As we approach the second St Patrick’s Day of the pandemic many people are wondering how they can mark Ireland’s national holiday. Sure you can wear some green, maybe you could get on Zoom with your friends and have a Guinness or a small drop of whiskey, you should definitely start your day with Sam’s non-stop Irish playlist on the ACR Breakfast Show but what are your other options?
Irish Club President Geoff Thompson joined Sam this morning to offer a couple of options. The British & Irish Film season normally takes place in September but as some restrictions are still likely to be in place Geoff and his team are looking at making it a hybrid event, allowing people to view films both in person and online. With that in mind they have teamed up with the Irish Film Institute (International) and Culture Ireland to trial the system and to bring two feature films to your screens just in time for St Patrick’s Day.
The Winter Lake is a drama/thriller that is set in a very wet looking Sligo and features Sex Education’s Emma Mackey whose character, Holly, has dark secret is accidentally uncovered by her new emotionally unstable neighbour, they are pulled into a violent confrontation with her father, who will do anything to keep the secret hidden.
The second film, Wildfire is the story of two sisters who grew up on the fractious Irish border. When one of them, who has been missing, finally returns home, the intense bond with her sister is re-ignited. Together they unearth their mother's past but uncovered secrets and resentments which have been buried deep, threaten to overwhelm them.
Both films will be available to view for a week and can be viewed via the website www.ifi.ie
On St Patrick’s Day itself the Irish Club in partnership with the Irish Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce have organised a truly unique experience, giving participants the chance to go on a virtual tour of one of Ireland’s main tourist attractions Kilmainham Gaol.
The Gaol which once held many Irish revolutionaries, political and military leaders as well as ordinary citizens charged with petty or serious crimes is now a museum and tour guide with take viewers on a live walk around the site, filled with fascinating facts and anecdotes. There will also be a Q&A after the tour.
Interest in the tour has been high but Geoff assures us that there should be a place for everyone who wishes to take part. The tour is free, begins at 7pm and those wishing to take part should register here.
Listen to the full interview with Geoff below: