Visit Dublin this Christmas!

Dublin has much to offer over the Christmas season...from festive markets and fairs to concerts, pantos and much more besides!

Staying in Dublin City offers access to many of the events nearby while Dublin Bus, Irish Rail and Luas allow ease of access to those highlights outside of the city. Public transport in Dublin typically runs on normal schedule until lunchtime on Christmas Eve while a special holiday schedule is in place for the time between 24th December and New Year's Day. Visitors should note that there is no bus, train or Luas services on Christmas day however taxi services would still be available but we would recommend booking in advance.

We Dubliners love Christmas...we love the build up through the month of December, Christmas day with Friends and family and the wind down into the new year. This year there will be a Christmas Market (with a Magical German Twist!!) down at the Dublin Docklands from the 3^rd to the 22^nd of December to help us get ready for our favourite day. The Docklands Christmas Market has been running for 5 years now and features fantastic stalls from some of Germany’s more experienced marketers creating that magically festive atmosphere that can only be associated with Christmas.

The market this year will be filled with seasonal German stalls, some of our very own Irish stalls as well as some new and unusual African traders all housed in festively decorated wooden huts and chalets and selling a vast array of gifts, decorations and hand made arts and crafts. Visitors will also be able to enjoy some of the traditional fare associated with Christmas markets – roasted nuts and raisins or a warm glass of steaming Gluhein wine for example.

There is no entrance fee and opening times are:

Mon-Thurs: 12.00 pm - 08.30 pm

Friday: 12.00 pm - 09.30 pm

Saturday 11.00 am - 10.00 pm

Sunday 11.00 am - 8.00 pm

Visitdublin.com for more information

The National Concert Hall have many fantastic events scheduled for the month of December but the one not to be missed has to be ‘The Snowman Movie – Live Concert’ running as part of it’s Family Christmas Show. The animated movie plays out on a large screen and is accompanied by The Orchestra of The National Concert Hall under the baton of conductor Fergus Sheil while Brian Ormond (Irish TV Presenter) will tell the story of James and the flying snowman as you watch the film on a big screen.

Tickets from €15 for Children and €20 for Adults (Family tickets also available)

December 12th, 11.30am, 2pm, 4.30pm and 7pm

December 18th, 11.30am, 2pm, 4.30pm and 7pm

December 22nd, 11.30am, 2pm, 4.30pm and 7pm

December 23rd, 11.30am, 2pm, 4.30pm and 7pm

Nch.ie for more information

For those that are feeling more energetic then why not check out ‘7UP Christmas on Ice’?

This year 7UP Christmas on Ice opens on the rooftop of Arnotts from 12th November as well as in the RDS, Simmonscourt from the 3^rd of December – both will run until the 9^th of January. At Arnotts they plan some exciting themed events including School Skate, Decks on Ice and a Silent Disco on Ice!

Each ice rink will be open daily, closing only on Christmas Day and there will be nine hourly skating sessions daily; the RDS rink will be open from 10.30am to 10.30am while Arnotts will open from 9.30am to 9.30pm.

Ice Skating Prices:
Adult = €12.50
Child = €10
Family* = €38

christmasonice.ie for more information

Halloween Hellfire Excursion

For those of you who are daring and Brave...not for the faint of Heart: Dublin Walking tours bring you the Halloween Hellfire Excursion

Running each night from the 26th to the 31st of October at a cost of €22 per person (over 16’s only) this tour picks up from St Audeon’s Churck (at the Cook Street entrance) and takes you by bus to the Hellfire Club in the Dublin Mountains. En route they will take you past famous landmarks such as St Patrick's Cathedral, Rathfarnham Castle and Kilakee House, recounting some of the many legends as you find your way to that lonely place.
After a brisk uphill 20 minute walk you will find yourself faced with the burnt out shell of this haunted hunting lodge dating from 1725. The Hellfire Club is known for its association with Satanism, the supernatural and the occult, so be warned! A storyteller will recount the history of the Club, including the infamous card game with the “cloven-hoofed visitor.”
The historical "Haunted Hellfire" excursion should last approximately 2.5 hours (inclusive of travel time to and from the Dublin Mountains) and Dublin Walking Tours will provide torches on the night (1 between 2) but you can never have to many torches when visiting the Hellfire Club so I would suggest bringing your own too!!

