Experience St. Patrick’s Day the Irish Way
March 14, 2018
Whether you’re interested in history, culture or a just a bit of ‘craic’, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland is not to be missed. Although the big day itself is March 17th, the St. Patrick’s Festival is a five-day celebration kicking off on the 15th filled with the best of contemporary Irish arts and culture. Here’s a selection of some of the most exciting events happening this year.
Take in a Parade
Parades big and small will be happening all over the country, so no matter where you’re based, you’ll have no trouble soaking up the atmosphere. But, needless to say, the biggest parade on the day happens in Dublin’s fair city and is attended by people from all over the world who’ve come to soak up the unique atmosphere of the capital. This year’s parade will be led by Game of Thrones star and Dublin local Liam Cunningham. Expect exceptional street theatre performances, marching bands and a non-stop, mischievous party vibe throughout the streets. Once experienced, St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is never forgotten.
Come Out of Your Shell in Howth
We’re not just known for the craic you know – we’ve also got a pretty impressive reputation when it comes to fresh food. Take a quick spin out to the beautiful, scenic suburb of Howth on the train and explore a foodie’s dream at the Dublin Bay Prawn Festival. From the 17th to the 19th March, all the best restaurants & bars in the town will be serving up mouth-watering seafood accompanied by music, entertainment and a sizzling springtime buzz.
Find Some Homegrown Inspiration
Ireland is recognised worldwide for its rich, literary talent and has birthed some of the most celebrated poets ever – including legendary names like Yeats, Heaney, Boland and Wilde. Fast forward to the present, and we’ve continued to produce a vast range of deeply creative poetic talent. On Sunday 19th, contemporary Irish poets Phil Lynch and Erin Fornoff will take participants on a poetry and spoken word trail titled “Dublin: A Year in Words”, which will explore their own work and the places around the city that have inspired them.
Get the Green Light in Dublin
From Thursday 15th March, notable landmarks and monuments across Dublin will be doused in green light after dark. Take a stroll around iconic buildings like Leinster House, the Four Courts and Áras an Uachtaráin, and bask in the patriotic glow of the Irish.
The Rebel County Paints the Town Green
The action doesn’t just take place in Dublin – jubilant celebrations and exciting events can be found across the country. If you venture south to Cork, expect vibrant markets, authentic Irish music performances, creative activities for the kids like Irish storytelling, patriotic art exhibitions and so much more.
Galway’s Quirky Celebrations
If you’re lucky enough to be in the quirky city of Galway on St. Patrick’s Day, you definitely won’t be at a loose end. A place well known for its highly creative natives, Galway’s parade will be an extravagant spectacle featuring theatrical storytellers Macnas, groups from the Galway Arts Centre, Galway Theatre Festival and more. And following the parade, there’ll be a free concert taking place in the heart of the city, Eyre Square. If the weather cooperates, you won’t want to be any other place on earth. Find out more about the programme of activities in Galway.
There’s so much happening in Ireland over the St. Patrick’s weekend, you’re sure to need that Bank Holiday Monday to recover from all the excitement. Take it all in and enjoy every second of St. Patrick’s Day the Irish way.