Activities in Dublin and Belfast to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s day is almost upon us and for some of our members in both our Dublin and Belfast locations, this might be their first one in Ireland.
Over the past decade, the celebrations have expanded beyond the usual parade. Various arts and culture events are now held in locations across both cities, offering both tourists and locals plenty of new ways to embrace the festivities.
Here at Glandore, we have put together a handy event guide if you’re unsure of what to check out or what not to miss here. We’ve highlighted the best spots to visit in both cities.
Dublin
1. Rosie’s Jigs and Wigs – No. 25 Fitzwilliam Place
While the wide-spread success of Riverdance put Irish dancing on the global map, Irish dance has a long heritage and history in this country. While its exact origins are unknown, historians have suggested that Irish dancing may have originated out of folk dances that performed by the Celts and druids, before evolving into the Irish dancing style in the 17th century. Nearly 400 years later, these Sean-nós, set and céilí dance routines remain a way of celebrating traditional Irish culture and music across the nation.
To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at our Glandore offices, this year we will be hosting an introduction to Irish Dancing in our sister business, No. 25 Fitzwilliam Place. Led by Rosie’s Jigs and Wigs, our Glandore Members will get an opportunity to put on their dance shoes (and some props of their choosing) before being led through a reel Irish dance routine.
This event will take place on Friday, March 16th, from 12:30- 1:15, in No. 25 Fitzwilliam Place. Glandore Members can reserve their spot through our online portal.
2. Made in Dublin—The Complex, Smithfield
Co-curated by the incredibly talented Niall Sweeney, ‘Made In Dublin’ is a unique audiovisual experience which plays out a series of unfolding events based around individuals caught up in a time and place in Dublin.
The entire installation is based around photography of the capital, overlayed by creative graphics and designs. There is no beginning or end to this display. Each scene is unique, only to be shown once before disappearing forever, never to be seen or heard again.
This event has already started and will finish up on March 18. Tickets are not required as it is free to enter.
3. The Forgotten Irish who changed the face of Latin America—Vicar Street
Irish emigrants have impacted the world including Latin America.
This exhibition takes place in Vicar St and brings you through the history of Irish emigrants with this interactive discussion. Chaired by author Tim Fanning, this interesting discussion will explore Ireland’s involvement during the push for independence in Latin American colonies in the 18th/19th century.
Expect exciting debate and a wealth of knowledge from such a distinctly interesting topic. The event takes place on March 15 between 6pm and 7pm. Admission is €5.
4. In the Footsteps of St. Patrick—St. Andrew’s Street, Dublin 2.
A truly memorable way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is the celebrate the Patron Saint himself.
Pat Liddy’s walking tour brings you on a journey of discovery of the little-known details of St. Patricks while walking the streets of Dublin. The tour will take you around much of Dublin’s medieval quarter, including an in-depth tour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church.
Pat Liddy is one Dublin’s most enthusiastic and entertaining historian’s and is sure to have you hooked in from the first word. Tickets are priced at €15 for adults and times and dates of tours vary.
Belfast
1. St. Patrick’s Day Concert with the Ulster Orchestra—St. Anne’s Cathedral
Musicians from Ulster Orchestra will host an evening inspired by the music of Ireland on March 17 at 7.30pm in St. Anne’s Cathedral.
Neil Martin’s The Helping Hand inspired by Seamus Heaney’s poem Station Island, for clarinet, bassoon, horn and string quintet performed by the string orchestra will be some of the work included during the evening.
This concert is open to anyone. Tickets are priced at £10 for over 25s and £5 for under 25s.
2. St. George’s Market—East Bridge Street
St. George’s Market will become a sea of green this St. Patrick’s weekend as vendors will be on-site selling their festive wares.
Fabulous local musicians will perform throughout the weekend and an Irish dancing showcase will take place on Saturday for spectators to enjoy.
Foodies will find solace in the various Irish food stands that will be dotted throughout the marketplace, some providing traditional Irish fry-ups and even a bowl of fresh Irish stew.
3. St. Patrick’s Day Parade—Belfast City
If you can find a good spot, Belfast City parade is one for the whole family to enjoy. Over 1000 participants are expected to march through the streets of Belfast for the occasion including bands, performers, circus jugglers and massive floats.
The parade will follow a new route this year. It will leave from Royal Avenue, travel through Castle Junction and along Donegal Place before snaking its way around Belfast City Hall, and then returning along the same route again, finishing at Royal Avenue.
Go Q Radio will be hosting a free concert at Custom House Square after the parade. The event will feature great local bands and other talented performers.