The CHQ is the Gateway to the Dublin Docklands and briming with great things to see and do this Christmas. I was chatting with Maura and Dailthi on RTE Today show recently about things to do and see there this Christmas Holidays.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Every Person is Connected is the message at the Irish Emigration Museum, The museum is located in The CHQ Building in one of Dublin’s most historic locations on Custom House Quay. CHQ was built between 1817 and 1820 to store valuable cargoes of tobacco, tea and spirits. It overlooks the River Liffey, which was the departure point for so many people who fled the country during The Famine so it’s a very fitting home for Ireland’s emigration museum. It has won Europe’s leading Tourist Attraction in the World Travel awards for three years in a row last time in 2021
EPIC tells the moving and unforgettable stories of those who left the island of Ireland, and how they influenced and shaped the world and their stories are told in an exciting, vibrant and interactive way. When you visit, you don’t just read about history, you get fully immersed and experience this breath-taking story in state-of-the-art interactive galleries, complete with touch screens, motion sensor quizzes and a feast of powerful audio and video that bring Irish Stories to life.
Different sections of the museum tell about our Diaspora and their achievements in the world of science, sport, the arts and of course I love the section about the more notorious Irish People such as poor Mrs Obrien whose cow was blamed for starting the great fire of Chicago in 1871 – she was pardoned one hundred years later. You’ll learn about how Riverdance started and interactive footprints allow you to have a go at Irish Dancing. When you arrive you get a passport that you click at stations around the museum which is a great thing to do with kids.
With news of the sad passing of the great Shane McGowan, music fans will be delighted to learn that on Friday, December 8th, EPIC launched an exhibition called “They Gave The Walls a Talking – The extraordinary story of The Pogues and Shane MacGowan.”
Developed in collaboration with Hot Press and running until the end of January 2024, the exhibition will cover wonderfully inspiring contribution The Pogues have made to music in Ireland and across the world, including the story behind the creation of Fairytale of New York..
There’s a stand out line in that song – The boys of the NYPD Choir were singing Galway Bay…while people all over the world belt out that line, very few realise there has never been an NYPD choir, so none have ever sang Galway Bay… Until now. Last month EPIC museum assembled a handful of retired NYPD officers of Irish Heritage, who together with a local amateur choir, lent their voices to the beloved ‘Galway Bay’ in a Brooklyn recording studio. The result is a breathtaking rendition of ‘Galway Bay’, which they hope will be shared with and reach the Irish around the world.
The Jeanie Johnston
Just across the road from EPIC, also in the Docklands is The Jeanie Johnston. This really is an opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of Dublin’s Docklands from a unique perspective.
The Jeanie Johnston tells the story of the thousands of Irish people who fled the Famine and embarked on a treacherous voyage in the hope of a better life in North America. The ship sitting in Dublin Docklands today is an authentic replica of the original Jeanie Johnston, built to remember and honour Ireland’s Famine emigrants.
Experience the wonder of a tall ship and hear the remarkable stories of the passengers and crew. Step on board and be transported back in time, joining them on their gruelling journey across the ocean.
Meet some of the passengers and crew and hear their personal stories. Find out how they paid for their crossing and see what they ate on the long voyage. Imagine what life was like on-board. Hear how they passed the time and discover what fates awaited them at their destination. Did you know that the Jeanie is the only famine ship that had no deaths on board. Tickets can be booked online or at the EPIC Museum
Urban Brewing
Urban Brewing, a Brewery, Bar & Restaurant in the CHQ Building, was established in 2017 by O’Hara’s Brewery, one of the pioneers of Irish craft brewing and now one of the largest craft breweries in Ireland. Urban Brewing encompasses, a fully functional microbrewery, two bars & two kitchens, and a restaurant that can hold wedding and corporate events of up to 275 seated & 350 standing. I popped in for a beer tasting a couple of weeks ago.
You can get a glimpse of their brewing process & taste the exclusive Urban Brews made on site by booking a brewery tour which includes a 40-minute tour with tastings. They are family friendly with a kids menu and high chairs at hand. If you’re looking for team activities for a group they can host private whiskey and wine tastings that can be tailored to your group. They have a heated outdoor terrace perfect for having a coffee and catching up with friends. They are open Tuesdays to Sunday, serving lunch & dinner. Their evening menu includes a tapas style dish with a modern Irish twist, ideal for shared experiences, stories and memories using mostly locally sourced ingredients.
Urban Brewing have introduced a special brew to match the Pogues Exhibition in the EPIC Museum and it can only be tasted in the brewery.
New Year’s Eve celebration at Urban Brewing! Indulge in our 4-course tasting menu, where every dish is expertly paired with your choice of either Urban Brews or specially selected wine. Upon arrival, savor a refreshing glass of Prosecco to kick off the New Year in style.
What to Expect:
Prosecco on arrival. A carefully curated 4-course tasting menu made by our head chef Dan Keane. Expertly curated beer and wine pairings for each course. A delightful evening of culinary exploration
There will be two arrival times. 6 .30 pm and 8.30 pm
The Anantara Marker Hotel
Stay at Grand Canal Quay
To explore the Docklands the Anantara Marker Hotel is in a super location with the Bord Gais Theatre on your doorstep and lots of great spots to hang out. If you are looking for fine dining or if you want to do a bit of sightseeing. The rooms are luxurious and you are only 35 minutes on the dart out to Howth where they have a special culinary package where you can take a trip around the harbour learn about the fishing and see how salmon is smoked.
Luxury Festive hotel offers in Dublin | Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel
Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins is a wonderful dining experience with the celebrity chef – to learn more see here – Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins | Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel
For the official Forbes Street website – (forbesstreet.ie)
