Why Cork Will Make Irish Blog Awards 2009 Great
I just came back from Cork yesterday and even after that short trip, I’m convinced that it’s the perfect place to hold next year’s Irish Blog Awards. The city achieves the Bohemian charm of Galway without making you feel old as you’re not a student anymore. It has more soul than Dublin, the people walk like they talk, with a small lilt. Wry humour is an added bonus. I’ve always given Cork a bit of a hard time, but that’s only because I like it so much.
Cork really is the spiritual home of the Blog Awards. In some ways, its the Blogging Capital of Ireland. Even a quick look at the pantheon of technology bloggers showcases some of the best blogging talent at work today - Conor O’Neill, Pat Phelan, Damien Mulley, Sabrina Dent, Tom Raftery and Donncha O’Caoimh.
So, while the decision still has to be made, I think Cork is the perfect spot for the 2009 awards. It’s a great spot, but what does it have to offer the bloggers?
The Photobloggers
There are so many interesting nooks and crannies for Photowalkers to get lost in. I like street photography, so walking the quays would be nice. However, the city is just a short jump away from Cobh, Kinsale or even Ballycotton.
The Foodie Bloggers
Cork is bursting with some many nice eateries and places to buy quality produce that you’d weep for. Perhaps like the Photobloggers, the Foodie Bloggers would go on a Foodwalk. Break into a small groups, have lunch in different restaurants and write reviews on them. It would be nice to read different takes on the same restaurant. And a walk through the English market to end the day is a must. I won’t even mention O’Conaill’s tingly hot chocolate. No, I won’t.
The Rest of Us
There are so many hip bars, cafes and places to slum that it’s dizzying. For those out-of-towners, the city is small enough to walk comfortably. I also love the fact that there are tiny boutiques and objects d’arse stores alcoved off in the side streets. Places to get lost, only to discover funky jewelery and clothes.
I can’t wait. What do you think? And Corkonians, are there any cool, hidden gems for us to visit?
May 25th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Exactly why I want to go to cork, and looking forward to my trip in (hopefully) June.
May 25th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Out of pure selfishness I vote for the Blog Awards to be in Seville next year!!!
Failing that though, Cork gets my 2nd preference for all the reasons you outlined above, far better than I ever could.
May 25th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
I’m just a blow-in and I love the place. Still discovering new things every day.
May 26th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Yes, most definitely a good idea. It means I won’t have to travel and I won’t get lost like I did at the last awards! I swear I spent most of the weekend wandering around Dublin!
May 26th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
@Phil: You’ll have fun, I’ll bet
@Tom: Hehe.. yeah, go ahead and pitch that to the organiser honcho.
@Conor: That’s the beauty of a great city.
@Zaniac: Yup. A nice benefit.
May 26th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Doing it outside of Dublin at least once in a while makes sense, and Cork is a grand old place. I would say that consideration should be given to the venue and the environs in terms of accessibility and things to do outside the main event. There is a lot to be said for everything happening in a place you can completely take over, but if that is the intent then why do it close to any city at all? Perhaps some place completely off the tracks most beaten?
Or alternatively do it right in the city centre so that people have multiple options for accommodation and can flit in and out (smokes and such) and there is after plenty of after awards entertainments until the small wee hours in which case you need to be right in the city. Picking some places in the suburbs is not the best of both world but rather the lesser of either.
Anyway, we all know it can’t be in Limerick until I’ve moved on though with property prices they way they are that might not be for a while.
May 26th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I have long taken the stand that Cork is too far away (from me) and full of Cork people.
Nonetheless, I respect the owner of the ball to take it to whichever field he wishes to play.
May 27th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Simon - funny, lots of Cork people feel the same way about Dublin
May 27th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Great post! Maybe all of the prospective hosts should start making a case for why they should be considered.
Belfast? Limerick? Galway?
May 27th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
@Dan: Now, Dan - isn’t that a little bit of a stretch? I’m thinking that the organisers of the Blog Awards would be looking to set the night in the most fitting city. Personal differences are hardly excuse enough when looking at the big picture. I don’t believe that the decision will be based on differences.