MICHAEL's IRELAND
Here are photos of some of the places that have featured in Michael's life in Ireland.
Grafton St, Dublin. Prime upmarket shopping street of Dublin. At one end is the small park, (Saint)Stephens Green, at the other, Trinity College. Many of the key places in Michael's Dublin life are on or adjacent to this street.
Stephens Green. When preparing for the Riverdance and Lord of the Dance shows, Michael went jogging here in the early mornings. He was often seen by morning commuters, jogging on the spot as he waited to cross the street to or from the park at this traffic light!
Westbury Hotel, off Grafton St. Michael lived here for long periods during Riverdance and early Lord of the Dance days. The bar-restaurant Bruxelles, on the right of the photograph, is owned by his close friend Dave Egan, former owner of the night club Lillies Bordello.
The sign of the famous night club Lillies Bordello, for many years a favourite haunt of Michael's. Until recently, it was owned by his close friend Dave Egan. Located in a narrow laneway off Grafton St., this sign is only displayed by night. In daylight hours it is reversed, displaying another name, so that by day, Lillies 'vanishes'!
In the pavement at the entrance to the laneway outside Lillies Bordello is one of a number of plaques around Dublin commemorating the work of James Joyce. As Ulysses is a favourite work of Michael's, he must surely enjoy this plaque when he walks by.
Digges Lane bar-restaurant, near Grafton St., about 2002. This was the site of the old dance studio where Michael choreographed Riverdance the Show. Ronan Hardiman used to go there years before to record Irish dance taps because of their fascinating rhythm patterns, little knowing where it would one day lead him! Digges Lane was redeveloped first as seen here, but now, sadly has been redeveloped again and not even the historic name is visible any more.
The Hairy Lemon pub and restaurant, where Michael and the Riverdance company would relax after rehearsals across the street in Digges Lane. Thankfully, it remains unchanged today, and Michael gathered here with original Riverdance cast members to celebrate the 10th anniversary in April 2004. The party continued afterwards at Lillies Bordello nearby.
La Stampa Hotel and restaurant, Dawson St. This is one of Dublin's leading restaurants and known to be one of Michael's favourites.
Shanahans
on the Green. Stephens Green. Another landmark Dublin restaurant Michael is known
to enjoy.