5 reasons to spend St Patrick’s day 2018 in Dublin
In need of a short break this spring? In only a short ferry ride you and your car could be in Dublin for St Patrick’s day 2018. Book a hotel close to Dublin Port and explore, as the city and surrounding area celebrates the Irish patron Saint and national holiday. It’s worth saying, there is so much more to St Patrick’s Day in Dublin then the world-famous parade on the day itself. We think some of the less publicised activities are well worth checking out for a short break that is off the beaten track:
1. Festivals St Patrick’s day 2018 in Dublin
Although the St Patrick’s Festival will dominate the third weekend in March, there are other festivals happening around the county. The Dublin Bay Prawn Festival happens in the beautiful fishing village of Howth, north of the city. A celebration of the prawn Rick Stein lauded as the best he had ever tasted this festival is a sea food lover’s dream. As well as getting well fed in the festival food village, there is live music, scenic walks and some of the best pubs in the county to enjoy in this north Dublin gem. Back in the city the Big Day Out in the historical Merrion Square is well worth a visit. See this oasis in the city transformed into a carnival featuring street theatre, performances and workshops on all kinds of topics. Get involved in an adventure puzzle room and experiment with cutting edge technology in the science zone.
2. History
As Ireland’s national holiday, St Patrick’s Day is used as a time to reflect on the country’s history with several events marking important historic events. 2018 is an important year for the UK and Ireland, marking the centenary since women in both countries were afforded the right to vote. Although the occasion was somewhat overshadowed by the political situation in Ireland at the time, 100 years later it is being marked by Herstory in the form of a Suffragette Walking Tour of Dublin outlining Irish women’s struggle for the right to vote.
Take a trip back in time on The Midlander steam train which travels from Connolly Station out to the university town of Maynooth over St Patrick’s. weekend.
3. Culture
Part history, part culture, Smock Alley will put on a theatrical performance of Patrick Kavanagh’s poetic masterpiece, ‘The Great Hunger’. This emotive poem about remorse and recovery.
For a more contemporary experience, ‘Drive by Shooting’ is a 10 minute piece of outdoor theatre. The operatic animation will be projected onto buildings in Bernardo Square, near Dublin’s City Hall. Each member of the audience will have a set of headphones to listen to the soundtrack.
4. Craic
The Irish word for fun, there’s so much happening around the city we are sure you will love. If you really want to immerse yourself in Irish tradition, don’t miss the Festival Céilí at Earlsfort Terrace, bring your dancing shoes and learn classics like ‘The Seige of Ennis’, Shoe the Donkey and The Stack of Barley. It’s a great opportunity to meet and mingle with other visitors to the city and locals alike.
5. Ceol
The Irish word for ‘music’, ceol has been at the heart of Irish life for millennia. Pubs around the city will be filled with music sessions, planned and spontaneous. However, if you would like to go to something more formal, there’s a tribute to the late, great Luke Kelly in the Vicar Street. The balladeer and original member of The Dubliners is best known for his wonderful rendition of the Patrick Kavanagh Poem ‘On Raglan Road’ (if you would like to ‘walk the enchanted way’, Raglan Road is only a walk from Grafton Street).
Over the millennia, music in Ireland has evolved greatly. If you want to see this evolution in action, consider attending, Kormac: Equivalent Exchange , where Irish DJ Kormac will perform with the Irish Chamber orchestra in what is sure to be a fantastic fusion of dance and orchestral music.
With so much happening around St Patrick’s day in Dublin, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets with Stena Line today for a short break this March you won’t forget.