For further information on the Halloween Hellfire Excursion check out their official website here

Dublin Tourism launch new smartphone App for Dublin

The Visit Dublin app was launched this week.  It promises to deliver a new and exciting way to discover Dublin, the app has several interesting and easy to use features. It's like an interactive and always up to date guidebook, right there in the palm of your hand.
The most notable is the "point and learn" feature where you point your phone at a building or landmark and the app will tell you the information about it.
It also offers audio guides to over 80 points of interest around Dublin City. If you see a restaurant or hotel that you would like to book the app offers a "point to call" button where you can call the establishment to book your table or stay.
Like any good guide book you can use the app even without an internet connection, most of the information on the Visit Dublin App is cached and stored on your phone. It even works in flight mode, all this means less roaming charges if you are not in a free WiFi zone!
If you're not in Dublin yet, you can still plan ahead and Discover Dublin before you even get here, the App will allow you to virtually explore the city from anywhere in the world.
See more details on this exciting new development here.

Dublin Marathon 2010

The Dublin Marathon 2010 is being held on the October Bank Holiday Monday - 25th October- at 9 am.

An expected 10 000 people will participate in the 31st Dublin Marathon this year, and the course will bring them from the historical city centre to the leafy suburbs of Dublin.  This years main sponsors are Lifestyle Sports and Adidas. Runners come from all over the world to participate in one of the major worldwide marathons.

Check the marathon course here Dublin Marathon

The Trinity Capital Hotel will do a special Marathon Package again this year - Stay in the hotel with breakfast and a tasty pasta dinner the night before the Marathon from only 64.50 Euro per person sharing. Check out our website for more information.

Science Gallery - One of Dublins Top Ten Attractions

Despite being open only since February 2009 the Science Gallery on Pearse Street has already made it to the list of the Top 10 attractions in Dublin.  According to a Failte Ireland report the museum has had as many visitors as Farmleigh House or the Jameson Distillery. 
While most museums are dusty places with old objects and stuffed animals, the Science Gallery looks to the future for inspiration for the vastly different exhibitions they host on their state of the art premises.Since opening they have had exhibitions on many diverse subjects ranging from polpular science to the downright creepy. Some tasters on their past exhibitions:

• Light - our ability to control it and it's ability to control us.
• Robots - the worlds most talented robots and their makers
• Bubbles - the physics of foam
• Love Lab - what makes us fall in love, does romance exist or is it all in our genes already?

Currently the Science Gallery is running an exhibit on music - Music is a central part of the human experience, but what is the natural force that drives us to sing, strum, drum and dance? What is the scientific basis of whistling, humming and toe-tapping?

If you're in Dublin it's definitely worth a visit - and to make it even better - on most of their exhibitions entrance is free!!

The Trinity Capital Hotel is only a 5 minute walk from the Science Gallery.

Trinity Capital Hotel makes the Expedia Insiders Select list

Trinity Capital Hotel Ranked as One of World’s Best Hotels on Expedia® Insiders’ Select™ List

Expedia® travelers have ranked Trinity Capital Hotel among the world’s best hotels on this year’s Expedia Insiders’ Select™ list. The list formally recognizes individual hotels worldwide that consistently deliver excellent service, a great overall experience and a notable value.  The full list represents only a small percentage of the world’s top hotels from the more than 110,000 hotel properties offered on Expedia.

The Trinity Capital is one of only two 3 star hotels in Ireland that made the Insiders Select list this year, and we are understandably very proud of this achievement.

“Delivering our guests superior service is a top priority at Trinity Capital Hotel,” said Denyse Campbell, General Manager of the Trinity Capital Hotel. “We are pleased that our efforts have been acknowledged by Expedia travelers and look forward to extending our high level of service to even more guests.”

The 2010 Expedia Insiders’ Select™ list is compiled based on the more than one million Traveler Opinions hotel reviews collected by Expedia, combined with a value rating and the local market expertise of more than 400 Expedia employees in local markets worldwide, resulting in an easy-to-browse list that provides travelers with a powerful way to find the perfect hotel using the trusted insight of other travelers like them. The list showcases the diverse selection of travel destinations and hotel properties. 

