Dracula’s Fire Garden…

The Bram Stoker Festival bids farewell, until next year

by Ed Mooney

Once again…welcome to my house. Come freely. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring.”― Bram Stoker, Dracula

The Finale of the recent Bram Stoker festival was the spectacular ‘Dracula’s Fire Garden’. Located in the courtyard of Dublin Castle, The Vampire Dracula and his demonic minions over ran the state apartments and set up shop for the weekend. With Darkness falling in a blink of an eye across the  city, the grounds of Dublin Castle changed dramatically into a finely tuned horror fest.

by Ed Mooney

Upon approach of the outer courtyard, you were faced with a gigantic moving skeleton whom slaved away under the control of the Vampire’s minion’s. Just to add to the effect some rather amazing pyro-technics erupted in sequence along the courtyard walls.

by Ed Mooney

As I entered through the arched gates to the inner sanctum, home of the fire garden, I encountered further demons. Luckily for them, they were caged and unable to do anything but frighten unsuspecting passers-by. Once inside, the senses received a literal kick to the nether region, there was so much going on. Trees tipped with flames, monstrous flowers and blazing bushes that scorched the air as ghouls, demonic minions and Nightwalkers were up to no good.

by Ed Mooney

There was the curiously odd couple in the corner whom seemed to be conducting horrific experiments on some poor souls remains. Also to be found were the hauntingly beautiful Brides of Dracula roaming around the Courtyard in a dazed state, as if something or someone was controlling their every thought and move.

by Ed Mooney

Up above on one of the state room balcony’s I finally caught a glimpse of the Master himself. His presence overshadowed the night. He surveyed the evening’s macabre proceedings as if conducting his very own symphony. I got the feeling that everything that happened here was entirely at the will of the Dark Prince.

by Ed Mooney

After about forty minutes the three brides moved slowly towards the entrance to the state rooms were three open coffins were laid out. As the brides lay down in their temporary resting place, I noticed that the attention of the minions and their master seemed to be concentrated on the three brides.

by Ed Mooney

I seized what may have been my only opportunity of the night to escape the clutches of the Vampire and leave Dublin for the safety of home. If I had not done so, whom knows what might have become of me? Truth be known I may not have survived to tell you this tale!

by Ed Mooney

Dracula’s Fire Garden was  created by outdoor arts experts Walk The Plank with a chilling performance from the renowned street theatre specialists,Spraoi. It was a perfect end to a great day. With more than enough activities to keep the entire family, young and old, entertained. This was my first year at the Bram Stoker Festival and will most certainly not be my last. Perhaps I might even see you there next year…..

That is of course…… If Your Brave Enough……….

I want you to believe … to believe in things that you cannot …”

– Bram Stoker, Dracula