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.

10 TEN THINGS TO DO IN DUBLIN THIS SUMMER

Summer has finally arrived and the numbers are coming back to the beautiful city of Dublin in there droves.

Theatre, gigs, museums, festivals, comedy and attractions...there is no shortage of things to do in Dublin. With so many things to do I've decided to put together a top 10 things that you can't miss this summer.

1. Failte Dublin Horse Show at the RDS - the country's premier horse event takes place in the RDS from the 3rd to the 7th of August. 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 from Ireland and all over the world. Special discounted offers are available, with up to 20% discount on longer stays.

2. Riverdance - one of Ireland's greatest exports, Riverdance, kicks off its annual residency at the Gaiety Theatre on the 28th of June and runs till the 28th of August. This show has evolved over the years so even if you've seen it years ago it is probably very different. The hotel are offering theatre packages to include pre-show meal, ticket to show, night's accommodation and full Irish breakfast from just €109ppps.

3. Bloomsday - a celebration of one of world's greatest writers, James Joyce, Bloomsday, runs from June 16th - 19th in various part of Dublin city. June 16th is BLOOMSDAY, the day in 1904 on which all the action of James Joyce’s novel Ulysses takes place. It is celebrated every year on 16th June by Joyceans all over the world. In Dublin, where the novel is set, Bloomsday celebrations go on for a week from the 16th to the 19th June, with most of the attention on the day itself. It is traditional to dress up and go out for the day, visiting the locations of the book and taking part in readings, walks and convivial activities of all sorts which in some way connect with Ulysses, its author and its world.

4. The Script - Ireland's golden boy's of pop-rock RnB return to their home town for the biggest show of their impressive career. The Dubliners are set to grace Aviva Stadium on the 2nd of July for a once off show. The "Breakeven" stars have had a remarkable career thus far but this will surely be the highlight.

5. Rugby Internationals - After a very mixed autumn series and start to the Six Nations Irish rugby finally found its voice with a stunning victory over England at the Aviva Stadium. The provinces maintained the momentum with Leinsters' amazing Heinekin Cup victory in Cardiff and then Munster's Magners League triumph in Thomond Park. Now we are all excited about our prospects in September's World Cup in New Zealand...the dream is still alive. Brian O'Driscoll, Paul O'Connell and the lads have two warm up games in August with France (27th) and England (20th) both visiting the Aviva Stadium.

6. Dublin Super Cup - Without meaning to offend any of our Portuguese friends out there we were all a little dissapointed with the finalists of the Europa Cup Final in May...or at least all the Manchester City and Liverpool fans were. But there is light at the end of the tunnel with a new two day international club tourmanent taking place at the Lansdowne Road venue at the end of July. Inter Milan, Manchester City, Celtic and an Airtricity League Selection will all battle it out for the Dublin Super Cup on July 30/31.

7. Dublin Zoo - It is one of the oldest and most visited Zoos in Europe and for good reason. Located in the largest city centre park in Europe this zoo is a stunning site. Every kind of animal imaginable, bar the dinosaurs, are in here and there is plenty of picnic areas and things to keep the children, and adults, busy. Well worth the visit.

8. Grease - Dust off your leather jackets, pull on your bobby-socks and take a trip to a simpler time as "bad boy" Danny and "the girl next door" Sandy fall in love all over again. It’s the original High-School musical, featuring all the unforgettable songs from the hit movie including You’re The One That I Want, Grease Is The Word, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Sandy, Greased Lightnin’ and many more. So throw your mittens around your kittens and Hand Jive the night away with the show that’ll make you want to stand up and shout, “A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop A-wop-bam-boom!” Package includes pre-show meal, ticket in teh Upper Circle, night's accommodation at the Grand Canal Hotel and Full Irish Breakfast from just €119pps. The show runs from August 9th - 27th in the Grand Canal Theatre.

9. Cricket International August 25th - Ireland v England. After the heroics of the world cup the star studded English cricket team come to Dublin to play their Irish counterparts. Cricket is not exactly a major sport in this country but if we were to put Ireland's victory over the English into context it would be like Andorra beating Ireland in Gaelic football. Interest in the sport is on the rise and over 2000 people attended the recent clash with Pakistan. The game takes place in Clontarf. If the weather holds up this could be a very enjoyable occasion.

