Ice skating Castlebar

6541

Anyone know is this returning. It was great last year. I cannot see anything on the Internet.

Westernyelp

Yes. It's returning to the Mall again this year

6541

I am suspicious that we are not getting the Ice rink back. No word in the media. Also I see Mullingar on Ice is Advertised by the same chap.
I bet it's a no show. Shame really.

Dudda

6541 wrote: »

I am suspicious that we are not getting the Ice rink back. No word in the media. Also I see Mullingar on Ice is Advertised by the same chap.
I bet it's a no show. Shame really.

Back a month ago it was all go and all looked very good.
https://www.con-telegraph.ie/news/roundup/articles/2018/09/27/4162625-way-cleared-for-mayo-christmas-ice-rink-promotion-/

But as you said the other venues by the same company like Mullingar, Waterford, Cork and Blanchardstown are all advertising.
https://www.iceskating.ie/information1

It is a bit worrying Castlebar isn't on the list. I'd be disappointed if it didn't return.

6541

I think the website answers the question - better hope it freezes hard so it can be Lough Lannagh on Ice.

Asmodean

Such a shame if it doesn't go ahead. I thought it was a massive pop for the town last year.

Xenji

It looks like Mullingar may have replaced Castlebar this year.

This year Cool Running Events will be producing three Ice Rinks throughout the country and operating another on behalf of Mullingar Chamber of Commerce. Our flagship event Cork on Ice is returning for it's 12th year, Ice Skating Blanchardstown continues to grow each year and we're also returning with Winterval on Ice for it's second year in a row. Added to this is the country's newest Ice rink, Mullingar on Ice!

6541

So we got bet by Mullingar. Has anyone ever been in Mullingar ?

naughto

Surprised this happened with the crowds that where there last yr.
I am not in favour of it being in the mall they spent a lot of money with the lights and I think it takes away from what it is.

6541

naughto wrote: »

Surprised this happened with the crowds that where there last yr.
I am not in favour of it being in the mall they spent a lot of money with the lights and I think it takes away from what it is.

You won't have to worry about that now.

Dudda

naughto wrote: »

Surprised this happened with the crowds that where there last yr.
I am not in favour of it being in the mall they spent a lot of money with the lights and I think it takes away from what it is.

The Connaught article says it has about 25,000 people but also says it cost €250,000 to stage it in Mayo. Simple math says they need €10 per person. Prices varied on the time you booked and time of the session but I paid 9 euro as did all the group I went with. I presume children were cheaper who make up a large number of the 25,000. Then with all the issues and additional cost repairing the mall they could have made a loss on the whole thing.

ureds

The Connaught Telegraph have posted on their facebook page that the ice skating will be back on November 30 for 5 weeks.

Xenji

Good news for the town, but as I have said before I wish it was moved away from the Mall, it took away the charm of the Mall when the Christmas lights are on, the extra amusement rides really cheapened the look and caused a lot of damage on the Court House side, even well into February the paths were not even cleaned up that end, also you had a large divot were the rink generators were that was not fixed till the end of June after the Council said everything would repaired by St. Patricks day.

It will be interesting to see if they can emulate the same amount of numbers as last year as they will have a week less and the second year of an event like this is the toughest as the novelty will have worn off, I also wonder will they be going with a local independent promoter or maybe the Blue Martini group if they do not go with Cool Running events again.

Westernyelp

Xenji wrote: »

Good news for the town, but as I have said before I wish it was moved away from the Mall, it took away the charm of the Mall when the Christmas lights are on, the extra amusement rides really cheapened the look and caused a lot of damage on the Court House side, even well into February the paths were not even cleaned up that end, also you had a large divot were the rink generators were that was not fixed till the end of June after the Council said everything would repaired by St. Patricks day.

It will be interesting to see if they can emulate the same amount of numbers as last year as they will have a week less and the second year of an event like this is the toughest as the novelty will have worn off, I also wonder will they be going with a local independent promoter or maybe the Blue Martini group if they do not go with Cool Running events again.

In fairness the weather at the start of this year made it very hard for the grass to recover or do any real work on it. with a little more thought. it should be fine.

B-D-P--

https://www.con-telegraph.ie/news/roundup/articles/2018/10/29/4164298-mayo-on-ice-is-set-for-300000-return-run/

6541

I am not convinced - I hope I am wrong, but its not on any website ...

Westernyelp

Mayo on ice just followed me on Instagram saying November 18 Start

6541

I am calling this a No, I am putting my reputation on the line here. No Ice Skating in Castlebar this Christmas.
I am basing my opinion on the fact that there is zero advertisements online !

Westernyelp

6541 wrote:

I am calling this a No, I am putting my reputation on the line here. No Ice Skating in Castlebar this Christmas. I am basing my opinion on the fact that there is zero advertisements online !

You're looking in the wrong places. It even had a full page ad in the Connaught this week. Be careful with your reputation!

6541

Westernyelp wrote: »

You're looking in the wrong places. It even had a full page ad in the Connaught this week. Be careful with your reputation!

I can't believe it - I just saw the press conference launch on Facebook, lol ! How wrong was I !

Xenji

Surprised there is no website for bookings yet and it being here a week less but costing 50,000 more, I know they are not using cool running promotions this year but I thought that would actually lower the 300,000 outlay.

Xenji

The new article on the Connaught is now saying it is just 250,000, down from the 300,000 reported last week, also a 40ft star flyer will be put on the Mall as well.

Westernyelp

Wonder why last year's promoter isn't doing it? After all the chat from them

Xenji

I say after the dust had settled they just about broke even with the event or possibly even incurred a loss, I can seeing it being the last year for the event if numbers drop of significantly, a lot of people will just go once for the experience of it.

They need to get the website up and running soon as well http://mayoonicecastlebar.com/

Xenji

One of the generators must of been damaged today, just saw them loading it out of the Mall on a trailer.

Dudda

Xenji wrote: »

One of the generators must of been damaged today, just saw them loading it out of the Mall on a trailer.

About 6pm Saturday? Saw it too. That was an air to water heat pump. They use a generator to drive the heat pump which cools water that runs like underfloor heating except it's underfloor cooling. A spare heat pump that size isn't something you'd have lying around so hope they get it up and running again. It was closed when I passed but not sure if that was planned. Will have another look when I pass later today

Westernyelp

Dudda wrote:

About 6pm Saturday? Saw it too. That was an air to water heat pump. They use a generator to drive the heat pump which cools water that runs like underfloor heating except it's underfloor cooling. A spare heat pump that size isn't something you'd have lying around so hope they get it up and running again. It was closed when I passed but not sure if that was planned. Will have another look when I pass later today

Closed yesterday due to wind warning

the_pits

Westernyelp wrote: »

Closed yesterday due to wind warning

......But Galway Ice Rink was open .....

Xenji

Dudda wrote: »

About 6pm Saturday? Saw it too. That was an air to water heat pump. They use a generator to drive the heat pump which cools water that runs like underfloor heating except it's underfloor cooling. A spare heat pump that size isn't something you'd have lying around so hope they get it up and running again. It was closed when I passed but not sure if that was planned. Will have another look when I pass later today

Yeah it was around then, up and running again today though.

Westernyelp

the_pits wrote:

......But Galway Ice Rink was open .....

Hurrah for Galway. That's what they said on Instagram

naughto

Heard from a few that schools that want to book in are being left in limbo no contact from them.
This is very poor management