Christy Moore gives a terrific performance, and a show including him is always a treat. So when we discovered, last December, that he was playing Glór in Ennis this weekend, I counted the weeks left to see whether I was due to be in Ireland that weekend. (I come back every second week.) Sure enough, I was supposed to be here, so I gleefully booked us two tickets.
Mind you, I hadn't reckoned on the timing of Easter, which threw out my schedule (I wanted to be here that weekend). That meant I was here last weekend, which was two weeks after Easter.. but of course, with the tickets already booked for this weekend, I came back again. Worth the trouble, and the extra fare.
Today's schedule was much like the one we had last time we went to Glór, except that we didn't have it on the list to go to the pharmacy, or get petrol (luckily, as it was lashing rain on the way there). So - a visit to my uncle, then straight to The Poet's Corner to get a bite to eat, it being convenient for the cathedral, where we could get Mass, then on to Glór. Parked on the road between the cathedral and the Old Ground Hotel again, as the Poet's Corner is the pub of that hotel.
Despite us arriving half an hour earlier than last week, when we had had no trouble getting a table, it was completely full this evening. We blamed the fact that there were obviously First Communions afoot, what with little girls running about in long white dresses. Well, every table was occupied, but a kindly, elderly American lady at the table by the door, beside which we were standing, invited us to join her, and we did. She was having what looked like a Bailey's, and waiting for her husband. Chattily, she informed us that it was their second time - they'd been 10 years ago and loved it. Last time they were on a tour that started in Dublin - this time, they decided to fly to Shannon and take a tour from there. Pity about the weather, of course - cold and wet - but they were enjoying it. They're off to do the Ring of Kerry tomorrow, and good luck to them - they won't see much if there isn't a dramatic improvement! Well, but you don't come here for the weather.
Anyhow, they were having their dinner in the restaurant, but we ordered ours in the pub - the usual, chicken kiev for me, plaice for my mother (a half portion this time - for some strange reason, they usually give two full-size pieces of plaice, which I defy most people to eat!). We had plenty of time for dessert, which was good, as service was necessarily slower, with the crowds. I had a delicious Bailey's cheesecake, she had a raspberry mousse. And while eating, we had plenty of time to observe, and comment on, Communion fashions, and how that group of fashionable young ladies at the bar must be crippled in those sky-high, clunky-looking, shoes.
We made our way carefully across the road for Mass - it was quite windy by now. The service had been hijacked by the Eucharistic Adoration group, which was canvassing for new members, and whose representative gave a sermon of approximately 10 minutes about the advantages of it. They were handing out forms to be filled in with your details (if interested), and unwisely included pens with them. Wonder how many pens they got back..
We arrived in good time at Glór, and parked as near the entrance as possible. It was a short, but unpleasant, walk in. The lobby was already pretty full - tonight's and last night's concerts were sold out, I believe. I collected our tickets, then dropped off some books at their handy leave-a-book shelves, where we picked up a couple last week. We didn't fancy pushing through the crowd at the bar for a drink, but soon it was time to go in anyway. We were told we were in the centre of the row, and could enter the auditorium by either door, but the usher at the first door tried to send us round to the second door. This made no sense, and my mother just walked on ahead. I duly followed.
We were six rows from the stage. Mind you, with Glór so full these days, you don't get an idea in advance of exactly where that is - they've managed to cram about six extra rows in there. Still, it was a good seat. Legroom is good at Glór, and the seats quite comfortable. The two seats in front of me stayed empty until the third song - they turned up late. The seat beside my mother, however, was the only one that we could see that stayed empty for the entire show - maybe they had difficulty in selling this one single seat. Mind you, I was surprised to see people being sat onstage, at the side! I think they were personal guests of Christy's - he did mention that his brother-in-law was there tonight, among others. They mustn't have had anywhere else to put them. Behind us were two sets of middle-aged American couples - one guy got chatting to the local chap beside him, explaining that they came over every year, and four years ago bought a cottage in Corofin.
