Old City, New Dreams 2007

Sincere thanks to everyone who came along to Old City, New Dreams this year. It was the most successful series of debates and performances that we have ever staged – thanks, also, for your words of encouragement throughout the week.

All at The Dubliner,
Monday July 2nd, 2007

This year, Old City, New Dreams – which is sponsored by Dundrum Town Centre, with support from BT Ireland and Diageo – is being held in the Mill Theatre, Dundrum Town Centre, from June 25-29.

Each event lasts about an hour, and there is a free Smirnoff cocktail reception between 8 and 9pm each evening. You are welcome to come to the reception before or after the event you are coming to see.

Click here to reserve your free tickets.

Monday June 25

7pm Are Dublin’s Best Days Over?

A town-hall style debate on the impact of change in Dublin over the last 30 years, and the possible effect of future developments. Speakers include Senator David Norris, writers Mannix Flynn and Neil Hegarty, DCU president Ferdinand Von Prondzynski, Seanad candidates Susan Philips and Ivana Bacik and the Irish Independent's Ian O'Doherty.

9pm Behind the Seams

High end versus high street? The end of haute couture? Fashion designers in the home… And what is Boho Luxe? Robert O'Byrne moderates an insider’s guide to the world of fashion. Irish talent on the panel will include Helen James, Cha Cha Seigne, Ciaran Sweeney, Antonia Campbell Hughes and Louis Copeland.

Tuesday June 26

7pm Models Bite!

A panel discussion – chaired by PJ Gibbons, Editor of Social and Personal – on the life and times of the Irish Model, featuring agency boss Derek Daniels, Katy French and Glenda Gilson. A rare and fascinating opportunity for the public to meet the women who have launched a thousand brands.

9pm Ross O'Carroll-Kelly's Guide to South Dublin

Too late! Booked Out.

Wednesday June 27

7pm Old City, New Dreams: The Main Event

Luminaries from many different walks of life present one radical solution for improving the quality of life in Dublin. Contributors include the Daily Mail's Paul Drury, The Dubliner columnist Max McGuinness, stand-up comedienne Arhondia, Senate candidates Valerie Bresnihan and  Stephen Douglas, world music DJ and promoter Gerry Godley, journalist and PR Sarah Owens, and Senator Feargal Quinn – in a bid to find some consensus on the challenges facing the city. Knockout format in which the audience eliminates the least popular proposals as the evening goes on.

9pm Nuclear Power is the only way to go

Join a host of heavyweight industry figures in an explosive debate about the future of Ireland’s energy supply: can we afford to ignore nuclear energy? Or is it just too dangerous to contemplate? Participants include Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan TD, Davie Philip of Cultivate, CND founder Patrick Comerford, David Horgan, MD of Petrel Resources oil exploration company, Jerry Shanahan of Amicus and Constantin Gurdgiev, the editor of Business and Finance. This event will be moderated by writer and broadcaster Damien Kiberd.

Thursday June 28

7pm There is no such thing as Irish cooking

A panel discussion, chaired by Trevor White, on Ireland’s so-called culinary heritage. Speakers include Michelin starred chefs Kevin Thornton and Ross Lewis, Ernie Whalley, ex-editor of Food and Wine, Helen Lucy Burke, and Eoin Higgins of the Sunday Tribune. Asheesh Dewan of Jaipur restaurants will also give his perspective.

9pm The Best of Irish Comedy

Too late! Booked out.

Friday June 29

7pm The Snug with Ulick and Greene

Join Ulick O'Connor and Roger Greene as they record their acclaimed show about arts and culture, The Snug, for Newstalk 106-108FM. An amusing mixture of banter and storytelling, the evening will  feature a lively discussion about the life and work of W.B. Yeats, and a look at the changing face of Irish Architecture. It will be followed by a cocktail party to close an exciting week.

Click here to book your free tickets.