New Dublin Ice Rink

KevinMc

Hey, not sure if any one here has been to Dundalk to see the Dublin Rams playing in the All Ireland Ice hockey league (IIHL) but I heard that that the Rams will have a new home in Finglas as there is a new ice rink there that is near completion. Anyone here have any news on this developement?

Paulw

That would be great news.

No idea where in Finglas though, since I haven't seen/heard of any ice rink there.

Any more details on it?

KevinMc

near the airport. Anyway, for two years the Dublin rams have had to play their home games in the Dundalk Icedome and that has impacted on the supporters that can make it. but hopefully this will change. There are a few other dublin teams two that may benefit from this facility so it's sure to be busy!! At least it'll take that pressure off the IceDome to fit all the training and matches in!

Paulw

I've seen the Rams play, and it would be great to see a venue for them near the airport (handy for me too).

Good news. Still, I wonder the exact location of this new venue. Nothing on the IIHA nor Rams websites about it.

KevinMc

not exacly sure where myself. Heard the structure is up just the fixtures and fittings, pipes etc to go in. So have you seen any new unexplained buildings in the area? lol

Only heard about this this morning. As the rink is privately owned the details will only appear on the IIHA and Rams website when the owner says. I put this thread on here to see if someone has seen any such bulding being constructed.

This is probably the best location for it. With buses from Dublin and belfast serving the airport in particular the aircoach as it serves the ice dome in Dundalk too all the venues will be well linked by public transport.

KevinMc

I hear the rink is going in to the charlestown shopping centre and will open this summer!!

So does anyone have info on how to get there by public transport coming from the Norhern Ireland? Better to get the bus to the airport or better to go into dublin then get a bus to finglas?

Paulw

Charlestown?? LOL. There has been no construction work over there in nearly a year now, and certainly no large structure that could be an ice rink that I have seen.

As for transport, you'd have to get to Dublin city centre, then get a 140, 83, 40B bus out to Charlestown Shopping centre.

KevinMc

Apparently there is a large unit in the shopping centre that is suitable. I hope it's not any samller than theIceDome??

Paulw

This sounds very weird.

Charlestown Shopping Centre is in use. One level of parking (underground), one level of shops (all in use) and then a few levels of apartments. No space within that for any ice-rink.

Now, Charlestown phase two, was due to be finished this summer, but with the credit crunch, all building stopped over a year ago. They were supposed to have a number of large structures, including a cinema, so an ice-rink could have been proposed for there. Anyway, none of that has been built.

WayneH

The Ice rink is planned to open around the end of June, and it is located in the charlestown complex. I believe its gonna be a big dome roof over an ice rink with no walls etc for the min, thats how it will open so quick. we'll wait and see.

The Hill Billy

Have any of ye been following the World Championships? I'm in Bern at the moment & the city is full of ice hockey fans. All beered-up, shouting, singing & generally having a jolly good time.

Paulw

Well, I live 2 min from Charlestown centre, and there has been no construction there in a long long time. There's certainly no dome, and no structure above ground height.

While I'd really love the ice rink to be there, I certainly can't see how anything would be ready this year, never mind this summer.

KevinMc

Hill Billy wrote: »

Have any of ye been following the World Championships? I'm in Bern at the moment & the city is full of ice hockey fans. All beered-up, shouting, singing & generally having a jolly good time.

sound like made craic, having a passing interest in the professionally work championships but my main focus would be the Division 3 with team Ireland, no medals this year but better luck next year.

As for the rink in Dublin the IIHA have dropped a hint on the site that a new rink in Dublin will open and a player from the Flyers IHC rang charlestown and they confirmed that it will open this summer.

perhaps the rink on this page is more likely: http://www.freeportny.gov/index.aspx?NID=386

KevinMc

IIHL Final League Standings

Date16.05.2009 19:43AuthorIIHA As already discussed, with the unfortunate turn of events over the IIHA playoffs the IIHA Executive have decided to settle the final league standings according to win percentage. Because of the large disparity between the amount of games played, the win percentage is the fairest and most responsible way of settling the league. Therefore, the final league standings are:

1. Dundalk Bulls
2. Latvian Hawks
3. Dublin Rams
4. Belfast Junior Giants
5. Dublin Wolves
6. Flyers IHC

Congratulations to the Bulls for their second consecutive league victory and to all the teams for participating in what has turned into a very difficult season.

