“Good puzzle would be to cross Dublin without passing a pub” “He entered Davy Byrne’s. Moral pub. He doesn’t chat. Stands a … More
Author: Swench
Journalist, Writer, Tour Guide, Lover of Life & the Universe
Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan on location at Cabinteely House in 2014
Irish eyes are smiling yet again with Saoirse Ronan’s third Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her role in Lady … More
Winter of Heritage: January 22 – February 18, 2018
Perfectly timed to beat the January blues, the doors of Cabinteely House, Marlay House and the Oratory in Dún Laoghaire will … More
Dún Laoghaire Calling – The Clash in the Top Hat
When I wrote about the historic Sonic Youth and Nirvana gig in the old Top Hat – on its 25th … More
“Sea Bathing for the Working Classes”
I spotted this Great Southern Railway sign dating from 1881 in the Old Punch Bowl pub in Boostertown. It offers … More
Alive Alive-O! Hawkers of Dún Laoghaire
Street vendor, pitchman, costermonger, coster, costard, demonstrator, peddler, huckster, tout and hawker are just some of the names to describe those who … More
Gilbert & George – Art for All
I first encountered Gilbert & George at 9 years of age when they exhibited a work entitled ‘Drunk With God’ … More
Perfect Day: Hamburg
“Hamburg totally wrecked us. I remember getting home to England and my dad thought I was half-dead. I looked like … More
How storms transformed Dún Laoghaire
“You’re on Earth. There’s no cure for that.” ― Samuel Beckett, Waiting for Godot In March, 2018, Storm Emma and the … More
Perfect Day: Milan
“Rome is like a prostitute; she will do whatever you want to do on the first night. Milan is the … More
