Next Week is the Big Reveal!

Spring is here- finally- in Ireland, and I am almost ready to reveal the new, re-vamped vibrantireland.com.

 If all goes to plan,

by the end of next week (10 May?) the site will be live!

 It won't be perfect, and there will still be plenty of  old posts I want to revise as well as half-finished new ones to complete & add-- but the new look & more will be debuted :-) 

I'll need your feedback on how it is working for you, etc, so don't be shy-- constuctive criticism will be very welcome!

See you at the new site soon |:-)

                                                            Thanks! Susan

You Say You Don't 'Get' Dance? Check This Out!

(STOCK PHOTO)There are SO many types of dance- something for everyone!

There is an exciting new opportunity being offered by the Dublin Dance Festival & Project Brand New! 15 people who are curious about (seeing, understanding) dance performances will be selected to take part in an innovative program during the Festival from the 16- 19 of May.

 Fast Track to Dance 

I am very excited about this initiative- it is a fantastic opportunity to see, enjoy, and learn about the amazing dance performances that are on at the Festival, and take this experience & learning to help you enjoy the myriad of dance performances that occur throughout the year- live or on telly.

I've actually applied myself- a bit cheekily because I have seen several dance shows this year, but I really don't know anything about dance & amn't sure how to talk/write about it, which is why I've never written about dance performances here on Vibrant Ireland. Fingers crossed!

Anyhow, I think this is a fab opportunity for people and I hope that if it doesn't suit you, you will perhaps pass this info on to someone you know.

Here's the info, courtesy of Dublin Dance Festival:

This is an exceptional opportunity for anyone who is interested in and curious about dance but hasn’t seen very much yet. It is a completely immersive weekend at Dublin Dance Festival delving into the festival’s vibrant programme of work.

15 people will be selected to form the Fast Track group, who together will attend 8 dance events ranging from large scale to small scale work, presented by both national and international dance makers.

In addition, the group will have the opportunity to meet the Festival Director & team and meet some of the makers & choreographers. They will have access to all post-show events and will participate in a critical feedback session, facilitated by Lynnette Moran of Project Brand New and Niamh McCann, actor & theatre maker .

Fast Track is a short sharp burst of activity that will introduce the group to dance as an art form – and will build a critical language and confidence around seeing and talking about dance performances.

What do you need to take part?

You must have full availability on the following dates and times –

Thur 16th May 5.30pm – 10pm

Fri 17th May 5.30pm – 10pm

Sat 18th May 12pm – 10pm

Sun 19th May 12pm – 6pm

We will also host a one hour induction at 1pm on Sun 12th May, details of which will be shared with those selected.

How to apply 
Please send the following:

A short (150 word) statement about why you would like to take part. Please give us an indication of why you are interested in this initiative, and/or why you would like to find out more about dance from the close encounter.

Your name, address, email and contact number

Please send to: projectbrandnew@gmail.com

Deadline: Thursday 2nd May @ 6pm

Price: €85 inclusive of all show tickets in schedule, workshop and talks.

Should you have any queries please email the address above.

Please note that we have a very limited number of places available on the programme.

Discover more about Fast Track to Dance here.

Find out what else is going on at Dublin Dance Festival-- so many great shows this May!

2 Fab Music Festivals in 2 Fab Irish Towns

Here are 2 music-based festivals in delightful settings for you to consider for your calendar of Irish fun this year- and take note of for next, as they are annual events.

First off in May is Kilkenny's Rhythm & Roots festival, from the 3rd to the 6th. The small medieval city of Kilkenny is perfect for this fantastic festival- everything is within walking distance & the chances that you'll rub shoulders with musicians in the intimate venues is high. There are over 60 free gigs, and even the paid gigs are inexpensive. One of my favorite festivals, the craic is mighty! If you'd like to get a taste of it, here is my post from last year's festival.


If you'd like to head out West, Westport is a fun town with beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and interesting history all around the area. I've been sent some information on Westport's Festival of Music and Food on 29 & 30th of June, and Westport House's offer of tickets & camping for the weekend.

I've been privileged to see the cup & ring standing stone and watch the sun 'roll down' Croagh Patrick outside of Westport- pity I was there in the years before blogging & smartphones, but click here for a site that does have photos & info. Scroll down on that page for the rolling clip.

Head Wesht! Here's the Westport info I was sent:

Westport House Camping

''One of the most anticipated highlights of Westport House’s events calendar this summer is the return of The Westport Festival of Music and Food which takes place on Sat 29^th & Sun 30^th June 2013.  The festival will be a two-day celebration of music and food, embracing local and international rock, folk, celtic and acoustic sounds, headlined by Elvis Costello & The Imposters and Imelda May, and joined by a host of other top music acts such as Christy Moore, Ryan Sheridan, Damien Dempsey among others.  

Westport House offers an incredible festival camping experience for festival goers.  With hot showers, real toilets, wifi, picnic areas, laundry, and family-friendly facilities onsite, all set against a stunning backdrop, it’s no surprise that camping proved a huge hit with thousands of revellers last year and is expected to be even bigger and better in its second year.  Combined festival & camping tickets are on sale through www.WestportHouse.ie  only start at €155 per person for the weekend.''

So, there's 2 Irish festival ideas to get your motor revving for holiday fun. If you have other hot festival tips, please let everyone know in the comments below. Thanks, & have fun festivaling!