Wednesday 18 July 2012

Desperate for some sunshine? Head for Glasnevin

After a wet St Swithin's Day on Sunday, it seems wellies and cagoules are to remain a la mode for the next six weeks or so. Call this summer? It's getting me down, and I'm someone who usually declares a heatwave and heads indoors when the mercury hits 20 degrees C.

But I've found the perfect solution: a trip to Glasnevin, courtesy of Google Earth. I don't know exactly when the peculiar Google camera-thing made its visit, but it was certainly a lovely sunny day.

It's now possible to stroll up and down along the avenues, enjoying the sculptures and sense of history, without any fear of sunburn or overheating. While it's not possible to read all the gravestone inscriptions, you can meander along the paths with the sun on your back. You almost need some sunglasses!

Give it a try. Just type Glasnevin into the search bar and then home in.

But if you'd rather make your visit in person, no matter the weather, there are a couple of special offers worth knowing about.

Wednesdays:
Since last week and until the end of August, there's a special Wednesday offer on combined tickets ie a ticket for both a museum visit and a walking tour around the cemetery. An individual combined ticket is just €5 (normally €10), while a Family combined ticket, valid for two adults and up to three children, is just €10 (normally €25).

Fridays: Until the end of August, combined adult tickets on Fridays cost €5 each.

Saturday 21 July
is a special Family Day that kicks off at 11am. Drawing activities will take place all day in the Prospect Gallery and between 11am and 1pm there's face painting. Whether or not you've just been transformed into a butterfly, tiger or vampire, you can join the Family Tour of the necropolis and explore all its many fascinating stories. A family ticket costs €10 for two adults and up to three children, with additional children charged at €1.50 each. An individual adult ticket costs €5. To book, ring (0)1 882 6550 or email booking@glasnevintrust.ie.