10. All Ireland Hurling Final Croke Park, September 4th - Concluding on another sporting theme this really should be the first thing on the list to do this summer. Having attended the 2010 final between Kilkenny and Tipperary I can attest to the awe inspiring site of 30 amateur sports men slamming a tennis ball sized sliotar around the hallowed turf of Croke Park in front of 82,000 people. There are not too many places in the world where you would see such an event. The Hurling Final really epitomises what it is to be Irish...and you don't have to be Irish to appreciate it.

Feel free to let me know what I've left out.

Enjoy the sun.

Cheers,

Ollie (OMG).

LEINSTER AND KATIE TO LEAD US OUT OF DEPRESSION

There is a belief in Ireland that when we are on our knees and suffering that our artistic and sporting achievements come to the fore.
Following a thrilling weekend of sport it is not hard fall in behind this belief. Rory McIlroy, Ulster, Munster and of course Leinster all gave us something to believe in over the last number of days...but they are not the only ones flying the flag for Irish sport.
Rory is a young man who seems fazed by nothing. Even after his collapse at the Masters on Sunday he still held his head high, tweeting yesterday that "this day will make me stronger in the end."
He may not have won but the country was gripped by his efforts from Thursday on. It was just a shame that he didn't follow Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell to lift a major title.
It was also a massive rugby weekend with Munster kicking off proceedings on Saturday afternoon. The men in red had been written off earlier this season following their exit from the Heineken Cup but they could end up with both the Amlin and the Magners League trophies in their cabinet by start of the summer. Not a bad return for a team who it was said were finished.
Undoubtedly the game of the weekend was Leinster v Leiceter just a few hundred yards down the road from here. What a fantastic game and the best team won. Even Sky Sports, who can be notoriously biased toward the English clubs, admitted that Leinster had deserved their win.
Rob Kearney, Lions and Leinster's injured full back, tweeted that he thought it was the best atmosphere at a Leinster game he'd seen. And who'd disagree. Ulster tried valiantly in the other quarter final but just came up short. In fairness to the lads from the North, it has been a great year for them. Next season they should be challenging for the title.
So back to my point. Our economic difficulties really seem to be lifting our sporting achievements to new levels. Certain commentators highlight the Jack Charlton era as the real spark for the Celtic Tiger.
Step forward the Irish Cricket Team, Katie Taylor, Brian O'Dricsoll, Conor Niland or, fingers crossed, Trap's national soccer team. It is a good time for sport in Ireland, ironically when there is less money being pumped in.
So here's lookin forward to the 30th of April when Leinster battle Toulouse at the Aviva Stadium and give us a welcomed break from depressing economic headlines.
OMG.

WIN CARLING NATIONS CUP TICKETS

The inaugural Carling Nations Cup takes place in the Aviva Stadium on the 8th of February 2011 and the Grand Canal Hotel are offering fans the chance to win two tickets to the Ireland v Wales game.

The tournament kicks off with the clash of the Republic of Ireland v Wales on Tuesday followed by Northern Ireland v Scotland on Wednesday. Molson Coors Key Account Manager on Trade Leo Brennan and Brand Manager Jordana Busby dropped into the Grand Canal Hotel in advance of the showpiece to show off the new trophy (see picture attached).

We have to admit we were impressed. Shaped not unlike the World Cup, the Carling Nations Cup trophy is certainly going to capture fans imagination.

This brand new competition is designed to add an edge to the friendly season.Indeed Northern Ireland and Scotland will bring more than 10,000 fans for their clash at the impressive new arena.

Carling have very kindly provided us with two tickets to the Ireland v Wales game. Simply visit our Facebook page and tell us the parent company name of Carling to be in with a chance to win the tickets.

CLASH OF THE TITANS

So Saturday is the first chance for Ireland's rugby elite to sample the fantastic new Aviva Stadium.

It will be unusual for the lads in that they are normally sharing the hallowed Dubln 4 turf in green jerseys. Saturday will see Ireland's two most powerful rugby provinces clash in what will be an enthralling battle.

Leinster are in serious need of a victory having lost three of their opening four Magners League games under new coach Joe Schmidt. For their part Munster, well until Cardiff's victory over Connacht last night, are leading the table after a fine start which included two away wins.

The return of many of their elite players last week against Edinburgh didn't exactly have the desired effect, which adds to the pressure in this fixture.

All in all it leads to a facinating game...and we can't wait. Having international and major competitive sport back in the Ballsbridge area has brought a great buzz into the hotel.

Michael Bublé last week threw down the gauntlet to the rugby fans in terms of enjoying themselves. The bar was rammed after the gigs and the crowds lapped up Brendan Keeley's set in Gasworks.

