These are the five most amazing events in Ireland you can enjoy during this year’s St Patrick’s Day.
This year’s St Patrick’s Day is fast approaching, and many people may be wondering where the best places are to enjoy the traditions and customs of the Emerald Isle.
But don’t worry, we’ve rounded down our five favourite events happening this year so that you don’t have to. Here are the best St Patrick’s Day events happening in Ireland in 2020.
5. Watch Brian Kennedy at Armagh’s 12-day festival – celebrate with some spectacular song
The home of St Patrick, Armagh promises a 12-day festival that exudes art, culture, drama, dance, exhibitions, and something for all the family.
Beginning on March 6th, the event is supported by Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland with some of Armagh’s most established buildings and communities coming together to create a jam-packed itinerary of entertainment which suits the needs of every visitor.
The festival’s most anticipated event is the appearance of internationally-acclaimed Brian Kennedy in concert, where he will play at the beautiful Church of Ireland Cathedral. We can also expect dramatic choir performances led by composer John Anderson.
4. Dublin’s four-day festival village and Festival After Dark – for those looking the day to never end
Dublin’s Merrion Square is going to be transformed this year into a “festival village” in the days leading up to St Patrick’s Day.
Kicking off on March 14th, the festival involves a circus, treasure hunts, popular street markets, and outdoor music to have you entertained for hours.
As if that wasn’t enough to keep you satiated, this year sees a new event called Festival After Dark that will continue the celebrations for those looking to party into the wee hours.
The festival lasts for four days and begins on March 13th.
3. Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse turns green – the place to be for everything Irish
Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction turns green for St Patrick’s Day as all seven storeys of the building come to life with Irish food, music, and dance – alongside a complimentary pint of the black stuff, of course.
From March 14th-18th, enjoy traditional Irish music and participate in the atmosphere you’d expect Ireland’s biggest brewery to produce on this special day of national patriotism. Don’t miss out on the exciting line-up of musicians – both local and international.
Those foodies with a fancy for Irish dishes wouldn’t want to miss the Brewer Banquet; it collates beers and ales with delicious food to create a flavourful journey for everyone that attends.
2. Cascada headlines at Belfast’s Custom House Square – dance ’til you drop
Belfast’s St Patrick’s Day festival kicks off at the City Hall this year at 12.30 pm with an environmental theme that will bring the streets alive with floats, performers, and majestic marches that sees people from all walks of life coming together to participate in the festivities.
Just a short walk away is the city’s Custom House Square – the parade’s finishing point, where this year we’ll see the internationally-acclaimed Cascada headlining. The singer is known for adored dance anthems such as ‘Every Time We Touch’ and ‘Evacuate the Dancefloor’.
If dancing is on your agenda this St Patrick’s Day, we recommend Belfast!
1. Dublin’s St Patrick’s Festival Parade – the quintessential Paddy’s Day parade
One of the world’s most highly-anticipated St Patrick’s Day events, the St Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin kicks off at noon on March 17th and sees hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts flocking to the Emerald Isle’s capital to participate in the annual celebrations.
Beginning at Parnell Square, the route moves down to O’Connell Street, through the city centre, and finishes at St Stephen’s Green. Although the event is free, you can book seats in the grandstands of the parade’s starting point.
Expect marching bands, roaring crowds, floats, costumes, and mighty craic for up to three hours through the parade’s duration, and in all the hours that follow as the high-spirited Irish people buzz from the positive energy created by the show.
There are so many popular events scattered across the Emerald Isle, so we wouldn’t blame you if there were more than just five St Patrick’s Day events that you are keen to enjoy.
If you’d like a more in-depth resource of other events to participate in across the holidays, then we would suggest checking the St Patrick’s Festival website, or the Ireland.com page.
No matter what you end up doing, we wish you a happy St Patrick’s Day!