Check our website for the best rates : www.trinitycapital-hotel.com

Golden Trekker Tickets

Failte Ireland and Irish Rail are now offering free rail travel in Ireland for tourists over 66 years of age!

The Golden Trekker Tickets must be reserved in advance, either by logging on to www.discoverireland.com or calling a lo call number to arrange the tickets.  This must be done at least 48 hours in advance of your arrival to Ireland. 

Irish senior citizens are already enjoying free travel in the republic of Ireland, so this initiative is an extension of the scheme to encourage tourists to use the Irish Rail network.

As part of a large special offer by Dublin Tourism the Trinity Capital Hotel we offer a special deal for guests who have the Golden Trekker Tickets of 2 nights bed and breakfast and 1 dinner at weekends or 3 nights bed and breakfast and 1 dinner during the week. Rates start at €90 per person sharing!! To avail of this offer use the code 2NDBB for the two night offer, or 3NDBB for the three night offer on our website.

The Trinity Capital Hotel will be joining the efforts to offer good value to all our over 66 guests by giving a 10% discount on our normal rates.  Use the code SENIOR on our website.

Check availability on our website www.trinitycapital-hotel.com or call our central reservations office Mon-Fri 8.30am -5.30pm:

Tel: + 353 1 648 1074
Freephone from the UK: 0800 0969 289
Freephone from the USA: 1888 556 0408

Tourism Ireland General Information Lines:
GB 0800 039 7000
USA 1800 SHAMROCK (7427625)
Canada 1800 SHAMROCK (7427625)
France 01 70 20 00 20
Italy 02 4829 6060
Spain 91 74 56 420
Germany 069 66 800 950
Austria 01 501 59 6000
Switzerland 044 210 41 53
Netherlands 020 504 0689
Belgium 022 750 171
Sweden 02 0015 9101
Denmark 80 60 15 18
Norway 800 35 018
Finland 800 41 969

Absolut Gay Theatre Festival Dublin 2010

Capital Hotels are proud to be the official hotels for the Absolut Gay Theatre Festival Dublin again this year!
The festival has launched a new website and tickets are now on sale for this years festival.
It runs from the 3rd to the 16th May in a variety of venues around Dublin.  International theatre companies, cabarets and comedy - the festival encompasses all sorts of gay theatre.
 
Check out their website: http://www.absolutgaytheatre.ie

The Trinity Capital Hotel offers special rates for patrons of the festival - use promo code GAYTHT - Show your festival tickets at the reception on check in to get this special rate. From only 99 Euro Bed and Breakfast for a double or twin room. http://www.trinitycapital-hotel.com

The host of this cultural showcase is none other than Dublin’s designated art zone, Temple Bar, with playwrights and thespians taking over a host of venues including The Button Factory, Boys School Studio, The Front Lounge, The George, Smock Alley Studio and The New Theatre to name a few.  With its participants as diverse as its audience, this year’s programme is set to further cement Dublin's reputation as one of Europe’s literary platforms as well as a recognized centre for gay theatre.

Speaking about this year’s festival, John H. Pickering, Festival Director said "The ABSOLUT Gay Theatre Festival Dublin is a brilliant opportunity to see some fantastic international theatre and an insight into gay culture for those who maybe wouldn’t get that chance elsewhere".

Richard Brickley, Marketing Manager of ABSOLUT Vodka said “Around the world and in Ireland we have cemented our relationships and associations with the creative community.  ABSOLUT is renowned as the earliest major advertiser in gay media with ads dating back to 1981.  Having pushed boundaries with the packaging design of the ABSOLUT COLORS bottle designed by Gilbert Baker, the brand is consistent in showing its commitment to the LGBT community.  We are delighted to be part of the ABSOLUT Gay Theatre Festival Dublin again this year and our sponsorship is a natural way to continue to encourage people to ‘See Things Differently’ and in a more inclusive way.” 

A sneak preview reveals some of this years highlights: 

10 to 15th May, Smock Alley Theatre: Barbra & Liza Live sees New York sensations Brinberg and Skye join forces to bring us a spectacular mix of comedy, musical performance and a good dollop of gossip too. Skye impersonates Liza with unsurpassed energy and comedy, while Brinberg pays hilarious homage to leading lady Barbra Streisand.  Not to be missed!

