Irish Thunder
- Thread starter Zachary
- Start date
RE: Irish Thunder (2003 or Earlier to 2004 or Later)
Irish Thunder was around in 2006. I do not remember if it was around in 2007 or not.
Irish Thunder was around in 2006. I do not remember if it was around in 2007 or not.
RE: Irish Thunder (2003 or Earlier to 2004 or Later)
I believe it debuted with the new hamlet in 2001, no?
I believe it debuted with the new hamlet in 2001, no?
RE: Irish Thunder (2003 or Earlier to 2004 or Later)
There were two shows that were almost identical: Irish Thunder and Emerald Beat.
Both of them were superior to Celtic Fyre.
There were two shows that were almost identical: Irish Thunder and Emerald Beat.
Both of them were superior to Celtic Fyre.
RE: Irish Thunder (2003 or Earlier to 2004 or Later)
I think Emerald beat was replaced by Celtic Fyre, but I have no documentation.
I think Emerald beat was replaced by Celtic Fyre, but I have no documentation.
RE: Irish Thunder (2003 or Earlier to 2004 or Later)
It was Irish Thunder --> Emerald Beat --> Celtic Fyre, yes. I do recall.
Thoroughly enjoyed the first two.
A little singing, a little dancing, a little mysticism. Woomp.
It was Irish Thunder --> Emerald Beat --> Celtic Fyre, yes. I do recall.
Thoroughly enjoyed the first two.
A little singing, a little dancing, a little mysticism. Woomp.
RE: Irish Thunder (2003 or Earlier to 2004 or Later)
Irish Thunder was definitely around when Darkastle opened, I don't remember if it was around when Griffon opened though. So more like 2001-2005(6) and then Emerald Beat 2006(7)-2009.
Irish Thunder was definitely around when Darkastle opened, I don't remember if it was around when Griffon opened though. So more like 2001-2005(6) and then Emerald Beat 2006(7)-2009.
RE: Irish Thunder (2003 or Earlier to 2004 or Later)
Okay...thanks to the internet wayback machine, I can say for sure:
Irish Thunder started in 2001 (original press-release for Killarney for '01 below), and a peak at the BG website from 2006 says "Emerald Beat" is an "all-new show."
So...IT 2001-2005, EB 2006-2008.
Anyway, here's the release:
Irish Eyes Are Smiling At Busch Gardens Williamsburg [ BACK ]
America's "Most Beautiful Theme Park" Gets a Wee Bit Greener This Spring with the Addition of Ireland
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. -- This May Busch Gardens Williamsburg becomes greener than ever with the debut of Ireland, the European-themed park's sixth country. Visitors to the award-winning adventure park experience the charm of the past with the pulse of the present. From adventure and enchantment to food and folklore, guests encounter an authentic journey through the Emerald Isle.
"Ireland delivers an unparalleled journey for our guests in 2001. There's nothing like it anywhere," said Daniel Brown, executive vice president and general manager of Busch Gardens Williamsburg. "The combination of European charm and mythical folklore, along with Ireland's reputation for hospitality made it a natural choice for Busch Gardens Williamsburg."
Guests venture across the Killarney Crossing bridge to the Irish hamlet of Killarney, an Irish festival marketplace, where spirited Irish musicians welcome passersby. Visitors feel like Irish villagers, travel on a white-knuckle 4-D adventure experience through a land of giants, experience traditional Irish dance, shop for Irish goods and enjoy a pint in an authentic pub.
Guests discover Killarney residents love to entertain. The Abbey Stone Theatre is home to a world-class, professional dance show, "Irish Thunder," featuring energetic and original Irish dances along with the fast and furious footwork of Irish step dancing. Strolling musicians and singers in the village square charm guests with song, dance and storytelling. The Killarney Sound Machine's resident leprechaun guarantees a laugh or two as he engages guests in witty conversation and entertains with his magical music machine.
Corkscrew Hill, a thrilling 4-D adventure experience, takes guests on a magical and mystical Celtic journey through a land of giants. The larger-than-life adventure invites passengers to experience life as miniatures in a world ruled by roaming giants. Riders encounter a hungry witch and magical stallion, and soar on the talons of a huge beast. Corkscrew Hill pushes the envelope in theme park technology by being the first high-format, digitally projected stereoscopic ride film.
Just a few steps away from Corkscrew Hill awaits "Castle O'Sullivan." Visitors to this enchanting castle meet a young heir and join him for an awesome music and special effects show including rain, thunder and a brilliant rainbow that appears magically over the audience. This show helps guests believe wishes really do come true.
Ireland is teeming with Irish artisans working throughout the hamlet. Practicing a centuries-old tradition of perfection, renowned Waterford Crystal craftsmen demonstrate the creation of richly cut crystal of the most singular beauty and sparkle. Visitors strolling into the Emerald Isle Shop find fine gifts of Waterford Crystal, Belleek china, Irish textiles and many other Irish handcrafted products selected especially for Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Enchanting gifts for guests of all ages are available at Toys of the Leprechaun Shop and Pot o' Gold Magic Shop.
Traditional Irish food is found at Grogan's Grille and Grogan's Pub, where genuine Irish hospitality is served up daily. A strolling balladeer and musicians create a cheerful dining experience while encouraging a rousing sing-a-long. Guests savor traditional favorites like corned beef sandwiches, Irish stew, smashed potatoes and soda bread, plus a variety of Anheuser-Busch beers.
