If you’ve ever thought the name “Havelock” sexy, or used the Vimes’ Boots Theory at a dinner-party discussion, or roared, “I Aten’t Dead!” at yer da, then you’ll be just as excited as I am that the first ever Irish Discworld Convention takes place from the 6th to the 9th of November in the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, Co. Clare.
Discworld, for the uninitiated, is a series of comedic fantasy books by Sir Terry Pratchett set on the … well, Discworld, a flat world balanced on the backs of four gigantic elephants, carried through space on the back of a celestial turtle. Lest that frighten you back into your Al Gore tomes, it should be stated that the Discworld books are probably the most side-splittingly funny, savagely satirical, and emotionally validating books you’ve never read. In short, if you’re not familiar with Discworld due to “ooh, not much liking fantasy, thank you very much”, or some other ludicrous excuse, I really must insist you give it a try.
For the rest of us, we get the chance to meet other die-hard fans of the series who wholly understand why Night Watch is the best crime novel of the new millennium, or why it’s not at all hard to pick a favourite anthropomorphic personification. Planned highlights include an interview with Sir Terry, a Discworld Oscars-themed formal dinner, talks from a great selection of special guests, an auction of Discworld Memorabilia to raise money for The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland, and, of course, plenty of Music With Rocks In.
Further information can be poured over like an orangutan on a mission (in-joke alert!) at the official website, where you can also register for attendence. Full weekend membership is €40, with discounts for children, students and families.
Me? I’ll be there with bells on, especially at the Channelling Vetinari competition. What. A. Dreamboat.
I’m absolutely gutted to be missing out on this. Life-long fan. If it was in Dublin I probably would have flown home for it, but how in Om’s name do I get to Clare? Klatch would be easier…
But Clare is where Shannon Airport is! It’s strategic and all that … just ask the American Air Force!
Unfortunately can’t fly from Amsterdam to Shannon. Flying to Cork wouldn’t suit either because of the times so I’d have to fly to Dublin, then train to Limerick, then bus to Ennistymon. I’d be wrecked by the time I got there.
Damn! working every weekend in Nov, I actually met Terry when I lived back in the UK. I have the colour of magic book signed by him. Maybe they’ll have one in Dublin next year? (hint hint!)
I’ll just have to be selfish here and admit that Clare suits me just fine. Huzzah for the Wesht!
CLEARLY - I missed this post yesterday. I was utterly thrilled to hear about the first DWcon in Ireland but none of my DW friends will go with me
Gutted. Have always wondered what one of these would be like…
Hmm…I’ll admit that I’m no die hard fan - I haven’t read all the books, but this is damn interesting. I may have to rejig my diary and head on down.
This would be damn cool. If just to see the man himself.
I agree, Dublin would be better. But Heck, it’s in Ireland at least!
How did I miss this post?
Complete die-hard OTT discworld fan. I have to be there.
Culch HAS to be there
Now I have to book some holidays!
See you there Lisa
Booked my tickets and hotel last weekend. My nerd meter just went through the roof! Can’t wait
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