Celebration of Ireland's patron saint, St Patrick, will last for six days, the St Patrick's Festival has said.
At the festival's launch the Minister Arts, Sports and Tourism Mr O'Donoghue said "a feast of the finest Irish musical, artistic and literary talent is now on offer, in addition to the free programme of street theatre and public celebration".
The programme sees traditional events, including the 7UP Skyfest, HB Big Day Out, the Denny Treasure Hunt, the Lucozade Céilí Mór and the 7UP Music Stage.
The St Patrick's Festival Parade on March 17th will see an 80 per cent increase in performers, from 1,970 last year to 3,500 this year. The theme of the event will be "Voyages and Visions".
Further detail of the St Patrick's Festival can be accessed at: www.stpatricksfestival.ie