Her favourite event in Dublin Issy was a big fan of the Festival of World Cultures, the hugely popular multicultural festival of music, art and fairs in Dun Laoghaire that was scrapped in 2011 due to a funding shortfall.
Her favourite event in Dublin
Issy was a big fan of the Festival of World Cultures, the hugely popular multicultural festival of music, art and fairs in Dun Laoghaire that was scrapped in 2011 due to a funding shortfall.
“I don’t know if they are going to do it again, I was trying to find out,” mentions Issy.
The range of cultures on show at the Dun Laoghaire festival always greatly impressed her. In particular, she vividly recalls seeing excellent full-body art there. She mentions a butterfly design that dazzled her. “It was very professional,” says Issy.
Another favourite event is a CityFolk staple: St Patrick’s Day. In a way, the festival is chance to see Ireland from the outside while still being here, Issy suggests.
Her favourite pub and/or landmark in Dublin
Issy’s favourite pub could potentially constitute a landmark too: Johnnie Fox’s, which is apparently the highest pub in Ireland. It is nestled in the peaceful town of Glencullen and surrounded by the beautiful Dublin Mountains.
Issy finds that there are elements of Johnnie Fox’s pub that remind her of an elderly person’s home in Africa. “It is so much like Africa! Like your grandfather’s house,” she says, referring to the old teacups, cutlery and various items from years ago on display.
Issy feels that it is very important to “maintain your history of the way Ireland was before and keep it for people to see”.
Johnnie Fox’s is certainly “not the type of pub you see everywhere”, says Issy, who suggests that it a must-see place for newcomers and visitors alike.
– in conversation with Catherine Reilly