EDIT: Celtic Fyre debuted in 2009 so EB ended in 2008
Okay...thanks to the internet wayback machine, I can say for sure:
Irish Thunder started in 2001 (original press-release for Killarney for '01 below), and a peak at the BG website from 2006 says "Emerald Beat" is an "all-new show."
So...IT 2001-2005, EB 2006-2008.
Anyway, here's the release:
Irish Eyes Are Smiling At Busch Gardens Williamsburg [ BACK ]
America's "Most Beautiful Theme Park" Gets a Wee Bit Greener This Spring with the Addition of Ireland
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. -- This May Busch Gardens Williamsburg becomes greener than ever with the debut of Ireland, the European-themed park's sixth country. Visitors to the award-winning adventure park experience the charm of the past with the pulse of the present. From adventure and enchantment to food and folklore, guests encounter an authentic journey through the Emerald Isle.
"Ireland delivers an unparalleled journey for our guests in 2001. There's nothing like it anywhere," said Daniel Brown, executive vice president and general manager of Busch Gardens Williamsburg. "The combination of European charm and mythical folklore, along with Ireland's reputation for hospitality made it a natural choice for Busch Gardens Williamsburg."
Guests venture across the Killarney Crossing bridge to the Irish hamlet of Killarney, an Irish festival marketplace, where spirited Irish musicians welcome passersby. Visitors feel like Irish villagers, travel on a white-knuckle 4-D adventure experience through a land of giants, experience traditional Irish dance, shop for Irish goods and enjoy a pint in an authentic pub.
Guests discover Killarney residents love to entertain. The Abbey Stone Theatre is home to a world-class, professional dance show, "Irish Thunder," featuring energetic and original Irish dances along with the fast and furious footwork of Irish step dancing. Strolling musicians and singers in the village square charm guests with song, dance and storytelling. The Killarney Sound Machine's resident leprechaun guarantees a laugh or two as he engages guests in witty conversation and entertains with his magical music machine.
Corkscrew Hill, a thrilling 4-D adventure experience, takes guests on a magical and mystical Celtic journey through a land of giants. The larger-than-life adventure invites passengers to experience life as miniatures in a world ruled by roaming giants. Riders encounter a hungry witch and magical stallion, and soar on the talons of a huge beast. Corkscrew Hill pushes the envelope in theme park technology by being the first high-format, digitally projected stereoscopic ride film.
Just a few steps away from Corkscrew Hill awaits "Castle O'Sullivan." Visitors to this enchanting castle meet a young heir and join him for an awesome music and special effects show including rain, thunder and a brilliant rainbow that appears magically over the audience. This show helps guests believe wishes really do come true.
Ireland is teeming with Irish artisans working throughout the hamlet. Practicing a centuries-old tradition of perfection, renowned Waterford Crystal craftsmen demonstrate the creation of richly cut crystal of the most singular beauty and sparkle. Visitors strolling into the Emerald Isle Shop find fine gifts of Waterford Crystal, Belleek china, Irish textiles and many other Irish handcrafted products selected especially for Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Enchanting gifts for guests of all ages are available at Toys of the Leprechaun Shop and Pot o' Gold Magic Shop.
Traditional Irish food is found at Grogan's Grille and Grogan's Pub, where genuine Irish hospitality is served up daily. A strolling balladeer and musicians create a cheerful dining experience while encouraging a rousing sing-a-long. Guests savor traditional favorites like corned beef sandwiches, Irish stew, smashed potatoes and soda bread, plus a variety of Anheuser-Busch beers.
EDIT: Celtic Fyre debuted in 2009 so EB ended in 2008
RE: Irish Thunder (2003 or Earlier to 2004 or Later)
Thanks Doc! I think we can learn a lot about the park from the Way Back Machine! I updated the dates for Irish Thunder to 2001-2005 per your information.
Thanks Doc! I think we can learn a lot about the park from the Way Back Machine! I updated the dates for Irish Thunder to 2001-2005 per your information.
RE: Irish Thunder (2003 or Earlier to 2004 or Later)
And not to steal Doc's [Irish] thunder, but to provide a print source AWA internet documentation = my park map library confirms the IT switchover to EB dates.
And not to steal Doc's [Irish] thunder, but to provide a print source AWA internet documentation = my park map library confirms the IT switchover to EB dates.
I just recently found these old concept art drawings for Irish Thunder/The Abbey Stone Theatre. I really love Celtic Fyre about as much as one could, but when the sad,yet imminent last show comes, I hope the park stops to think. They need to look at how mystical Ireland once was. I think these photos capture the essence of the old Ireland very well. Enjoy! 
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Amazing collection- thanks for sharing! My only regret is that I don't have more rep to give.
Oh, also, congrats on 500 posts too!
Oh, also, congrats on 500 posts too!
[split] Emerald Beat (2006 to 2009)
I really hope this is Emerald Beat and not Irish Thunder. If anyone knows for sure, let me know. I'm awful at differentiating between the two.
I really hope this is Emerald Beat and not Irish Thunder. If anyone knows for sure, let me know. I'm awful at differentiating between the two.
I remember seeing this show when I was 8 years old in 2002 when Ireland was just a year old. Irish Thunder was quite a stunning show to the point where I would love to see a show where it shows us the mythical side of Ireland again.
VAman93 said:
The same and of someone who is in connection with his Irish Heritage the mystical history of Ireland outside of our Independence is the proudest part of my heritage to me.