BERNICE HARRISONon alternatives to movies and the mall
Dublin balloon trip
Fingers crossed for the right sort of wind later today, when an intrepid hot-air balloonist in Ranelagh will be attempting to re-enact Richard Crosbie’s flight of 225 years ago. In 1785 Crosbie became the first man to fly in Ireland when he launched his balloon in Ranelagh Gardens, even today one of Dublin’s lesser-known public parks. His balloon flew to Clontarf, then one of the capital’s far outer suburbs.
He attempted his adventure after many trial flights, for which he put animals in the balloon’s basket and launched them into the skies, before judging it to be safe enough for him to try.
The balloon is due to launch between 1pm and 2pm, but there will be events all afternoon, including child-friendly attractions. It should be a great spectacle to see a huge hot-air balloon in the park. Street entertainer Mr Toon will be performing inside a balloon, and there will be other performances in the small park. Entrance to the park is free.
At 3pm, Bryan MacMahon will give a talk on the life and amazing times of Crosbie (and his fellow balloonatics) in the Village Market on Ranelagh main street (nearly opposite the Luas station).