Last year, when I saw The Feeling announce a tour to celebrate 20 years of Twelve Stops and Home, I didn’t even hesitate. That album was the soundtrack to a very specific chapter of life – the school run years. Lucy was only ten, Jono had just started secondary school, and that CD was played on repeat in the car. We never got sick of it. Every word, every note – lodged firmly in memory.
And then I was transported right back to 2008, when they played Castlebar. I was there, front and centre, fully embracing my role as an Irish mammy, even if Dan Gillespie Sells was completely unaware of it. I distinctly remember giving out (in my head, of course… mostly) to women who were practically climbing over him. It was one of those nights you don’t forget.
So yes, tickets were bought without a second thought, and I spent months looking forward to it.
Lucy and I decided to make a proper trip of it. We got the train to Dublin, which, I swear, takes longer now than it ever did, but still, there’s something lovely about not having to deal with driving, parking, or the dreaded late-night journey home. We booked a cheap hotel and turned it into a little getaway.
The train journey alone was worth it. We laughed so much. Lucy was showing me random memes, and at one point I genuinely couldn’t breathe from laughing. I hadn’t been on a train since before the pandemic, so it all felt slightly surreal… although some things never change – the toilets are still absolutely grim.
While scrolling beforehand, I’d spotted an Alice in Wonderland immersive experience, and it looked exactly like my kind of thing. We made it there with three minutes to spare before last entry, cutting it fine as usual – but I’m so glad we did. It was brilliant!
It’s probably aimed at kids, but honestly, there’s something magical about stepping back into that kind of world, even just for an hour. There were different themed rooms, each more fun than the last. The lift and the projection room reminded me a bit of the Van Gogh immersive experience – art all around you, completely absorbing. We took full advantage of the photo opportunities (obviously), from the duck bath to the upside-down room. And the giant ball pool… well, getting into it was easy. Getting out? Not so much. Dodgy knees made an appearance, but it was worth it. We had such a laugh. I’d really recommend a visit to the Dream Point Experience, you can find it online here.
Dinner was Lucy’s treat – a belated Mother’s Day gift, and it was just lovely. We went to an Italian restaurant, and I can honestly say it was one of the nicest pizzas I’ve ever had. Lucy had ravioli and loved it, and we had a couple of glasses of wine, which went straight to my head. By the time we were waiting for the LUAS, I was basically doing my own warm-up act for the gig. Lucy is well used to me at this stage.
When we got to the venue, there were only a handful of people there, so we managed to get a great spot near the stage. Sandi Thom was the special guest, you’ll know her from I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (With Flowers in My Hair) – which is also twenty years old! She finished her set with a slower version of it. By then, the crowd had filled up nicely and everyone was singing along.
And then… The Feeling.
I genuinely thought I might pass out with excitement.
They played the album from start to finish, in order, and it was just incredible. There’s something so special about hearing an album you know inside out performed live like that. Dan joked that some of us might have had hip replacements in the last twenty years – I felt personally attacked, to be honest. A knee replacement is probably more accurate. One of the highlights for me was hearing Strange live. The words are so true, even to this day.
The crowd were brilliant too, apart from one woman near us who proudly announced she only knew three songs… and then talked through one of them. Thankfully, her friends stepped in. I’ll never understand that – why go to a gig if you’re not really into it? Or at the very least, let the fans enjoy it.
There was also a bit of unexpected drama involving a guitar pick. Richard Jones was throwing them into the crowd, and we were determined to get one. He kept smiling in our direction, so naturally, we became convinced it was meant to be. (That’s him on the right looking at us ;))
And then – it happened.
The yellow plectrum came flying towards us, in what felt like slow motion… only to land just behind our chatty neighbour. Before I could even process it, Lucy had launched herself onto the floor, rummaging around like her life depended on it. At the same time, her bag went flying into the air – which, somehow, I managed to catch.
Seconds later, she emerged victorious, treasure in hand, and I hauled her back up to standing. It was chaotic, slightly ridiculous, and absolutely brilliant. Moments like that are what it’s all about.
The night ended far too quickly, as these things always do. We hung around for a bit afterwards, and Lucy managed to get a setlist – without having to dive onto the floor this time, thankfully.
And after quite a sleepless night, our whirlwind 18 hours in Dublin was over. Aching joints, blocked ears, hoarse voices – the signs of a good time.
It felt like a proper little escape – full of laughs, nostalgia, and just really lovely time spent together. This is what life is all about, special times, spent with my beautiful daughter, it doesn’t get any better than that.
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