both the Luas tram, which runs above it, and the walkway which runs beneath it, along the Royal Canal. The Convention Centre, which has already hosted Queen Elizabeth, looms next to the bridge and has earned the nickname The Dyson for its similarity to the space-age vacuum cleaners clear, tubular design. It was designed by Irish architect Kevin Roche, who also worked on Busras in the 1940s as a student intern. Crossing the Calatrava-designed Samuel Beckett Bridge, which was shipped to Dublin by barge from Rotterdam, I catch a glimpse of the Daniel Liebeskind-designed Grand Canal Theatre, scything through the buildings like an alien predator. This glass, deconstructivist cube is one of the finest buildings in
Previous pages, the Samuel Beckett Bridge; this page, left, Grand Canal Theatre like an alien predator; explorer Edel Coey; the Alto Vetro building on Grand Canal Dock.
our cityscape. Outside, the red paving acts as a kind of red carpet, while the American landscape architect Martha Schwartzs illuminated red poles on Grand Canal Square were inspired by the poles originally used to decontaminate the area (once a gasworks). As our tour concludes, one and a half hours later, I have learned so many hidden facts about my home city, from the secret night club atop the Corbusier-inspired Busras to the breathtakingly beautiful manta-ray bridge on the canal, that even the rain cant dampen my new-found ardour. Perhaps future participants might want to bring a raincoat ... just in case.
Runs Saturdays, 2pm, 10; 5 for children. Architecture Tours is a joint venture between the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland and the Irish Architecture Foundation. Other Architecture Tours cover Georgian Dublin, Temple Bar, the Living City and a childrens activity tour; architecturetours.ie.
This historic, award winning country house hotel is located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocrean in Connemara. It is situated on nearly 200 acres with 1km beach, private lake, 9-hole golf course, gardens, woodlands and many leisure facilities for its guests. With a warm Irish welcome, comfortable rooms and delicious meals it has everything you need for a relaxing break away... Magic Activity Breaks This Winter & Early Spring include:
Learn to Paint midweek break Murder Mystery weekend The Perfect Hostess weekend Magic Christmas Holidays, New Year and the time in between Many Special Midweek Breaks for Winter & Spring a Spring Hardy & Grey Fly-Fishing Academy
Here, the only stress is on relaxation WIN Tel: +353 (0)95 46100
Email: info@renvyle.com www.renvyle.com
DUBLIN
Why did Edwardian Dubliners have time to spare? David Robbins nds out as he walks in the footsteps of James Joyces ctional character, Leopold Bloom.
It is mid-morning in the city centre. We are standing in front of the site of the old Ballast Office on the south side of OConnell Bridge. The bustle of the city is going on all around us but, mentally, we are back in 1904. June 16, 1904 to be exact, the date on which the events of James Joyces Ulysses take place. Back then, says our guide, Marie Carew, we werent on Greenwich Mean Time at all. We were on Dublin Mean Time, which was 25 minutes behind the time in London. I thought I knew my Irish and Dublin history but this was news to me. It was one of many fascinating factoids about Edwardian Dublin thrown out by Marie during the course of our literary walking tour of the city. Think of all the things we could have done with those extra 25 minutes! Marie is an accredited guide with the Association of Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland (AATGI). She specialises in bespoke walking tours of the city and can put together itineraries and themes based on a groups particular interest. Today we are doing a Joycean 44 |
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011
LITERARY DUBLIN
From left, Joycean landmark Davy Byrnes pub; David Robbins absorbs the literary atmosphere; the splendid former House of Lords; PJ Murphy, volunteer at Swenys; wrought iron work at the National Museum.
walk, following Leopold Blooms lunchtime meander from the offices of the Freemans Journal (now Independent House on Abbey Street) to Davy Byrnes pub on Duke Street, off Grafton Street. At least, that is the general idea, but we take a diversion here and there as something takes our interest. The Irish House of Lords, for instance, calls to us as we are examining, as Bloom did, the statue of Thomas Moore on College Green. Marie takes us inside the Bank of Ireland on College Green, once the site of the Irish Parliament. The old Irish House of Commons no longer exists, but the House of Lords is still there, a splendid public room, panelled and soaringly high. The room is open to the public during banking hours but is seldom seen by native Dubs. The visitors book at the door features names from all over the world, but few from the capital city itself. Rediscovering your own city is one of the joys of a guided tour. We are delighted to see that Davy Byrnes pub, although much altered and lamentably modern inside, still serves a gorgonzola sandwich and a glass of claret, the lunch our fictitious Mr Bloom ordered there over a century ago. We pass on via the National Museum (where Bloom sees the man he thinks is having an affair with his wife) to Sweneys on Lincoln Place, where Bloom stopped to buy a bar of lemon soap. The premises has not changed much since and, up to
recently, was still run as a pharmacy. It has been taken over by a group of volunteer Joyce enthusiasts who run it as a second-hand book and bric-a-brac shop. You can still purchase a bar of lemon soap (3.50) there and linger, if you wish, to hear a reading from Joyces Dubliners every lunchtime at 1pm. There is also a Ulysses reading every evening from 7pm. The readings are not done by professional actors but by whoever turns up on the day. So its a kind of Joyce-for-the-people-by-the-people kind of reading, where one page might be read by a Japanese teacher and the next by a Polish Count. All that walking and history has left us famished and, as Marie leaves us, that gorgonzola sandwich is starting to look blooming good.
Members of the AATGI charge 95 for a half-day tour for a small group. For a larger group, the charge is 100. For that, you get three to four hours of gentle exercise and education. To my mind, these guides certainly earn their money. For bookings with AATGI: tourguides.ie. Marie Carew can be contacted on mariecarew@eircom.net.
october/november 2011
| 45
DUBLIN
Macaroons, Milleens and a tipple of whiskey? Restaurant critic Aingeala Flannery joins a gourmet walkabout.
If you think Irish cooking is all about bacon and cabbage, think again. This is the ethos behind Fabulous Food Trails, a company that runs tasting tours of the capital, taking eager foodies visiting Dublin off the beaten track to the places where gourmet natives love to shop and eat. The tours are so informative and entertaining that even locals have been known to tag along in the hope of finding hidden gems. As a Dubliner who has been writing about food for a decade, there was, I thought, nothing you could tell me that I didnt already know. I took the tour regardless, and had to doff my critics cap to our guide, Eveleen Coyle, for her in-depth knowledge of the Irish foodscape, which was served with humour and seasoned with fascinating snippets of history that were news, even to me. The stops on the tour are carefully chosen to reflect how Irish eating habits have evolved thanks to the Slow Food Movement and an influx of immigrants in the late 1990s, who brought with them exotic dishes. One of the strengths of this tour 46 |
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011
is that Eveleen adapts it to the group and the weather, so it stays fresh, and because the groups are small (usually around ten people), they are sociable and relaxed. The group I joined included a mother and daughter who had travelled to Ireland to escape From left, a regular enjoys a cuppa at the August heat in Malta, an The Swan; foodie Australian couple doing a five-week Aingeala Flannery; tour of Europe, and three Canadian Kerryming Sun backpackers on a weekend bunny with a wheel of Coolea; macaroon hop from their year out in London. heaven at Our first stop was Sheridans Cocoa Atelier. Cheesemongers, where the staff briefed us on the nuts and bolts of Irish cheesemaking, again peppered us to Camden Street, with its with fascinating anecdotes. We outdoor fruit and flower markets, sampled two Irish farmhouse Middle Eastern grocers and cheeses. One of them trendy bars. Historically SOLO TOURS Milleens is an this was where many If you prefer to nd your internationally celebrated Dubliners bought their own way about the city, check soft rind cheese, meat, though sadly only out Dublin Tourisms I-walks, free created in Corks two butchers remain. podcast audio guides to everything Beara Peninsula by We popped into Veronica Steele, after Hogans on Wexford from castles and cathedrals to the hills her husband brought Street to check out of Howth; visitdublin.com. For other home a one-horned the black and white self-guided tours hunting fossils in cow named Brisket. She pudding, while Eveleen Dublins streets, or the Botanic wasnt much of a looker, thanked the owner for Gardens, for example try but Briskets milk supply an oxtail hed sold her ingeniousireland.ie. was so prodigious the family during the week. That is resorted to making cheese from part of the charm of this tour it. The rest is culinary history. the genuine rapport between the A stroll past leafy St Stephens organisers and the traders. Green and a short cut through Further up the street, we some narrow side streets brought dropped by Listons a must-
stop for Dublins gourmet shoppers. Wine, bread, chocolate, cheese, charcuterie Listons has it all. And it wont break the bank something you dont hear in Ireland very often these days. Next stop: the eco-friendly, impossible to find Cake Caf, behind Daintree paper shop, where the coffee is great and the staff is notoriously laid back until you ask for the recipe for its famous lemon cake. With the rain falling ever harder, Eveleen wisely suggested a quick tipple of twelve-year-old Powers whiskey in The Swan Bar at the top of Aungier Street, before heading back to the city centre. The Swan is a characterful Victorian establishment, with a false door panel in the wall that was used as an escape route to the nearby tenements during the Civil War. Or so the barman told us. Suffice to say the Blarney flows freer than the Guinness at The Swan. There was more Victoriana through the wrought-iron gates of Georges Street Arcade, where Lolly and Cooks served us slices of their heart-stopping Savage sausage roll. Right around the corner on Drury Street, we visited the master chocolatiers at Cocoa Atelier always popular for their colourful macaroons. Our final pitstop was the beautiful Powerscourt Townhouse, and The Pepper Pot a recently opened caf that was news to me. Here, we ate homemade bagels, with cream cheese and thick buttery slices of wild smoked salmon an appropriate reminder of what Irish food producers do best. Fabulous Food Trails tasting tours are a great way to see obscure pockets of the city on foot, and are especially helpful if you go at the beginning of your trip to Dublin. How else will you find the best places to eat while youre in town? Be prepared to loosen your belt a notch or two, the tasting portions are nothing if not generous.
The two-and-a-half hour tour runs Saturdays, 10am (and occasionally midweek), and costs 45. Also available are Howth, and Cork Tasting Trails; fabfoodtrails.ie.
