Celebrate St Patrick’s Day this year without attending a parade with these five alternative events
Like clockwork each year, 17 March rolls around and making plans for St Patrick’s Day feels like a last minute scramble. With the Irish weather always posing a big question mark, the idea of standing at a parade in potential rain doesn’t seem like the most appealing way to mark the day.
If you’re keen to avoid the crowds and standing around this year, we’ve sifted through the five best events happening around the country this St Patrick’s Day for you to take part and feel patriotic.
Dublin
Dodge the streets of Dublin’s city centre this St Patrick’s Day and celebrate at the Home of Guinness instead. The Guinness Storehouse is bringing you eight days of Irish music, art, food and festival spirit. Featuring over 100 acts across seven floors, you can enjoy the Taste Mór show (13th–17th March) with headline performances from Lyra, DUG, The Bonny Men, Niamh McCrystal and The Railway Boys, alongside vibrant art installations by Claire Prouvost, delicious food pop-ups and Snug na Féile. Taking place from March 11th-18th, find more information here.
Galway
If you fancy an evening of storytelling, Eddie Lenihan, renowned for his captivating tales of Irish folk heroes, fairies, fallen angels, and other supernatural beings will take you through a mythical Irish folklore journey this St Patrick’s Day eve. Eddie holds the largest private collection of folklore in Ireland and his vast repertoire also includes powerful stories of Ireland’s historical and legendary women. The event will take place in Galway’s Electric Nightclub at 7pm on Monday, March 16th, tickets start from €17.07 and are available here.
Kilkenny
From 13-17 March, Kilkenny’s Tradfest will take place, bringing together the country’s finest musicians, singers, and dancers. There will be live performances, sessions, and family-friendly events in venues across Kilkenny. Think intimate pub sessions and vibrant open-air concerts and workshops for all ages. For information on events, venues and tickets check out here.
Mullingar
For those looking to get a sweat on this St Patrick’s Day, The Mullingar Half-Marathon is taking place on the 17 March. With a 21km route on flat, scenic terrain, those partaking will start in the town centre before taking in the nearby countryside, weaving along the Royal Canal and then back into Mullingar Town Park. There’s also a 5km run, if you’re not quite up for the full 21km. Check out the full details and how to register here.
Cork
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Weekend at the Jameson Experience in Midleton, Cork. You can expect live folk and blues music from Harry Fennell and acoustic sets by Katie Phelan on 14-15 March. If you visit the distillery over the weekend you can also enjoy a fully guided tour, premium whiskey tasting, cask opening experience, cocktail making class or extended duration tour, going behind-the-scenes across the historic 15-acre site. For more information and to pre-book your visit click here.