Taken from www.iiha.org


The Dublin Rams were the only team to actually honour ALL of their fixtures this season as getting ice time at the Dundalk Ice Dome became more difficult and as the season dragged on and teams broke up for the summer. This is not a fair decision and in my opinion(totally unbias being a Belfast Fan) the Dublin Rams should have been given the league title this year since they are the only team to complete the season with professionalism and without drama.

My hope for next season is that the new rink at Charlestown provides ice time for the Rams and other teams like the Wolves and the Flyers to complete their fixtures and make the Irish Ice Hockey League better than the previous two seasons.

Hopefully the IIHA will find new support and volunteers in the Dublin area as the working relationship with the IceDome has been stressed this year.

knuth

http://planning.fingalcoco.ie/swiftlg/apas/run/WPHAPPDETAIL.DisplayUrl?theApnID=F09A/0181&theTabNo=2&backURL=%3Ca%20href=wphappcriteria.display%3ESearch%20Criteria%3C/a%3E%20%3E%20%3Ca%20href=%27wphappsearchres.displayResultsURL?ResultID=417449%26StartIndex=11%26SortOrder=rgndat,apnid%26DispResultsAs=wphappsresweek1%26BackURL=%3Ca%20href=wphappcriteria.display%3ESearch%20Criteria%3C/a%3E%27%3ESearch%20Results%3C/a%3E#tabdetails

Directive Water Services: The following additional information is requested: a. Foul Sewer: The applicant is requested to submit foul drainage details. b. Surface Water The applicant is requested to submit Surface Water drainage details. c. Water Supply The applicant is requested to submit details of potable water supply including demand of public water required to construct ice rink if necessary.

Dated 29/05/09 !!

knuth

http://209.85.229.132/search?q=cache:pRdjhCCDAX4J:www.brl.ie/pdf/15_090409.pdf+ice%2Brink%2Bcharlestown%2Bdublin%2B09&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ie&client=firefox-a

Proposed Development: Permission to provide a temporary 'Events Area'. The
proposed 'events area' will host a series of temporary
uses such as an ice rink with play areas, santas
grotto, craft and antique fairs, exhibitions, community
events, sporting activities etc. in area of 4187 sq.m.
located to the west of the existing centre. This area
would be accessed by pedestrians via existing west
entrance of the centre and off Charles Place via
existing walkway along western side of the centre.
The use is for a temporary from 18th June 2009 until
31st January 2010. Temporary marquee structures
and facilities will be erected as required for the
holding of the events but there will be not permanent
works to site area. This site comprises part of the
Phase 2 development area, granted permission under
Reg. Ref. F08A/0431

Temporary?

KevinMc

I have to say that if this is a temporary structure it will come as a surprise to many as the IIHA and the Dublin Rams Ice Hockey Club had been quite excited about this new facility and it was supposed to be the start of Irish Ice Hockey's venture into the capital.

June 18th is not that for away now so it will be interesting to see what happens from here.

Paulw

Well, I've still seen no signs of any construction in the area.

However, there is a http://www.charlestownonice.com/ website. The managers of the Charlestown Centre have also confirmed the 18th June as opening date.

It's all very interesting.

KevinMc

If it's the Bubble structure that I linked before I don't think it'll take to long to throw that up. I know a couple of places in Belfast that cover out door facilities with this type of thing in the winter time.

The big mystery is that it's temporary, this just doesn't make sence? If they are laying piping etc then why go to that bother for a temporary facility. I'm beginning to wonder if it will even be 'real' ice now will will thay just us the fake stuff that appears at christmas time, cos that could also be thrown up in relatively no time.

Paulw

As I said before, I'll believe it when I see it.

I know they said that a number of hockey teams were interested in using the venue, but if it's only a temp place, that would be strange.

Only 12 days to go until opening. I might have a walk over there this evening and see what I can see.

mynameisgraeme

I may also take a trip over, it would be facinating to see all the hype!!!!

miceal

Hey the rink should be open in the next 2-3 weeks

It is going to be NHL size so this means the dimensions will be

200 feet (61 m) × 85 feet (26 m). The corners are rounded in the arc of a circle with a radius of 28 feet (8.5 m).

Paulw

I had a walk over and there was no signs of any work being done on the site.

I do hope it happens and is properly built. It would be great to have a proper ice rink there.

knuth

miceal: how do you know? Is it permanent?

MoNsToUr

does anyone know how much they are going to charge in and what the opening hours are going to be

The Hill Billy

MoNsToUr wrote: »

does anyone know how much they are going to charge in and what the opening hours are going to be

It might be a tad too soon to say given that Paulw stated above "there was no signs of any work being done on the site."