I forgot to bring something to eat. The e-vite mentioned a slight, though not obligatory, favour: to bring one type of food that you could share with a few people. There are about 14 of us assembled. Its Saturday morning and were doing the Le Cool walking tour around the Merrion Square/St Stephens Green area. Le Cool is an online publishing company that started in Barcelona in 2003 and now operates in eight European cities, plus Moscow and Istanbul. It lists and reviews hip, unusual events around the city. Sign up and it mails you the weekly online newsletter. It has published weird and wonderful guides to five cities in Europe (not Dublin yet). The walking tours are actually a Dublin initiative, which is now being copied by the other cities. Im on tour No 6. The first was held in May. Le Cool picks a
From top, try outs for lawn bowling; Bridget Hourican on the trail of something dierent; Canadian moose at the Dead Zoo.
different area to explore each time and promises a mix of rare and familiar sights, pop-ups and oneoffs. Ive lived near Merrion Square for years and its not exactly pop-up or alternative, so Im sceptical about its ability to show me anything unknown and cool. First stop, the Natural History Museum (or the Dead Zoo), is well-known to me but not to most of the group, although almost all are Dubliners. But its my first time getting a tour from the keeper, Nigel Monaghan, and he shows me stuff I didnt know about (including a 3D Edwardian frog). Then were whisked down an alley and into a small working stables. There is sawdust and a palpable smell;
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011
| 47
Behind the scenes at the Dead Zoo, lawn bowling in the city centre. Whatever next? Bridget Hourican nds out.
Dublin
apparently its used by Garda horses. Once all the houses on Merrion Square had stables attached but this is the only one left and is now a Landmark Trust building, open to the public two days a year. Michael, our guide, is pretty chuffed at the serendipity of it being open today. Back on the alley were confronted by a trestle table with plates of food and places set for us! We all sit down feeling terribly Alice at the Mad Hatters Tea party, and produce the food weve brought. Most people are as useless as me but one girl has a home-made batch of glittery rice-crispy cakes. She is instantly the most popular person in the group. Turns out were now participating in a photo-shoot to advertise the nationwide community initiative Street Feast, which is being held the next day. (The idea is to organise a street party and meet your neighbours.) After eating were marched off to the bandstand in St Stephens Green to hear St Georges brass band, founded over 70 years ago. Curiouser and curiouser. Then we double back to Fitzwilliam Square. This is one of the last squares in Dublin open to residents only. (I did get in once before, for an open-air film night.) They havent opened just for us its Heritage day but they have laid on lawn bowling for the group. So we line
up to take instruction in this sedate and ancient sport. There are no flamingos or dodos but Im still thinking Alice But then this was the Merrion Square tour the Smithfield tour was all high design and artisan food by the looks of it. I can vouch that Le Cool will show you the rare and unexpected in your neighbourhood and is well worth checking out. People in our group were mostly in their 20s and 30s, which I guess is a function of having cool in the title, but theres nothing on the tour a reasonably fit septuagenarian couldnt manage.
Le Cool Tours generally run on Saturdays and Thursdays, 15; for dates see lecool.com/dublin. For more information on tours around Dublin, check out visitdublin.com.
Above, a tea break, Le Cool style, and, below left, St Georges brass band.
best tours
For the sociable A brilliant idea for rsttimers to the capital sign up on the website of city of a thousand Welcomes to get paired with a well-versed Dubliner who takes you out for a cup of tea or a pint. Denite insiders view of the delights of dirty oul Dublin, and free; cityofathousand welcomes.com. For the snap happy Led by a professional photographer, the Dublin photography Walking tour takes you on walkabout as you learn to capture atmosphere, compose a shot and create drama with lighting. Three-and-a-half hours long, youll learn as you go. From 125; viator.com. For the bookish pub lover Pubs and prose make a good match in Dublin, and this guided pub crawl is an award-winner. Visit four pubs, with time for a bevvy in each, while the guides, actors all, re-enact works from Wilde, Joyce, Behan and Beckett, 01 670 5602; dublinpubcrawl.com. For the thrill seeker Fancy something dierent? Try a segway tour around Dublins modern Docklands or through the picturesque Phoenix Park (a Segway, in case you dont know, is a big-wheeled scooter-type contraption you stand on it and it does the work). From 50 per person, 01 822 3388; glidetours.ie. For the Fleet Want a fast-paced way to see the sights? Try sightjogging Dublin for tours around the citys parks or Docklands. All you need is a pair of trainers, and some stamina. Customised tours are also available, from 20 pp per hour; sightjoggingdublin.com. For cyclists Avoid city-centre trac with the Downhill to Dublin bike tour from Dublin city bike tours. The tour leads cyclists from the peaks of the Dublin Wicklow Mountains towards the city centre. Full day tour (includes along the coast to Howth) from 70 per person, contact 087 134 1866; dublincitybiketours.com. For sailors See Dublin from a whole new perspective! From the deck of a 54-foot yacht, as you sail beautiful Dublin Bay with Go sailing tours . Youll pick up how to tie knots, hoist sails, you even get to steer. Two-hour morning sail, 35 per person, or three-hour evening sail with supper, 55, contact 087 092 2913; gosailing.ie. For hikers Take a hike into the Wicklow mountains, Glendalough, Lough Tay, or one of the other beauty spots Wicklow has to oer, with Walkabout Wicklow. Choose from three- to four-hour hikes, from beginners level to dicult. Available year round, from 35 pp, including a courtesy bus pick-up from the city centre. Contact 086 792 9579; walkaboutwicklow.com.
48 |
october/november 2011
www.simtech.ie info@simtech.ie
Let Dublin truly capture your imagination! From shopping and dining to visitor attractions, festivals and events, Dublin has it all!
Visit Dublins Ofcial tourist information and booking ofces The Dublin Tourism Centre, Suffolk Street 14 Upper OConnell Street, Dublin 1 Also: Dublin Airport T1 and Dun Laoghaire Ferry Port
escape
50 |
OctOber/nOvember 2011
OctOber/nOvember 2011
| 51
escape
of well-organised, connected ski areas and accommodation that ranges from hotels and self-catering to modern chalets. A string of lively bars and modest takeaways brings a refreshing balance of budget options to the town, which is known for its upmarket wine bars and designer clothing stores. The pice de rsistance, however, is the slopes all 177 kilometres of them. Waking up to cloudless skies, sun and perfectly powdered slopes is the reality in Morzine, from December through to late March. My four chalet mates and I, all strangers to each other, arrived late morning and so had missed the first half of the day, but spared no time in kitting out for the fresh snow. In the past, I have wasted hours getting the right ski boots fitted in rental stores, often taking the best part of a morning. But our ski package with Highlife organised everything in advance, which meant we were decked out with ski boots, skis and helmets and on the gondola heading for the top of Le Plney in no time. The package also included guided skiing, which, depending on your guide and your ability, meant you could cover several pistes in a matter of hours. We were all keen for some high mileage so our guide steered us away from the graceful blue slopes 52 |
OctOber/nOvember 2011
night it serves the same produce in a charming cosy dining room behind the shop. Like most other leisurely skiers, my itinerary rarely changes morning ski, followed by a hearty lunch, afternoon skiing and aprsski drinks before a three-course dinner. While elegant candlelit restaurants and cheap and cheerful towards steep reds packed with pizzerias such as LEtale (0033 moguls and jumps. My wobbly ski 450 790 929) flank the main legs werent quite ready for that; streets of Morzine, my package instead I continued to zigzag down was all-inclusive with a meal served the mountain, trying to avoid the each evening in our base, Chalet domino effect when the skier in Delphine. I was slightly dubious front took a tumble. My fellow about dining en masse at a log skiers were all men, and just like table each night. And I like eating with driving, I found they didnt out; in fact, after a stop for like to be overtaken on the Skiing hot chocolate on the slopes, slopes. Luckily, I had found with kidS? dinner is my favourite my ski match with my part of a ski break. But chalet mates; not just in Sign the youngsters up to Bernard, our Irish chalet pace but in priorities too, Easy2ride ski school ((0033 450 chef, convinced me I as they were keen to stop 790 516; morzineski.fr), or if theyre wasnt missing out as for a hot tipple once we too young for the slopes, try LOuta he whipped up threehad mastered a deathnursery, in Morzine, which caters course extravaganzas defying black slope. We for children from three months each night. He is just one sat on deckchairs al fresco to ve years old (outaof many Irish using their and kept snug with our hot morzine.com). skills to work as chalet chefs drinks, while we rated the in resorts like Morzine. We level of skiers and snowboarders grew more and more envious of his charging down the mountain. lifestyle and that of our chalet hosts, Morzine is a ski resort so wellAlannah and David, who spend endowed with restaurants that, their days skiing for free when they if your priority wasnt to ski, you arent on duty. They also showed us could crawl from restaurant to that Morzine isnt just a resort for mountain hut to snack bar all day. exhilarating ski days, it also has a Croque Monsieur and fondue were big aprs-ski nightlife which starts just some of the hearty French fare early and goes on until the small we feasted on for lunch at two of hours. Most of the action takes the mountain-top restaurants, Chez place on Taille de Mas du Plney Flo (chez-flo.com) and Le Vaffieu or Bar Street, a noisy strip of (Le Plney; 0033 450 790 943). restaurants, bars and cafs running Down at base camp, Le Piquebetween the Le Plney lift and Feu (0033 450 791 473) is a cheap Morzines tourist office. Straight off alternative for food by day, and at
From left, skiing down into Morzine, above, one of the bedrooms at Chalet Delphine.
Left, Karen Creed takes time out, and, above, from the slopes, cloud lls the valley around Morzine.
the slopes, you can pop in to sample a glass of wine and some cheese at the more elegant La Chaudanne (0033 450 791 268; lachaudannemorzine.com) or, if you are keen to party well into the night, it is hard to resist the ever-popular LOpera (Taille de Mas du Plney) where the policy is to play anything that will get you dancing. Like other premier ski areas, Morzine has wised up to the fact that skiers love to relax after a hard day on the slopes. You can organise a ski detox easily, especially if you have the luxury of a Jacuzzi or sauna in your chalet, we had an outdoor hot tub! The town is crammed with spas, fitness centres and beauty salons for those who feel they need to be re-energised or pampered, or to relieve the muscle tension in those glutes. I was in need of the latter after taking a few too many tumbles on the last day. A deep tissue massage was a reality check
ADVANCED SKIERS Promising fresh mountain air and more than 120 slopes, SkiWelt is the largest ski-linked area in Austria. Reliable snow conditions, attractive ski runs and trails featuring all levels of diculty are what make this ski paradise exceptional. Topight oers ski packages from 349 with ights and accommodation included. Call 1890 240 170; topight.ie.
AER LINGUS FLIES FROM DUBLIN TO MUNICH DAILY AND FROM CORK TO MUNICH , TUE, THUR AND SAT.