Obviously, being a Dublin City hotel, our allegiance lies with the boys in blue, but that doesn't mean we don't have a soft spot for the lads from Munster. So all are welcome for some good food drink and craic before and after the game.

For those going to the game here is some useful information:
- Stiles open at 6pm
- Admission to all parts of Aviva Stadium is by ticket only,
- External check points will only admit patrons with the correct colour ticket.
- Patrons are reminded that parking is strictly prohibited in the areas around Aviva Stadium and vehicles parked illegally are liable to be clamped or impounded.
- The Grand Canal Hotel has limited car parking spaces available...get in early to ensure you get a space.
- Check out www.avivastadium.ie for more info.
- Kick Off is at 7.30pm

Gasworks Bar

Facilities include:
Sandwich Counter
From 3.30pm – late (12 midnight)
Sandwiches/Wraps/Pizza/Chips from €5.50
Bar Carvary From 4.15pm – 9pm
Chicken Curry & Rice, All €10
Burgers & Chips, Chicken
Goujons & Chips,
BBQ Beef Rolls & Chips
With salads

Restaurant
Tab menu €20 – 3/3/3 with T/C

Entertainment - Band – 10.30pm – 12.30

Wii in lobby on TV’s

CULTURE NIGHT

Michael Bublé may be hogging the spotlight in Dublin this weekend with two sell out shows in the Aviva Stadium but it aint the biggest show in town by any stretch.

Culture Night in Ireland kicks off today with over 500,000 people expected to attend the various free events across Ireland.

Twenty locations including Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Kilkenny are hosting their own events to celbrate irish culture.

Dublin has some fantastic offers with galleries, libraries, museums, theaters and tourist attractions open to the public for the evening.

Pick of the lot has to be Royal Kilmainham Hospital which is hosting a massive tented street party, offering free food, music and the chance to meet artists in residence. Guinness Storehouse is offering a pint of the black stuff and a free tour between 5pm and 10.

Leinster House will have guided tours of the debating chambers of both the Dail and the Seanad as well as the hallowed halls of the Houses of the Oireachtas.

The Culture Night, which kicked off in Temple Bar in 2004, has become an All-Ireland event with activities taking part North of the boarder in Belfast and Derry.

So it has been a busy week. Arthur's Day, Michael Bublé and Culture Night and that's not even the full picture. You have to admit...Dublin is Great!!!!

BUBLÉ IN AVIVA STADIUM

A great night is in store for all the ladies...and some lads who are attending this weekend's highly anticipated Michael Bublé concert in the Aviva Stadium.

As most of you will know the Grand Canal Hotel is just a stone's throw away from the new venue and as a result we have put together some superb food and entertainment for the concert goers.

The highlight for us is the confirmation that Brendan Keeley will be playing in Gasworks Bar after the gig on Saturday night. The "I'll always be lonely" troubadour will entertain all from 10pm.

But that's not all. We'll have great food, drinks promotions and a cocktail bar. Check out the line up:

Friday: Gala buffet dinner served in the Gasworks bar from 4pm. Only €10pp.
Pizza and sandwich bar open from 10pmto midnight. ALll pizzas only €10

Restaurant open from 4.30pm. 3 course dinner only €20

Saturday: Bar menu available form 12pm to 4pm
Gala buffet dinner served in the Gasworks bar from 4pm. Only €10pp
Pizza and sandwich bar open from 10pm to midnight. ALll pizzas only €10

Restaurant open from 4.30pm 3 course dinner only €20

Live music from 10pm. ''Irleand's greatest crooner' - Brendan Keeley

COSMOPOLITANS €6 ALL NIGHT

Remember we have limited car parking spaces so get in early if you are looking to grab one. Also if you are hoping to eat in the restaurant it is advisable to book early as space is already filling up.

CONVENTION CENTRE DUBLIN OPENS

Taoiseach Brian Cowen will today officially open the fantastic new Convention Centre Dublin in the Docklands.

The Grand Canal Hotel have been lucky enough to get two sneak hard hat previews of the 8,000 capacity venue and we are really excited about seeing the finished product.

We can verify that, even at its early building stage, it is a truly impressive spectacle and will be a superb addition to the city's infrastructure, offering even better views of the city than the nearby Dublin Wheel.

The centre officially open at noon today with travel agents and other potential clients attending a gala dinner and view the facilities the new venue has to offer this evening.

A further 120 top global conference buyers, who have €500m worth of business on their books are also in Dublin as part of a business drive to coincide with the opening of the Docklands-based centre.

