St Patrick’s Festival 2012
St Patrick’s Festival 2012
You are cordially invited to one of the most
Entertaining, Culture-Driven and Inspiring Festivals in the World.
The St.Patrick’s Festival is back and is as enjoyable, energetic and flamboyant as ever.
The action-packed long weekend has something for everyone. Young and old of every taste are bound to find something to that tickles their fancy.
A Brief Run-Down Of This Year’s Main Events:
We kick off the weekend on Friday with the fantastic Festival Ceilí at 4.30pm at Stephen’s Green. This inspiring outdoor occasion brings everybody together in song and dance. You will really get to experience the true cultúr and craic that Ireland is famous for, while expert musicians and dancers guide everyone in the crowd to take part in traditional jigs and reels.
On both Friday and Saturday, Dublin will be paying tribute to the comedic genius that was “Father Ted”, a legendary Irish TV comedy programme. Two of Father Ted’s well known faces will delight crowds with their side-tickling stand-up acts in The Laughter Lounge, Eden Quay at 8.30pm each night. Themed nights with decorations and staff dress-ups will add to the humorous atmosphere. As Missus Doyle would say..... “Ah go on, go on, go on, go on!”
Saturday is of course St.Patrick’s Day and the highlight of the Festival, The St.Patrick’s Day Parade, is what everyone looks forward to. This year’s theme is “HOW?, WHAT?, WHY?”. A selection of science related questions that children have asked throughout the years. Each pageant company has taken a question and portrayed their own rendition through a dazzling and colourful float. A fabulous array of entertainers, performers and inspiring marching bands will have every heart in the crowd beating faster. The Parade kicks off at 12.00pm at Parnell Square, right outside the door of the Castle Hotel!!! The entire Parade can be viewed from our front door. It is sure to be a memorable occasion for everyone.
Sunday will continue the great festivities with Dublin’s Big Day Out. This fabulous carnival is filled with theatrics, street performances, workshops, demonstrations, open air stage shows, acrobatic acts, music, Irish language events and much, much more.
It is held every year in Merrion Square, from 12pm-6pm and has proven to be an amazing day out for everyone. There are a number of interactive workshops to get the whole family involved and invigorate the mind. Children of all ages will be equally enthralled and entertained.
Both Sunday and Monday see energetic sporting events.
On Sunday, Dublin will be host to the St. Patrick’s Festival 5km Road Race.
Come out and support, or register and join in yourself. Either way a fantastic amount of support and money will be raised for well-deserved causes and charities. Cheer on the runners as they hop, skip and jump their way to the finish line.
On Monday we see the fast-paced Dublin University Boat Races taking place on The Liffey River in the Centre of Dublin’s Fair City. The racers will row their way from O’Connell Bridge down to the finish line at historical James’ Gate, the home of Guinness Brewery.
It will be an adrenaline filled spectacle that would get any spectator cheering.
May the best team win!
In between the Main Events we have a fun-packed line up of concerts, funfairs, cultural workshops, free tours and plenty of traditional aspects.
To name but a few; the “City at Play” Funfairs will be going on every day till late in 3 different points around the City. Merrion Square West, Wolfetone Park and Custom House Quay. From carousels to roller coasters, family attractions to ferris wheels, you won’t be bored.
Another daily occurrence will be the Irish Craft Beer Festival. A truly unique celebration of Ireland’s Craft Brewing. This takes place daily down in the IFSC, Georges Dock from 12.00pm.
Free Walking Tours will bring enthusiastic people around the delights of Dublin and divulge the interesting history that Dublin boasts.
Also don’t forget to check out the number of concerts going on throughout Dublin every night throughout the weekend.
For a full detailed list of all the amazing events taking place, visit www.stpatricksfestival.ie .
They will give you a full run-down of the events, times and venues.
We all look forward to seeing you this fine Paddy’s Day, so don your green, white and orange and your shamrocks and join us in The Castle Hotel in celebrating everything that is beautiful about Ireland.
