If you want to celebrate St Patrick ’s Day in the birthplace of Paddy himself, book cheap flights to Ireland and make merry Dublin style!
With events, carnivals, exhibitions and quantities of Guinness so vast they could rival the Irish Sea; the Emerald Isle is the only place to be this St Patricks Day weekend. Funfairs, beer festivals, treasure hunts and fun runs are just a few of the events kicking off Dublin’s fantastic festivities. Quirky and colourful performers take to the streets of the capital to amaze and entertain the masses while walking tours show off the best of the city’s prolific literary heritage, evocative history and stunning architecture.
Those with a passion for music need only step into any of the local watering holes in Temple Bar to hear some of the best live music in the world. From Irish fiddles to Soviet sounds, the White Russian Central Band (formerly the Red Army Ensemble) bring a taste of the East to the West with their ‘Russian Spectacular’, while Sir James Galway dazzles audiences on the flute at the National Concert Hall.
Photo by – Ken Meegan
Get your dancing shoes on for the festival ceilidh, or your running shoes for the 5km road race. If it’s laughter you’re after then Dublin’s ‘Father Ted’ Weekend will really tickle those funny bones. With nightly comedy appearances and fancy dress shows, big belly laughs are almost certainly guaranteed.
Although Paddy’s Day may seem like a holiday invented for grown-ups as an excuse to drink copious amounts of the black stuff, there are actually hundreds of wonderful things going on for the younger members of the family. Kids will love the sight of spectacular parades, puppet shows, science fairs and concerts, storytelling, city farmyards and rainbow-coloured carnival characters straight out of the jungle and outer space.
And it’s not just Dublin that gets into the swing of things!
Limerick honours Saint Patrick with its vibrant SpringFest; Wexford boasts flamboyant floats and marching bands, Cork goes crazy with a feisty family fiesta while Galway’s little winding streets reach bursting point with brass bands, dancers and circus performers.
Dublin flights will take you to the heart of the celebrations this Paddy’s Day but when the crowds have all gone and the sound of lively Irish jigs has faded, Ireland’s wild and untamed landscapes
make the perfect place to escape to. From a sea of green shamrocks and gaudy hats to breath-taking landmarks like the Blarney Stone, the Giants Causeway and the Cliffs of Moher. Hilltop hikes,
adventure sports and cosy little pubs are there for the taking.
Photo by – Graham Alton
Wherever you go in Ireland you can be assured of a welcome as hearty as the nation’s food, an unbeatable atmosphere and a great helping of Irish craic. If you’re very lucky indeed, you might even
see a leprechaun or two!
