It’s apt that the launch of Ireland’s Austrian ski return should be held in Ireland’s highest pub… Prost to Johnnie Fox and Tirol.
Johnnie Fox is one vulpine who only enhances the countryside of the Dublin Mountains.
To call it a pub is to underplay it.. it is a recreation of a bygone Ireland.
Of snugs as cottage front rooms with dressers, pans, open peat fires, and the ilk.
And enough Irish sayings, wit and wisdom and whimsey to impress your diaspora pals.
As well as Irish dancing, hooleys and the best fish and Guinness.
Old Ireland
It’s still my favourite Pint of Plain and Chowder anywhere on the island.
You’ll see then why Johnny Fox’s is a magnet to Hibernophiles and returnees.
And as such it was always a pit stop on a tour of Dublin and Wicklow when friends and family came a-passing.
With venues difficult to organise in these Covid days Johnnie Fox’s courtyard and surrounds are ideal.
And so the Great and Good of Irish Travel will assemble next Friday at the fully heated area of the Haggart Outdoor Area.
Slope off to Ski Club
There is another very good reason why Johnny Fox’s has been chosen.
The Ski Club of Ireland is housed nearby.
Skiing’s popularity among the Irish is often underestimated, particularly by those who can’t see beyond a hurling stick.
And still talk about Garrison Games.
But I would like to think I championed skiing in my time in Ireland.
And also realised that I was best leaving the writing in the hands of multi award-winning writers Catherine (Murphski) Murphy and Isabel Conway.
Memories of Soll
I would, of course, go off-piste myself, or when I accidentally skied off course.
Like I did in Soll with the always supportive Topflight.
All the Austrian ski crew will be there…
The vintage VIPs
We can look forward to hooking up with…
Yvonne Rosenstatter of Salzburgerland State Tourist Board, Elena Protopopow, of Tirol Tourist Board, Wilma Himmelfreundpointner, of St. Anton am Alberg Tourist Board)
Together with Ski Instructors from Flachau and Obertauern and the Ski Club of Ireland Team
And the most important person of all, Dagmar McGuinness, of Advantage Austria who are bringing in the Austrian wines.
The Ski Club of Ireland is pushing on to promote this winter for the big bounce back.
It is holding an Alpine Fest on Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25.
I may have to save that pleasure.
Sites for sore eyes
In the meantime here’s a brief introduction to my friends..
Salzburgerland – https://www.salzburgerland.com/en/, Obertauern – https://www.obertauern.com/en/, St. Anton – https://www.stantonamarlberg.com/en/
Flachau – https://www.flachau.com/, Tirol – https://www.tyrol.com/, Great Outdoors – https://greatoutdoors.ie/
Ski Club of Ireland – https://skiclub.ie, DLR Tourism – https://www.dlrtourism.ie/, MountainPeople.ie – https://www.mountainpeople.ie/
And Topflight.ie – https://www.topflight.ie/
And finally a big Prost to Johnnie Fox and Tirol.