3 to 8th May, Break for the Border: Direct from their four week residency in London’s West End, UK musical comedy double act Topping and Butch present their outrageous show ‘FILTH’. With songs and one liners that would melt granite, this pair have created a whole new genre of show and if you haven’t discovered these guys already, now is the time to do it.

3 to 8th May, Smock Alley Theatre: All the way from Tel-Aviv, Israel, multi award winning drama THE TIMEKEEPERS has been touring the world to huge acclaim and now for the first time this Israeli theatre company are coming to perform for the ABSOLUT Gay Theatre Festival Dublin. It concerns a pair of watch menders, Hans, a pink triangle wearing German homosexual and Benjamin, a yellow star adorned elderly Jewish man, thrown together in a concentration camp. An intimate and truly touching tale focusing on the distrust conflict and eventual love of the two protagonists.

10 to 15th May, The New Theatre: This year the ABSOLUT Gay Theatre Festival Dublin sees the world premiere of THE MYTH OF ANDREW & JO. This South African production team from Cape Town tells the story of two gay couples, one male gay and female gay. One from each team have a fol de rol and the result is an unplanned pregnancy served alongside some high comic chaos as these promiscuous youngsters cope with their new found responsibilities. This play is warm and deeply moving, as well as wet yourself hilarious, the perfect combination!

This unique arts festival aims to promote, commission and showcase new writing on gay related theatre and music. Ticket prices throughout the Festival are kept deliberately low to make the events accessible to all. Prices range from 10 to 17 euro and can be booked online at www.absolutgaytheatre.ie or visit the Festival Box Office at Filmbase, Curved Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2.

St Patricks Festival 2010

It's that time of year again! The whole world is Irish on St Patricks Day - and the festivities go on for days! There is a packed programme for people in Dublin this year - see the official St Patricks festival programme here
Dublin is sure to be buzzing with people, music, food and all things Irish.  Whether you are in Dublin, or anywhere else in the world - Have a lovely St Patrick's Day and enjoy the festivities.

Alice in Wonderland - Alice in Trinity Capital

Tim Burton has had great success with his 3D version of Alice in Wonderland.  Many of our guests mention this particular story when they try to describe the decor of the Trinity Capital Hotel.  We think it might have a lot to do with our oversized chairs just inside the main entrance, you really do feel like Alice when you sit in them.  Check out our Guest review page here to see some of the guests own pictures of these chairs - Trinity Capital Reviews

Now look at the picture from the movie and see do you agree with me and our guests. 
If you have stayed with us and want to give us your feedback, email us at sales@capital-hotels.com

"My Brother Johnny Cash"

Break for the Border, Dublin, Ireland is proud to host the ultimate tribute show, "My Brother Johnny Cash"

For three nights only on the 4th, 5th and 6th March 2010 Break for the Border will be  hosting "My Brother Johnny Cash" -  A tribute show to the great legend of country music starring his younger brother Tommy Cash.

Tommy Cash will be accompanied by the Cash Crew Band and the show will feature clips of Johnny and Tommy as children that have never been seen on television before. They will perform many hit songs, medleys and take the audience on a nostalgic trip back to the Sun Records years through the chart topping hit records and all the way to the last Johnny Cash hit, "Hurt".

Tommy Cash started his musical career as a DJ and is also successful recording artist in his own right with several hits in the 1960's. He collaborated with his brother on a number of projects, acting as manager of Johnny's music publishing house as well as writing and performing songs with his older brother. Tommy Cash has also written songs performed by country stars such as Loretta Lynn, Jean Shepherd and Kitty Wells.

 Johnny and Tommy Cash grew up in rural Arkansas in a close-knit family in the 1940's.  The constant threat of poverty was counteracted by the comfort of stories and music shared within the household.  At the age of 12, Johnny was already composing songs, and was performing for audiences while still a teenager.
At one stage in his life Johnny Cash was performing an average of 300 shows a year.  Johnny was introduced to June Carter, later to be his wife, backstage at the legendary "Grand Ole Opry" in the late 1950's.  June Carter co-wrote the infamous "Ring of Fire" with Merle Kilgore at a time in her life when she found herself falling in love with the troubled and drug-dependent Johnny Cash 

Johnny Cash - The name, the image, the man himself has become synonymous with American Country Music.  But Johnny Cash didn't confine himself to the 'Country' genre, his music transcends classification.  His music has topped both the Rock and Country music charts.  He has influenced the work of musicians in all genres, from Wycleaf Jean to Bruce Springsteen.   With his distinctive voice and his uncompromising style, Johnny crafted a genre all of his own.

