Achievements
2009
December 2009
After successfully applying for funding from the Dept. of Arts, Sport and Tourism under the National Development Plan 2007 – 2013 – "Transforming Ireland", Draíocht has been able to fully refurbish the seating and carpeting in both the Main Auditorium and Studio Theatre in regal purples and reds.
November 2009
Draíocht is short-listed for the Hot Press Live Music Venue of the Year Awards, as voted by music fans all over Ireland. 400 venues entered, and Draíocht was short-listed with 19 other venues.
October 2009
Draíocht short-listed for the D15 Chamber Business & Community Awards, which took place on 23 October 2009 in the Park Plaza Hotel, Tyrrelstown. Draíocht short-listed under the category of Best Sales & Marketing Team.
October 2009
Draíocht successfully nominated Community Voice Newspaper in the category of Contribution to Community by a Business, for the D15 Chamber Business & Community Awards, which took place on 23 October 2009 in the Park Plaza Hotel, Tyrrelstown. Community Voice Newspaper has supported Draíocht’s media advertising since Draíocht opened in 2001, giving Draíocht one free advert in every single issue of the newspaper.
2008
December 2008
With Mince Pies a plenty, Draíocht officially launched its 'Betelnut Café @ Draíocht' at its Christmas Drinks party on Thursday 11th December 2008.
September 2008
Draíocht secures substantial funding for its Redevelopment Project 2008 - Bar, Café, Foyer and Flying System. The project was part-funded by the Dept. of Arts, Sport and Tourism under the National Development Plan 2007–2013 "Transforming Ireland", and part funded by Fingal County Council.
October 2008
Draíocht successfully nominated Fingal County Council for the ‘Arts & Culture Award’ category of The Blanchardstown Chamber of Commerce, ‘Business in the Community Awards 2008', held on Saturday the 18th October 2008 in The Castleknock Hotel and Country Club. Thanks to the continued support of Fingal County Council both financially and through benefit in kind, it is possible for Draíocht to enrich the cultural lives of the people of Blanchardstown, Fingal and surrounding areas, as part of a cohesive development plan for one of the largest growing communities in Ireland.
2006
August 2006
After a year of fundraising, Draíocht successfully launches its Touch Screen Information Point in the foyer.
24-29 July 2006
Draíocht celebrated its 5th Birthday. As part of the celebrations, Draíocht presented the UK’s leading contemporary circus nofitstate, who performed their spectacular show ImMortal in their spaceship-like tent in Blanchardstown’s Millennium Park.
2005
May 2005
Draíocht and Pierse Contracting scoop The Dublin Airport Authority €4,000 Arts Award at the 14th Allianz Business2Arts Awards, held on 31 May 2005 in O’Reilly Hall, UCD. The Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, Mr. John O’Donoghue TD, presented the award to Emer McGowan, Director, Draíocht, and David O'Connor Chair of Draíocht's Board.
2004
20 September 2004
President Mary McAleese returned to Draíocht to launch Spréacha, Fingal’s International Arts Festival for Children, the first of a now annual week long festival of theatre performances, puppetry, storytelling, visual arts exhibitions and workshops for children of all ages.
2003
July 2003
Draíocht nominated artist, Dara McGrath, wins the AIB Prize of 20,000 euro and launches his exhibition 'By the Way', in Draíocht’s Ground Floor Gallery.
11-13 April 2003
Draíocht presented its first Music Festival, Music Fest, Sponsored by The Blanchardstown Centre, Headlined by Juliet Turner and also featuring Kila and The Woods Band.
2002
4-7 June 2002
Draíocht presented its first Comedy Festival, the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Festival, Sponsored by The Blanchardstown Centre, with Emo Philips & David O’Doherty, Adam Hills & Brendan Dempsey, Deirdre O’Kane and Eddie Bannon, Dara O’Briain and Patrick McDonnell.
21 March 2002
President Mary McAleese returned to Draíocht to launch 'The Mosaic Masterpiece', a 20 foot high permanent mosaic sculpture created by 350 pupils from 12 local primary schools in Dublin 15, with 14 teachers and 5 artists.
2001
3 May 2001
Draíocht was officially launched by President Mary McAleese attracting over 600 guests.
