New York, New York

In New York: 1. Virginia Macari and Sarah Morrissey; 2. John Fitzpatrick and Lorraine Keane; 3. Sandra Byrne and Darren Kennedy. (Pix. BME)

Fitzpatrick Hotels US hosted an exclusive New York evening in Residence club recently. John Fitzpatrick, CEO, welcomed and mingled with friends and colleagues discussing the many undiscovered delights that only the big apple has to offer.  A stylish evening of all things New York, guests were treated to a celebration of the superb value the unique city has to offer as they enjoyed Cosmos and Manhattans.

The party proved to be a must-attend with many familiar faces such Ireland’s most stylish man Darren Kennedy spotted catching up with top model Sarah Morrissey. Also in attendance was John’s sister Eithne Scott-Lennon who was spotted chatting to Fitzpatrick hotels regular Lorraine Keane.

Virginia Macari was there with her partner Kaste Dahl.  She will be making a big announcement soon and is said to be very excited about what the future holds!  John Fitzpatrick was also happy about his own recent announcement that he is the new Chairman of the Worldwide Ireland Funds, taking over from Loretta Brennan Glucksman.

Fitzpatrick’s head of sales Ann Murtagh chatted to Wayne Cronin of Quintessentially Lifestyle.  She was off for a brief trip to London before heading back to NY, where she’s based.  Other well-known faces at the bash included Maura Derrane, the ever glamorous Anne Doyle, pro golfer Christy O’Connor Jnr., Senator Eamonn Coghlan and Ryan Tubridy. 

Into the West

Food Fest: 1. Barry McCall and Derry Clarke; 2. Ashlee Dickinson; 3. Andrew Rudd and Jedda Downey. (Pix. SL / Photocall)

The Westport Festival of Music & Food 2013 has been announced.  At a packed party in Medley, Drury Street, guests heard details of what will surely be a festival highlight this summer.

Taking place in the grounds of Westport House on 29th and 30th June, it promises a weekend of great music, fabulous local food and entertainment to keep the whole family happy. Headline acts announced include Elvis Costello, Imelda May, The Stunning, Alabama 3, Damien Dempsey, Ryan Sheridan, Delorentos and many more.

Local food enthusiast Redmond Cabot was at the launch to announce a new element for the Festival - a ‘Best In The West’ food village, which will feature the very finest local produce. Guests at the launch were treated to an array of dishes, prepared by Medley’s Andrew Rudd, showcasing many of various local ingredients including Tagine of Connemara Hill Lamb, Kate Kennedy’s Mussels, Fresh oysters from Sean O’Grady and Seafood Chowder from The West Bar.

Among the crowd were musicians Jack L, Ryan Sheridan and Steve Wall. Foodies included chefs Derry Clarke and Rozanne Stevens, restaurateurs Asheesh Dewan of Jaipur and Joe Macken of Jo’Burger. Hairstylist Dylan Bradshaw and photographer Barry McCall helped spread the word about being part of the Festival themselves this year, with an on-site salon and photo studio.

http://www.westportfestival.com/

Dylan magazine

Mag Hag: 1. Pauric Sweeny; 2. Sonya Lennon and Brendan Courtney; 3. Maria Fusco. 

(Pix. Anthony Woods)

One of Dublin’s top hotels, Dylan, is on a quest of self improvement at the moment and there seems to be no stopping it.  Constantly evolving but remaining a firm favourite, the hotel has just launched its own magazine, also named, appropriately, Dylan.

Fans and friends of the 5-star hotel gathered on Wednesday evening to celebrate the new magazine and were warmly welcomed by GM Grainne Ross.  Perrier Jouet Champagne cocktails went down a treat while canapés from the Dylan kitchen whetted appetites.

In the magazine, which will be published bi-annually, the experienced Dylan staff share their knowledge of all that Dublin has to offer - everything from fashion and beauty tips to food and cocktail recipes, and from celebrity interviews to stylish gadgets and keeping fit.

The inaugural edition has head chef Glenn Murphy and Food and Beverage boss Raphael Bondelle teach readers how to create delicious dishes and cocktails, including Raphael’s signature Chocolate Martini, while fashionistas can read about the latest trends and gain an insight to rising fashion designer J.W Anderson.

