On 17 March the world celebrates its affection for Ireland, its national saint and the Irish people as millions around the world flock to a St Patrick’s Day feast somewhere.
But why not head for the showpiece of the global vibrations? In Dublin its gobsmacking, it’s genial and it’s the party of the year.
With the city getting ready to roll out the green carpet for a four-day St Patrick’s Festival running from 17 – 20 March, now’s the time to get booking.
Dublin’s St Patrick’s Festival is legendary. It’s the high point of the year when the city’s heart, soul and imagination is in full flow and the famous Irish welcome more amplified than ever.
This year the festival kicks off with the St Patrick’s Day Parade, a performance based thrill that bursts onto the streets mesmerising the crowds along a 2.8km route through the heart of the city.
Leading street theatre companies will present fantastical creations and stunning performances, all inspired by the 2016 theme ’Imagine If’ which will incorporate the thoughts of the youth of Ireland who have inspired the creations. Music ensembles from around the world will provide the soundtrack for the stunning parade.
Running for the full four days of the festival is the ’I Love My City’ culture programme which will offer a host of engaging, evocative and intimate cultural happenings staged in some of Dublin’s most beautiful, historic and prestigious venues and spaces.
Headline events, featuring established and emerging Irish and international artists, from literature, music, film, spoken word, design, visual art and more, will be presented throughout the festival.
In addition, citywide venues and spaces will host inspiring events presented by exciting artists, performers and collectives, immersing audiences in the vibrant cultural fabric of the city.
On Friday 18 March it will be time to get the dancing shoes on for the Festival Céilí, the country’s largest outdoor celebration of traditional Irish dancing. Learn the steps, enjoy live traditional music and soak up the atmosphere on the vibrant streets.
Saturday 19 March brings the Festival Treasure Hunt, a free, fun-filled and novel trail through a collection of Dublin’s landmark buildings and venues – a great way for all ages to discover the city.
It also brings 60s legend, icon, poet and singer-songwriter, Donovan, on his 50 Years of Music Tour, which will be a celebratory evening in the spectacular setting of the National Concert Hall.
Street Theatre is also part of the festival feast and from 18 – 20 March Dublin will become the stage for nationally and internationally revered acts delivering crazy performances, bizarre antics, theatrics and side splitting comedic shows that will wow audiences.
Whether it’s a party or pilgrimage, the atmosphere, people and fun in Dublin are incredible – be there for the St Patrick’s Festival magical green carpet ride.
St Patricks Day
ST. PATRICK’S FESTIVAL WAS ESTABLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND IN NOVEMBER 1995.
- The principal aim of St. Patrick’s Festival, since its inauguration, is to develop a major annual international festival around the national holiday over which the ‘owners’ of the festival, the Irish people, would stand proud. It sets out to reflect the talents and achievements of Irish people on many national and world stages, and it acts as an exciting showcase for the manifold skills of the people of Ireland, of every age and social background.
- As the one national holiday that is celebrated in more countries around the world than any other, St. Patrick’s Day is the day when everyone wants to be Irish.
- We set out to seize that opportunity, and completely transform the national and international perception of St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin. This country is bursting with the kind of creative energy, ideas and enthusiasm required to do the job. Our job has been to harness them, and make our national holiday an unforgettable experience for all.
WHY WAS IT STARTED?
- To offer a national festival that ranks amongst all of the greatest celebration in the world.
- To create energy and excitement throughout Ireland via innovation, creativity, grassroots involvement, and marketing activity.
- To provide the opportunity and motivation for people of Irish descent (and those who sometimes wish they were Irish) to attend and join in the imaginative and expressive celebrations.
- To project, internationally, an accurate image of Ireland as a creative, professional and sophisticated country with wide appeal.
- The first St. Patrick’s Festival was held over one day, and night, on March 17th 1996, it has since grown to a 4-5 day celebration.
