Photo credit Declan Hackett

Could there be anything nicer to do on a Sunday afternoon than a History walking tour, followed by wonderful concert of ultra- high quality music, performance, poetry,  with a sociable glass of wine after?   Well, what about if the concerts took place in some of the most beautiful historic interiors in Dublin?    Dublin Decoded is delighted to collaborate with the Drawing Rooms, concerts and recitals in Dublin’s historic spaces.  At least twice in the next couple of months we’ll have the walks below, followed by musical programmes, curated by architecture and music historian Aine Nic an Riogh of the Drawing Rooms.

Sunday afternoon March 22nd:   the Drawing Rooms presents the Elva MacGowan Ensemble, at 25 Mountjoy Sq.  From 16:30 to 18:00 (GMT)  To book tickets for concerts only * see this link.     Dublin Decoded are proud to run a special walk to link with this concert, North Georgian Splendour. Meet at the Parnell Monument top of O’Connell Street, staring at 2pm, walk concluding by 4pm, at least 30 minutes before the concert, to allow a rest. (We will finish just a short few minutes walk from the concert venue in Mountjoy Square).  The walk will look at the adjoining area, including an architectural appreciation of the Rotunda, Ambassador and Gate Theatres, Parnell Square, on to the Black Church and adjoining area, Denmark Street, Belvedere College and a visit and exploration of an historic 18th century interior, on either North Great Georges St, or on Mountjoy Square itself.  The fee for a walk-only ticket is our normal €20, including booking fee) but Dublin Decoded is offering a 25% reduction for people who book a walk plus concert joint ticket, at the combined price of €30.  For combined tickets please see this link, and then press the 3rd option “walk + concert”.

Then, on Sunday April 19th:  Dublin in the First World War, a history walk.

Dublin Decoded collaboration with the Drawing Rooms takes place Sunday April 19th.     Meet 2pm at Campanile, middle of Front Square, Trinity College, for a special walk discussing Dublin in the First World War, especially this central-south area from Trinity college to Stephen’s Green and St Patrick’s Cathedral.  We’ll explore how the war was perceived, commemorated or denied, how it divided and polarized or united, and how it intersected with the dramatic events of Easter Week in 1916.   Tour finishes 4.pm at South William Street, with a short 30 minute break, to continue and dovetail with a wonderful concert and performances there…

– “Words and Music from the First World War”,  in the lovely Octagon Room at the Irish Georgian Society/ City Assembly Rooms, South William Street.  Starts 20 minutes after conclusion of our walking tour.   Please note you can book tour only €20 (inc booking fee) at this link:      But for joint walk + concert combined ticket at special total price €30, please look for the 3rd option after you press on this link.

a month later, on Sunday 31st May:  Dublin Decoded, walk of the North Georgian City, followed by a concert at Number 12 Henrietta Street

featuring the 18th century Rotunda Lying-In hospital, including Ambassador and Gate theatres; Parnell Sq (formerly Rutland Square) as well as Charlemont House; the King’s Inns and a history of Henrietta Street itself.  Walk commences 2pm.  Meet at the Parnell monument, top of O’Connell Street.  Finishes 4pm, to allow a quick 20 minute rest- break before the concert…     where…   @TheDrawingRoom with the Association of Irish Composers presents,  Anne-Marie O’Farrell – harpist and composer, in the spectacular Georgian interior of number 12 Henrietta Street.  Concert Sunday, 31 May 2015 from 16:30 to 18:00 (Irish summer time)    This wonderful concert is preceded by the Dublin Decoded walk of the North Georgian City, as above.    To purchase tickets for walk + concert at special combination price of €30, please look for the 3rd option “walk + concert”.  after you press here.

    Photo credit Declan Hackett

* Sunday March 22nd:  Elva MacGowan Ensemble Sunday afternoon, at 25 Mountjoy Sq.  We may have a walk to announce soon, to coincide with this lovely concert, walking tour would start around 2pm (two hours before concert)  If we do, it will take place in the Mountjoy Square area, will focus on that area, including notes on buildings, history of the street-scape and decor, and at least one rarely seen interior.   Tour will commence 2pm,  and there will be a special price for anyone presenting a concert ticket for the concert later that day.  Keep you eye on our website for details next week! We look forward to seeing you at the concerts and walks.    – Arran,  Dublin Decoded.