St. Patrick’s day is without a doubt one of the greatest perks of living and working in Ireland.  

 

If you’re not Irish, Paddy’s Day can be a bit of a shock to the system! It’s very loud, vibrant and “merry” to say the least. To make the weekend as fun as possible, we have lined up a few important things you will need to know to help you back up your “Irishness” when your impressing your Irish friends.  We’ve also included a list of some of the most exiting events in Dublin this weekend!

 

On the 17th of March we celebrate our patron Saint and the joys of being Irish.  The holiday is celebrated not only in Ireland but the whole Irish diaspora, especially in Britain, the US, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. We celebrate our love of all things Irish through parades, festivals, Irish pubs, shamrocks, wearing green and having the “craic”.

 

 

Some Fun Facts you may not have known about St. Patrick’s Weekend

 

• Many Irish landmarks such as Trinity College and Christ Church will be going green for the weekend. Make sure to keep an eye out!

 

• 5.5 million pints of Guinness are sold around the world each day, but on St Patrick’s Day, that number jumps to 13 million pints

 

• St. Patrick was in fact not Irish. He was born in Britain to wealthy aristocratic parents.

 

• When Patrick was 14 years old, he was captured and taken to Ireland. There, he was kept in slavery for 6 years and made to herd sheep.

 

• St. Patrick became the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland.  St Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland.

 

• He is best known for driving the snakes from Ireland.  This is ironic, as Ireland historically never had snakes! It is thought that driving the snakes from Ireland is symbolic of putting an end to pagan practices.

 

• Originally, the colour associated with St. Patrick was blue. Over the years the colour green and its association with St Patrick grew.

 

• St. Patrick is said to have used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish. 

 

• The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was in New York in 1792.

 

So, What’s on this Weekend?

 

There are all sorts of events coming up not just on Paddy’s Day but the whole bank holiday weekend.  Lots of them are both free and family friendly! It’s a bank holiday weekend so make the most out of it!

 

Friday:

• Jape ay RHA: this is one of Ireland’s most exiting musical acts. They are playing live in the Royal Hibernian Academy. It promises to be a great event so don’t miss out!
• Street Feelings in the Hugh Lane Gallery: Street Feelings is a creative documentary by Donal Dineen. The short film explores the lasting impression Dublin city has made on a Kerry local.
• Festival ceili: a live ceili (traditional Irish dancing) event will be held on Stephen’s Green at 4pm. Hosted by professional dancers from Riverdance, it sure to be great fun. No experience required!

 

Saturday:

• Festival Treasure Hunt: For an exciting and unique way to discover Dublin take part in the Festival Treasure Hunt. Solve the clues as you visit landmarks and hidden gems.
• Irish Craft Beer & Food Market: Feast on Irish artisan food, craft beers and whiskeys at the IFSC this Saturday. It’s sure to go down a treat!
• City at Play: Funfair: Merrion Square will be transformed into a funfair for the whole weekend.

 

Sunday:

• The Gannon Cup – Irish University Boat Races: A unique chance to see two Irish universities (Trinity College and University College Dublin) battle it out in a thrilling series of races on the river Liffey.
• Floating Cinema: the floating cinema in the hear of Ireland’s walkways, will screen Irish classic, Waking Ned, a story about a small town in Ireland called Tulaigh More.
• Big Day Out: Merrion Square is hosting a vibrant street carnival full of street performers, theatrics, music and workshops

 

Monday:

 

• The Parade: This year’s theme is “Let’s Make History” which is set to draw on Ireland’s past.  Ireland’s leading pageant companies will bring the theme to life with music from international and Irish marching bands. Not to be missed.

 

 

 

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