Uniquely Dublin

Uniquely Dublin Competition – Winner Announced

Unique in concept, the Uniquely Dublin Competition is now closed and the winner chosen. Lord Mayor Naoise Ó Muirí announced the overall winner of the Uniquely Dublin Competition in the Little Museum of Dublin on April 26th. The winning entry by Oisin Byrne and Gary Farrelly is entitled ‘Dublin: A Radical Science Guide’ and was in the Film category.

This short film ‘Dublin: A Radical Science Guide’ is a Flann O’Brien-esque satire, offering a hilarious view of the city. For the competition organisers, it highlights something that is truly unique about Dublin – our sense of humour.

Byrne and Farrelly are visual artists, whose past and forthcoming exhibitions include IMMA Kilmainham, the W Gallery in Paris and Princeton University, United States. They are spending part of the prize-money on creating a new version of the work.

Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Naoise Ó Muirí commented on the competition and prize giving; “The competition was unique and the entries so diverse and inspiring. The decision was very tight with all shortlisted entrants very worthy of the grand prize. My congratulations and thanks to all those who participated in the competition and to the enthusiasm of all involved in this ingenious competition”.

“An innovative concept which gathered great momentum worldwide. I commend both the staff of Dublin City Council and The Little Museum of Dublin on such an original and imaginative concept which yielded an exceptional variety of results and winners”, said Phillip Maguire, acting City Manager, Dublin City Council.

Speaking at the prize giving ceremony, Trevor White of The Little Museum of Dublin said “We are very grateful to everyone who entered the competition and are delighted with the results. We would also like to thank Dublin City Council, Tourism Ireland, Dublin Bus and last but not least our panel of judges who took time out of their own calendars to help choose the winners”.

Judges Prizes

Judges awarded a special prize to one shortlisted entry in each category. Winners in their respective categories are:

Film: Eleanore Nicholas and Ger Staunton for ‘My Fair Mot’

‘My Fair Mot’ was filmed over a series of ‘Dublin Classes as part of the Fringe Festival. The kids leading the class are from Whitefriar and Aungier Street community centre, and the classes were unscripted and improvised.

Animation: Christopher and Rachel Donnelly for ‘Uniquely Dublin’

‘Uniquely Dublin’ was created by brother and sister duo Chris and Rachel Donnelly and takes dialogue from conversations with people about Dublin and animates buses, buildings, beer taps and more with the results.

Music: Eammonn Bolton for ‘Black River’

‘Black River’ is a piece of music written to reflect the rhythms of the Liffey, how is rises and falls over its course through Dublin.

Photography: Dermot Kelly for ‘South Wall’

Dermot achieved this amazing angle by taking the picture from the deck of a ferry during an 8am crossing to Holyhead.

Written Word: Carmen Garcia for ‘Imagine’

‘Imagine’ is a piece by Carmen Garcia, a native of Spain who has lived in Dublin for many years and now considers it her home.

Visual Art: John Dunn for ‘The City is your Stage’

‘The City is your Stage’ is a huge moving sculpture called an automaton. The piece represents different aspects of Dublin life, and is an amazing feat of engineering.

Graphic Design: Jennifer Farley for ‘Phoenix Park’

‘Phoenix Park’ captures the essence of the park in a quirky, amusing style by Dublin-based designer Jennifer Farley.

IRISH LANDMARKS

If you are planning an Ireland vacation and want to visit some of the many must-see attractions, consider this list of the top 7 Irish landmarks.

1. Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is an historic Irish institution. This famous church sees more than 300,000 visitors a year, and their offerings help their church maintain itself after more than 800 years of servings its patrons. Jonathan Swift was the dean of this church from 1713 to 1745. Those with literary leanings enjoy visiting this Irish landmark in October for the annual Symposium on Jonathan Swift. Those with devout leanings might enjoy staying for one of the daily services.

2. The Blarney Stone

Many visitors to Ireland make sure they kiss the Blarney Stone, which is located at Blarney Castle near Cork. Here, you can learn about the castle’s history. It was originally a timber lodge built in the 10th Century, but was replaced by the stone castle in 1210. Many believe that kissing the Blarney Stone brings good luck, so take your chances. Be sure to get a picture while you’re there!

3. The Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are another top Irish landmark destination. Travelers brave the cold and fog all for the sake of seeing these famous cliffs overlooking the wild Atlantic Ocean. The cliffs are located in County Clare. These cliffs rise more than 214 meters (or about 700 feet) at their highest point, and visitors are well advised to be careful. There are no barriers provided, which means two things: the area has not been altered to appeal to tourists, which is a welcome departure from the norm, but it can be dangerous.

4. The Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most scenic touring routes. At 110 miles long, it circles the awe-inspiring Iveragh Peninsula. You’ll feel as if you have moved into nature’s mystic arena, and truly you have, as you pass between soft mountains, through forest glades, around bogs, rivers, lakes and pristine beaches. The road between the magnificent MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountains presents secret passes and valleys dotted along the fabled shores of Dingle and Kenmare Bays.

Ireland’s natural beauty sings throughout the Ring of Kerry. You may wish to explore several charming villages along the route, including Glenbeigh, Waterville, and Sneem. Stroll and talk to people—this is what makes your travel experience unique. The Ring attracted Ireland’s first settlers, and has a wealth of ancient sites.

This is also an area of Ogham Stones, the first mysterious forms of writing and art, nestled along the Ring. Follow the drive to Killarney by way of the Ladies View and the legendary Lakes of Killarney and the National Park. The Ring of Kerry is the stuff of dreams and lifelong memories.

5. Newgrange

Newgrange, in County Meath, crouches on a rise just north of the River Boyne. It is the focal point for a ceremonial area and megalithic cemetery that is 5,000 years old. The tombs’ passage is perfectly aligned to mark the Winter Solstice. Newgrange is one of the best examples in Western Europe of the type of monument known as a passage-grave or passage-tomb.

According to the most reliable Carbon 14 dating techniques, Newgrange was constructed around 3200BC. This means it is at least 600 years older than the Giza Pyramids in Egypt, and 1,000 years older than its British counterpart, Stonehenge.

If you are interested in visiting Newgrange during summer months, we highly recommend planning to arrive early in the morning to guarantee entrance to this extremely popular site.

6. The Giant’s Causeway

A Heritage Site (pictured above) located in Northern Ireland in County Antrim. Legend has it that the Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill (Fionn McCool) built the causeway to walk to Scotland to fight his Scottish counterpart Benandonner. One version of the legend tells that Fionn fell asleep before he got to Scotland. When he did not arrive, the much larger Benandonner crossed the bridge looking for him.

To protect Fionn, his wife Oonagh laid a blanket over him so he could pretend that he was actually their baby son. In a variation, Fionn fled after seeing Benandonner’s great bulk, and asked his wife to disguise him as the baby.

In both versions, when Benandonner saw the size of the ‘infant’, he assumed the alleged father, Fionn, must be gigantic indeed. Therefore, Benandonner fled home in terror, ripping up the Causeway in case he was followed by Fionn.

7. Castles of Ireland

Any visitor to Ireland must visit at least one castle. There are hundreds to choose from. Our favorite must-see castle is Bunratty Castle. This castle is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times.

The residents of Belfast enjoy Belfast Castle. This castle sits more than 400 feet above sea level on Cave Hill, and offers visitors one of the most panoramic and exciting views of Belfast itself.