BEGINNERS Livigno in Italy is perfect for newbies because it has plenty of gentle blue runs. Learning to ski can be arduous so there is plenty of downtime to be found in the form of duty-free shopping in the well-stocked pedestrian centre. Just spare some change so you can enjoy the thriving bars and restaurants that the resort is also renowned for. Package deals, some including ights, are available from approx 500. Call 1890 201 205; directski.com.
AER LINGUS FLIES FROM DUBLIN TO MILAN LINATE DAILY.
SNOWBOARDERS Courcheval is part of Les Trois Valls complex in the French Alps with 600 kilometres of trails and unlimited o-piste terrains, chutes, cli drops, and mogul runs. Its also perfect for beginners, with wellgroomed greens, plenty of nursery slopes and blue runs to build your style. A buzzing nightlife adds to its attractions. Packages for four, from 570, include accommodation and food, equipment, lift pass and airport transfers, excludes ights. Call 0044 247 668 6835; pleisureholidays.com.
AER LINGUS FLIES FROM DUBLIN TO LYON AS ABOVE.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011
| 53
escape
Morzine isnt just a resort for exhilarating ski days, it also has a big aprs-ski nightlife which starts early and goes on until the small hours.
slopes, so I guessed this was a prime resort for families, and I later spotted the ski school and nursery at the base of the slopes. Thats not to say free-riding snowboarders and high-voltage skiers wont enjoy it here. However, slope-bashers who want to cover the entire Portes du Soleil circuit will have to take a bus and cable-car or several lifts to the neighbouring resort of Avoriaz. As someone who has yet to master the art of carrying skis with ease, the transfers from our chalet to the ski slopes was one of the main perks of this all-inclusive package. It was the first time in my skiing history that I hadnt had to pack everything down to the loo roll, which, coupled with having breakfast and dinner served, made the holiday hassle free. Sharing a ski chalet with strangers was not the potential minefield I had expected fortunately I was paired with a lively bunch who were keen to socialise each evening. Most nights our intention was to venture out but, because the chalet was so comfortable, the drinks flowed and the fire was piled high, we stayed put.
Top, Morzine has kept its traditional Alpine village atmosphere. Above, time for a hot chocolate!
that a ski break doesnt need to leave you aching it is now top of my list for my next snow trip. While parents might not have the luxury of checking out ski pampering every evening, there is plenty to keep the kids amused. If a day on the slopes doesnt have the children sleeping soundly, parents can tire them out with an eclectic range of activities from tobogganing to ice hockey. Events such as kiddie discos are also organised regularly in Morzine throughout the ski season. Over the few days of my holiday, children whizzed past me on the
54 |
OctOber/nOvember 2011
Majorca
fr
Catalan Coast
fr
480
445
All prices quoted are per person based on 2 sharing for travel on selected dates in Autumn 2011 - Spring 2012. Prices include ights, transfers, full board hotel for 7 nts (14nts also available) and 1 full day excursion. All offers subject to availability, terms & conditions.
Morealps
ut Now Brochure O
Phone Ireland: 01 431 1359 Phone UK: 0845 222 02 82 info@morealps.com www.morealps.com
For more details on any of our Escorted Tours or Cruises, or to book please visit your local Travel Agent www.insightvacations.com
ESCAPE
Munich
Zrich
At a glance A
Geneva Lyon MORZINE Tignes Mribel Milan
MORZINE The traditional mountain resort of Morzine has a prime position in the middle of one of the most extensive ski areas in the Alps, the Portes du Soleil. Boasting o-piste terrain and groomed slopes, and situated just 46 kilometres from Geneva, Morzine allows you to be on the slopes within a few hours of touching down. WHAT TO PACK Sun screen is crucial (you can get fried on the slopes), also lip balm, the all-important ski goggles, and layers, layers, layers. The weather can change very quickly in the mountains. Try breathable, thermal underclothes, hat, waterproof warm socks, eece, turtlenecks, gloves and hat, and ski safe with a helmet.
We left the chalet early on the last morning, our hosts waving us off with breakfast packs filled with fresh croissants. All my resolutions never to go back to the same resort, never mind the same area, were dumped by the roadside. I was already planning my return to Morzine and Chalet Delphine. If the plan to round up a group of friends doesnt work out, the alternative could be signing up to become a chalet girl.
Karen travelled to Morzine with Irish ski company Highlife, which runs ski breaks from December 3 2011 to April 22 2012; prices from 805 for adults and 658 for children under twelve for seven nights half board. Short breaks are also available from 499. Prices cover accommodation, food, wine, a complimentary bar, minibus transfers to and from your chalet and Highlife ski guiding. For full details, call 01 677 1100; highlife.ie.
56 |
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011
ALL-IN-ONE PACKAGE
Flights Transfers Accom
Everything you need for 7 nights from just
499
pp
c4511_ads.indd 7
chicago
My Kind of
Writer Belinda McKeons rst glimpse of Chicago was in her mothers photo album back in the 1970s. When she visited the city for the rst time, this year, she was still awestruck.
Town
58 |
october/november 2011
rowing up on a farm in Co Longford did nothing to stop me staring at the city of Chicago. Vast, blocky and sun-bleached, its skyscrapers occupied almost the entirety of a photo album from the early 1970s, the souvenir of a trip by my mother and her mother, which had become the stuff of family legend. Back then, Id never seen a building taller than the ESB power station in Lanesborough in Roscommon, so I was fascinated and more than a little unnerved by the notion of the Sears Tower, as it was still known, with its 108 floors, its stern black exterior, its strange white antennae seeming to plug the city into the sky.
And around it, in those photos, was a jostling sea of towers in glass and gold and silver, and stretching away from them, looking itself so much like a sea, was the vast, unblemished blue of Lake Michigan. And then they went and made Ferris Buellers Day Off (1986) in this city. Oh, Chicago. I was eight, and you were my kind of town. But I grew up and moved to New York. And in New York, I became so accustomed to a skyline worth neck strain, a skyline that sparkled at night like a fistful of diamonds, that I thought Chicago could do nothing to surprise me. And then I went to the city for four days, to give a reading at the Printers Row literary festival and, once again, I found it
october/november 2011
| 59
CHICAGO
The glorious Art Deco landmark of the Carbon and Carbide Tower, inset above, writer Belinda McKeon says, Chicago shows itself o from the inside.
impossible not to stare. Its the architecture. Not just the individual buildings, from the Art Deco statements to the modern eco jewels, but the sense of the city as an intricate architectural feat, laid out confi confidently, dently, proud of the many angles from which its sweep and scale can be revealed. Manhattans high-rise impact is best appreciated from a vantage point off the island from a bridge in Brooklyn, from a Hoboken park but Chicago shows itself off from the inside. You turn a corner to find that the city has thrown itself wide open in front of you. Its a culture shock for a New Yorker; can this be a city, when it accelerates the heartbeat not by hemming you in and teeming over you, but rather by framing you in an arrangement within which there is space to stare? On that trip, the first couple of days were spent in Printers Row itself, a neighbourhood south of the downtown area known as The Loop, which was once the printing
STAY AT
The Drake Hotel SPLURGE The Drake Hotel is legendary, largely because it has hosted more legends than you can reasonably name-drop without looking ridiculous. Vast public areas of 1920s grandeur;
big, modernised guest rooms. From $269 pps. 140 East Walton Place; 001 312 787 2200; thedrakehotel.com. MIDPRICE Within walking distance of most major downtown sights, The Ania (formerly the Fitzpatrick Chicago) oers good-sized rooms with views over the Magnicent Mile. Rooms from $249; 166 East Superior Street; 001 312 787 6000; ania.com. BUDGET Rays Bucktown Bed and Breakfast has eleven airy, cheerful rooms, a steam room and sauna, and the rate includes an acclaimed, cooked-to-order breakfast. From $70 pps. 2144 North Leavitt; 001 773 384 3245; raysbucktownbandb.com.
EAT AT
PHOTOG RA
PH BY HIRO
KI KOBAYA
SHI
Intimate, opulent and just as highly polished as the surface of Cloud Gate, Henri (18 South Michigan Avenue; 001 312 578 0763; henrichicago.com) is the brainchild of Billy Lawless, who also owns bustling gastropub The Gage, almost next door (24 South Michigan Avenue; 001 312
372 4243; thegagechicago.com). But if youre looking for unusual mid-price grub in the downtown area, try The Purple Pig (500 North Michigan Avenue; 001 312 464 1744; thepurplepigchicago. com), a tapas-like place where it pays dividends to order as much as possible from the huge (and pork-centric) menu. Head to the Wicker Park neighbourhood (the Brooklyn of Chicago, it seems) for global vegetarian fare at Mana Food Bar (1742 West Division Street; 001 773 342 1742; manafoodbar.com), which is small in size (and price) but big on menu choice. And for the quintessential boozy brunch, head to Sable Kitchen & Bar (505 North State Street; 001 312 755 9704; sablechicago.com).
60 |
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011
centre of the Midwest and must have rattled like a city bridge with the sound of typesetters at their trade. (Before it was home to the citys printers, by the way, it was home to the citys prostitutes, so no great changes in ambient noise there.) Handsome in industrial red brick, the area hasnt housed a printing shop since the 1980s, when buildings were converted into loft condominiums, but it boasts what must be one of the worlds most beautiful antiquarian bookstores, Printers Row Rare and Fine Books, which, with its copper ceilings and bookshelves with windows of stained glass, is like a little museum all to itself, and thats before you get to the books. John LaPine, the bookshop owner, offers everything from a $3 pulp fiction edition of The Scarlet Letter to a signed Ernest Hemingway, going for $225,000. And if the Hemingway, at that price, would want to have a story (its inscribed, with a comment about its resale value, to the doctor who delivered Hemingways children), so too does Hawthornes Scarlet Letter : it comes from the library of a film editor who worked on one of the schlockiest of all cult
classics, The Blob (1958). Speaking of schlock (I realise this does not exactly constitute a neat segue), but The Blob brings us to The Bean, the local pet name for Anish Kapoors enormous public sculpture Cloud Gate, a highlight of Millennium Park a public space which, because of its placement above a parking lot and a railway station, apparently counts as the worlds largest rooftop garden. A mark of Cloud Gates success as a piece of public art (Kapoors
Anish Kapoors Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park, nicknamed The Bean.