And so to the show. I'm used to seeing him either alone, or partnered with Declan Sinnott - but tonight, he had a four-piece traditional band with him. This allowed him to intersperse his playlist with a few traditional numbers, which went down a storm. As did most of his own numbers. My mother had to glare at the aforementioned American before he stopped kicking her seat as he jiggled his leg to the music. And we clapped, and we sang along. And Christy employed his standard audience management techniques - slowing the tempo of a song if we had started to sing or clap along and he'd rather we were quiet. Not that he had to do too much of that - we were very attentive, for which he praised us, near the end. With his enormous back catalogue, you'd forgive him for forgetting the words to one - Duffy's Cut. "Fuck", as he remarked. And sang with his eyes shut, generally, as usual - only once having to wipe the sweat from his brow.. performing live takes an awful toll on him and he doesn't typically tour abroad any more. He lifted the roof off the place with Lisdoonvarna - obligatory for a Clare audience. When they left the stage, we thunderously demanded an encore, which he obliged with, and was rewarded with a standing ovation. If you like this kind of music, do not pass up an opportunity to see this guy. Legendary. Worth the bumpy landing yesterday.
I needed the toilet afterwards, and while I stood in the long queue, was rewarded with a cd of Irish trad playing in the lobby. Anyway, the delay gave the car park time to clear, and we drove home in weather that can best be described as filthy. For anyone not familiar with Irish weather, by this I mean with thundering rain and strong winds. Not for the fainthearted. The black cat was delighted when we arrived and let her in. She was the only one brave enough to come out in that weather.
My mother's making noises about going to O' Brien's for lunch tomorrow before I go back - depends what time I crawl out of bed. For Monday, it's looking like a film, but I have to finish rating what's out before I decide..
Showing posts with label Old Ground Hotel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Old Ground Hotel. Show all posts
Saturday, 10 May 2014
Saturday, 3 May 2014
Play: It's the Real McCoy
I heard about It's the Real McCoy from a friend. It was running in Glor in Ennis on a weekend I was back, and sounded ok, so we decided to go. We picked a couple of seats at the edge of Row H - two seats on their own, about two rows up in the tiered section. And so it was that we headed to the show in Ennis tonight.
We had errands to run on the way, but things ran pretty smoothly. We had to run to my uncle's, then to the pharmacy, then for petrol, then headed for something to eat in the Poet's Corner pub in the Old Ground Hotel, conveniently across the road from the cathedral, where we could get Mass, and still make it in time for the show. We parked on the road between the hotel and the cathedral, where there were a good number of spaces, and paid 30c for half an hour's parking. Which took us up to 5.59, with parking charges ending at 6pm. I figured we were fairly safe! Better that than searching for free parking at the hotel, whose car park is woefully inadequate, and was full to bursting as we walked through.
We had arrived early enough that the pub was only about half full, and we had no trouble finding a table, getting a full-size one complete with couch. I certainly can't complain about the service, which was as efficient as any I've seen - the menus were on the table, and we had chosen what we wanted to eat by the time our drinks arrived. Seriously, our food arrived within ten minutes! Never seen better. As usual, I had the chicken kiev and my mother had the plaice. Unfortunately, we'd forgotten that two pieces of plaice is the normal portion size. It was too much for my mother, who asked for the second piece to be wrapped (the sundry animals at home greatly enjoyed it later). We were finished our main courses before 6, with Mass not until half past, so we also had dessert. My mother was immediately drawn to the passion fruit pannacotta, and I to the profiteroles. She was delighted with hers - mine, unfortunately, primarily tasted of burnt pastry. As we were eating, the pub quickly filled up around us, and by the time we were finished, a family was gagging for our table.
We left just in good time for Mass, carefully crossing the road through the now busy traffic, and took a seat near the side entrance, which opens onto the road where I was parked. It was a month's mind Mass, with a small musical group at the side of the altar. The priest was rather long-winded, and my mother was worried about getting to Glor in time to get a decent parking space, near the entrance. So we left as soon as Communion was over.
It's not far from there to Glor, and when we arrived, there were plenty of spaces. After I parked - carefully, in an attempt to ensure a swift exit - we went in and took a seat in the lobby, as the auditorium wasn't open yet. I fancied more wine. My mother didn't, and was wondering what else she might have, as their tea's no good - just at that point, the guy unveiled the ice cream cart! So she had one of those. And we checked out the adjacent bookshelves, where you can take and leave books, free of charge. We each took one, and vowed to bring some of our own next week, when we'll be there again for a Christy Moore concert. Then we ran into some neighbours, and chatted away until it was time to go in.
No problem finding our seats, I remembered them from the seating plan. My mother was delighted with them - we have seats on the flat for the concert, though. Never mind. I noticed that, for this show, they'd added two extra rows of seating! It soon became apparent why, as the venue was absolutely packed. Indeed, some people arrived quite late, and we speculated that they'd had trouble parking, maybe had to walk a distance from the car.