Guests on the night included designer Pauric Sweeny, TV3's The Holiday Show presenters Ciara Whelan and John Slattery, Daisy Regan of concierge experts Quintessentially Lifestyle, Tina Koumarianos of IMAGE magazine and top chef Martjin Kajuiter.  Sonya Lennon and Brendan Courtney were there; both of them are soon to launch their own eponymous fashion label Lennon Courtney. 

For many at the party it was an opportunity to admire the Dylan’s newly redesigned terrace area, an Oriental-style space sure to be the hottest spot for al fresco socialising this season - and we’re not just talking about the retractable roof!

DublinTown.ie

Get on down:  1. Louise O’Reilly & Cici Cavanagh; 2. Sharon Finnegan, Lianne Kavanagh & Paulina Mastalska. (Pix. Richie Stokes)

DublinTown.ie is a new website created by Dubliners, for Dubliners, to keep you in the know about all the people, places and events that are well worth a visit in our much loved Dublin Town (inspired by the Alice in Funderland shoe perhaps?).

The website is now live and to celebrate its inception a launch party was hosted at Lost society on South William Street.  Guests enjoyed Lost Society’s specially created 'Dublin Town' cocktail and an exhibition by creative geniuses Philip White and Albert Hooi who have captured hundreds of images of what’s great about Dublin Town.

New York state of mind

 

City Slickers: 1. Lottie Ryan and Bonnie Ryan; 2. Dee Burdock and Kristin Skinner; 3. John Fitzpatrick and Alison Canavan; (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Fitzpatrick Hotels USA hosted an exclusive New York, New York evening in the Residence where CEO John Fitzpatrick had a warm welcome for all.  A stylish evening of all things New York, guests were treated to a celebration of the superb value this unique city has to offer as they enjoyed signature city Cosmo’s and Manhattan’s.

Among the globetrotting crowd were Ireland’s most stylish lady Sharon Corr, her TV colleague Kathryn Thomas and Rosanna Davison who was celebrating her birthday.  Also there were Kristi Kuudisiim, Morah Ryan together with her equally glamorous daughters Lottie and Bonnie Ryan, Roisin Tierney-Crowe, Ronan Collins and Alison Canavan , all eager to plan their next visit to the Big Apple.

Dublin - Dubai - Dublin

Emirates Gala: 1. Sharon Corr & Margaret Shannon; 2. Lionel Richie with Emirates representatives; 3. Edel Shanahan & Jennifer Mulligan.

With less than one month to go to Emirates’ inaugural flight from Dublin to Dubai, senior executives from the award-winning airline arrived in the Irish capital tonight , to host a gala dinner for over 900 guests at the Convention Centre Dublin.

One of the most high profile celebratory events in Dublin this year, representatives from the world of business, sport, music and the arts celebrated alongside government and state guests, as well as guests from the travel, tourism and aviation industries. The red carpet gala evening included an introduction to Emirates – its products, services and the carrier’s home city of Dubai.

The was huge excitement with a surprise performance from Lionel Richie who played an amazing set of his best known songs. Emirates also showcased a life-sized First Class suite, into which guests could sit and experience life onboard an Emirates’ aircraft. It certainly was a night to remember and fittingly marked the launch of this important trade and tourism route.

For further information www.emirates.com

Dylan at 5

Boutique: 1. Liz & Judith Giltinane; 2. Sharon McHugh; 3. Grainne Ross & Ursula Fanning. (Pix. Leon Farrell / Photocall)


Over the years, well 5 to be precise, Dylan hotel has firmly established itself as the destination boutique-hotel-of-choice in Dublin. The stylish D4 pad attracts a host of movers and shakers on a daily basis and is not short on celebrity residents either (with the likes of Kylie, Mark Zuckerberg and Sophie Anderton all checking in recently).

The place celebrated its 5th birthday recently with a an intimate party for regulars and their guests, The Perrier-Jouet champagne flowed as all were entertained by dancers, DJs and a full choir. The bar has even had a makeover and the much loved red theme has been changed to a more subdued blue hue. Among the attendees were Brent Pope, Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh, Triona McCarthy and Will White, designer Sean Byrne, Morah Ryan and Ursula Fanning.

