St Patricks Day – Again! March 17

Celebrating the Irish way

By Dara Vongsonephet
Pubblished on 06-Mar-2007
Section TRAVEL INFO

The leprechauns are coming out again… On March 17th, the world is set to celebrate Ireland’s national holiday – St Patricks Day. This day, now a five day festival, is Ireland’s biggest party, and the whole world knows it too! All around the world, Irish communities, their friends, neighbours, their grandchildren, great grandchildren, and, well, people who just love the Irish spirit, celebrate this national holiday.

So wear green, put your dancing shoes on, and wave your Irish flags! It doesn’t matter wear you do it, this is one country’s national holiday that is celebrated all around the world! That said, if you happen to be in Europe, then hop onto a low-cost flight and find a happening party in Ireland quick-smart.

St Patricks day on March 17 was the patron saint’s day (of the same name!), but in 1996, the Irish government decided that it would be the country’s official national holiday. The party soon became overshadowed by celebrations overseas – but the Irish aren’t easily beaten! The national holiday in Ireland, now called St Patricks Festival, is celebrated for 5 days, and you’ll find the biggest party in Dublin. (Thankfully Dublin’s a great place to fly into with low-cost airlines!)

This year, you’ll find the festivities beginning on March 15, with funfairs, concerts, treasure hunts, and a huge parade on March 17. Follow the fun down Dame and O’Connell Streets; dance the nights away with dance parties on Earlsfort Terrace, and wind down on the last day at the huge Denny Big Day Out concert on March 19. Just don’t expect to be the only traveller in Dublin this week – organizers are expecting over 1 million people this year.

If you’re looking for something a bit more low key, then you won’t be disappointed with the parties in Cork, Armagh, Belfast or Kerry. Or, if your time zone doesn’t exactly line up with Ireland, then just find your closest Irish pub, wear your finest green clothes and try your hand at an Irish accent.

Hostels