Nearly every town, village and city in Ireland will stage a parade this week, but there’s more than that happening. Here’s a selection of some of the music, festivals and entertainment on around the country
DONEGAL
Dog Show
Trinity Hall, in Letterkenny will host a dog show on St Patrick’s Day, beginning at 11am. Visitors are asked to dress up pets in green, and there will be a prize for the best dressed. Entry costs €5 per class, with all funds going to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. Spectators free. Tel: 1890-506300
DUBLIN
Shamrocks for schools
Throughout St Patrick’s Day, volunteers will take to the capital’s streets painting shamrocks on the faces of visitors in return for donations. All funds raised will go towards projects in Ireland and overseas. Volunteers can sign up for the event at suas.ie
CORK
Patrick – The story
The premiere of a new multi-media retelling of the classic Patrick tale will take place at the CIT School of Music on Friday and Saturday. The production combines the talents of Oscar-nominated animator Nicky Phelan with renowned soprano Cara O’Sullivan, students’ collective The Artists Factory and a 90-strong orchestra. Tickets €10/15 on the door or tel: 021-4271659
LIMERICK
Biggest parade
With more than 4,500 participants, Limerick plans to host the country’s largest St Patrick’s Day parade, from 12pm to 2pm. Making the most of Limerick’s year as European City of Sport this year, legends such as John Hayes (above) and Eoin Hand leading the proceedings. See limerick.ie/stpatricksfestival
Band Competition
There’s an international band competition featuring nearly 1,000 musicians on Sunday on O’Connell Street. The event starts at noonand entry is free. Afterwards, a free concert takes place in Arthur’s Quay Park, and there’s a family fun day in the Milk Market from 11am to 4pm. See limerick.ie
LEITRIM
Sessions on the Shannon
A free festival of traditional music runs from Thursday to Sunday at 12 different bars and hotels around Carrick-on-Shannon. The programme includes afternoon and evening sessions featuring some 40 musicians from all over the country. The Landmark Hotel is offering special overnight rates as part of the event. For more, tel: 086-3000775
DUBLIN
St Patrick Tour
Running from Wednesday to Saturday, well-known tour guide Pat Liddy takes in many of Dublin’s ancient religious sites, from Christ Church to St Patrick’s Cathedral. Along the way he will tell the life story of St Patrick. Prices from €7 to €12, tours begin at 2pm. 087-9052480
WEXFORD
Skyfest
This year, Wexford hosts the National Lottery Skyfest on Saturday. The display of fireworks begins at 7.30pm, including a pyrotechnic waterfall that will create a 300-metre wide curtain of cascading silver fire. The theme for this year’s event is “Making Magic Happen” and firework specialists Pains Fireworks will be using 1.6 tonnes of fireworks. See stpatricksfestival.ie or tel: 01-6763205
DUBLIN
Salsa festival
The 2nd International St Patrick’s Salsa Festival runs from Friday to Sunday at the Radisson Blu Hotel. It features a variety of events from full-day workshops to late-night dancing. Admission varies, three-day passes are available. See stpatricksalsafestival.com
Tel: 087-7472633
PORTLAOISE
Céilí
On Wednesday night at the Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise, members of the Triogue Ceilí Band and caller Maureen Culleton will host a night of Irish music and dancing beginning at 8pm. Tickets are €10, tel: 057-8663355 or at dunamaise.ie
GALWAY
Spring has sprung
Tomorrow an event “The coming of Spring” will bring together performers and video artists on the old city walls by Galway Museum. The event features life size projections and live music – entry is free and the performance runs every 15 minutes between 8pm and 9pm. See stpatricksgalway.com or tel: 091-562847
DUBLIN
Harbour Walk
On St Patrick’s Day, a 16km walk in aid of Aware takes place between Howth and Dún Laoghaire Harbour. Beginning at 10.30am, refreshments are available and entry costs €10. For more details see aware.ie or call 01-6617211
Pub Tour
Taking in some of the city’s best-known pubs, starting at the Porterhouse Central at 8pm on St Patrick’s Day. Cost €12, participants must be over 18 years of age. A good chance for visitors to get to know the city’s nightlife. See thedublincitypubcrawl.com or call 086-8643270
CORK
Free Music
Free music concerts will take place on the main stage on Patrick’s Street, from 1.30pm on Saturday. Music sensation Jamie Lawson will be joined by Cork five-piece Fred, as well as DJ Donal Dineen, Rónán Ó Snodaigh from Kila, Niwel Tsumbu, and many more. There will also be a food market and circus acts on hand to entertain children. See corkstpatrickfestival.ie
CLARE
World record attempt
Organisers of the Kilrush St Patrick’s Day event are hoping to break the record for the largest gathering of St Patricks in one place on St Patrick’s Day. The record attempt will be followed by a 5km fun race and live music, vintage parades and entertainment throughout the day. The event begins at noon. Entry to the race is €20, which includes a free St Patrick costume. Tel: 086-2253549
CORK
Terminal Convention
Running from St Patrick’s Day until March 27, this ambitious art event at the old decommissioned airport terminal at Cork Airport features artists, art fairs, seminars and live music. Tickets from €7. See terminalconvention.com.
WATERFORD
Street Theatre
On St Patrick’s Day, Red Kettle Theatre Company has a number of street performances of a pirate-themed show, based on the arrival of the Tall Ships in May. The event takes place at the Millennium Plaza before and after the main parade, entry is free. Tel: 051-879688