first in the US) is the fact that its the spectacle of people reacting to the piece, interacting with it, which comprises the work of art, rather than its composite of 168 steel plates. The second theyd finished polishing those plates, Cloud Gate became a bean with people attached. They press up against it. Their elongated reflections appear like unnerving outgrowths of themselves, shooting out of their limbs, soaring from their crowns. The city hovers behind them in
Youll nd all the big name stores (Barneys, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales) in and around Michigan Avenue, but for more interesting shopping and independent labels, head to the Wicker Park and Bucktown neighbourhoods, which are packed with small, well-curated boutiques such as Tangerine (1719 North Damen Avenue; 001 773 772 0505) and Helen Yi (1645 North Damen Avenue; 001 773 252 3838; helenyi.com), where youll nd threads by a couple of Michelle Obamas designers of choice, including Derek Lam. Men can get a lookin at Apartment Number 9 (1804 North Damen Avenue; 001 773 395 299) which stocks
SHOP AT
brands such as Nicole Farhi and John Varvatos, as well as Warby Parker frames. And for a Chicago success story, visit the agship store of hometown label Eskell (1509 Milwaukee Avenue; 001 773 486 0830; eskell.com). Meanwhile, Greer (1657 North Wells Street; 001 312 337 8000; greerchicago. com) is famous for its beautiful stationery. For unique nds in vintage homeware and clothing, head out to the West Town area for Dovetails selection (1452 West Chicago Avenue; 001 312 243 3100; dovetailchicago.com). The great Steppenwolf Theatre Company (1650 North Halsted Street; 001 312 335
BE CULTURAL AT
1650; steppenwolf.org) is an Illinois original; the fall/winter season oers opportunities to see Clybourne Park, a play about racial politics and gentrication by the companys longtime collaborator, Bruce Norris, as well as a production of Enda Walshs black comedy, Penelope, starring John Mahoney of Frasier fame. Open to the public since 1887, the Newberry Library (60 West Walton Street; 001 312 943 9090; newberry.org) hosts high-quality author events and exhibitions. If you enjoy the Museum of Contemporary Art (220 East Chicago Avenue; 001 312 280 2660; mcachicago. org), you might also venture out to The Renaissance
Society (5811 South Ellis Avenue; 001 773 702 8670; renaissancesociety.org) on the University of Chicago campus hosts exhibitions of major international artists. At the Lyric Opera (20 North Wacker Drive; 001 312 332 2244; lyricopera.org), late 2011 brings productions of Boris Godunov and The Magic Flute. And dont miss the Chicago Humanities Festival (November 2-13; chicagohumanities.org), which brings an array of cultural events to the city, or iBam (November 12-13; 001 773 282 7035; ibamchicago.com), a cultural festival on all things Irish (full disclosure: Im among its extensive line-up of Irish writers this year).
OctOber/nOvember 2011
| 61
CHICAGO
Martina Sheehan, right, is a writer, linguist and ice-cream enthusiast who lives in Chicago.
With relatives in both Ireland and Germany, Im often expected to present visiting guests with various essential Chicago experiences. Some of these Windy City dreams tracking down the best deep-dish pizza or the ultimate Chicago hot dog, for example are relatively easy to fulll (the answers are Pequods and Superdawg , by the way). Other requests are not so simple, especially when it comes to authentic Chicago music. When people think Chicago, they think the blues. And they want to hear the blues, and expect to nd soulful elderly men crooning their woes to amplied electric guitar licks on every street corner. But most of the citys legendary clubs, Peppers Lounge and Theresas among them, disappeared o the map in the past few decades with equal blame on the end of the Great Migration from the South in the late 1960s and, of course, changing tastes in black music. But if you know where to look, namely outside the commercialised, blues-tourist baiting clubs of the citys North Side, a few worthwhile blues dens remain, oering that increasingly hard-to-come-by essential Chicago experience. Rosas Lounge (3420 West Armitage Avenue; 001 773 342 0452; rosalounge.com), which bills itself as the citys friendliest blues lounge, is one such spot. An Italian immigrant, inspired by meeting blues great Junior Wells in Milan, opened the club in 1978, drawing notable regulars such as Pinetop Perkin and, until he passed away in August, David Honeyboy Edwards. The Checkerboard Lounge (5201 South Harper Avenue; 001 773 684 1472; checkerboardhydepark.com), meanwhile, is one of the citys most famous Chicago blues clubs, and, at its original location in the rougher-hewn Bronzeville neighborhood, drew high-calibre acts such as Junior Wells, Muddy Waters and the Rolling Stones. But the club lost some of its charm, and cache, when it relocated in 2005 to a strip mall in the Hyde Park neighborhood (best known as home to the University of Chicago and President Obama). For a look at a true weather-worn Chicago blues icon, Buddy Guys Legends, above, (700 South Wabash Avenue; 001 312 427 1190; buddyguy.com) is the place. Just south of downtown, its occasionally over-run by the tourist set, but a chance at seeing the blues legend-turned-proprietor Buddy Guy himself hop unexpectedly on stage makes it a worthy stop. Since opening in 1989, the club has featured live acts seven nights a week, with Willie Dixon, Bo Diddley and Lou Rawls taking the stage over the years. Deep on the South Side, the perfect mix of authentic venue, authentic blues and authentic crowd awaits at Lees Unleaded Blues (7401 South Chicago Avenue; 001 773 493 3477; leesunleadedblues.com). This is the place to dance on the thick red carpet under a mirrored ceiling just like Tyrone Davis, Johnny Taylor and Otis Clay once did. And when youre done, check o the blues box on your list of authentic Chicago experiences. Youve lived it fully.
PHOTOG RA
PH BY VINC
E CERASANI
Kapoors polished steel, distorted out of its elegant symmetry which, in this city, is the biggest distortion there could be. Across the plaza from Cloud Gate, the Art Institute of Chicago is a blissful place to spend a morning; here, you can come face to face with four people who werent quite ready for morning; the figures in Edward Hoppers 1942 painting Nighthawks, on which Hopper began work in the immediate aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbour. Nearby hangs Grant Woods American Gothic, which has turned every pitchfork lying around every farmyard into a tool of art parody in the making. The Institutes permanent collection is staggering and, as well as the paintings and sculptures, includes many, many masterpieces of furniture, architectural fragments and jewellery from around the world, as well as holdings of arms and armour, which are strangely compelling to contemplate. And theres the Ando Gallery, a space designed by Tadao Ando for the display of environmentally sensitive Japanese screens. Intimate, silent and lowly-lit, its a slice of Zen but it might be worth bearing in mind (not least by the gallerists who want
62 |
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011
to protect their priceless Japanese Make the river and stay in the city until youve done cruise your rst it (unless of course your stay happens screens ...) that its also known as stop it gives you a to be during Chicagos cruel winter, the Make-Out Room, suggesting sense of the citys that, had it been around in 1986, layout and its most in which case youre excused). Its it, too, might have had a visit from famous buildings. 90 minutes of brilliance. The tour Ferris Bueller (director John Hughes guides are architecture graduates shot a long sequence of the film in (and, incidentally, volunteers) who the Art Institute, featuring several know what theyre talking about and of his own favourite works). know how to traverse those historical So many of my fellow readers layers more than 50 sites are at the Printers Row festival told pointed out and discussed with me to go on the architectural intelligence, wit and clarity; river cruise that I almost even if you dont think Wright on didnt do it by the 20th youre that bothered about Legendary architect Frank recommendation, it came architecture, take this Lloyd Wright made many a mark to seem like a typical tour for the beautiful on the Chicago landscape and his tourist trail activity in river voyage, and for the home which he used as an architectural the face of which the views, and trust me, lab and studio are open to the public. only sensible response youll surprise yourself. Booking ahead advised, 001 312 994 was a brush-off; Its impossible not to be 4000; gowright.org. Or take a tour surely, I thought, there fascinated by the story of his designs with the Chicago must be some road-lessof how Chicago came Architecture Foundation; taken through the layers back from the great fire of of the citys architectural 1871 and how that event, caf.architecture.org. history? Listen to me, and which almost completely to all the other people who will destroyed the city, created a tell you the same thing once you near-blank slate on which the most arrive in Chicago: do not miss the talented architects of the era could Chicago Architecture Foundation realise their diverse visions. river cruise. Do it before you do This hasnt stopped; in Chicago, anything else it will give you a old and new buildings share workable sense of the citys layout, breathing space with ease, so that a as well as a meaningful sense of its three-year-old Trump Tower can most famous buildings. If you miss shoulder its way in beside two 1920s it, cancel your flight out of Chicago landmarks, the Wrigley and Tribune
towers, and somehow gain from their grace rather than becoming bloated with its own vulgarity. But its mostly grace, especially if, like me, you have a soft spot for the streamlined swoops of Art Deco, and theres a story and usually a nickname to go with every building. And a story to go with every space, even the blank ones an ingloriously abandoned site close to Lake Michigan, we were told on my tour, was bought by an Irish bank just before the recession and, well, we all know the rest of that story. It might make Irish passengers feel better to hear that the traditional story of how the 1871 fire started when an Irish farmers cow kicked over a lantern was uncovered, after all, as a fake, invented by an unscrupulous reporter to give his story a little more colour. Until you learn, that is, that the crooked newspaperman was called Ahern. Oh, well. Did I mention that the Coq dOr bar at The Drake does the meanest of all martinis?
Belinda McKeons debut novel Solace (Picador, 12.99) is out now.
october/november 2011
| 63
Image of The CCD lit for Google event courtesy of Marc OSullivan
Contact our Sales Team on: Tel: +353 1 856 0000 Email: sales@theccd.ie Or visit our website: www.theccd.ie
Funky and kitsch, ALPRAUSCH has mens, womens and childrens clothing and a huge range of scarves. If you like gingham, then stop here (Werdmhleplatz 4; alprausch.com).
My favourite chocolate shop is LDERACH at Merkur Conserien I love the slabs of piled-up chocolate and how they contrast with the perfectly formed chocolates. The smell is wonderful and you can watch the chocolatier work away at the back of the shop. (Bahnhofstrasse 106; laederach.ch).
Where to get the best coee coee and chocolate in Zrich? Irish artist Sarah Honner shares her favourite hangouts in her adopted city.
ve RIFFRAFF is one of ve or six small cinemas around the city, which are charming to visit for a movie; they always have an interval halfway. The food at its Bistro is also delicious. (Neugasse 57; rira.ch).
Artist Sarah Honner studied at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, and met her Swiss husbandto-be Simon at the Neptune Rowing Club. She moved to Zurich seven years ago. These days apart from being a mum to her two daughters she curates shows for the local Theater Rigiblick, paints and has a show next year at Up the Rock (uptherock.com), and has gone back to rowing on the Zurich Lake. To see her work, sarahhonner.com.
My favourite coee coee place, LES GOURMANDISES DE MIYUKO, has incredible cakes and co coee. ee. (Beckenhofstrasse 7/9; miyuko.ch).
