The starting point at 2pm is at the State Apartments, which is in the upper courtyard (to your right when you come into Dublin Castle via the Dame Street entrance), and the entrance is on the left in the courtyard.
Go to the ticket office and tell them you're with Dublin Sketchers.
Special arrangements have been made so that Dublin Sketchers can get into the State Apartments for free. In order to avoid non-sketchers jumping on the bandwagon, you may be asked to show your sketchbook, or just say that you received the information via the Dublin Sketchers blog.
You may be given a wristband at the entrance, so that the staff within the State Apartments know who we are.
As there are paid guided tours in the State Apartments, bear in mind that large groups may appear all of a sudden. As always, be respectful of staff and paying guests and pick spots that do not block the general flow of the tours. There are lots of gorgeous rooms to work in, with fabulous views to the courtyards. Also, please be mindful of the interiors and the Christmas trees especially in the room with the dining table known as the Portrait Gallery. For those who use watercolours, it’s probably best to just use waterbrushes, as you will not be able to bring water containers into the rooms. If in doubt about anything, please check with any member of staff. Also, don't bring a big backpack as you may be asked to leave it in the lockers (that probably mostly applies to me!!)
If it’s your first time out and you can’t spot anyone who looks like a sketcher at 2pm, just choose something to draw and get stuck in. Keep your eyes open for anyone carrying a sketchbook and say hello. New people come along almost every week so don't be shy about introducing yourself. It's a nice friendly gathering and you'll get to know us over coffee from 4pm. Don't worry if you're late, most of us usually are! You need to bring your own paper and pens/pencils etc.
From 4pm, we'll gather for coffee at the Dublin Castle Terrace Café (inside the same building). A bunch of people who look like sketchers will magically appear. Note that the café closes at 4:45.