Built at a cost of €380m, the futuristic building on the river Liffey, designed by Irish-born architect Kevin Roche, can accommodate up to 8,000 delegates and includes a 2,000-seat auditorium, 4,500sqm of exhibition space and banqueting facilities for up to 5,000 guests.

Over its six floors, there are 22 meeting rooms, as well as an extensive carpeted room, with capacity for more than 3,000 conference delegates or up to 2,000 diners.
Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin Ltd (SDCCD), led by Richard Barrett and Johnny Ronan of Treasury Holdings and Harry Crosbie of the Point Village, will run the centre for the next 25 years until it reverts to State ownership.

The opening of the Centre is the latest boost to the tourism industry in the city, following on from the opening of the O2, Grand Canal Theatre and the Aviva Stadium in recent years. Our regular guest will tell you that we are well placed if you are attending any of these venues as they are only a short stroll from the door of the Grand Canal Hotel.

The first major conference, organised by the Construction Industry Federation, entitled The Economics of Ireland's Recovery, gets under way this Friday, while it is believed that there are up to 300 conferences booked, some for as far out as 2021.

Congratulations to all involved in the building and opening of the Convention Centre Dublin.

THE WHEEL OF DUBLiN

London and Belfast have one so I suppose it was only a matter of time before our beloved capital got one as well. This Saturday the Wheel of Dublin opens up at the Point Village giving visitors the chance to get a unique view of the city.

Not that we at the Grand Canal Hotel can verify but apparently The Wheel of Dublin offers unparalleled views across the city as far the Dublin Mountains and Howth Head. The capsule pods that will carry the passengers will be fitted later this week...so we'll sneak look this weekend and confirm it for you all.

So how does our wheel compare to its more illustrious cousin in London. Well at 197 feet it is less than half the size of the 443 feet tall London Eye and can hold almost half passengers at 336 compared to the Eye's 8000 and surprisingly enough the ride time takes slightly less than half its London equivalent at 13 to 30 minutes respectively. And just to be consistent the cost is also...you guessed it half the cost at €9 compared to £18.

We at the Grand Canal Hotel are delighted to welcome the latest edition to the Dublin skyline. The last 10 years have seen some impressive new structures added to the horizon, including Grand Canal Theatre, Aviva Stadium and the Convention Centre Dublin but it will be hard to distract from the natural beauty of the Dublin/Wicklow Mountains and the Eastern Coast.

As a matter of interest...I wonder if the Wheel offers views inside the Aviva Stadium. It could come in handy for the November Rugby Series where tickets are going to be at a premium.

BUSY COUPLE OF WEEKS AHEAD

Hello all!!! Just thought we'd give you an update on what is going on around the country over the next couple of weeks...and it is a busy time with the opening of the Aviva Stadium being the stand out event for us at the Grand Canal Hotel.

After four years of waiting, the 31st of July sees the first game take place at the 50,000 seater stadium. A litttle bridie informed us that the Aviva Stadium is the most modern of its kind in the world. A third generation stadium we believe it is called. The opening match might only be a dry run for bigger days but for €10 it is possible to be one of the first in through the turnstiles. Ulster/Leinster play Munster/Connacht on July 31st.

It's only taken almost 4 years since Derry City beat St Patrick's Athletic in the final game played at the old stadium...and we felt every second. Rugby and Soccer left us for that period, plying their trade across the city in the impressive Croke Park. As much as we loved visiting the Croker we are delighted to see the sports return to their official home. The first games kicks off this Saturday. As we said it may only be a clash of potential young stars but at €10 entry it is well worth the visit...sure a tour of the Aviva Stadium would cost nearly the same. The game kicks off at 2.30 on Saturday July 31st. The Grand Canal Hotel are offering overnight packages with ticket, dinner and breakfast for just €89pps.

For music fans, Rod Steward returns to Dublin for the second time this year when he takes to The O2 on the 31st of July. We are a bit partial to "Wake Up Maggie" Scottish star who obviously shares our love for Dublin considering the amount of times he performs in the capital. The Grand Canal Hotel are offering pre-show meal, return O2 shuttle, night's accommodation and full Irish Breakfast for just €79pps. Rod plays The O2 this Saturday.

We have to admit that we've never been huge fans of heavy metal but we can appreciate that there is a market for it. The big indicator for us is the amount of people booked on our O2 Package for this Friday's Iron Maiden show in The O2. Forgive our ignorance on the genre but apparently these lads have sold over 12 million albums...not to be sniffed at.

