Every March 17th, the 5th-century Romano-British missionary who converted the Celts to Christianity, then became a bishop and eventually Irland´s patron saint is celebrated in more countries than any other national holiday, and of course it has special weight and significance here, where it´s a public holiday as well as a cultural and religious one. And if you happen to be visiting on this special day, you´re in for a treat, with various forms of festivities shamrocking the city from the 14th to the 18th. Here are some of the highlights, from iconic landmarks to cultural hotspots:
The Colorful Parade
Marking its 93rd year, the grand procession on the 17th - with a bevy of bands and a cast of some 4,000 - draws around a half million as its winds along a 2.5-kilometer (roughly eight-mile) route along O´Connell and other historic streets, ending up at 2 pm at St. Patrick´s Cathedral (see below). It´s of course free and open to all, but for a special close-up of the lively floats, music, and dancers, there are covered grandstands at five key points along the route which require advance tickets.
St. Patrick´s Day Festival
Held at the National Museum of Ireland, the "Festival Quarter" has a concert stage as well as loads of food and crafts booths, running day and night.
Top Neighbourhoods for Celebrating
City centre´s O´Connell Street, Dublin´s main thoroughfare and shopping district, lined with sculptures and monuments as well as shops, bars, and restaurants, also lies at the heart of its SPD festivities - not just as one of the parade´s main routes but also afterward, with special installations as well as crowds thronging the pubs.
Then there´s the city´s most traditional and historic district, Temple Bar (above), is also its premier "going out" quarter, with a lively atmosphere through much of the year, known among other things for its lively street performances shops, galleries, and eateries. And all of it is ramped up to twelve during the SPD festivities.
And while Merrion Square is known for its elegant townhouses and Georgian architecture, during these days it transforms into a lively hub of stuff to see and do, including live performances, art exhibitions, and interactive activities.
Bjørn Christian Tørrissen
Dublin Castle
Built by the invading Normans in 1204, this complex is still used for state banquets, conferences, functions, and as the heaquarters of the European Union presidency when Ireland holds the office. It´s also home to a historical museum, and during SPD festivities the grounds are replete with performances, food and crafts stalls, and other activities.
William Murphy
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Founded in 1191, here it´s all about "the reason for the season," with a religious service, traditional Irish music, and family-friendly events including crafts workshops.
More Classic Irish Experiences
The Shamrock Tradition
The ultimate symbol of St. Patrick´s Day - and Ireland itself - the three-leaf clover was supposedly used by the saint to represent the Christian holy trinity, and of course you´ll see them all over town on these days
Irish Music Music and Dance
Even more than usual, pubs and theatres - and in these days, streets and public spaces - are brimming with fiddles, bagpipes, and other traditional instruments playing ballads, laments, drinking songs, reels, hornpipes, and jigs. You´ll also see plenty of stepdancing, and might get to witness (and even participate in a participatory social dance event called the céili Great fun for all!
Eat Irish
Though not exactly known as a culinary star, traditional Irish fare is hearty and has its charms, including the "Irish breakfast" (sausages, black pudding, and of course, hot tea); Irish stew (lamb, mutton or beef with root vegetables and potatoes); Irish coddle (another kind of stew, involving (bacon, sausage, onions, potatoes and plenty of parsley and black pepper); shepherd´s pie (lamb and veg in red-wine gravy, covered with a baked layer of cheesy mashed potatoes); corned beef and cabbage; and fresh baked soda bread. Delicious!
Being part of the festivities during this time in Dublin is truly an unforgettable experience. Several airlines and online travel agencies offer cheap family flight deals and group flight deals that could be a budget option for you to travel and enjoy this time with your family:
Comments
I have done this and it's a blast!