2010 Winter Games: Ireland Wins Big
While Ireland might not be too hot in the medal standings at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Ireland is a big hit with visitors!
The Irish Olympic team consists of six courageous athletes putting their best foot (or ski or sled) forward in Bobsleigh, Skeleton, Cross-Country and Alpine Skiing. While none so far have stepped onto the coveted podium Ireland is wining big in Vancouver thanks to the Irish House Olympic pavilion – a 7,000 square foot cultural center come party tent in the heart of the city’s downtown. Irish House 2010 has become a fan favorite and thanks to partnerships with the Olympic Council of Ireland and Vancouver’s Irish Heritage Society has brought the Irish Olympians into the spotlight for the games.
The Irish House can hold 700 visitors at a time and is one of the most popular Olympic pavilions. Olympic enthusiasts from around the world and locals alike can experience a broad range of events and with highlights such as Celtic bands, bagpipers, Irish storytelling and dancing displays there is something there for everyone!
Family friendly events run until evening and after dark the pavilion becomes a party of epic proportions. There’s eight bars to quench even the driest of Irish thirsts which along with nightly live entertainment have made the Irish House a notoriously rowdy place to celebrate the spirit of the games! Three VIP Lounges have been set up with the choice of chilling out in Moher’s Perch, the Emerald Lounge or the Ross Keep and food and traditional fare is available throughout the day.
For those more interested in a wee taste of culture more than a wee taste of the porter you won’t be disappointed. Daily entertainment includes dancing from Scoil Rince De Daanan and the Eire Born dance troupe, music from the likes of The Irish Wakers, Blackthorn and Murphy’s Lágh and traditional storytelling by Beannacht Philomena. Especially commissioned to represent Ireland’s history and traditions, the Celtic Standing Stone Monument features ornately carved triskeles, knots and Celtic images and the display will be auctioned off after the games.
Not only does the Irish House play host to athletes and visitors but to some celebrities as well. Stephen Colbert made a pit stop and brought his gold-medal humor with him telling the crowd “I am Stephen Colbert. I am the Lord of the Dance”
The Irish house is located at 620 Nelson Street in Vancouver and is open to the public from Noon – 3 AM daily, children permitted until 7 PM. VIP packages are available from www.irishhouse2010.com or contact Alison Hatton at (604) 605-4328
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