Perfect Gift

Garden party: 1. Lee Bradshaw & Sharon Quinn; 2. Triona McCarthy, Catriona Hanly & Ciara O’Callaghan; 3. Dawn Fitzgerald & Daniel Scanlan. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Designer Catriona Hanly is branching out and opening luxury retail units in two of Ireland’s top hotels. Recently she hosted an afternoon tea party at the lavish Lough Rynn Castle in Leitrim and celebrated her new Courtyard Gift Boutique opening.

Guests were treated to an elegant afternoon of champagne, strawberries and canapés with style and chic in abundance at the salubrious surroundings of Lough Rynn Castle, once the home of the infamous Lord Leitrim and now better known as the backdrop to some very famous weddings.

Catriona Hanly’s new boutique has a beautiful selection of jewellery, gifts, interior gifts, cards and lots of treats and treasures as well as a delicious range of teas, coffees and pastries served all day. All of the outdoor furniture, candles, cushions and comforts are for sale so visitors can browse at their leisure with sugar and spice and all things nice!

Beauty guru Triona McCarthy and restaurateur Lee Bradshaw proved to be a unique double act to entertain and titillate as they presided over proceedings! Guests included Fair City’s Ciara O’Callaghan, milliner Jennifer Wrynne, actor Paul Ryan, designer Dawn Fitzgerald, pro golfer Suzanne Coyne and businessman Tadgh Geary.

Ard na Sidhe

Kingdom Come: 1. Isolde Liebherr, Jennifer Dowling & Michael Brennan; 2. Kay Bermingham & Brian Hurley; 3. Joanne McGillicuddy, Fallon Clifford & Rachel O’Shea. (Pix. Don MacMonagle)

To the Kingdom (that’s Kerry to you), for the reopening of Ard na Sidhe, the stunning country house hotel near Kilorglin that has undergone an extensive restoration and renovation project. The charming house is situated on the shores of Caragh Lake amidst 32 acres and was built by Lady Gordon in 1913.

Manager Jennifer Dowling welcomed everyone at the door and guests were able to wander around the stunning manor house and take in the newly designed bedrooms as well as wander through the magnificent Edwardian garden.

Mrs Isolde Liebherr was on hand to plant an oak tree in the gardens and guests included the new Kerry Rose of Tralee Sile Ni Dearghain, James Howley who oversaw the project and Gerry Brown and Mary Rose Hickey of Killarney Hotels.

Funtasia

Celebrity watchers, movie buffs and those with an interest in popular culture will love the fascinating (and totally free!) exhibition now running at Funtasia Waterpark in Drogheda. Funtasia has sourced an international exhibition showcasing an amazing collection of memorabilia from the worlds of television, music and movies.

Visitors can see modern iconic items including Michael Jackson’s touring jacket, apes from Planet of the Apes movie and a selection of Star Trek’s Aliens. Check out Pippa O'Connor (left) dressed as Elizabeth Taylor's Cleopatra.

The exhibition is a real treasure trove with other modern and classic celebrity items ranging from the Jonas Brothers’ Camp Rock costumes, Spice Girl Geri Halliwell’s platform boots, as well as the most famous wedding dress of 2010, Becky from Coronation Street’s pink meringue style creation.

The exhibition is Free and those travelling to it by Matthews Coaches get 50% off the cost of Funtasia’s other superb attractions including the WaterPark and adrenaline pumping Sky climb. Don’t delay in visiting as the show and Matthews Coaches special offer only runs until June 30th.

New York, New York

(Pix. Brian McEvoy)

American Dream: 1. John Fitzpatrick & Siobhan Mahon; 2. Eithna Fitzpatrick & Ryan Tubridy; 3. Aisling O’Loughlin & Sybil Mulcahy

The go-to Irishman in New York and Washington DC is John Fitzpatrick. Not only is he on first name terms with the likes of Bill and Hilary Clinton but he runs US Fitzpatrick Hotels, the Stateside arm of the famous Irish hotel group.