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011
| 65
INSIDERS GUIDE
The KUNSTHAUS ZRICH , the contemporary art museum, is great and I try to visit regularly. It also has a good art bookshop (Heimplatz 1; kunsthaus.ch).
There are three famous churches in Zrich: the GROSSMNSTER, above left, a big Romanesque-style church built in the twelfth century with two towers like two rockets (Grossmnsterplatz; grossmuenster.ch); the FRAUMNSTER near the Rathaus, with its famous stained-glass windows designed by Chagall, and ST PETERSKIRCHE , above right, with its big clock tower (St Peter Hofstatt 1; st-peter-zh.ch). It may sound strange but going to a supermarket is always interesting and it does not get more Swiss then the MIGROS. It has a very good own brand and Frey chocolate is superb, cheap and pure Swiss chocolate.
Swiss knitwear? Check out BEIGE (Josefstrasse 10; beige.ch) for cool designs.
Right in the centre of the old town, and on the River Limmat, STORCHEN ZRICH is a great place to stay (double room from 498 B&B; Weinplatz 2, 0041 44 227 27 27; storchen.ch).
If you prefer to stray o the beaten track to shop, try Josefstrasse and quirky shops such as LILLI TULIPAN , for jewellery, slippers, ower garlands (Josefstrasse 18; lilli-tulipan.ch).
THE MARKET AT BRKLIPLATZ in the Altstadt, open Tuesday and Friday morning to 11am, is the place to stock up on picnic goodies such as Swiss cheese, speciality breads and organic fruit.
great views of the city and the TOP TIP Take a boat ride on the River Limmat for minutes at Landesmuseum, lake most take about 55 minutes. Board every 30 h or dinner and a dance; zsg.ch. day trips are also available, some with brunch, lunc
66 |
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011
Open all year round 5 miles from Cork Open Monday- Sunday 9-5 www.blarneycastle.ie info@blarneycastle.ie
c c c c
Let Dublin truly capture your imagination! imagination From shopping and dining to visitor attractions, festivals and events, Dublin has it all!
Visit Dublins Ofcial tour tourist formation and information ooking ofces booking The e Du lin Tourism Dublin Suf Street Centre, Suffolk Co 14 Upper OConnell Street, Dublin 1 Also: Dublin Airport T1 and Du Dun Laoghaire Ferry Port
The Spanish port has sandy beaches, a buzzing restaurant and tapas scene and, this autumn, plays host to the Volvo Ocean Race teams. Paul ODoherty visits Alicante for a taste of the real Spain.
Alicante
I
68 |
OctOber/NOvember 2011
f the very mention of Alicante conjures up images of high-rise blocks and package holidaymakers, you might want to visit this Mediterranean town again and spend a weekend exploring. Most holidaymakers fly in and drive straight out up the Costa Blanca to holiday homes in Javea or the bustling town of Denia but they are missing out on the buzzing old town here, El Barrio, the swish marina, a
lively beach, and cutting-edge restaurants and tapas bars, not to mention the views of the town and bay from the medieval Castillo de Santa Brbara on Mount Benacantil. Culture lovers will enjoy the wonderful refurbished art museum. And, unlike some other Spanish hubs, very few Irish or English holiday here, most visitors are Madrileos down to enjoy a weekend at the seaside.
The start of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12, the eight-month ocean marathon, is a guaranteed adrenaline rush and, this autumn, Alicante not only plays host to the competing teams but is the location for the start line on November 5 (the nish line is in Galway in July 2012). During October, visitors can explore the Race Village in the marina, and from October 14 to November 5, can view the Legends Regatta, with its vintage yachts, the Pro-Am Race and the In-Port Race, where the boats compete at close quarters (volvooceanrace.com). Overlooking the city, the Castillo de Santa Brbara is a necklace of fortications built by the Moors that hangs from the shoulders of Mount Benacantil. Accessible by lift from El Postiguet beach, its eye-catching, monstrous, and now home to the Museo de la Ciudad de Alicante (0034 965 152 969) , the recently opened city museum. Closer to sea level, the best sandy beach La Playa de San Juan is less than eight kilometres out of the city and well worth the excursion for its stunning backdrop and long stretch of bliss, with numerous restaurants and bars nearby. For the cultural experience, the Museo de Bellas Artes Gravina (C/ Gravina; 0034 965 146 780; mubag.org) is an exquisite ne art museum set in a gorgeous building thats as attractive to the eye as the artworks it holds and the Museo de Arte Contemporneo de Alicante (Plaza de Santa Maria 3; 0034 965 213 156) has just been
SEE AND DO
refurbished and is well worth a visit. That said, Alicante is best appreciated while walking the old town or strolling its numerous parks, such as Parque del Morant on the fringe of the city or Parque de la Ereta, on the slopes of Mount Benacantil.
EAt At ...
(Parque de la Ereta; 0034 965 143 250; laereta.es), serving Valencian specialities, is perched high above the city, oering stunning views of the bay and the surrounding landscape. While it is magnicent, particularly at night, booking in advance is strongly advised. A short walk o Explanada de Espaa, with El Postiguet beach and the marina a little further on, Hospes Amrigo (rooms from 150 per night: Rafael Altamira 7, 0034 965 146 570; hospes.com) in the old town is a renovated 19thcentury Dominican convent with an eye-catching faade, elegant bar and roof-top terrace and pool that upholds its tradition for worship of one kind or another. Its all about proximity to the Mediterranean at Sercotel Suites del Mar (rooms from 125 per night: Plaza Puerta del Mar 3; 0034 965 147 021; hotelspaportamaris.com), with stunning balcony views that cry out for a dry sherry or glass of cava in the mid-afternoon, if youre not taking a dip in the pool or lounging on the terrace, before setting out to one of the restaurants in the nearby marina by night. Again, close to the hub in the old town, Gravina Cinco (rooms from 70 per night: C/ Gravina 5; 0034 965 147 317; hotelgravinacinco.es) is on the money for reliability and convenience. Aer Lingus ies from Dublin to Alicante, Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun and from Cork to Alicante, Wed and Sun, and from Belfast to Alicante, Tue, Thur and Sat.
While Michelin stars are to be found in the surrounding area, there are none in the town itself. However, ne restaurants abound. For example, port-side, La Drsena (Muelle Levante 6, Marina Deportiva; 0034 965 207 589; darsena.com), is a bit of arroz a banda heaven the typical local shermans paella dish with wonderful views of the harbour. In a similar search for regionality, if its tapas you want, try Cerveceria Sento (C/ Teniente Coronel Chapuli), o Calle Rambla, a small gem of a place thats typically Spanish and frightfully inexpensive. A lot more elegant and near Castillo de Santa Brbara, Restaurante La Ereta
SLEEP At ...
Castillo de Santa Brbara seen from the harbour in Alicante, and, above, from across the town. Right, the Santa Cruz area of the old town.
OctOber/NOvember 2011
| 69
Fly Business Class to the USA and enjoy the luxury of our Lie Flat Sleeper Seats, restaurant quality dining and on-demand-in-flight entertainment with movies, TV, music and games. And every seat has its own power point for your laptop. As an experience, wed have to say its the business. Why not upgrade your flight at aerlingus.com?
Its 75 years since Aer Linguss rst ight took to the air. To celebrate, author Joseph OConnor was asked to write a commemorative piece and here, we publish the rst two chapters, along with their authors introduction.
Airspace
hen I was asked to write a text that would commemorate the 75th anniversary of Aer Linguss rst ight, I began to think about Ireland in May 1936, the month in which that inaugural journey took place. The country of my grandparents youth was a poor one, only recently founded, facing immense challenges, yet its cultural traditions had survived and there was optimism that this small new democracy might one day be a place of freedoms. In our old literature, in our ballads and songs, in our poetry and legends, the imagery of ight appeared with striking frequency; a touching testament to the hopes
of an island people who, as Yeats said, have gone about the world like wind. It struck me as remarkable that a nation which not very long previously had been engaged in violent conict and Civil War had progressed so quickly to establishing an airline. It also seemed to me that the story of Aer Lingus closely tracked the story of independent Ireland, sometimes in counterpoint, sometimes in parallel. We have long been a migrant people we still are, today and every ight is an anthology, a collection of stories, some happy, some poignant, all our own. So, rather than write a fact-laden article studded with statistics
and the names of aircraft, I asked if I could approach the commemorative piece as a series of verse-lyrics that might attempt to record the unique and indenable aura that Irish people feel Aer Lingus has. Airspace was the result. I wrote it between Christmas 2010 and January of 2011, a month in which severe snow cut us o from the world for a while. In a small way, that separation reminded me of the longing we feel for other lands, other dreams, of the connections that Aer Lingus has existed to serve. I hope you enjoy reading the piece. Joseph OConnor
october/november 2011
| 71
JOSEPH OCONNOR
I Flightlines
Soul-deep in old stories, Our smouldering for flight, Like the ache In the longing of an island people For the god-shaped space in the sky. In our legends, scattered myths, Tattered sagas, cluttered touchstones; Sweeney in the branches, The Children of Lr. In the songs of Moore and Mangan, The snowy-breasted pearls Of Rosaleens exiled. The Flight of the Earls. Hawk-man. Spirbhean Woman of the sky. Faeries, wisp-sprites, Airborne imaginings, These, our protagonists, Our Easter Island giants But hovering our rootedness, Out of reach. We were beached, Triple-earthed, So we looked to the sky. Reminder we were not alone, That the rain gives us music, That the snowfalls gift is silence, That the planets feed our children, That the darkness, too, is a gift. That the place of truer freedoms Is the sky in every mind That can never be quenched Or conquered. Iron-deep in our bloodstream Like a vein through black marble, Since the lover tore the air With that Carrickfergus cry: Ah, the sea is wide, And I cant swim over, And neither have I Wings To fly. Hear the longing in the grace-notes Of a sean-ns lament The air climbing higher, Like an Aran Island tern, Circling, weaving, lost in the slipstream, Transcendent grace. A yearning given form. Airspace. Dream-place. Realm we ascend to. Windstreams of hope Over Everests of cloud. Zone of the heroes, The birds and the angels, Flightpaths of liberty, Ocean on high. Over annals of invasions, And rock-strewn fields, Conspiracies founded To make us take root. But we dreamed that at least The sky could be ours. On the stones guarding Newgrange, The spirals of the stars.
That the place of truer freedoms Is the sky in every mind That can never be quenched Or conquered.
