Everything You Need To Know About The St. Patrick's Day Celebrations This Year
Celebrating the man who got rid of all the snakes in Ireland is a must for every Irish person. St Patrick's Day celebrations are an annual event the world over and 2017 looks like it might just be the best one yet. Here's our go-to guide for all the celebrations happening in Dublin over Paddy's weekend.
Thursday 16th
1). Greening the City
Throughout the four-day festival historic buildings and spaces in Dublin will turn green! Have a wander around the city after 6pm and see the following go enviously green: GPO, Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christchurch Cathedral, The Mansion House, The Convention Centre and many more!
2). Festival Céilí
Hosted in Earlsfort Terrace this free event will teach you all those traditional Irish dance moves you can show off at any gaff sesh. Not only will they be teaching you how to do a proper céilí but there'll be traditional Irish music as well - it looks like great craic tbh. Skip the gym and go to the event for 4.30 pm.
3). Pop Up Gaeltacht
Pubs around between Dame Lane and Dame Court will be speaking as Gaeilge. The event is free and starts at 8pm. Check out twitter @popupgael for more info.
4). Open Air Cinema: In America
Hosted in the gardens of Swords Castle, Happenings, our fave summer outdoor cinema peeps, will be screening In America. It's a ticketed event but we're sure there'll be a few tickets floating around. There will be some seating but they're advising you to bring your own and wear weatherproof clothing. Doors open at 7pm.
Friday 17th
1). St Patricks Day Festival Parade
The only event you need to go to on Friday or if you make any event at all! Starting at Parnell Square, the theme for the parade this year is Ireland You Are. In the past the parade has hosted famous faces from across the world as parade mascots with our own favourites like Dustin the Turkey usually taking centre stage. Olympic silver medallist Annalise Murphy has been selected as the Grand Marshal for the parade. The USA, Germany, France and the Bahamas will be just some of the countries participating in this year's parade. Remember the route has changed this year so have a look before you go and bring a rain poncho - just incase!
Saturday 18th
1). Fun Fairs
Merrion Square and Custom House Square will host fun fairs from the 17th to the 19th from 11am to 9pm. Who's up for getting sick on the waltzers?
2). 'Spirit of Dublin': Craft and Food Fair
Teeling's Whiskeys Distillery in Newmarket Square is hosting a free event showcasing the best culinary arts in Ireland. Teeling's will be illuminated in green and will have some firm favourites like Currabinny (James Kavanagh's baby), Dublin Doughnuts Company, The Cupcake Bloke and many more ready for you to taste. The free event will be hosted from 11am to 5pm and there will be a free tour of the distillery.
3). Open Air Cinema: Sing Street
Definitely one of the best Irish films of recent years. If you haven't had a chance to see it go and check this one out. The event will be hosted by Happenings and in Blanchardstown. Book your tickets here.
Sunday 19th
1). Bernard Shaw Graff Jam Special
The Bernard Shaw on South Richmond Street will be hosting an artistic food event. A must for anyone who loves art and food. The event is free and there will be a Q & A with urban artist James Earley from 12pm. The street party with run from 1pm-3pm and the food and flea market will run from 3pm till late. No tickets required.
2). Dublin Bay Prawn Festival
The Prawn festival will run from the 17th - 19th so you can catch it any day (get it?). The event is held in Howth village so if you need a chill out day after the Friday and Saturday night it could be the perfect ending to your Paddy's Day weekend! If you don't like sea food there will be lots of craft beer as well so you're pretty much sorted.
For a full list of information for this years events go to the St. Patrick's Festival website.