Although Johnny Cash passed away in 2003, his music and everything that he represented to so many people endures.  Tommy Cash is proud to do a special tribute to his brother, and Break for the Border is proud to be the venue for this spectacular show in Dublin.

Special hotel packages and tickets are available online at www.graftoncapital-hotel.com
Choose between Dinner, Bed and Breakfast or Bed and Breakfast packages with tickets to see the show.

Celebrate Chinese New Year in Dublin

Dublin City are celebrating the Chinese New Year with a festival that runs from the 12th to the 21st February. 2010 is the year of the Tiger and in Chinese culture the Tiger is characterised by vigour, bravery, loyalty and sometimes unpredictability. While the Irish economy can do with some vigour and bravery, we may hope for less of the unpredictability.

Many major cultural institutions are taking part in the celebrations, including the Hugh Lane Gallery, National Museum, National Library and Dublin Zoo.
The Chester Beatty Library will host "Telling Images of China" an exhibition of Chinese paintings from the Shanghai Museum.
Dublin Zoo has been graced with the birth of two new tiger cubs "Wyneta" and "Emas" and will host a variety of events to celebrate the year of the Tiger.
Check out details of the full programme on Dublin City Councils website.

Trinity Capital Hotel is doing a special Bed and Breakfast rate for people attending the Festival, check availability on www.trinitycapital-hotel.com Promo code is CHINANY, rates start at 99 Euro per night.

Changes to Dublins Docklands

With the opening of the Samuel Beckett Bridge done in December last year, the Grand Canal Theatre opening in March and the Convention Centre Dublin opening in September this year things have definitely changed in Dublin City Centre. The stunning and modern bridge provides a new link between the two river banks, it has 2 lanes for traffic in each direction as well as ample space for pedestrians and push bikes. The bridge is in a perfect location for anyone going to the O2, Grand Canal Theatre and the Convention Centre.

The 2000+ capacity Grand Canal Theatre is scheduled to open in March 2010 and will host ballet , music concerts as well as musicals and theatre performances. The opening event will be the Russian State Ballet performing "Swan Lake" with 70 dancers it is sure to be an experience to remember for anyone in the audience.

The Convention Centre Dublin is set to open in September 2010, and with capacity for up to 8000 participants it is going to bring thousands of people to Dublin in the years to come.

Strike at Dublin, Shannon and Cork Airports

Strike action that will ground more than 150 flights in and out of the country today is set to escalate, aviation authorities warned.
Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports are expected to shut down for up to four hours despite airport chiefs and airlines calling for the stoppage by air traffic controllers to be called off.

Aer Lingus said 64 services in and out of Ireland have been cancelled although most of the carrier’s long-haul and transatlantic flights survived the disruption.
Ryanair, which is cancelling 48 flights affecting 6,000 passengers, called on military air traffic controllers to step in and keep the airports open.

Read more: www.Breakingnews.ie

Photographic Exhibition from the war of Independence

The National Photographic Archive in Temple Bar is showing a special exhibition of pictures taken between 1920 and 1923 by WD Hogan. The photographs in the exhibition include action shots of military activity as well as images of famous figures like Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins. The exhibition starts on the 16th January and is open Mon-Fri 10am - 5pm and Sat 10am - 2pm

See more details on their website: www.nli.ie

We are offering low rates at the moment, so why not stay the night in Dublin as well? Check out our website for rates as low as 55 Euros in the Grafton Capital and 75 Euros in the Trinity Capital. www.capital-hotels.com

Trad Fest in Temple Bar

Temple Bar Trad Fest is back from the 27th until 31st January.
It was launched yesterday with a performance by the Kilfenora Ceili band on the roof of the Clarence Hotel.
Listen to this for a taster of what to expect in Temple Bar at the end of the month:


More details on the Temple Bar Trad Fest website: www.templebartrad.com