Attention all you Irish enthusiasts! If you thought a pint of Guinness was as authentic as it got in these parts (oh, and a decent dose of rain, of course) think again. Next week, from January 22-27, the Dubai Irish Festival dances into town, bringing with it some serious craic in the form of some of Ireland's top musicians, sports stars and performers.

If you fancy winning a five star, five night trip to Dublin, log on next week and answer a simple Irish question. On Feb 7th we'll be handing those dream tickets over.

Plus, don't forget to listen to Siobhan Live on Dubai Eye, 103.8 (weekdays from 12pm), for all festival coverage. And look out for our photographers at all events - they'll be waiting to snap all eager posers.

With so much going on, you might have trouble deciding what to do - so here's a breakdown for you.


Tuesday 22nd January 2008

"Irish Céilí" in the Arabian Desert

Dancing in the desert! Sounds like something everyone should experience at least once, and this sandy soiree is accompanied by dynamic, musical duo Seamus Begley and Jim Murray, from Ireland. Gather your friends and head for a night of Irish music and dance in the unique, starlit setting of the Arabian Desert, and if you fancy a go for yourself, sets and Céilí dances will also be taught by two of Ireland's top tutors, Pádraig & Róisín McEneany. A BBQ, desert activities and bar facilities will also be in action.

Coaches will leave from the Oasis Beach Hotel 3pm.
Céilí starts at 8pm
Date: Tuesday 22nd January 2008
Venue: Arabian Desert
Tickets: Dhs 250 (Dhs 100 - Céilí only)
To book call MCI: 04 341 5663
Information: info@dubaiirishfestival.com


Wednesday 23rd January 2008

Exclusive "Irish Golf Day" at The Montgomerie Golf Club

Here's one for the little round ball enthusiasts amongst you - "Irish Day" at The Montgomerie is when an Irish invasion swoops down upon this world class golf club! If you can't beat them, you can at least join them in a trip led by Irish Sporting GAA Star, DJ Carey. Lunch is included and if you're confident with your skills, you can even take part in the ‘Best Irish Golfer of Dubai Irish Festival' competition to win some great prizes.

Venue: The Montgomerie Golf Club
Time: 8am
Tickets: Dhs 595
To book call MCI: 04 341 5663
ringram@woodhamillingram.com


Exclusive "Irish Music Cruise" on Dubai Creek

Feel the wind in your hair and imagine you're floating down Dublin's Liffey River, if the creek isn't good enough! This is a treat you won't want to miss though - a gorgeous, gourmet meal on board the spectacular ‘Bateaux Dubai'. If you haven't taken a cruise at night yet, do it the Irish way on Thursday, accompanied by Irish composer and performer Mícheál O Súilleabháin - here to sing for his freshly prepared, international gourmet supper, as you eat yours. The entertainers visiting Dubai from Ireland for the festival will also be on board - so ask them all your questions while they can't escape!

Venue: Bateaux Dubai, Dubai Creek
Time: 7.45pm
Tickets: Dhs 350
Information: info@dubaiirishfestival.com or isabela.csurkuly@bateauxdubai.com


Thursday 24th January 2008

Exclusive "Irish Day" at Dubai International Racing Carnival

Ever been invited to The Corporate Suite in the Millennium Stand at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse? Nope, neither have we, which is why we're taking up this invitation! Here's your chance to sample some sumptuous food, drink and non stop, toe tapping entertainment from Ireland. Your host for the evening will be renowned Irish jockey Johnny Murtagh, and music will be provided by eternal favourite, Jason Fallon. Watch out for the "Best dressed Irish lady" and "Best Dressed Irish couple" competition - it's your chance to win some fabulous prizes.

Venue: Nad Al Sheeba Racecourse
Tickets: Dhs 350
Time: 6pm-11pm
To book call MCI: 04 341 5663
Information: info@dubaiirishfestival.com


Friday 25th January 2008

"Irish Comedy Night"

Comedy fans are in for a treat at the Rainbow Room, (Aviation Club, Garhoud) next Friday. Prep your funnybones for a night with one of Ireland's finest comedians, Barry Murphy, known for his performances on Father Ted and Après match. Barry will be supported by another, very popular Irish comedian, Bernard O Shea. Book in advance but remember the comedy rules, people. Sit at the front and you're asking for it!

Venue: The Rainbow Room at The Aviation Club
Tickets: Dhs 100
Time: 9pm
Information & Bookings: Rainbow Room +971 4 2824122

Live concerts at The Irish Village

We love The Irish Village at the best of times, but Friday's a special occasion which sees our fave open air venue in the city playing host to one of Ireland's most popular Irish contemporary artists, Duke Special, plus Frankie Gavin and his band, Hibernian Rhapsody. It promises to be an evening of top calibre Irish music, song and dance, followed by music at the late night Festival Club which runs ‘till 3am.

Venue: The Irish Village, Dubai
Time: 9pm
Tickets: Dhs 100 at the Irish Village
Information: info@dubaiirishfestival.com


Saturday 26th January 2008

"Ireland in Dubai"

Not exactly the "classic" night of Irish fun one might expect, but a rather more civilized affair here, as Ireland's greatest Irish performers join in concert with the Dubai Philharmonic Orchestra.

Frankie Gavin and his band, Hibernian Rhapsody, will team up for a night of Irish music, song and dance, featuring distinguished Irish composer, Mícheál O' Súilleabháin, world famous Irish tenor, Anthony Kearns of the Irish Tenors and leading contemporary singer, Duke Special.

Venue: Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre
Time: 8pm
Tickets: Dhs 250 from DUCTAC Box Office
Information: info@dubaiirishfestival.com

Live concerts at The Irish Village

Back to the IV we go, for a night of fun with one of Ireland's most popular Irish traditional duo's, Seamus Begley & Jim Murray - who promise us all another night of top calibre Irish music, song and dance. If you haven't danced yet, maybe tonight's the night they'll bring out your Inner-Irish?

Venue: The Irish Village, Dubai
Time: 11pm
Information: info@dubaiirishfestival.com
Tickets available from Irish Village


For more info see the website: www.dubaiirishfestival.com
*Please note the above events are subject to local government permissions being granted.

*The Festival Director reserves the right to alter the content of the programme without prior notice.