John recently hosted an exclusive New York, New York evening to mark the 20th anniversary of the group’s operations in America and welcomed honorary guest An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D. as he thanked family, friends and industry colleagues for their continued support over the last number of years.

“I find it hard to believe its 20 years, the time has flown and while it’s been hard work, I have had great fun along the way. I believe our success is due in no small way to the warmth of an Irish welcome. We have a fantastic team of talented, committed people working in both hotels. Of course the Fitzpatrick brand is not just about New York, it’s one of the longest established hospitality brands in Ireland – and in fact this year, my sister Eithne, is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Killiney Castle, which was founded by our parents Eithne and Paddy” said John.

Spotted congratulating John were regular US Fitzpatrick visitors Ryan Tubridy, Maura Derrane, Lorraine Keane and Morah and Lottie Ryan. Also toasting 20 years of US Fitzpatrick Hotels were RTE’s Anne Doyle and her partner Dan McGrattan, publisher Michael O’Doherty, TV3’s Sybil Mulcahy as well as Virginia Macari, Darren Kennedy and beauty guru Elaine Butler – Doolin.

City of a Thousand Welcomes

You’re Welcome: 1. Deirdre Hynds & Mary Collins; 2. John Waters & Brendan O’Connor;

3. Patricia Potter & Cllr. Peter Coyle; 4. Una Bagnall & Shane Dineen. (Pix. iKeegan Photography)

Over 1,500 people have applied to become Dublin Ambassadors with City of a Thousand Welcomes, a new tourism initiative that was launched recently at a reception in Bewleys. The project aims to harness Dublin’s reputation for offering a warm welcome with a format that makes sharing a pint or a cuppa with a Dubliner a certainty, rather than a hope, for thousands of tourists.

“Over three million people visit Dublin each year,” says Trevor White, director of the project, “and the reason why many of them come here is to meet friendly locals. City of a Thousand Welcomes brings tourists and Dubliners together in a fun, structured, safe way, at no cost to either party.”

City of a Thousand Welcomes will be launched globally on 16 June. From that day forth, people from all over the world will be able to meet with the Dublin Ambassadors over a free drink or cup of tea in three great Dublin institutions: the Merrion Hotel, Bewley’s Café and the Porterhouse.

When the service starts operating, a tourist could end up enjoying a pint with someone who shares their profession or hobby – or even one of the well-known Dubliners who have already signed up, such as Victoria Smurfit, David McWilliams, Bill Cullen, Graham Knuttel, Mario Rosenstock, David McSavage, Rosanna Davison and even Presidential candidate Senator David Norris.

City of a Thousand Welcomes will be headquartered in the Little Museum of Dublin, a new people’s museum that will open on St Stephen’s Green this summer and sponsors include Fáilte Ireland, Dublin City Council and Dublin Regional Authority. I guess this makes Dublin the only city in the world where the locals literally queue up to welcome visitors.

Paranormal Activity 2

Spooked: 1. Kevin Jenkinson & Sally Anne; 2. Declan Flynn; 3. Ruairi Tevlin, Tom Gallagher & Steve Culleton; 4. Paul Cullen & Muriel Graham.


Wicklow Gaol and Xtra-vision hosted a spooky event for the DVD/blu ray release of Paranormal Activity 2 recently. Paul Cullen of Xtra-vision, Muriel Graham from Paramount Home Entertainment, Martina Robinson of Wicklow Gaol and were on hand to welcome guests to the exclusive advance screening in the haunted prison. Not for the faint hearted!

Guests were treated to an exclusive paranormal investigation of the haunted prison with renowned psychic Declan Flynn - followed by a terrifying excerpt from Paranromal Activity 2. Regarded by audiences as one of the scariest films ever, the chilling realism of the movie continues where its predecessor left off. To settle everyone’s nerves Veronica Timlin from Wicklow's Grand Hotel hosted an intimate dinner party at the Friar suite.

Resident psychic medium at Wicklow Gaol, Declan Flynn says the success of Paranormal Activity 2 is intrinsically linked to its connection to the spirit world “We fear the unexpected and the unknown and what we don’t fully understand we rationally try to say does not exist – which is exactly what they do in Paranormal Activity 2.”