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SEPTEMBER 2011
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Dublin Castle: A huge neighbourhood success
By CATHOLINE BUTLER
NEW WESTMINSTER -Situated in a stately manor, formerly the B.C. Penitentiary guard house building in New Westminster, Dublin Castle has been a going concern since first opening their doors in October 2010.
The pub is located in a beautiful setting overlooking the banks of the Fraser River with a spectacular view from their patio.
At a time when some restaurants and pubs have experienced a downturn in business due to the economic times, Dublin Castle owner Fred Bilawey said his business has been fabulous. He said, " we have surpassed all expectations and are probably 35 to 40 percent over projection."
One of the reasons for this success is the location. Surrounded by the densely populated residential neighbourhood of Fraserview, Dublin Castle has become a favourite for locals wishing to avoid any penalties due to the province's tough new impaired driving laws.
Fred said, "we've had a great summer and when the sun shines we have had lineups for our patio.
"We probably have one of the nicest patios in New Westminster, Burnaby, Coquitlam and Surrey, with a view of the North Shore mountains and the Fraser River.
"Growing on our patio in about 70 large planters are great amounts of flora and fauna, along with planters of blueberries, apple trees, jalapenos, bell peppers, tomatoes, chives, spicey oregano and basil.
"Customers who come onto our patio are surprised to see the amount of plantation we have growing there. It's been very well received and also smells so nice and fresh."
Dublin Castle is an ideal spot for weddings and so far this summer they have hosted six. Fred said, "our latest wedding took place on the stairs and after the ceremony, the bridal party moved up to the patio and we did a six-course meal for them."
Their one year anniversary will take place on October 1 and Fred said they are very excited about that. To celebrate they're planning an Irish Hawaiian Luau.
He said, "We're planning to bring in Irish dancers from noon to 9 PM, and so it will be like a St. Patrick's Day event."
Another special promotion initiated at Dublin Castle is a very extensive NFL Superpool, which is food and beverage driven with a $50 membership fee.
With that you get breakfast for the 16 Sundays of football and one burger and beer meal every Monday night for the 16 weeks. So, the retail value of that would be in excess of $300 dollars, so it's really a great deal.
"As of yet we do not have entertainment on the weekends at the Castle," said Fred, "because we just don't have any room either in the restaurant or on the patio.
"However we plan to apply for a license which is part of our liquor license and we are going to try and have that up by Christmas. Our plan is to expand the
FRED BILAWAY is shown with Chaya Katrensky seated on the terrace of the Dublin Castle overlooking the beautiful Fraser River in New Westminster.
LOCATED in the former B.C. Penitentiary, Dublin Castle has become a magnet forthe large local residential neighbourhood.
premises, which would then give us a Be sure to check out Dublin Castle, total of 398 seats and then we would located at319 Governors Court in New absolutely have room for Westminster, B.C. For more entertainment." information, call (604) 544-5020, or visit
www.dublincastle.ca.
Thousands still hope for love at Lisdoonvarna
LISDOONVARNA - Money might not buy you love but it will get you to Lisdoonvarna for the biggest singles event in Europe. And after that, who knows?
Thousands are expected to descend on the Co. Clare town for the annual Matchmaking Festival which runs from September 3 until the beginning of October.
And those who don't feel the sweet sting of Cupid's arrow can at least have a bit of craic, with dancing, music, horse-racing and a vibrant pub scene to choose from. The last matchmaker in
the country, Willie Daly, has his 'magic' book all set.
And there is the added attraction of singer Sinead O'Connor who is travelling to the festival in search of a man. She recently set chins wagging when she wrote about her desperate search for sex and love in a column in the Irish Independent.
The bottom line with the Matchmaking Festival in Lisdoonvarna according to organisers, is that most people do not come looking for a spouse, they come for a good time - and it can be found regardless of age.
MARRIAGES ARE MADE IN HEAVEN. WE MOST PEOPLE MEET IN THE MATCHMAKER (At1
THE* MRTCHMAKE- BAS
WILLIE DALY the matchmaker will be set up to advise and help couples make a match at the month-long Co. Clare festival.
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PH:604-544-5020 319 GOVERNORS COURT NEW WESTMINSTER www.dublincastle.ca