The play is set in the rural West of Ireland in 1964, where Madge Molloy has become embittered after having been without her husband for the past 43 years! He walked out on her after less than five months of marriage, when she was pregnant. She hasn't heard anything from him since. However, the new curate in town - Father McCoy - might be able to cast some light on the matter..!
The aforementioned Father McCoy turned out also to be the playwright. As he explained after the curtain calls, his thought in writing this was to provide a good, clean comedy that could be enjoyed by all the family. And this he achieved. In parts, it might seem a bit over the top, but the excellent cast go at it with gusto, and it's impossible not to laugh. We have the battleaxe Madge, her daughter, Maura, and Maura's boyfriend. It's a real shame that I can't find a cast list anywhere, because whoever played that part is a terrific comic actor. The priest does a great job of looking scared, and great comedy is provided by the next-door neighbours, Nora and Cora O' Hora - mother and daughter, who spend most of their time snooping, and during the second half peek in the window, uttering comments just like Statler and Waldorf from The Muppets.
The playwright also founded the company - the Crokey Hill Club. Their stated aim is to provide quality comedy to the West of Ireland, and this is their second play. They've toured the States and the UK, and are currently touring Ireland. Check out their website and catch them if you can - they've finished in Ennis now, but will be touring until 5th July.
For tomorrow, I've been looking at the Limerick City of Culture events, and I see there's a classical concert in St. Mary's Cathedral - Reflecting Strings. Cool! There doesn't seem to be an advance booking facility, but we can rock along for 8 and see..
We had errands to run on the way, but things ran pretty smoothly. We had to run to my uncle's, then to the pharmacy, then for petrol, then headed for something to eat in the Poet's Corner pub in the Old Ground Hotel, conveniently across the road from the cathedral, where we could get Mass, and still make it in time for the show. We parked on the road between the hotel and the cathedral, where there were a good number of spaces, and paid 30c for half an hour's parking. Which took us up to 5.59, with parking charges ending at 6pm. I figured we were fairly safe! Better that than searching for free parking at the hotel, whose car park is woefully inadequate, and was full to bursting as we walked through.
We had arrived early enough that the pub was only about half full, and we had no trouble finding a table, getting a full-size one complete with couch. I certainly can't complain about the service, which was as efficient as any I've seen - the menus were on the table, and we had chosen what we wanted to eat by the time our drinks arrived. Seriously, our food arrived within ten minutes! Never seen better. As usual, I had the chicken kiev and my mother had the plaice. Unfortunately, we'd forgotten that two pieces of plaice is the normal portion size. It was too much for my mother, who asked for the second piece to be wrapped (the sundry animals at home greatly enjoyed it later). We were finished our main courses before 6, with Mass not until half past, so we also had dessert. My mother was immediately drawn to the passion fruit pannacotta, and I to the profiteroles. She was delighted with hers - mine, unfortunately, primarily tasted of burnt pastry. As we were eating, the pub quickly filled up around us, and by the time we were finished, a family was gagging for our table.
We left just in good time for Mass, carefully crossing the road through the now busy traffic, and took a seat near the side entrance, which opens onto the road where I was parked. It was a month's mind Mass, with a small musical group at the side of the altar. The priest was rather long-winded, and my mother was worried about getting to Glor in time to get a decent parking space, near the entrance. So we left as soon as Communion was over.
It's not far from there to Glor, and when we arrived, there were plenty of spaces. After I parked - carefully, in an attempt to ensure a swift exit - we went in and took a seat in the lobby, as the auditorium wasn't open yet. I fancied more wine. My mother didn't, and was wondering what else she might have, as their tea's no good - just at that point, the guy unveiled the ice cream cart! So she had one of those. And we checked out the adjacent bookshelves, where you can take and leave books, free of charge. We each took one, and vowed to bring some of our own next week, when we'll be there again for a Christy Moore concert. Then we ran into some neighbours, and chatted away until it was time to go in.
No problem finding our seats, I remembered them from the seating plan. My mother was delighted with them - we have seats on the flat for the concert, though. Never mind. I noticed that, for this show, they'd added two extra rows of seating! It soon became apparent why, as the venue was absolutely packed. Indeed, some people arrived quite late, and we speculated that they'd had trouble parking, maybe had to walk a distance from the car.
The play is set in the rural West of Ireland in 1964, where Madge Molloy has become embittered after having been without her husband for the past 43 years! He walked out on her after less than five months of marriage, when she was pregnant. She hasn't heard anything from him since. However, the new curate in town - Father McCoy - might be able to cast some light on the matter..!
