The Central Hotel
Exchequer Street, Dublin, Ireland
Phone: 353 1 679 7302
Fax: 353 1 679 7303

*

Central Hotel Dublin Events

Good news for tourists over 66!

Older Tourists will enjoy free rail travel around the State following the introduction of a new scheme.

All overseas visitors aged 66 or over, from anywhere in the world, will be able to benefit from unlimited travel on mainline, Dart and commuter trains in the scheme, developed by Fáilte Ireland in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann.

The scheme was announced by the Government as part of the budget in December, in a bid to increase overseas visitor numbers.

It is similar to the free travel scheme for Irish people aged 66 and over, but does not include free bus or Luas travel.

It also differs from the scheme for Irish residents when it comes to cross-Border travel. Irish senior citizens travelling from Dublin to Belfast are entitled to free rail travel for the entire journey, but overseas visitors will only be entitled to free travel for the portion of their journey in this State. They will have to purchase a ticket for the remainder of their trip, from Dundalk onwards.

The scheme is initially for a one-year period, but will be subject to review and is expected to continue indefinitely if the demand is there.Tourists can access the scheme by visiting the Fáilte Ireland website, www.discoverireland.com, to arrange for a “Golden Trekker” reservation. They will be asked for details such as their date of birth and passport or national identity card number. Their Golden Trekker reservation can then be used to book their free Golden Trekker tickets when they arrive.



Top ten Dublin Pubs for a Guinness Vote
NO 1. Central Hotel Library Bar 1-5 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2 The best thing about Central Hotel Library Bar is that nobody knows about it! There’s no entrance from street level and it isn’t clear that it is a public bar from the street level. The only entrance is via the hotel lobby, making it one of Dublin’s best-kept secrets. Inside it is quite something; the oh so comfortable couches and agreeable armchairs beg to be sat in and are impossible to leave, while the tatty books and occasional piano recitals add real charm and charisma to the bar which boasts first floor views of South George’s Street below. The vibe is laid back and relaxed and the clientele are mainly sophisticated but informal locals, making it a great place to go to get away from the hubbub and tourist hoards that frequent the numerous pubs and bars in the Temple Bar area. Although almost unknown, it is popular among savvy Dubliners and you’ll have to arrive early for couches.

Riverdance
Riverdance, now in its 15th phenomenal year of touring, returns to the Gaiety Theatre from 23rd June until 28th August. This internationally-acclaimed celebration of Irish music, song and dance that has thrilled millions around the world returns to the Gaiety for its seventh Summer season. Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland in the past decade - in rock, music, theatre and film - nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance. Riverdance started in Dublin in 1995, remarkably as a brilliantly conceived spin-off from a seven-minute intermission piece in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest. It has danced a long way since then, developing into an international phenomenon, with troupes careening and criss-crossing the world. Experience ‘Riverdance’ for yourself and discover why nothing in the world compares to the original! Ticket Prices: €10, €20, €25, €35, €40, €45, €50, €55

The Summer Sensational
Sensational surprises are in store this summer as the indoor venues and outdoor spaces of Dublin’s world famous cultural quarter invite you in! From theatre and film, to music and street theatre, this unique programme of exciting events promises summer magic and sensory overload. Welcome to July in Temple Bar!