72 |
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011
The biplane so small; A squeeze for ve passengers. What it meant was immense.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011
| 73
InFlight
Welcome Aboard ........................... 76 Aer Lingus News ............................ 78 Entertainment ................................ 80 Wellbeing ..........................................86 Route Maps ...................................... 87
for your guide to our new and exciting on Demand movies and television programmes, including The Kennedys (pictured), turn to page 82.
october/november 2011
| 75
WelcomeAboard
Aer Lingus is delighted to welcome you on board T thas ar Aer Lingus filte ar bord a chur romhat
For your comfort and safety
Please pay attention while the cabin crew demonstrate the use of the safety equipment before take-off. Also, make sure to read the safety instruction card, which is in the seat pocket in front of you. Seat belts must be fastened during takeoff and landing, and whenever the Fasten Seat Belts sign is switched on. We recommend that you keep your seat belt loosely fastened throughout the flight. Your seat must be in the upright position during take-off and landing, but can be reclined by pressing the large button in the armrest. Other buttons (in the armrest or above your head, depending on the aircraft) may be used to operate your reading light and air vent, or to call a cabin attendant.
approach landing: Laptops with CD ROM or DVD drive, palmtop organisers, handheld calculators without printers, portable audio equipment (eg Walkman, CD-player, Mini-disk player, iPod and MP3player). For the comfort of other passengers, audio devices should be used with a headset. Computer games (eg Gameboy, Nintendo DS).
intentionally such as walkie-talkies, remote controlled toys; wireless computer equipment (eg mouse,
76 |
october/november 2011
The cabin crew will do everything possible to ensure that you enjoy your flight, so please dont hesitate to ask them for assistance or advice T an fhoireann cbin anseo le cinnti go mbaineann t taitneamh as do thuras, mar sin n bodh leisce ort aon chabhair n comhairle a iarraidh orthu.
Smoking In line with Irish government regulations, Aer Lingus has a no-smoking policy onboard its flights. Smoking is not permitted in any part of the cabin at any time.
Tobac De rir rialachin Rialtas na hireann, t polasai i rim ar eitilt Aer Lingus nach gceadatear tobac a chaitheamh. N cheadatear daon duine tobac a chaitheamh in aon chuid den eitlen ag aon am.
micreaceallair agus/n fotaichill; cluaisn chnta (glasanna digiteach san ireamh; glaoir (gleacadin amhin); sadair.
bhfuil ceadaithe le linn don eitlen bheith ag gluaiseacht ar talamh/ag ir de thalamh/ ag tabhairt faoin dreapadh tosaigh/ ag dri ar thuirlingt/ag tuirlingt: Romhair gline le tiomntn dlthdhiosca (CD ROM) n diosca digiteach ilside (DVD). Eagraithe pearsanta boise. ireamhin limhe gan phrintiri. Clostrealamh iniompartha (ms Walkman, seinnteoir CD , seinnteoir Mini-disk, iPod, seinnteoir MP 3). Ar mhaithe le compord na bpaisiniri eile, nor choir na glasanna seo a sid ach amhin le cluaisn. Cluich
daon turas. Silscalaithe. Bragan chianrialaithe. Aonaid fhstaispena le feadin ga-chatadideacha. Trealamh romhaire gan sreang (m.s. luch). Printir PC. Schrbhneoiri DVD, CD agus taifeadin Mini-disk at sa mhodh taifeadta. Ceamthaifeadin digiteacha agus iad ag athscrobh dlthdhiosca. Steirnna iniompartha. Raidinna pca (AM/ FM). Glacadiri teilifse. Trealamh teilimadrach. N cheadatear fearas LAN gan sreang (WLAN) a sid. Is fidir romhair gline a bhfuil WLAN ionsuite iontu (m.s Centrino) a sd le linn na heitilte ar choinnoll go bhfuil WLAN curtha as agus faoi rir na srianta a bhaineann le hsid romhhair gline (thuas luaite).
october/november 2011
| 77
AerLingus News
Aer Lingus join forces with Click & Go and the Travel Department.
ClickandGo.com and the Travel Department have recently announced a new partnership to provide an extensive range of holidays from Ireland on aerlingus.com. In major news for the Irish travel industry and Irish consumers, Holidays with Aer Lingus will combine the flexibility of scheduled flights with quality assured accommodation and transfers, giving holidaymakers the complete holiday package solution. There is a wide range of sun holidays, city breaks, escorted holidays and cruise holidays to most Aer Lingus destinations and this convenient one stop shop solution will give the consumer total flexibility, choice, value and protection.
From left, Bob Haugh of ClickandGo.com, Christoph Mueller, CEO Aer Lingus and Paul Hackett of ClickandGo.com.
hotel deals
Thinking of taking a break this winter? Look no further than aerlingus.com for all your flights and hotel needs. Whether its a city break to New York, a relaxing stay by the beach for some winter sun or skiing in the Alps, we have hotels to suit all budgets, from five-star deluxe to budget accommodation. With more than 140,000 hotels worldwide, you will surely find your perfect hotel or flight + hotel package. Log onto aerlingus.com and click on our Hotels or Flights + Hotels icons to browse for the best offers. Whether your journey is for business or pleasure, we have it covered so drive more than the ordinary this autumn. With Hertz you get the best selection of top cars to choose from all at great value prices. With great deals throughout Europe and America, rest assured that the Hertz service and quality will make your journey, whatever the reason, a journey to remember.
INSURANCE
You can simply include it as an option to your online flight booking. Travelling regularly? Our Annual multi-trip policy may suit you better. Terms and conditions apply.
INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
Movies
FLIGHTS TO THE USA
From Dublin to Boston, Chicago, New York and Orlando; from Shannon to Boston and New York; from Madrid to Washington. Movies available are listed below. All movie details and ratings can be accessed through your personal screen.
Green Lantern
GREEN LANTERN
Action / Adventure (PG 13) 114 minutes In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, a small but powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected. Stars Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Tim Robbins, Peter Sarsgaard Director Martin Campbell
THE HANGOVER 2
Comedy (R) 102 minutes In the follow-up to the record-breaking hit comedy The Hangover, Phil, Stu, Alan and Doug travel to exotic Thailand for Stus wedding. After the unforgettable bachelor party in Las Vegas, Stu is taking no chances and has opted for a safe, subdued prewedding brunch. However, things dont always go as planned. What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but what happens in Bangkok cant even be imagined. Stars Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Justin Bartha Director Todd Philips
MR.POPPERS PENGUINS
Comedy (PG) 97 minutes In this family comedy, Jim Carrey is Mr. Popper, a driven businessman who is clueless when it comes to the important things in life until he inherits six penguins. Poppers penguins turn his swanky New York apartment into a snowy winter wonderland and the rest of his life upside-down. Filmed on a refrigerated soundstage with real Emperor Penguins, Mr. Poppers Penguins is a contemporary adaptation of the classic book. Stars Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, Angela Lansbury Director Mark Waters
Mr.Poppers Penguins
The Hangover 2
80 |
october/november 2011
Movies
FLIGHTS FROM THE USA
From Boston, Chicago, New York and Orland to Dublin; from New York and Boston to Shannon; from Washington to Madrid. Movies available are listed below. All movie details and ratings can be accessed through your personal screen.
Bridesmaids
BRIDESMAIDS
Comedy (R) 125 minutes Annie is a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian and a group of colourful bridesmaids on a wild ride down the road to matrimony. Annies life is a mess. But when she finds out her lifetime best friend is engaged, she simply must serve as Lillians maid of honor. Though lovelorn and broke, Annie bluffs her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals. With one chance to get it perfect, shell show Lillian and her bridesmaids just how far youll go for someone you love. Stars Starring: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Matt Lucas Director Paul Feig
CARS 2
Animation / Family (G) 110 minutes John Lasseter and his team have hit the creative accelerator in the brilliantly delightful Cars 2. The rare sequel that improves on its predecessor is a lightning paced caper-comedy that succeeds in shifting the franchise into high gear with international intrigue, spy-movie spoofery and more automotive puns than you can shake a stickshift at. This sequel is a treat for all the family as it handles its hilarious subject matter with sophistication, speed and effortless panache. Starring voices Of Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Bonnie Hunt Director John Lasseter
SUPER 8
Mystery / Sci-Fi/ Thriller (PG 13) 112 minutes In 1979, after the Air Force closes a section of Area 51, all materials are transported to a secure facility in Ohio. A train carrying some of the materials derails during an accident and something escapes from one of the cargo cars. A group of kids making movies with their Super 8 cameras accidentally capture what escapes on film. Stars Elle Fanning, Amanda Michalka, Kyle Chandler Director J.J. Abrams
Cars 2
Super 8
october/november 2011
| 81
Television
ON DEMAND
On Demand TV allows you to control your TV content and select the most up-todate comedy and drama. New Comedy Highlights feature Mike and Molly, Modern Family, The Big Bang Theory, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Entourage, How To Make it in America, The Office and Futurama. Classic Comedy takes in Fawlty Towers and Sex and the City. Drama features brand new show The Borgias (the saga of a crime family set in Italy in 1492) starring Jeremy Irons. Also available is Dexter and fresh from HBO Game of Thrones and the award-winning Kennedys, as well as the most watched show in the world CSI. Available exclusively to Aer Lingus is Mildred Pierce, the five-part brand new mini-series from HBO starring Kate Winslet, Guy Pearce and Evan Rachael Wood. Described by critics as Magnificent and captivating (Rolling Stone); Stunning Winslet is at her best (Vogue) and Unlike anything on TV (Variety). Dont miss three episodes of BBCs hot new drama Zen. Zen has been touted as the detective drama of the year and is compelling, intelligent and stylish. Rufus Sewell stars in this series from the makers of Wallander. Available are five episodes of new drama Blue Bloods starring Tom Selleck. Created by The Sopranos alumni Mitchell Burgess and Robin Green, Blue Bloods is a solid, character-driven, multi-story serial drama. Sellecks character serves as the anchor for four generations of police officers. The first-class medley of Drama TV also takes in five episodes from Season 2 of the critically acclaimed Good Wife, and fresh from HBO seven episodes of the very impressive Boardwalk Empire. Variety has described this series as Television at its finest. Teens onboard can enjoy Glee, Hannah Montana and Wizards of
Mildred Pierce
Dexter
The Kennedys
Waverly Place. Kids will enjoy brand new Irish animation exclusive to Aer Lingus in Im A Monster as well as other favourites Spongebob Squarepants and Ben 10: Ultimate Alien. Documentary highlights feature Inside the Actors Studio, Arctic with Bruce Parry, Madagascar, How Its Made and more. Sport, lifestyle and music highlights include Americas Game, Rugby World Cup Classic Matches, Top Gear, Jamies 30 Minute Meals and more.
