Play Chess in Ireland
by GM Alex Baburin (chesstoday.net)
If you are interested in playing chess in Ireland, below are some useful hints.
Kilkenny Chess Congress
This is one of Ireland’s biggest tournaments. In the past such luminaries as GMs Adams, Timman, Nunn and Tiviakov have played it, as well as many leading English players. This year the current British Champion Stuart Conquest is expected to play in Kilkenny. This tournament always takes place on the last weekend of November – this year the dates are 28-30 November. To learn more about
this tournament, contact Alan Dooley at ajdooley1@eircom.net
Bunratty Chess Festival
This is the largest chess tournament in Ireland, with over 300 players taking part in it every year. Last year Peter Svidler won the tournament with 5½/6. There is a nice castle and a folk park near the tournament venue – both are well worth a visit. The dates for the next tournament are 20-22 February 2009. To learn more, contact its chief organiser, Gerry Graham, at gerrygraham@eircom.net
17th Cork Chess Congress
This is an annual event usually held at the Gresham Metropole Hotel, Cork city. Typically around 150-170 players take part in this competition. The dates for the next tournament are 27-29 March. For more information visit its official website.
Sounds like many good tournaments.