_{OPERA PLACES} Dominic Veilleux takes us to Ireland

City where you’re working?
I am currently in Lismore, Ireland, working with the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival. We also spent three weeks in Dublin before traveling here.

How long are you working on contract?
We started rehearsing on April 30th. Opening night is on May 28th and closing night is June 1st. 

What’s the opera house like?
The Blackwater Valley Festival is set in the gorgeous city of Lismore and we have the amazing opportunity to perform in the courtyard of the Lismore Castle, which is absolutely stunning! The castle is the Irish home of the Duke of Devonshire. It has two spectacular gardens within its walls. This makes for a very unique experience. 

The Festival also has lots of other concerts and recitals in different venues in Lismore and the surrounding towns. It is the perfect opportunity to visit cathedrals, castles, historic homes and gardens in the beautiful County of Waterford.

Where is the most peaceful place in the city?
Definitely alongside the Blackwater River. It is the perfect place to start your day. I go there on my morning run and it is absolutely stunning. The view of the castle from the river really is a must see.

Also, in Dublin, I highly recommend going to St. Stephen’s Green Park. It is a big park in the middle of the city, with lots of trees, a river and little ponds. The perfect place to spend the afternoon just daydreaming.

Best coffee or tea?
Lismore being a very small town, the choice is quite simple: The Vault Café. Great coffee, great food, worth the visit. 

In Dublin, One Kinda Folk is the place to go.

Coolest bar or restaurant you’ve been to?
Dublin obviously has lots of Irish pubs (except here, they’re just called pubs). They’re literally everywhere and they’re all equally nice. The one where I went the most was O’Briens in Dublin, next to our rehearsal venue. 

An activity you have done that is unique to the area?
I wasn’t able to go, but Dublin is the home of the world’s most popular stout, the Guinness. It is possible to visit the Guinness Storehouse and learn all there is to know about Guinness. There is an Academy where you can learn to pour a perfect pint (there is an art to it) and you can even have your face printed on top of your beer.

Is there something unexpected that happens locally that you discovered?
It is not really unexpected, but we went to a traditional music session in a bar in Lismore. It was an incredible night of music, sharing and laughing! The Irish sure know how to have fun!

How did you find accommodation?
I was quite lucky, because I didn’t have to look for accommodation, the Festival booked us self-catered homes near the venues. 

What’s the most important thing you think of when it comes to finding accommodation as a singer?
It has to be within walking distance of the venue; that’s for sure the most important thing for me. 

Have you had a chance to explore some galleries or museums?
So many museums in Dublin are free, it’s absolutely incredible! I would highly recommend the Chester Beatty Museum, on the grounds of Dublin Castle. It features one of the world’s most important collections of rare manuscripts and artistic treasures.

Is there anything else you’d recommend?
If you have a car, I would highly recommend going to the coast. In Lismore, one of the nearest beaches is Clonea Strand and it is stunning. The water is not too cold and the view is just stunning. And if you love hiking, you have to go to Howth Cliff Walk. It is a hiking trail on the coast, near Dublin.