82 |
october/november 2011
inflight ENTERTAINMENT
Radio
ON DEMAND barry Dunne
Barry Dunne plays three hours of Dublins Best Music Mix to kick o your workday on 98FM Monday-Friday from 10am-1pm. You can hear anything from chart toppers like Jessie J and Bruno Mars to classics like U2 and Bananarama.
fitzpatrick hotels
This is a contemporary easy-listening collection of songs from both sides of the Atlantic, brought to you compliments of The Fitzpatrick Hotel Group USA. With 2 hotels in downtown Manhattan, Grand Central and Fitzpatrick Manhattan, Fitzpatricks is the place to stay in NYC.
aer guitar
Marty Miller is on air weekdays from 2pm on Dublins Radio Nova 100FM playing seriously addictive music and having a lot of CRAIC along the way. Tune into AER Guitar Guitarbased music, while youre in the air.
Non-Stop 80s
Dee Woods from Dublins Radio Nova 100FM is on a journey of Non-Stop 80s. Remember the decade that gave us stilettos, shoulder pads and leg warmers? Dee Woods takes a nostalgic look back at the good stuff from the 80s: the rock! Let Dee take you back to the good old days with classics from icons like David Bowie, Steely Dan and Phil Collins on Non-Stop 80s.
coopers collection
Steven Cooper on 98FM brings you the biggest dance oor fillers every Saturday night with six hours of remixed chart toppers and biggest dance-oor fillers. Steven Cooper presents his weekday show on 98FM from 1pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and Coopers Club Collection on Saturday nights from 6pm to Midnight.
lyric fm classics
RT lyric fm is the only recording label for classical music in Ireland and showcases a wealth of Irish musical talent. Our aim is to promote classical music, Irish musicians and composers at home and abroad by creating a commercially available, quality record of how much incredible music is being made in this country.
in tempo
Join Paul Herriott for the usual broad blend of classical music, including full works and his CD of the Week. In Tempo features classical music by Bach, Shostakovich, Smetana, Dvorak and more. The featured CD stars German soprano Juliane Banse and our Coffee Concert highlights the RTE NSO with soloist Gavan Ring and conductor Gavin Maloney.
the big 10
The Big 10 on 98FM features ten songs with a connection. Tune into this countdown every Sunday morning at 10am as we count down The Big 10, ten songs with a connection. Each week a dierent set of songs feature, all with a dierent connection such as the biggest Irish acts, the biggest comebacks in music and the biggest female artists of all time.
Jazz alley
Take a stroll down Jazz Alley with Donald Helme of RTE lyric fm (96-99fm). This featured show is a special tribute to George Shearing, the Britishborn pianist who died on February 14th 2011. Donald Helme presents an hour of his music in tribute to one of the alltime jazz greats.
october/november 2011
| 83
inflight ENTERTAINMENT
Radio
ON DEMAND
cil house
Cil House is Irish traditional music and song from some of the countrys finest performers. This show comes from the Conservatory of Music and Drama in Rathmines, Dublin with the Traditional Music Ensemble and tutors.
Documentary on one
The multi awardwinning radio documentary strand from RT Radio 1 is currently the most successful documentary unit in the world, telling stories about real life in Ireland and abroad.
fully charged
Fully Charged with Ryan and Tracy on SPIN 1038 can be heard weekday mornings from 06.45 to 09.45 and is the best way to start your day! Tune in for 3 hours packed full of music, hot celebrity interviews and ingenious games with brilliant prizes.
risin time
Shay Byrnes Risin Time eases RT Radio 1 listeners into the morning with an easy mix of classic and contemporary music, all delivered in Shays own unique style.
sPin balance
Balance is presented by Paul Webb of SPIN South West and is the premier home-grown dance show in Ireland. Known for playing the hottest music before it hits the other clubs, Webb is an internationally recognised DJ.
sPin cinema
SPIN Cinema presented by Peter Murphy airs on SPIN South West every Sunday from 8:45am. This show premieres the best in new movie releases, the latest DVDs and hot entertainment gossip every week. Throw in a couple of soundtracks from your favourite movies, sprinkle it with popcorn and this movie show will make your radio sound 3D!
sPin hits
SPIN South West plays the most music and 10 SPIN hits in a row is what we do best! Every Monday to Friday, Eoghain is joined by the SPIN team as they travel the South West with great giveaways.
84 |
october/november 2011
Green on Red
Green on Red is presented by Ashley Keating of The Frank and Walters fame and is aired every Sunday from 7pm to 10pm, on Corks Number 1 radio station for Hit Music, RedFM. Green on Red features the very best of Irish music, signed and unsigned. The show is the soundtrack to whats up and coming on the Irish music scene. Green on Red has scooped Best Weekly Show at the 2003 PPI National Radio Awards and continues to shine the spotlight on Irish talent. You can listen live on www.redfm.ie or on our iPhone App which can be downloaded from iTunes free of charge.
Moncrieff
Moncrieff is a lively mix of funny, engaging and irreverent features. Its insightful format gives listeners a unique listening experience. Tune into Moncrieff every weekday from 1.30-4.30pm on Newstalk 106108fm for a lively mix of phone-ins, text messages and stories from around the world and down your street. Text 53106, email afternoon@ newstalk.ie or follow Sean on Twitter @SeanMoncrieff
Phantom Rock
Phantom Rock is 60 minutes of great songs that will make you want to turn the volume up to 11! With the best in rock from Ireland and around the world, Phantom Rock is presented by Michelle Doherty of Phantom 105.2 the home of rock in Dublin! Michelle presents Finest Worksongs, MonFri from 10.30am to 2.30 pm on Phantom 105.2
Andy Preston
FM104 is Dublins Hit Music Station, and we play nothing but hits! Presented by FM104s Andy Preston, weve packed in the hottest artists and songs into this 60 minute show.
Larry Gogan
Legendary broadcaster Larry Gogan brings the best tunes to RT 2fm. From one-of-a-kind features and interviews to the famous Just a Minute Quiz, its not difficult to see how legendary broadcaster Larry Gogan has become a familiar and much-loved voice in households across Ireland. Larry spun the first-ever disc on RT Radio 2 (as it was then known) back in 1979.
Rick OShea
Rick OShea presents his weekday radio show from 2 to 4.30pm on RT 2fm. Along with Cormac Battle, his trusty provider of Pointless Pieces of Research of the day, Rick and Cormac play the best of contemporary and classic tunes with lively audience interaction. You can tweet Rick later at @rickoshea
Dan Hegarty
Dan Hegarty is a familiar name to listeners of late night radio with his show on RTE 2fm. The show mixes a wide spectrum of acts, including Toro y Moi, the Rolling Stones, Tinariwen and far beyond.
The Lighthouse
Musician and DJ Dave Couse presents an eclectic music show every Sunday evening on Today FM featuring the best alternative pop classics. This show takes a closer look at the best music from New York City.
october/november 2011
| 85
Wellbeing
Aer Lingus is pleased to bring you some suggestions and light exercises to enhance your comfort and wellbeing during your ight: Suggestions and light exercises to enhance your comfort and wellbeing during your flight: Wear loose-fitting clothes on board to allow your skin to breathe, and apply a good moisturiser throughout. Stretch your legs as much as possible by taking a stroll through the cabin. Exercising your feet and legs periodically helps to reduce any possible effects of long-duration travel. Circle your ankles clockwise and anti-clockwise. Bend and straighten your ankles in a brisk manner with the knee straight. Trace the letters of the alphabet with your foot by moving your ankles. Avoid sitting or sleeping in the same position for too long and gently stretch muscles to improve your circulation. And remember to move your neck and shoulders during long flights to prevent stiffness. We wish you an enjoyable experience.
carry-on baggage
Carry-on baggage on Aer Lingus services is restricted to one piece per person, as well as to the weights and measurements, illustrated below.
aer lingus aer lingus regional
55cm (22ins)
10kg
(22 lbs) 40cm (16ins)
Maximum weight
43cm (17ins)
Maximum weight
7kg
(15 lbs)
20cm (8ins)
28cm (11ins)
20cm (8ins)
Additional small items, such as cameras, personal stereos, overcoats and handbags are allowed on board. EU security rules regarding liquids, gels and aerosols in cabin baggage apply. Flights departing the USA are subject to TSA security rules. Passengers in Row 1, or at an emergency exit, MUST store baggage in an overhead bin.
safety brief
We would like to bring your attention to the following safety and security measures: Please pay attention to any instructions given to you by the cabin crew. any behaviour towards a fellow passenger or cabin crew that is deemed to be threatening or abusive (including the use of offensive language) is a serious matter. as our priority is the safety of all passengers, it is important not to interrupt the cabin crew while they carry out their duties, and not to interfere with aircraft equipment. as a service to passengers, alcohol is served in the airport lounges and on board. in the interests of safety, aer lingus may refuse to allow you board if it is thought too much alcohol has been consumed. While the majority of passengers are responsible, there have occasionally been incidents where intoxicated passengers have caused serious safety hazards. Passengers are reminded also that during the flight you may not consume any alcohol brought onto the aircraft by you or any other passenger. the consumption inflight of Duty free alcohol purchased from the sky shopping service is also prohibited. this measure is, again, necessary in the interests of flight safety. if incidents of this kind occur during a fl ight, the cabin crew is obliged to contact police on arrival at your nal destination. the aircraft captain may also divert the fl ight enroute in order to remove disruptive passengers. should this happen, aer lingus will not be responsible for getting you home, your ticket money will not be refunded, and in addition to the authorities awaiting you on landing you could be heavily ned and/or be liable to a prison sentence. in many cases, other airlines may subsequently refuse to allow you to fl y with them. We emphasise that while on board the aircraft our priority is your safety. as always, we wish you a safe and enjoyable flight, as well as a safe onward journey.