Paulw

Actually, I've an update there, yesterday evening there was a yellow crane working on the site. It wasn't one of the large normal construction cranes, but a smaller one. So, maybe something is finally moving there.

I also heard adverts for it today on FM104, and them talking about the new "Charlestown on Ice" for the summer.

It gets more and more interesting as time goes by.

It's certainly one of those temp buildings, as shown here. Looks like it'll be ready for the 18th.

pip-irl

http://www.charlestownonice.ie/

also someone in dundalk told me there a few weeks ago it is only for skating for the time been. till things are sorted. but i dont know if thats true or not there just going off what they were told.

Also went by the shopping centre there yesterday looks like it is ready to be opened.

KevinMc

Big question... was there pipes laid for 'real ice' or is it the fake stuff like what 7up puts up in at christmas time.

Paulw

It's fenced off, so no visibility of ground level. I could only see stuff built over 7ft high. So, I've no idea what sort of ice it is, or how it's done.

knuth

€14 per hour, for ****s sakes.

KevinMc

similar to what the Dundalk Ice Dome charges, I wouldn't be surprised if the they have somthing similar to the "recession session" in Dundalk when certain blocks of the timetable are reduced to €5

knuth

KevinMc wrote: »

similar to what the Dundalk Ice Dome charges, I wouldn't be surprised if the they have somthing similar to the "recession session" in Dundalk when certain blocks of the timetable are reduced to €5

Dundalk is €9 for 1.5 - 3 hours*, how can you compare that with €14 per hour from Charlestown?

Please do imply that Charlestown figures are similiar Dundalks, it's folk like you that have the prices inflated as it is.

* http://www.dundalkicedome.com/index.php/public-skating/timetable.html

Paulw

lordlame wrote: »

Dundalk is €9 for 1.5 - 3 hours*, how can you compare that with €14 per hour from Charlestown?

Please do imply that Charlestown figures are similiar Dundalks, it's folk like you that have the prices inflated as it is.

* http://www.dundalkicedome.com/index.php/public-skating/timetable.html

From the website link you posted, at the bottom --

All prices Includes Skate Rental Adults: €13.00

Yes, there are special hours/days when it's €9 though.

knuth

The sessions are still 30 - 90 mins longer though. Also, you forgot the free wifi they have

Paulw

Charlestown also have free wi-fi.

And, of course, the transport from Dublin to Dundalk which will take you that extra 45-60 min. :rolleyes:

Personally, I don't skate, so the price doesn't bother me.

MoNsToUr

still though at 14euro an hour that is PRETTY steep as you think that they would have seen that those prices don't entice people to come in and skate not even people who might be curious as its too dear especially if its a family of 4 or 5 people its pretty steep to be asking people for that much { altho they might have a family discount set up} wonder if it will be cheaper for people with their own skates or is it the same price

pip-irl

anyone who was around when dundalk opened will remeber paying the full wack even when the place was wedge before they broght in these cheap rates during the day because no one was going skating any more at these times thats the only reason why they have a 9euro seasion.They are only trying to milk as much money as the can

Paulw

Hopefully prices will decrease, especially if demand declines.

Maybe it would be worth people's while contacting Charlestown management and complain about the price?

KevinMc

lordlame wrote: »

Please do imply that Charlestown figures are similiar Dundalks, it's folk like you that have the prices inflated as it is.

* http://www.dundalkicedome.com/index.php/public-skating/timetable.html

That was a bit nasty, I'll be going out of my way to check out the place and if the facility is temporary I would like nothing more than it to prove popular enough to justify it being made permanent. If it does host IIHL in the future I will be a regular visitor for matches. I was pointing out that even at €14 there will probably be cheaper (most likely during the day) sessions, like the IceDome has. And if not you could always go to Dundalk

Maybe they will reduce the price if it is unpopular too, and maybe complaining will help. Also if it is more expensive than the majority of people are willing to pay then at least you'll get more room on the ice. I've seen me leaving the IceBowl in Belfast after 30mins cos it was TOO BUSY!

knuth

KevinMc wrote: »

That was a bit nasty, I'll be going out of my way to check out the place and if the facility is temporary I would like nothing more than it to prove popular enough to justify it being made permanent. If it does host IIHL in the future I will be a regular visitor for matches. I was pointing out that even at €14 there will probably be cheaper (most likely during the day) sessions, like the IceDome has. And if not you could always go to Dundalk

Maybe they will reduce the price if it is unpopular too, and maybe complaining will help. Also if it is more expensive than the majority of people are willing to pay then at least you'll get more room on the ice. I've seen me leaving the IceBowl in Belfast after 30mins cos it was TOO BUSY!

