Parrotheads in Dublin - Jimmy Buffett in the Olympia

Saturday night in Dublin certainly gave me Key West feels, even though it was bucketing down rain!

My mother had managed to snag a Jimmy Buffett ticket and she went on the hunt for me.  He was playing in the Olympia Theatre which is a really small venue so I really didn't feel hopeful.  During the day I was receiving texts from my mother about tickets she was seeing for sale for €200, €300 and upwards that she was considering buying.  Both of us rang the box office to see if there was any returns but no luck there either.

So at about 6.30pm, I got on my bike in the rain and cycled in to the city to the Olympia with the intention of getting a ticket outside.

So there I landed in my pink Margaritavile shirt and found loads of Parrotheads hanging out having fun in the rain with lots of tropical clothes and accessories on view!

So while waiting for my mother to arrive, I scoped out the ticket situation. There were certainly a few available going for €150 upwards. So while having a think what my options were, I decided to call in to the box office to see if there was any returns.

Well guess what!  There was a returned ticket that I promptly snapped up at cost price of just under €70!!!  Let's just say I was a little bit happy!

And so after a few drinks in Brogans we went in to the venue, Mam to the circle and me to the standing area. 

Well I can't begin to tell you what a great show it was with such a fun atmosphere. I felt truly blessed to hear all my Jimmy Buffett songs live.  He is a superb performer and his band the Coral Reefers aren't too bad either!!

Here's a few pics of the evening:

Free Friday in Dublin City

It was my off day from work today so I met up with my mother for a nice breakfast facing out on to Stephens Green and then I pottered around the place.

As I unlocked my bike, I noticed that my garden has come in to bloom.  I took a quick pic before I set off.

I had to drop my bike to the bike shop for a service so I sauntered down Grafton Street and then on to Greenaer on McGennis Place.

Afterwards, I picked up Bones from ODKM's office and walked back home along the Grand Canal.

Here's a few pics that I took on my stroll.

I heard that DHL have started delivery using electric vehicles but I saw this more environmentally friendly delivery system outside their office!

These artworks were on the wall outside the bike shop. I like them a lot and they brighten the city.

Paint off in The Kemp Gallery

Saturday was a brilliant day!

Pigsy & Kemp worked on some collaborative pieces which was so interesting to see their processes. In some ways it was such a juxtaposition seeing Kemp's structured stencil work as opposed to Pigsy's free flowing loose approach.

The Kemp Gallery is a really great space to work in - there is a massive roof light in the centre of the room that sends light streaming in to the gallery. It is a great showcase for all of the amazing art.

While the paint activity was ongoing, beverages from O'Brother Brewing were enjoyed by the artists and all of the visitors to the gallery.

Amy and I enjoyed the beer and art too!

Look at the amazing results of the day!
Here's the before and after of one of the pieces.

The response online and off has been incredible - look at this instagram post

Oh and did I mention that he sold 2 more pieces yesterday?!!

The exhibition is in it's final week so do get in and see Pigsy's before it finishes up. However, if you don't get to make a visit you can always visit online on The Gallery Kemp website.

For more info about Ciaran's work, see here.

Sunday visit.....

Visited the house today with my sister.  We were both pleasantly surprised by what stage it is at.  The steel cladding looks really well on the external walls of the new extension to the back of the house.

I also walked up the glass stairs to the studio!

Eeek!  Scary!!!!

                      Heated towel radiator in the bathroom