Top 10 Things to do on St. Patrick’s Day for a Local.
Awh, Paddy’s day. The event which brings thousands of tourists to our emerald island. As beautiful as it is, we know how hard it is to escape the cheer and Leprauchans around every corner.
Well, fear no more! We are here to guide you through the ruckus of Paddy’s day, and give you insight on the most stunning events taking place over the week.
1. THISISPOPBABY presents ‘Where We Live’
WHEN? March 6th – 18th.
WHERE? The Complex Theatre
Surrounding the theme of our home, ‘Where We Live’ is offering a kaleidoscope of stories about what it feels like to live in Dublin today. Through an array of plays, immersive exhibitions, incendiary talk series, poetry, film and music, the two-week event is packed with arty and educational nights performances of every kind.
If this doesn’t make you feel a little prouder of the Paddy in you, I don’t know what will.
For all show listings, click here.
2. Guinness presents – ‘Guinness Supper Club’
WHEN? 15th & 16th of March.
WHERE? Guinness Storehouse
Celebrating the Irish creators and innovators across the world who are making great things happen; the Guinness Storehouse, together with St. Patrick’s Festival, is welcoming home an internationally acclaimed Irish chef. The one-off Supper Club series sees a collaboration between the Guinness Storehouse and Ian Doyle, Head Chef of Oaxen Krog, Stockholm, formerly of Noma – two forces known for their dedication to their craft and quality.
The menu will feature the very best Irish meat and seafood, paired with bold tasting beers and served up with great conversation, live music, contemporary storytelling and all the magic that can be expected from Home of Guinness and St. Patrick’s Festival.
The evening will culminate in the world-famous Gravity Bar, where the H&G Creations (YAS!) will decorate the interior to a dazzling work of art, allowing guests raise a glass and celebrate St. Patrick’s Festival overlooking the Dublin skyline.
The perfect excuse to indulge oneself in numerous pints of Guinness with no judgment. Dream.
For more information, click here.
3. Dublin Bay Prawn Festival
WHEN? 17th – 19th March.
WHERE? Howth Village.
Apologies to all the Vegans out there, but we couldn’t NOT put this on the list.
Are you a foodie? Well then, get ready to drool; Dublin Bay Prawn Festival is coming, offering samples of delicious fresh food and craft beer whilst enjoying free music and entertainment, from cooking demos to wine tasting.
Howth’s finest restaurants, bars, and cafés will host a variety of amazing food experiences at the Harbour Festival Food Village serving the freshest, most delicious seafood, cooked every way imaginable, including a selection of special Dublin Bay Prawn dishes.
UGH, I CAN FEEL THE FOOD KOMA ALREADY.
4. Herstory presents: ‘Suffragette Walking Tour’
WHEN? 15th & 16th of March 5:00 pm – 18th-19th of March 11:00 am
WHERE? Dublin City Hall
Need an excuse to continue the celebration of International women’s day? Look no further than the herstory of the Suffrage walking tour, highlighting some of the key figures and events are undertaken by very courageous women in their efforts to win equality for women.
This is a chance for you all to find a role model outside of the Kardash sisters and Gemma Collins, don’t miss out.
For more information, click here.
5. Shamus (1958) (film)
WHEN? 19th March 3:00 PM
WHERE? Irish Film Institute, Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
This rarely seen drama, made in 1958, is a tale about a tail – a monkey’s tail – which appears on orphan boy, Shamus, when he steals an evil leprechaun’s pot of gold. Shamus wanders woefully, tail in tow, around the streets of Belfast before stowing away on a ship to Liverpool where he is befriended by a wholesome English family who is enchanted by his quaint and lovable ways. Set against a colorful backdrop of 1950s Belfast streets bustling with life this quirky and rarely-seen film is about an unusual child’s search for happiness and home.
Any excuse to go to the IFI, am I right?
Click here for ticket information.
6. Ireland in Full Colour
WHEN? 19th March 2:30 PM
WHERE? The Palatine Room, National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7.
St. Patrick’s Festival welcomes this opportunity to continue the dialogue of the #IAmIrish Project. The project initiated by Lorraine Maher in conjunction with the London Irish Centre, addresses the diversity of Irish identity and how we can challenge perceptions of what it looks like to be Irish.
Jim Carroll of Banter and more recently RTE, will host a panel of speakers who will share their stories and experiences of what is or was like growing up in Ireland, the diversity of Irish identity today and what the future might look like for people of mixed Irish heritage.
Challenging perspectives through storytelling, discussion and performance, this is bound to be a beaut.
To find out more, click here.
7. Lavender Walk: Tour of Historic Gay Dublin
WHEN: 19 March, 12:00 PM.
WHERE: Starting at Trinity College, Front Square.
Join the ultimate walking tour of historic gay Dublin hosted by well-known civil rights activist and historian Tonie Walsh, as he trawls the socio-cultural and political life of LGBT Dublin, from St. Patrick’s proposition by a band of randy sailors in the 4th century to decriminalization of male homosexuality and the advent of marriage equality in the 20th century. Expect two hours of education, illumination and possibly a little titillation.
Occasional yelps of “YAAAS BITCH!” is encouraged throughout the tour to add additional ambiance.
To join the walk, click here.
8. Dublin: A Year in Words – Poetry and Spoken Word Trail
WHEN? 18th March
WHERE? Starting point: St. Patrick’s Park, Dublin 8 – meeting outside The Blossom Tree café, 1pm-5pm.
Celebrate the breadth and diversity of the city’s living poets on a curated trail, based on the poet’s own work and the places that inspire them. In collaboration with Dublin UNESCO City of Literature and their video series Dublin: A Year in Words, enjoy exceptional performances from an array of emerging and established poets including Natalya O’Flaherty, Phil Lynch, Erin Fornoff, Dagogo Harte, Dairena Ní Chinnéide and Abby Oliveira. Host, the charismatic poetician John Cummins will regale anecdotes along the way!
More information can be found here.
9. Street Carnival; Festival Big Day Out
WHEN? 18th March
WHERE? Merrion Square, Dublin 2
OK, we know this might be a little touristy, but who can resist a street carnival?!
Merrion Square will be taken over by bursting with street theatre, music, aerial performances, workshops, Irish Language activities and of course a festival Céilí.
Pilot a spaceship across the galaxy in Defender Run or shoot down aliens in the Space Invaders gallery in the interactive Reality Arcade inspired by classic retro games where it’s up to you to bring the games to life.
Enter a world of fantasy and be inspired by mysterious storytelling by torchlight, shadow puppets, illustration and an exciting adventure puzzle room where Dublin UNESCO City of Literature’s Citywide read ‘Making Millions’ will come to life in a Georgian House.
Prepare to have your mind blown while experimenting with cutting-edge technology in the Science Foundation Ireland science zone and marvel at skilled jugglers, illusionists, theatrical wizardry.
FIERCE AMOUNT OF CRAIC! Find out more here.
10) Leprechaun Chase 2018
WHEN? 17th March
WHERE? Blackrock Park
Have you ever dreamt of chasing a leprechaun? Well, your dream is about to become reality.
The Leprechaun Chase kicks off at 12 noon at the Bandstand in Blackrock Park. Grab your bestie put on your finest festive outfit and chase our Leprechauns about 1.5km around the park on the hunt to find their pot of gold AND lose a few pounds.
Can you cope? Because we cannot.