86 |
october/november 2011
Route Maps
EUROPEAN ROUTE NETWORK
Helsinki Vilnius
Dublin
Amsterdam Brussels
Paris
Vienna Budapest
MALPENSA
Milan
Nice Bourgas
Rome
Naples
Palma Majorca
Catania Malaga
Dublin
Blackpool Manchester Birmingham Cardiff Bristol London (Heathrow) London (Gatwick) Jersey
Fuerteventura Lanzarote
| 87
Edinburgh
Nice Rome
Lisbon
from gatWick ireland Cork Dublin Ireland West Airport (Knock) Shannon spain Malaga
from shannon france Paris united kingdom London Gatwick London Heathrow united kingdom Birmingham Bristol Edinburgh Glasgow Manchester
with Aer Lingus Regional Operated by Aer Arann
88 |
october/november 2011
Boston
Washington
Shannon
Dublin
Madrid Orlando
october/november 2011
| 89
Portland ME boston
Salt Lake City Denver Sacramento San Francisco Oakland Burbank Long Beach Las Vegas Omaha Kansas City
chicago
Pittsburgh Burlington
neW york
Columbus Baltimore Washington Washington (National) (Dulles) Lexington Richmond Raleigh - Durham Charlotte Atlanta
Phoenix
Austin
Houston
Miami
Aguadilla
FLY BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING CITIES VIA dubLIn, shAnnon, neW YorK, bosTon & chIcAGo new destinations with aer lingus, in partnership with Jetblue, united airlines and aer arann Getting to the US from destinations throughout Europe has never been easier. Now US, Irish and European based customers can book a single low fare reservation between Ireland, Europe and a wide range of continental US destinations using JFK New York, Boston and Chicago as stopovers. neW york connecting with Jetblue at Jfk: When you arrive from Dublin, pick up your bags and clear customs Then all you need to do is drop off your bags at the Aer Lingus transfer desk before hopping onto the AirTrain to JetBlues Terminal Five for your domestic connection. Passengers travelling from the US to Ireland and Europe will be able to check in bags at the JetBlue domestic departure point and then pick them up again in Shannon or Dublin. boston connecting with Jetblue at boston logan international airport: When you arrive from Dublin, pick up your bags and clear customs. Turn left towards the Aer Lingus transfer desk, where you drop off your bags and then take a short walk to Terminal C for your JetBlue domestic departure. Passengers travelling from the US to Ireland and Europe will be able to check in bags at the JetBlue departure point and then pick them up again in Shannon or Dublin. chicago connecting with united airlines at ohare chicago international airport: On arrival at Terminal Five from Dublin, pick up your bags and clear customs before rechecking your bags at the United Airlines Recheck Desk (which is to the right of customs). A nearby escalator takes you to the ATS (Airport Transit System), which runs every four minutes, to Terminal Five and your UA domestic departure point. Passengers from the US to Ireland and Europe can check in bags at the UA departure point, then exit security in Chicago OHare to take the Airport Transit System to Terminal Five for the onward Aer Lingus flight, and pick up their bags in Shannon or Dublin. Dublin connecting with aer lingus regional (operated by Aer Arann) at Dublin airport: Aer Linguss interline agreement with Aer Arann allows passengers connect to Aer Lingus transatlantic flights via Dublin Airport, where they can through check their luggage directly to their final US destination.
90 |
october/november 2011
Manchester Birmingham London (Heathrow) Bristol London (Gatwick) Paris Munich Vienna Amsterdam Dusseldorf Brussels Frankfurt Krakow Berlin Warsaw
Jersey
Dubrovnik Barcelona Madrid Lisbon Alicante Faro Malaga Palma Majorca Rome
Naples
via Dublin with aer lingus Alicante Amsterdam Barcelona Berlin Birmingham Brussels Dubrovnik Dusseldorf Edinburgh Faro Frankfurt Geneva Jersey Krakow Lisbon London (Gatwick) London (Heathrow) Madrid Malaga Manchester Milan (Linate) Munich Naples Palma Majorca
via Dublin with aer lingus regional operated by Aer Arann Aberdeen Bristol Cardiff Edinburgh Glasgow
via shannon with aer lingus London (Gatwick) London (Heathrow) Manchester Paris via neW york with Jetblue Aguadilla
Austin Baltimore Buffalo Burbank Burlington Charlotte Denver Fort Lauderdale Fort Myers Houston Jacksonville Las Vegas Long Beach Los Angeles New Orleans Oakland Orlando Phoenix Pittsburg Ponce Portland ME Portland OR Raleigh-Durham Rochester Sacramento Salt Lake City San Diego
San Francisco San Juan Seattle Syracuse Tampa West Palm Beach
via boston with Jetblue Baltimore Buffalo Denver Ford Lauderdale Fort Myers Jacksonville Las Vegas Long Beach Los Angeles New Orleans Oakland Orlando Phoenix Pittsburg Portland OR Raleigh-Durham Richmond
San Diego San Francisco San Juan Seattle Tampa Washington (Dulles) Washington (National) West Palm Beach
via chicago with united to usa Atlanta Austin Charlotte Cincinnati Cleveland Columbus Dallas (Fort Worth) Denver Detroit Houston Indianapolis Jacksonville Kansas City Las Vegas Lexington Los Angeles Louisville Miami Minneapolis Nashville New Orleans Omaha Phoenix Pittsburgh
Portland OR Raleigh-Durham Sacramento San Diego San Francisco Seattle St Louis Tampa
via chicago with united to canada Calvary Edmonton Toronto Vancouver Winnipeg
| 91
Flight Connections
FLIGHTS ARRIVING AT TERMINAL 2
FLIGHT CONNECTIONS Connecting ight departs Gates 401 - 426 Arrivals Route to Baggage Reclaim from Gates 400s
Immigration
Security Check
Terminal 2 Arrivals
If you already have a boarding card for your connecting flight, and your baggage has been tagged to your final destination, simply follow the sign for Aer Lingus Flight Connections Desk, which you will see on your left hand side as you enter the Immigration Hall. By following this sign, you will proceed to Immigration and Security Check. After clearing these points, check the information screens and proceed to your boarding gate.
If your baggage has not been tagged to your final destination you must clear Immigration, enter the baggage reclaim area, collect your bag, exit through the Customs hall and proceed to Aer Lingus check-in on the departures level. Once you have reached the departures level, check the information screens for your onward flight information, and proceed as directed to the appropriate check-in desk.
If you have any queries, or need further assistance, please go to the Aer Lingus Flight Connections Desk, which is located in the baggage reclaim area in Terminal 2, where our staff will be glad to help.
Please note: eu regulations concerning the carriage of liquids apply to your connecting flights at Dublin airport
Cloghan Castle
Cloghan Castle is a fully restored 12th Century Norman Castle, it is an exclusive, self catering venue which is ideal for that fairy tale wedding reception, birthday party, family reunion or special event in the rolling hills near Loughrea, Co. Galway in the West of Ireland. The Banquet hall can seat up to 120 guests, luxurious drawing room ideal for drinks reception or a relaxing afternoon by the open re. The castle has full central heating.
RENT A CASTLE
Intl Tel: + 353 91 870102 Email: info@cloghancastle.com Web: www.cloghancastle.com Proprietor: Micheal H Burke, Chanelle Group
by calvin klein
The tranquility of the summer sun and a warm breeze rustles through lush fields of grass, capturing far off memories in a fresh fougre fragrance. Citrus, mint, coriander, star anise and cedarwood invoke the sensuality of summer. Fresh, crisp, serene.
94 |
october/november 2011
Sky Shopping
Sekonda Fashion Watch
Contemporary watch with round plastic case with rotating bezel. Black dial with magnified date window and black silicone strap. Water resistant to 50 metres. Guaranteed for 2 years.
Aer Lingus welcomes you to our extensive range of amazing quality items and reduced prices onboard during October/November
ky S Sh op pin g
Sky
1936-2011
Doesnt time y?
1936-2011
Doesnt time y?
| 95
TRIP OF A LIFETIME
TRIP OF A
Screaming winds, wild seas and a broken forestay didnt deter co-skipper Damian Foxall in the Barcelona World Race ...
ince the first round the world yacht race in 1968, a dozen different ways to race around the planet have been conceived, all involving varying degrees of hardship, starting from tough and ranging to extreme. A new event the Barcelona World Race was introduced in 2007 and it proved irresistible, even though I had a few circumnavigations under my belt already. Limited to a crew of two co-skippers, a fleet of Open 60-foot yachts would begin a three-month, non-stop sprint around the world over a 28,000-nautical-mile course back to the start/finish line off Barcelonas coast. Equipment fatigue as well as human stamina is critical to the outcome of any deep-ocean racing campaign so when I joined forces with French yachtsman, and co-skipper, Jean-Pierre Dick, our preparation of Paprec Virbac for the race was intensive. And to make it
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011
lifetime
harder, just five months earlier, my wife Suzy-Ann had given birth to Oisn, our first child. Being separated from my family was a new experience. Nine boats started the race in November 2007, leaving the balmy waters of the Med for the Straits of Gibraltar and the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Ahead lay the brutal Southern Ocean that circles Antarctica with its vast stretches of empty sea, filled only with icebergs, whales, the occasional barely habitable island chain, all swept by constant storm-force winds. As the fleet neared the infamous roaring forties, the nickname for the line of latitude in the Southern hemisphere, the casualty list started growing. One by one, several of the lead contenders were bounced out of the contest after being dismasted close to South Africa. Jean-Pierre and I held our nerve. We had led the fleet almost from the start and had a lead of several
Top left, Oisn with Damian, victorious on his arrival back in Barcelona. Above, Damian and co-shipper, JeanPierre Dick aboard their winning boat Paprec Virbac.
hundred miles by the time we entered the furious fifties. But a late surge in performance by the Hugo Boss crew of Alex Thomson and Andrew Cape threatened to become a match race as we circled Antarctica staying just north of the ice-fields. Once again, pre-race preparation proved decisive. Thomson and Cape had sustained gear damage and, halfway through the race, pulled into Wellington in New Zealand to carry out repairs and re-provision. This meant they incurred a time-delay penalty. We carried on although we slowed for a day to carry out repairs before sailing on to build up a 900-mile lead on the approach to the famous and deadly Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of South America. However, after completing their repairs, the Hugo Boss team gained ground and closed on us as we battled up the South Atlantic on the homeward stretch to South America. We kept it quiet at the time but our race nearly ended off the coast of Brazil when our forestay broke and, flailing wildly around like a medieval chain mace, threatened to dismast us as well as cause serious injury. A wild and gusty ride through the Straits of Gibraltar was our final test. We crossed the finish line at Barcelona in first place. And for once we werent obliged to carry out a customs check; even after three months at sea, our last port of call had been Barcelona. After finishing the race, I went home with Suzy-Ann and Oisn, where myself, Jean-Pierre and our project team were received at Ars an Uachtaran by President Mary McAleese. It was even better to return to Caherdaniel and the Co Kerry harbour of Derrynane where I had first learned to sail.
The story of the Barcelona World Race is told in Ocean Fever The Damian Foxall Story by Damian Foxall and David Branigan (Collins Press, 17.99) out October 15.
96 |