Get our top picks on the St Patrick’s Festival 2014 line-up

Get our top picks on the St Patrick’s Festival 2014 line-up

Don all that is green…St Patrick’s festival 2014 is back. With just a few days to go until the much awaited St Patricks festival I expect you’re wondering where to start. You have booked your group hostel but how do you know where to go and what to see. Well we have put together this handy guide to help your group trip to Ireland run as smoothly as possible…

What to expect…

St. Patrick’s Festival was established by the Government of Ireland in November 1995 and is a big celebration of all that is Irish. It sets out to showcase the achievements and talents of Irish people on a wide variety of platforms. The main event is the parade. People line the streets dressed head to toe in green and cheer as the colourful floats, performers, musicians and dancers glide through town. Click here to download your very own parade map for Dublin so you don’t miss out on any of the action. Galway and Cork also have their own parades so be sure to check out what’s going on. As well as the parade, a whole host of celebrations and activities will take place all over Ireland during this 4 day extravaganza from Friday 14th – Monday 17th March.

What’s on…?

There are hundreds of events happening during the festival many of which this year, come under the category of ‘I love my city’. This is a series of moving, personal and enlightening events and activities talking place with the stunning backdrops of some of the city’s most impressive buildings. The events will feature both established and emerging artists across the board.

As well as these there are so many musical, dancing and street performances happening each day. Click here to see an extensive list of what’s on offer at the festival.

Our top 4 picks…

1. The treasure hunt– This annual event is fun for all ages and is a great way to explore the city. Follow the map and solve the clues along the way. Once you are done race back to the city hall to conclude your hunt.
2. Greening the city– Watch in amazement as some of Dublin’s biggest and most famous buildings get into the Irish spirit by lighting up green
3. Floating cinema– This year the floating cinema will be screening the Irish classic Walking Ned. Get your popcorn at the ready and be sure to wrap up warm.
4. Irish craft, beer and food market– What better way to celebrate then cramming your face with lots of yummy food and drink? The best part is the market is indoors, so if the weather isn’t on your side take a break and browse the delectable stools.

Our top tip…

The Guinness Storehouse is a great place to be on St Patrick’s Day. We suggest you get in contact with us to book your tickets and head on down there after the parade. They have lots of exciting special events including ceilí dancers, food tastings and face painters. And With the best view in town from the Gravity bar what more could you want?!

If you have missed out on this year’s festival, get prepared and book your group hostel in Ireland for 2015. This is the most popular time to visit the mighty emerald island and spaces fill up really fast!