The aforementioned Father McCoy turned out also to be the playwright. As he explained after the curtain calls, his thought in writing this was to provide a good, clean comedy that could be enjoyed by all the family. And this he achieved. In parts, it might seem a bit over the top, but the excellent cast go at it with gusto, and it's impossible not to laugh. We have the battleaxe Madge, her daughter, Maura, and Maura's boyfriend. It's a real shame that I can't find a cast list anywhere, because whoever played that part is a terrific comic actor. The priest does a great job of looking scared, and great comedy is provided by the next-door neighbours, Nora and Cora O' Hora - mother and daughter, who spend most of their time snooping, and during the second half peek in the window, uttering comments just like Statler and Waldorf from The Muppets.
The playwright also founded the company - the Crokey Hill Club. Their stated aim is to provide quality comedy to the West of Ireland, and this is their second play. They've toured the States and the UK, and are currently touring Ireland. Check out their website and catch them if you can - they've finished in Ennis now, but will be touring until 5th July.
For tomorrow, I've been looking at the Limerick City of Culture events, and I see there's a classical concert in St. Mary's Cathedral - Reflecting Strings. Cool! There doesn't seem to be an advance booking facility, but we can rock along for 8 and see..
Saturday, 14 December 2013
Ballet: Carmen
Despite typically awful weather, this was a great evening!
So, for convenience we decided to eat in the Poet's Corner before the show - the pub in the Old Ground hotel. Parking tends to be easier on the road outside, and handily, for December the parking is free after 5pm. We arrived at about 10 to 5, and paid the minimum of 20c, which took us to just after 5. Extremely good value, you'd have to admit!
The pub was as busy as usual, people watching the Munster rugby match on the televisions, but we were lucky to find a little table in the far corner. And luckier still when our waiter remarked that a table was free now just behind us, which had more space and a chair for me instead of just a stool. So we gratefully moved.
We ordered wine - they have an extensive wine list, and you can order from the house bottle or by individual quarter bottles. Easier was the choice of food - I always have the chicken kiev, it's delicious, and my mother goes for the plaice. Our waiter distinguished herself again by asking my mother whether she'd prefer a half portion - they tend to serve two pieces of plaice. So not only did we save money, but she was still well fed, without having to eat too much. Finished early, we decided to have dessert. I went for the chocolate truffle cake, of course - a specialty of theirs - and my mother decided on the mousse. Honestly, I've had chocolatier things than that cake, but it was fine. My mother was very impressed by the presentation of the mousse in a jar - very practical recycling.
We couldn't see the match properly from where we were, but with such a crowd avidly watching all around, you didn't really have to - a modest cheer meant the other side scored, a deafening roar was a score for Munster. And in the end, Munster won by a single point!
We were worried about getting to Glór in time to get decent parking, in case it rained again. In fact, I got the very last space in the closest section to the door. A tight space, but just adequate. We went in, got our tickets and proceeded straight to our seats, in Row F - the front row of the rear section on the ground floor, it adjoins the aisle and so has terrific legroom - you can stretch out completely if the mood takes you.
The show was Ballet Ireland's production of Carmen. From the very beginning, it was marvellous! A gripping story in any medium, it is set to the glorious music of the original Bizet score, with the brilliant idea of adding a live flamenco guitarist, who sits at the side of the stage for some sections, adding a Spanish flavour to the events. And hearing the music in this context allows you to concentrate on it in a different way from when it is accompanied by words. It didn't lose one ounce of the passion of the opera, and we were all very impressed by the matador.. What a shame it's coming to the end of its run, with only two more shows left - on Wednesday in Navan, and Thursday in Thurles. We were lucky this went on tour!
Back to London tomorrow.. and probably, predictably, to see The Hobbit: the Desolation of Smaug on Monday. Well, as soon as I heard it was out, I knew it was likely to be the next thing I went to, once I got the chance!
So, for convenience we decided to eat in the Poet's Corner before the show - the pub in the Old Ground hotel. Parking tends to be easier on the road outside, and handily, for December the parking is free after 5pm. We arrived at about 10 to 5, and paid the minimum of 20c, which took us to just after 5. Extremely good value, you'd have to admit!
The pub was as busy as usual, people watching the Munster rugby match on the televisions, but we were lucky to find a little table in the far corner. And luckier still when our waiter remarked that a table was free now just behind us, which had more space and a chair for me instead of just a stool. So we gratefully moved.