Hmm, good point. I submit with the pricing then.

I've been to Dundalk several times and it's quite empty. I know it's only an hour away but I don't enjoy travelling that road for some reason

T-K-O

From the website

Some Amazing Facts About Charlestown On Ice:

• Over 80,000 people will go ice skating at Charlestown on Ice from June 18th until close!
• The rink is 1000 square metres. That's over 10,000 square feet of ice-skating fun!
• It takes about 13 minutes to skate around the whole Charlestown On Ice skating-rink
• You will be able to learn how to ice skate or play ice hockey at Charlestown On Ice
• Kids can also sleigh around the rink as well as ice skate at Charlestown On Ice
• The earliest ice skates which were made of bone were found in Sweden in the 9th Century
• The highest speeds recorded at an ice rink were 48 kmph, that's about 30 mph!
• Over 480,000 pints of water were frozen to make the ice
• Figure skating was invented by American Jackie Haines in 1876
• The ice at Charlestown On Ice is 1.2 inches thick
• The official Olympic ice rink size is 100 x 200 feet

Note the bullet point that I have highlighted

knuth

I noticed that too. 13 minutes to skate around the rink? Is COI the new unfound Continent?

lushballs

13 minutes to skate around the rink?? Are they freezing the Tolka River for this?
Any more updates about when it is opening?
Thx

pip-irl

yeah its opening on friday this week. also heard an advert for summer hockey league

hoser expat

from their website

Charlestown Chiefs Ice Hockey

Ice Hockey is a superstar sport in Canada, US and over 20 countries around the world. Ice Hockey is Northern Ireland’s Largest Spectator Sport with an average crowd of 4000 per game and 120,000 viewers per season. NOW, Charlestown will become the home of this Über Cool Sport in the Republic of Ireland with the full support of the Irish Ice Hockey Association. The Charlestown Chiefs will be the home team and with capacity for 500 people and a full size professional ice hockey arena, this is an ice cool opportunity not to be missed to come in right at the start of this exciting journey!



Sounds great....since moving here from Canada I've really missed ice hockey (playing and watching), so I'll definately check this out.

Oh, and who the hell takes 13 minutes to skate around a rink?

Edit. Just had a look at their photos....that's nowhere near regulation ice hockey sized.

hoser expat

I don't get this....the press releases say full sized Olympic regulation ice hockey rink, which suggests to me that it's a fairly permanent structure. Yet on various places on their website they say it is June to September only. Some photos on their website show a great permanent rink, others show a small temporary rink.

Very confusing.

T-K-O

hoser expat wrote: »

from their website

Charlestown Chiefs Ice Hockey

Ice Hockey is a superstar sport in Canada, US and over 20 countries around the world. Ice Hockey is Northern Ireland’s Largest Spectator Sport with an average crowd of 4000 per game and 120,000 viewers per season. NOW, Charlestown will become the home of this Über Cool Sport in the Republic of Ireland with the full support of the Irish Ice Hockey Association. The Charlestown Chiefs will be the home team and with capacity for 500 people and a full size professional ice hockey arena, this is an ice cool opportunity not to be missed to come in right at the start of this exciting journey!



Sounds great....since moving here from Canada I've really missed ice hockey (playing and watching), so I'll definately check this out.

Oh, and who the hell takes 13 minutes to skate around a rink?

Edit. Just had a look at their photos....that's nowhere near regulation ice hockey sized.

Those pictures are not the actual rink in Charlestown. The rink is going to be slightly smaller than NHL but hey its a start.

Hey are you playing with a team - PM me if you're interested in playing.

Saruman

As far as I know its temporary and the site is supposed to be for an expansion such as a cinema.

KevinMc

Well most of the reading on the site and in various places says that it will close in January next year. Although this is only have way through the 09/10 IIHL season so it will be interesting to see what happens in january, maybe they plan to have something else by then....

Anyway great to see that it actually happening and I'll defo be down to check it out next week.

hoser expat

T-K-O wrote: »

Hey are you playing with a team - PM me if you're interested in playing.

I used to play recreationally with a bunch of college mates back in Canada, but it's been 20 years since I played with any talent. Not sure the heart would take it these days. Plus I didn't bring any equipment except skates with me when I moved.

Thaks anyway!