Come Here To Me!

The best present ever given in my house cost nothing. Sitting over the telly, it is an excellent drawing of my old man which the brother spent a long time putting together. The detail in it is incredible, it was clearly a labour of love. Such presents are quite simply priceless.

I’ve been thinking about this Christmas a bit lately.

A lot less money will no doubt be spent by us all than in previous years. Running a Dublin life and culture site, I got to thinking: What are a few nice little Dublin related bits I’d like? Here are a few.

1: The Southside (or Northside) Screenprint.

–From the folks over at Grand Grand.

Fergus O’Neill was no doubt on a winner with his ‘Keep Going Sure It’s Grand’ parody on a classic British World War II poster, but these have really grabbed my attention. The screenprint above is on the list.

‘Which Side Are You On?’

2: Keep Sketch Pencils

Is he coming?
Is who bleeeedin’ coming?
Múinteoir Sean.
Can’t see him.
Well, keep sketch will ya?

Alex Synge , well done. Amazed nobody thought of this before. They’re available from the Irish Design Shop, Dublin 2.

3: John Conway Art

The sacking of Balbriggan.

I really like John Conway’s work on the revolutionary years. I’ve got a few of his art cards upstairs, including a great image of James Connolly inside the General Post Office. You can purchase a set of 16 art cards for €6.99 from his website. From Kilmichael to Croke Park, Conway’s images of the revolutionary years are excellent.

4: Access All Abbey

Details are here. For €10 you pick up some great discounts at The Abbey, plus free access to the Abbey Talks. I went along to a few when The Plough And The Stars was being performed at The Abbey and they really are worthwhile. Now more than ever the likes of The Abbey need our support too.

5: A Visual Feast

“A Visual Feast – Irish Street Art is a new book by Rua Meegan and Lauren Teeling showcasing a photographic collection from the streets of Ireland featuring the work of and comments from Irish artists ADW, Asbestos, The Bogside Artists, Canvaz, Conor Harrington, Conor Casby, Fink, Gene, Lamps, Karma, Loki Demonseed, Maser, Vango, Will St. Leger, Xπr & many more.”

The Bogside Artists to ADW. Excellent.

6: Bernard Shaw Penguin Classics Deckchair

Might not hold my breath on this one. Slick eh? Postage might be an issue.

“Lack of money is the root of all evil.” Too right Bernard.

7: League of Ireland Season Ticket

Refuse to let Brian Lenihan keep you from your Friday night passion. Over the course of the year, you’ll save a few quid too. This present falls into the ‘To Myself’ category for most.