#TALLSHIP EVENTS– Once again the unique venue of the tallship Jeanie Johnston plays host to maritime heritage lectures and live music sessions throughout early 2013,writes Jehan Ashmore.

Resuming the 'Below the Surface' lectures series on 2 January will be a talk about Grace O'Malley - Ireland's Maritime Icon, one of history's most extraordinary mariners, presented by Anne Chambers.

A month later on 2 February, Juliet Turner a singer/songwriter from Tummery, near Omagh, launches the inaugural session of the New Year. In the course of her career she has opened up for artists among them Bob Dylan, U2 and Bryan Adams. Other performers lined-up for the Jeanie Sessions are Caroline Moreau and The Dunne & Hernandez Duo.

So if you are looking for a gift idea for the history buff or music lover in your life then perhaps consider as a stocking filler, which are available to purchase. For further information on lecture and gig tickets visit: www.jeaniejohnston.ie/events-page.html

The 'Jeanie' is berthed at Custom House Quay close to the Sean O'Casey foot-bridge in Dublin's city centre. In addition the replica 19th century barque is also a museum which tells the story of mass emmigration during the famine.

#MUSIC AFLOAT – Garland are returning to the Jeanie Johnston to perform more of their wonderful work songs and shanties!...this coming Saturday 17th November (open from 7.15 for start at 8pm).

Garland are a Dublin-based a capella group formed in 1970. The four-some are Pat Sheridan, Denis Ryan, Michael Andrews and Paul Noyes and forty years later they are still enthralling audiences with their exquisite four part harmonies.

A shanty is a type of work song that was once commonly sung to accompany labour on board large merchant sailing vessels. Shanties became ubiquitous in the 19th century era of the wind-driven packet and clipper ships.

The apt venue of the replica 19th century emigrant barque is where previous sessions have been held on board and from a wide variety of musical genres. The sessions take place below decks in the main saloon where space is strictly limited to 80 persons.

To locate the ship, she is moored on the north quays along Custom House Quay in the heart of the Dublin 'Docklands' quarter. For further information or to book tickets (€10) online click HERE