Discover some green ways to celebrate our national holiday
Crank up the ceoil, caint agus craic and celebrate your Irishness in patriotic style with a great break in Ireland over the St Patrick's Day holiday. The biggest party of the year falls on a Tuesday, making it the perfect excuse for an extended weekend break with family or friends.
Join in spectacular parades, step it out on a toe-tapping trad music seisiúns and relive our rich history. Whatever it is, the stage is set for a very special few days. And with great accommodation deals on offer all around the country, this is the perfect opportunity to take a super spring break.
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Celebrate now in Dublin!
Don the green paint and join in thrilling pageantry during this year's four-day Dublin St. Patrick's Festival in Dublin. (March 14th – 17th). Thousands of good humoured festival-goers will line the streets for this year's parade, themed "Celebrate Now!", as it snakes its way from Parnell Square to St. Patrick's Cathedral with magical floats, giant puppets and marching bands. You can unlock some of Dublin's most beautiful and historic locations as you scour the streets for clues during the St Patrick's Festival Treasure Hunt. (10am – 1pm Saturday 14th March). Or enjoy an In The Footsteps of St. Patrick-Walking Tour in the company of professional and enthusiastic guides. (Daily March 14th – 18th). If you are looking for a laugh, grab the gang and join in the hunt for Ireland's funniest person at The Laughter Lounge, (Saturday 14th March). There will also be music on the streets, boat races on the Liffey and the greening of iconic buildings including the Mansion House, the Convention Centre and the Guinness Storehouse!
Go green in Westmeath!
Make a break for the Midlands and rock up to beautiful Belvedere House and Gardens in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath for some special St. Patrick's events. (Sunday 15th March). Feast on traditional Irish music and soak up performances from the Celtic Blondes, who deliver traditional Irish dance with a modern twist. The Emerald Lakes Academy of Dance and Mullingar Harp School will also be entertaining on the day and all are welcome to join in the fun for annual Mullingar town St Patrick's Day parade!
Celebrate a King in Killaloe!
Celebrate not just one but two Irish legends over the St. Patrick's Day holidays with a trip to Killaloe/Ballina on the Clare/Tipperary border (17th March) for the annual Feile Brian Boru. Check out the life and times of the former High King of Ireland at the Brian Boru Heritage Centre in lakeside Killaloe. See the Ogham and Runic inscriptions at 13th century St. Flannan's Cathedral, take a cruise on Lough Derg and look for the reputed remains of Brian Boru's ancient fort. And of course don't miss the pageantry of the local annual St. Patrick's Day Parade!
Follow St. Patrick to Cork!
Gather the gang for an extended weekend of fun in Corka city and county, which promises heritage, culture and heaps of fun! The city by the Lee will burst into life with a St. Patrick's Festival with live music, circus 'walkabouts', free street entertainment, a festival market stuffed with tasty treats and a parade with the theme Cultural Concepts. A little out of town join the Cobh St. Patrick's Day Parade and embrace 100 years of heritage with a visit to the spectacular Titanic Experience.
Take a trad trail in Kilkenny!
For ceol, caint agus Cats head to medieval Kilkenny and celebrate the feast of our patron saint. Kilkenny Tradfest is celebrating its third birthday this year and promises a lively programme with a trad trail, music and dance workshops and lots of child friendly family activities. One of the highlights promises to be a free outdoor Sharon Shannon concert supported by Steve Cooney. Do the Medieval Mile stretching from Kilkenny Castle to St. Canice's Cathedral with lots of interesting spots in between including Rothe House and the new Smitchwicks Brewery Experience.
Lap up St. Patrick in Limerick!
Hop into action at Limerick's St. Patrick's Festival, which this year takes 'Spring' as its theme. Celebrate the carnival spirit of the season and line the Shannonside streets for the stunning St. Patrick's Day with colourful floats and marching bands from around the world. An extra treat to tee up the festivities is the Limerick International Band Championship, (Sunday 15th March), featuring bands from Ireland, the USA and Europe.
For more inspiration on how to celebrate St. Patrick's Day across Ireland, find Discover Ireland on Facebook or visit www.discoverireland.ie #thisisLIVING.