Carlsberg Comedy Carnival
This year’s Carlsberg Comedy Carnival features an incredible line-up of world-class international and home grown Irish comedians. And that’s not all. A fantastic array of performance artists and musicians will keep comedy lovers entertained between shows and comedy goers can enjoy a delicious selection of gourmet food, chilled beer and drinks. Tickets are sold on a show by show basis starting from just a great value €23. Tickets can also be used as a festival day pass so comedy lovers can take in a show, enjoy a full day’s carnival entertainment, and use the unique setting for the perfect day out including picnic areas, the Carlsberg Deck and the Carlsberg ‘C’ lounge, all in their own private park! For the first time ever there is an exclusive presale offer from 8am on Wednesday 19th May for anyone who becomes a fan of the Carlsberg Comedy Carnival Facebook page*. In addition to this, a limited number of opening night tickets will be available to Carlsberg Comedy Carnival Facebook fans with a €5 discount, visit http://www.facebook.com/carlsbergcomedy The international line-up for Carlsberg Comedy Carnival features ‘Never Mind The Buzzcocks’ legend and all round diamond geezer Phill Jupitus (who will be appearing with The Stars of 'Whose Line is it Anyway?' along with original member Josie Lawrence). We have a big number of American acts including internet phenomenon Bo Burnham who was one of the stars of last years festival, Emo Phillips, described by Jay Leno as "the best joke writer in America,” Arj Barker, star of ‘Flight of The Conchords’, Natasha Leggero, a regular guest on Chelsea Handler’s late night talk show ‘Chelsea Lately’, Reggie Watts the comedic beat-boxing marvel with the cloud of black hair, and the king of comedy cool Reg D. Hunter. We also have Jason Manford, team captain from Channel 4’s ‘8 Out of 10 Cats’, Chris Addison (Star of BAFTA award winning ‘The Thick of It’ & Oscar nominated ‘In the Loop’) as well as Rufus Hound, best known for being the Blue Team Captain on the TV series ‘Argumental’ and for dressing up as Cheryl Cole and dancing to Fight For This Love for 2010's Let's Dance for Sport Relief. Carlsberg Comedy Carnival will also feature the best home grown comedy talent including Des Bishop, Jason Byrne, Apres Match, Tommy Tiernan, PJ Gallagher, Dermot Whelan, Andrew Maxwell, Ardal O’Hanlon, Colin Murphy, David O’Doherty, Ed Byrne, Dead Cat Bounce, Maeve Higgins, Neil Delamere and Jarlath Regan to name just a few. Speaking at the launch earlier today, Karen Murphy, Senior Brand Manager, Carlsberg said, “We’re delighted that Jason Byrne, Risteard Cooper and Dermot Whelan could join us for the launch. Carlsberg Comedy Carnival is an incredible event where the very best in stand-up and improv comedy, musicians, street performers and great food and drink come together to create a spectacular carnival atmosphere.” Festival Director, Bren Berry, Aiken Promotions said, “The Carlsberg Comedy Carnival is firmly established as part of the International comedy festival circuit and this year we are delighted to announce our strongest line up yet. It’s a great compliment to the event that so many acts from around the world want to be involved. We’re also very excited about our many fantastic Carnival performers including the sensational Bui Bolg street theatre team and the hilarious Diced Carrots crew.” This year’s show will be performed in four, fully-seated, purpose-built venues, including the atmospheric Iveagh Theatre tent, the Carlsberg Comedy Carousel, the intimate Shack and the boho chic Grand Pavilion.

The Waltons Guitar Festival of Ireland
The 6th Waltons Guitar Festival of Ireland is set to captivate Dublin city with its, annually anticipated, packed line-up of exciting guitar-related events. Overview/History The guitar is the world’s most versatile and popular instrument. This Festival will offer Irish audiences an eclectic and inspiring programme of acoustic guitar music, showcasing the best in classical, jazz, folk and world music, in some of Dublin's finest venues. Over the course of its existence the Waltons Guitar Festival of Ireland has been transformed from a genre-based festival to a more diverse series of events that now spans the boundaries of an incredibly popular instrument. Never afraid to take chances the WGFI team have, to date, produced an impressive array of the best in live guitar music with ground-breaking collaborations from internationally acclaimed musicians as well as from innovative new artists.

DLR Festival of World Cultures
Festival brings world of arts music and global culture to Ireland’s doorstep “an exhilarating mix of music, dance, performance art and magic
a family-friendly Glastonbury” The Irish Times Along with dozens of artists from around the world, these global performers will transform DĂșn Laoghaire into an outdoor arena over the last weekend in July, bringing a cosmos of creativity to Ireland’s doorstep. Now in its tenth year, the Festival attracts over 250,000 people making it Ireland’s largest intercultural celebration. With a diverse world music line-up, food fairs, art exhibitions, workshops and cultural demonstrations as well as a Festival newspaper and nightly Festival Club where Irish artists jam with world musicians, this family-friendly celebration is a round-trip, non-stop ticket to a world of culture. And, with over 90% of the events free of charge, the Festival is the top value-for-money event on the summer calendar, appealing to all the senses as well as the wallet. For three days, this year’s Festival - a DĂșn Laoghaire Rathdown County Council event - showcases the best of artistic diversity from around the globe with its much loved combination of both free and ticketed concerts and club nights, theatre and dance performances, exhibitions, workshops, markets and special events for children. With its new time slot in July, the Festival can now present an even higher roster of world music talent, foremost amongst which will be two of the world’s greatest singers - Calypso Rose and Rokia TraorĂ© - both performing free outdoor concerts on Newtownsmith Green this summer.

FĂĄilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show 2010
The Horse Show is a Dublin institution. A celebration of Ireland's affinity with the horse, from the best show horses to the best international show jumpers. It is one of Ireland's largest events, a highlight of the summer, each year welcoming tens of thousands of people Ireland and all over the world. From August, 4th to the 8th, 2010 the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show will take over the entire RDS complex in the heart of Dublin. One of the top international equestrian events in the world, the Show is a wonderful day out, offering something for everyone - whether you are a horse enthusiast or not! The 5 day festival includes: International show jumping Live music Blossom Hill Ladies’ Day Over 300 shopping stands Crafts & art exhibition Restaurants & bars Kids’ entertainment and magic shows