2012 A BUMPER YEAR FOR DUBLIN

The year 2012 promises to be a bumper one for Dublin in terms of tourism with a huge number of events coming to the city.
As anyone who’s stayed at the Grand Canal Hotel can attest our location in regard to the city’s main venues is second to none with the Grand Canal Theatre, The O2, Aviva Stadium, RDS and Convention Centre all within walking distance of the hotel.
So what’s happening this year? We’ll in January one of the worlds most successful musicals, Dirty Dancing, starts a six week run in the Grand Canal Theatre. The hugely popular show is already sold out for most dates in January, weekends for the total run and is fast selling out for all dates. The poor guys over in the theatre don’t get much chance to rest as once the curtain comes down on show, the equally popular Calendar Girls returns for a weeks run, having packed the house for a couple of weeks in 2011.
But the Theatre is not the only show in town during this period, if you excuse the pun. The O2 has a busy calendar during the first two months with Snow Patrol, Van Morrisson, Florence and the Machine and JLS all visiting the Docks. And let’s not forget sport, with the Six Nations opener against Wales (yes revenge will be on the cards) in early February, a clash against the Italians and a Euro warm up for Traps army who take on the Czechs at the Aviva towards the end of the month.
This brings us nicely into March, where St Patrick’s Festival is once again a huge attraction in Dublin. Swan Lake, Cinderella, Sally Morgan, Darren Brown and Tommy Flemming all visit the Grand Canal Theatre, while Rebecca Ferguson and The Wanted make appearances in The O2. Paul O’Connell and the lads wrap up their home games for the Six Nations when the Scots visit early in the month.
I’ve already ran out of steam in terms of doing a month by month account of what’s going on so here’s the synopsis for the rest of the year.
Formula One enthusiasts are in for a treat in June when more that 100,000 spectators will be treated to the Bavaria City Racing event with Superbikes, WRC, Formula 2, Touring Cars and demonstrations by Formula One drivers all on offer. Let’s not forget that June will be a massive party as pubs and streets will be invaded as the country prepares to cheer on the Irish soccer team in the European Championships. It will be impossible not to get caught up in the buzz.
July see’s the arrival of one of my favourite musicals of all time the timeless Phantom of the Opera to the Grand Canal Hotel. Running from the 5th of July till the 4th of August this Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is certain to sell out very fast.
The Failte Dublin Horse Show at the RDS makes its annual return on the 15th of August, in what is a very busy month in the City. The Tall Ships Race sails into the city on the 23rd in what will a thrilling spectacle, while American Football is back in Dublin when Notre Damme take on Navy in the Aviva Stadium.
September will, fingers crossed, see Dublin win both All Ireland Finals in Croke Park, while the big Greyhound Derby takes place in Shelbourne Park. Much is still to be confirmed for the rest of the year but suffice to say Dublin is going to be a busy place in 2012.
Watch out also for the World Street Performance Championship, Bloomsday, Dublin City Marathon, Westlife and Red Hot Chilli Peppers in Croke Park, Stone Roses in the Phoenix Park, Bruce Springstein in the RDS and Riverdance at the Gaiety.
Happy New Year’s everyone from Ollie and all at the Grand Canal Hotel.

OMG.