We have to give a mention to legendary Dublin soccer club Shamrock Rovers who welcome the mighty Juventus to their Tallaght Stadium this Thursday for their Europa League clash. History, budgets, bookies and pundits may all point towards a handy victory for the Italian giants but we at the Grand Canal Hotel are going to take a romantic view and dream for a Rovers victory. The game has already sold out but you can see it on RTE 2, kick off 7.45pm.

Gaze - Dublin Lesbian and Gay Festival kicks off this Friday for a five day cinematic showcase of Irish and international. The Lesbian and Gay Film Festival offers an exciting programme, packed with premiers, new independent features, documentaries, shorts award winners and experimental films over the August bank holiday weekend.

It may not be kicking off for another week but the ultra popular Failte Ireland Horse Show takes place from the 4th - the 8th of August in the nearby RDS. The Dublin 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 close to 80,000 people from Ireland and all over the world. The Grand Canal Hotel are offering 2 day packages including dinner and breakfast from just €189pps. Check out www.grandcanalhotel.com.

And finally, the Grand Canal Theatre have announced that the Westend musical Scrooge is coming to Dublin for Christmas. Now not too long ago the guys at the Theatre put a poll out to their Facebook fans wondering what show they would like to see play at the venue. Well we punted for Scrooge...so it looks like our wish has come through. And of course we are going to be offering packages to the show. Keep an eye on www.grandcanalhotel.com for details. The show will run from December 7th - January 2nd.

So there it is. I'm sure we missed out on one or two events but this at least gives you a taster of what is going on.

COMPETITION

We'd like some help with a dilemma that we have at the hotel. We have just completed two new suites. One is going to be called the Lansdowne Suite and has a corporate feel to it. The other is more of a quirky leisure atmosphere.
Both offer stunning wrap around views of the stunning new Aviva Stadium. Our problem is we can't figure out what to call this suite. We're thinking that it should have a theatre feel considering our location to the Grand Canal Theatre to the Grand Canal Hotel but then again the room is overlooking the stadium...we can't decide.
We thought about "Grand Slam Suite" but that aint going to work. Someone suggested "Drico Suite" after Ireland's most famous rugby genious. "Academy Suite was another one.
Anyway, we've decided to ask for your help. Give us some suggestions and if we pick your suggestion we'll give you a night's stay in the suite and a lovely evening meal.
Head off to our Facebook page before the 30th of June to be in with a chance.

Good luck.

Aviva Stadium

The official opening of the Aviva Stadium took place on Friday and by all accounts it is a beautiful thing to behold. We are really excited. It has felt like centuries since the old Kitty O'Sheas (now Gasworks) was thronged with punters cladded in green jerseys. Anyway here is a list of all the facts on the stadium...just in case you were interested. Thanks to the Irish Times for the info.

HISTORY: Lansdowne Road stadium first opened for athletics in 1872 and when it closed it was the oldest sports stadium in Europe. Work started on the Aviva stadium in May 2007 and the venue was officially opened on Friday May 14th, 2010. The project architects were Populous (formerly HOK Sports Architecture)/Scott Tallon Walker, while the main contractor was John Sisk Sons.
€410m
Total cost (inclusive of €191 million of government funding).
4
Stands – the south, east and west stands have four tiers. The bottom and top tiers provide the main volume of spectating facilities, the second tier is for premium ticket holders, and the third tier houses corporate boxes. The North stand comprises one low-level seating tier because it is close to nearby houses.
63,802 sq m
The area occupied by the stadium.
47.65m
Highest point above the pitch.
189.9m
Length, north to south.
203m
Width, east to west, excluding podium and grand stairs.
6,000
People employed over a three-year period.
4,000,000
Work hours during construction.
5,000 tonnes
Of structural steel used.
€40m
Cost of the naming rights which were awarded to Aviva on February 12th, 2009.
50,000
Seating capacity. All seating is under a roof, but the roof does not extend over the pitch. There are 36 corporate boxes, with seating for 850 people. Premium seats total 10,000.
230
Wheelchair positions.
150
CCTV cameras.
400
Beer taps, capable of delivering 90,000 pints.
68
Camera positions. There are three television studios.
400
The number of press facilities.
AND THERE’S MORE
Car parking spaces: 200 (100 for disabled drivers). Meals served on match day 2,300. Restaurants : three, with nine kitchens and 69 kiosks or bars. Catering staff: 900. Chefs : 48. Stewards : 700. Gardaí on duty inside ground : 50.