NameMaura
Area CoveredDublin
InterestsLocal traditions, Music, Arts

Introducing Maura - your Friend at the other End!

About Me

As they say here, I'm born bre(a)d and butthered in Dublin, but my family is from Northern Ireland, so I have a good sense of Ireland North and South.

Music is my passion, whether it's singing in the chorus of the RTE National Symphony Orchestra, presenting music programmes on national radio, or just dancing tango of an evening! But I also love the great outdoors (walking, swimming, cycling, roller-blading) and the fact that Dublin is bordered by mountains and the sea is very important to me.

Until recently, I compiled and presented a twice-daily arts news bulletin on RTE Lyric fm and that, coupled with the fact that I've worked in the arts for many years, means that I know who's who and what's what when it comes to what's on around the country!
Dublin (and Ireland) is much more than Guinness and traditional music and, for many years, I've made a point of introducing people to the wider aspects of Irish life and culture. I love languages and travel and so, I'm always interested in talking to visitors and in showing off the history, culture and natural beauty of my city.

I've worked in the arts for many years, most recently as compiler, editor and presenter of a twice-daily arts news bulletin on national radio, so I certainly know what there is to do and see around the country.

For two periods in my life I've lived abroad (the USA and Africa) for a couple of years - I've also travelled extensively in Europe - and each time I've some back to Dublin knowing that it might not be the largest, most glamorous city in the world, but it's one of the most lively and certainly one of the most friendly!

Dublin is a capital city with the feel of a small town; there's so much to do, but it's so easy to bump into friends and acquaintances that you'll never feel like a stranger for long! People are friendly and interested in visitors and there's a great international mix, particularly of young people.

Dublin has the great fortune of having nature at its doorstep: I live 15 minutes' drive from the city centre and yet only 10 minutes from unspoilt mountainside; while Dublin's coastline includes Blue Flag beaches and swimming areas.

To get the full picture of Ireland and Irish life, visitors should really see Dublin as well as a more rural area. In other words, the perfect trip would include a visit to the spectacular, remote areas of West Clare, Connemara, or Donegal, as well as a slice of cosmopolitan Dublin life.

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