We ordered wine - they have an extensive wine list, and you can order from the house bottle or by individual quarter bottles. Easier was the choice of food - I always have the chicken kiev, it's delicious, and my mother goes for the plaice. Our waiter distinguished herself again by asking my mother whether she'd prefer a half portion - they tend to serve two pieces of plaice. So not only did we save money, but she was still well fed, without having to eat too much. Finished early, we decided to have dessert. I went for the chocolate truffle cake, of course - a specialty of theirs - and my mother decided on the mousse. Honestly, I've had chocolatier things than that cake, but it was fine. My mother was very impressed by the presentation of the mousse in a jar - very practical recycling.
We couldn't see the match properly from where we were, but with such a crowd avidly watching all around, you didn't really have to - a modest cheer meant the other side scored, a deafening roar was a score for Munster. And in the end, Munster won by a single point!
We were worried about getting to Glór in time to get decent parking, in case it rained again. In fact, I got the very last space in the closest section to the door. A tight space, but just adequate. We went in, got our tickets and proceeded straight to our seats, in Row F - the front row of the rear section on the ground floor, it adjoins the aisle and so has terrific legroom - you can stretch out completely if the mood takes you.
The show was Ballet Ireland's production of Carmen. From the very beginning, it was marvellous! A gripping story in any medium, it is set to the glorious music of the original Bizet score, with the brilliant idea of adding a live flamenco guitarist, who sits at the side of the stage for some sections, adding a Spanish flavour to the events. And hearing the music in this context allows you to concentrate on it in a different way from when it is accompanied by words. It didn't lose one ounce of the passion of the opera, and we were all very impressed by the matador.. What a shame it's coming to the end of its run, with only two more shows left - on Wednesday in Navan, and Thursday in Thurles. We were lucky this went on tour!
Back to London tomorrow.. and probably, predictably, to see The Hobbit: the Desolation of Smaug on Monday. Well, as soon as I heard it was out, I knew it was likely to be the next thing I went to, once I got the chance!
Saturday, 22 June 2013
Restaurant: Poet's Corner
We had business in Ennis town centre this evening, so ate in the Poet's Corner, which is the bar of the Old Ground hotel.
This is arguably the best hotel in Ennis. There are a number of town centre hotels, but this is the oldest, and has hosted celebrity weddings in the past. Has that slight air of poshness about it. Parking is generally tricky - the car park tends to overflow - so we were happy to pay for parking on the street outside.
The bar was packed, and we got practically the last table in the place, right in the corner at the back. Now, the hotel may be posh, but the bar is cosy and welcoming. A pity that I had to take a stool - I have a bad back, and it wasn't the most comfortable option. Never mind.
Most remarkable about the food here is the speed with which it is served. I swear, five minutes after we ordered, we had our drinks, and three minutes later, our mains (we didn't have starters). And my chicken, certainly, was succulent and perfectly cooked. The chips were piping hot, and the salad dressing tasty. My mother had plaice, which she enjoyed, although the portion was huge, too much for her. Well, the cat appreciated the leftovers, later..
And, satisfyingly, the heavy rain cleaned my car of the debris that had fallen from the trees under which I park it. Result!!
Heading to Strange Interlude in the National Theatre on Monday. Twice to the National in under a week, when I haven't been there in ages. Well, that's how it goes. And on Tuesday, I have a free ticket to a special preview of This Is the End. Looking forward to that!
This is arguably the best hotel in Ennis. There are a number of town centre hotels, but this is the oldest, and has hosted celebrity weddings in the past. Has that slight air of poshness about it. Parking is generally tricky - the car park tends to overflow - so we were happy to pay for parking on the street outside.
The bar was packed, and we got practically the last table in the place, right in the corner at the back. Now, the hotel may be posh, but the bar is cosy and welcoming. A pity that I had to take a stool - I have a bad back, and it wasn't the most comfortable option. Never mind.
Most remarkable about the food here is the speed with which it is served. I swear, five minutes after we ordered, we had our drinks, and three minutes later, our mains (we didn't have starters). And my chicken, certainly, was succulent and perfectly cooked. The chips were piping hot, and the salad dressing tasty. My mother had plaice, which she enjoyed, although the portion was huge, too much for her. Well, the cat appreciated the leftovers, later..
And, satisfyingly, the heavy rain cleaned my car of the debris that had fallen from the trees under which I park it. Result!!
Heading to Strange Interlude in the National Theatre on Monday. Twice to the National in under a week, when I haven't been there in ages. Well, that's how it goes. And on Tuesday, I have a free ticket to a special preview of This Is the End. Looking forward to that!
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