If you want to celebrate St Patrick's Day in style, there's no better place to do it than in Dublin, home of St Patrick's Cathedral and Guinness. Celebrations in the city stretch across five days and this year's festival is particularly focused on reuniting the Irish diaspora as part of 'The Gathering'. But whether you're Irish or not, there's plenty to keep you busy making friends and memories this St Patrick's Day in Dublin. We've picked out the 10 best highlights of this year's celebrations...
1. The People's Parade
An all-new feature of St Patrick's Festival, this inclusive parade is a feature of 'The Gathering', an tourism campaign designed to bring those of Irish lineage closer to their roots. It looks like it's going to be a lot of fun for anyone who has dreamt of marching in a St Patrick's Day Parade – and in Ireland, no less. The theme for this year's People's Parade is 'great things happen when we get together' – a sentiment we totally agree with. If you want to take part, you'll need to sign up at the official site ahead of time. Don't forget to smile – around a million people are expected to watch the parade in person and on TV!
Location: Parnell St to Patrick St, via O'Connell St and Dame St
Date: Sunday, March 17th @ 11am
2. The Main Parade
Immediately following the People's Parade is the Main Parade, an extravaganza of noise and colour with dancers, huge floats and marching bands from around the world. Every year an Irish celebrity is chosen to be the Grand Marshall and the whole thing is kept a secret until March, so keep your eyes peeled for info!
There's a definite carnival feel to this parade every year and people of all ages grab their spots early in the day to catch the best view. If you don't know where you want to stand, head for high ground – Lord Edward Street and the western end of Dame Street are good places to start.
Location: Parnell St to Patrick St, via O'Connell St and Dame St
Date: Sunday, March 17th @ noon
3. Festival Céilí
Ever wanted to learn all that fancy footwork you saw in 'Riverdance'? Or just feel like having a dance and a good laugh? For three hours, professional callers and dancers will be teaching the steps to anyone who wants to learn, all to live music beside the prettiest park in the city centre.
Location: St Stephen's Green
Date: Friday, March 15th @ 4.30pm
4. The Trad Stage show
Prefer to tap your foot rather than all-out dance? Head for the recently-renovated Meeting House Square in Temple Bar to hear three very distinct types of traditional Irish music performed live by some well-known names. The Guidewires will be playing high-energy trad, while Liam Ó Maonlaí from the Hothouse Flowers is a Sean Nós singer who will be accompanied by piano, tin whistle and bodhrán (a traditional Irish drum). You'll also hear the beautiful songs of Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, an influential traditional Irish singer and pianist.
Location: Meeting House Square, Temple Bar
Date: Thursday, march 14th @ 7.30pm
5. Greening the City
Every night of the festival, the city's most iconic buildings will be illuminated in green light, creating what we can attest is a part-celebratory, part-haunted atmosphere. Take our word for it – it's a very memorable way to see some of the city's most beautiful sights. Make sure to check out the Jeanie Johnson Ship on the quays and the Irish Architecture Archive on Merrion Square, as well as the entrance to Trinity College and the Bank of Ireland, both on College Green. Location: Various
Date: March 14th to 17th @ 5pm
6. The Irish Craft Beer Village
It's no secret that the city's bars will be absolutely packed with people drinking 'the black stuff' (Guinness!) and listening to live music. If you fancy some locally-brewed craft beers and it's too busy at the Porterhouse and Against the Grain (two Dublin pubs renowned for their special beers), head over to Georges Dock, a very spacious venue where Dublin's own Oktoberfest is held every year. One of our favourite of the local brews is a rich and chocolatey O'Hara's Stout.
Along with the beer there's plenty to do for everyone, with face-painting, street performers and even creative workshops for children.
Location: Georges Dock, IFSC
Dates: March 14th to 18th
7. St Patrick walking tours
For a nice view of the city that doesn't involve waiting for tour buses, Dublin historian Pat Liddy will be leading daily walking tours of the city centre during the festival, covering the life and times of St Patrick. The tour last around two hours and costs €14 per person, including entrance into the breathtaking St Patrick's Cathedral.
Location: Tours and Tickets Office, 37 College Green
Dates: March 14th to 18th @ 2.30pm
8. Merrion Square Funfair
Looking for something to do after the parade? There will be three funfairs around the city, including this one in Merrion Square, featuring carousels, a ferris wheel, street performers, cotton candy and everything else essential to a carnival. Expect to pay €3 to €5 for a go on one of the rides. You can also catch the fun on Custom House Quay near the Irish Craft Beer Village – consider going on the rides before having that last pint, though... Location: Merrion Square, Wolfe Tone Park and Custom House Quay
Dates: March 14th to 18th
9. St Patrick's Day concert
If you're looking for some more live music, pop your head into the Unitarian Church on St Stephen's Green to see a free performance by the RTE choir, Cór na nÓg. They'll be singing traditional Irish songs and other favourites, accompanied by musicians on violin and piano. It's worth it just to see the stained glass in this church, which hosts regular concerts by up-and-coming artists like Katie Kim and Rae Morris. Location: Unitarian Church, St Stephen's Green
Date: Sunday, March 17th @ 4pm
10. Temple Bar
Around St Patrick's Day, the liveliest part of the city will no doubt be Temple Bar, Dublin's 'cultural quarter'. Whether it's a big sports match or a festival, any time there's a big event in the city centre, everything and everyone passes through this part of the city at some point in the day. The quarter really comes to life during the St Patrick's Day festival, with clothing, food and book markets, live trad music in almost every pub (and a pub on almost every corner!) and free access to many of the exhibitions at nearby museums. The area is also known for its lack of major chain stores, so stop in to one of the shops like Happy Days or Konfusion to pick up souvenirs priced cheaper than elsewhere – and support local business!
So where will you be celebrating St Patrick's Day this year?
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