St. Patrick's Festival is Ireland's official celebration for Ireland's national holiday - St. Patrick's Day. Around the globe on the 17th March, Ireland is celebrated with parties and parades but the BIG party is here in Ireland where we celebrate in style with five days and nights of fantastic celebratory events, most of which are free!
Thursday 13th March
Opening Ceremony - Free
Lord Mayor Councillor Paddy Bourke will officially open the 2008 Festival in a special ceremony.
Friday14th March
Christchurch Cathedral Choir Concert - 7.00 PM - €24
An intimate evening of Choral music in the stunning surrondings of one of Ireland’s most revered mediaeval cathedrals. www.ctb.ie
Comedy Circus - Tripod - 8.00 PM - €25
Dave McSavage hosts this unique comic gathering and will be joined by special guests Joe Rooney, Pat McDonnell and John Colleary. www.tripod.ie
Cineworld Cinemas, Parnell – Free Ticketed Event
Special free screening of Oscar nominated Irish feature Once followed by a post-show talk with the filmmakers.
Pear @ Docklands, George’s Dock, IFSC – Free Ticketed Event – 7.30 PM
St. Patrick’s Festival and Docklands Authority presents the Irish premiere of Pearl by the world renowned street theatre company Plasticiens Volants (France). This is an outdoor spectacle for a family audience. Giant inflated puppets will take over the dramatic surrondings of George’s Dock to tell this enchanting story. An extraordinary aerial aquarium on a city scale which is not to be missed. www.stpatricksfestival.ie
Saturday 15th March
Denny Treasure Hunt – Registration 10.00 AM to 1.00 PM City Hall
The Denny Treasure Hunt is a fun-filled free event for all ages, providing a unique opportunity to explore and rediscover the city of Dublin. Participants can investigate hidden haunts and gain free entry to prestigious cultural centres. Get out your mermaid, pirate and underwater themed costumes and compete for spot prizes along the way. The swifted, smartest and sassiest swashbucklers are in with a chance to win. www.stpatricksfestival.ie
National Lottery Skyfest at Cashel – 6.30 PM to 8.30 PM
Skyfest at Cashel: In association with The National Lottery and St. Patrick’s Festival will be a truly spectacular event on the site of the iconic Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary. This spectacular pyrotechnic, lighting and musical gathering is designed to celebrate the spirit of The St. Patrick’s Festival and the work of The National Lottery, at the majestic backdrop of the Rock of Cashel. www.stpatricksfestival.ie
Sunday 16th March
Denny Big Day Out, Merrion Square – 12 Noon to 6.00 PM
Bring the whole familly to the heart of Georgian Dublin for one of the festival’s most popular events. Merrion Square will be transformed into an oversized playground for adults and kids. Check out the Family Fun Zone, Art Pod, Storytelling Buses, Cultural Zone, Street and Urban Zone with skaters and international hip hop. The Fanfare Zone presents international street performance and European street bands. Lots to do from tots to teens and it’s all for free! www.stpatricksfestival.ie
Monday 17th March
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Starts at Parnell Square North at 12 noon. With the 2008 Parade embracing the theme of ‘Energy’, this parade promises to be the most memorable St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the world! For over two hours you will be entertained by a breathtaking display of creative talent as the Parade weaves through the city centre. Irish street theatre companies, ceremonial groups and international marching bands will create an exciting carnival atmosphere. www.stpatricksfestival.ie
