If you're taking the family on a St. Patrick's Day outing and want to try something a little different, we've highlighted just some family-friendly events and activities (for both old and young!) taking place around the country.
The Parade
Don your greenery and enjoy some of the very best in Irish and international music, theatre, food, art...you name it. It's all found at a St. Patrick's Day parade.
Remember that parade routes change regularly. Here's a quick list of some of the biggest parade routes this year:
With Ireland's cities and major towns in mind, we're highlighting some events that caught our attention.
Celebrate St Patrick in the Rebel County!
Find some of the country's best food at Emmet Place this Paddy's weekend at the Pop Up Patrick's Festival Market. From 10am to 5pm local produce and a wide selection of craft stalls shine through with tasty treats and pick ups for the family.
And on Sunday, Cork Lions City Centre Defibrillator Project are hosting yet another fundraiser. Balls cost just €2, and judging from the highlights of 2016 it's something the whole family can enjoy.
There's treasure to be found in Dublin
On Saturday 18th, Dublin will be transformed into a gigantic treasure map. Teams of four will work together in search of that pot of gold, exploring the city in a brand new, exciting way. And with music, theatrics, prizes and more, the craic will be easy to find. Register in advance online or at City Hall on the day, 10am-1pm.
Are you a fan of Irish cinema? Of course you are! Special open air screenings of Irish classics are being shown over the St. Patrick's Day weekend.
In America, the story of an Irish emmigrant family's new start in New York City airs is on Thursday the 16th at Swords Castle, 7pm. Book your free place! And see Sing Street, the critically acclaimed musical comedy set in Dublin will be on Saturday the 18th at Fingal County Council Civic Offices, Book your free place here!
There'll be something for everyone at St. Stephen’s Green on Saturday for a post-Paddy's Day celebration. Between 12pm-4.30pm, the iconic green will play home to some of the best national and international street theatres and bands.
From silly, satirical aerobatics to a 50ft inflatable whale (we're not kidding), make sure to pack the camera for what will be a memory-filled family outing for young and old.
And finally, reinvent your afternoon stroll in the capital - as Dublin goes green. After 6pm on Thursday, from the GPO, Christchurch Cathedral, to the enormous Convention Centre, iconic buildings across Dublin will be turning green to help celebrate.
What's on in Belfast?
Want to begin Paddy's Day in a healthy and worthy way? With the SPAR Craic 10K run you can.
Described as Belfast's first urban run, the event takes place on Friday 17th from 9am. Organisers of the cross-community event hope as many families as possible take part before the parade kicks off later that day.
For more information, visit aisling-events.com.
There'll also be some live music and dancing at the Ulster Hall on Friday. There'll be two tea dances suitable for all ages. The first is on at 12pm - 2pm, and the second 3pm - 5pm. Both are free to attend, and tickets are available now. For more info visit the Belfast City Council page.
Galway - European Green Leaf City!
As Galway City is the first Irish city to be designated European Green Leaf 2017, expect to see even more greenery across the city this Paddy's weekend.
After what promises to be a colourful parade, a free family concert will follow the main Parade between 1pm and 3pm at the viewing stand in Eyre Square.
Limerick
If you fancy something a little different, like perhaps a pre-parade Kayak tour of Limerick, then GetWest.ie have the answers. They're offering visitors a unique tour of the city in the early morning of St. Patrick's Day, and promise to have you on land and dried off before the parade kicks off.
On Sunday, catch Ireland's only international band competition with over 1,000 competitors. Promising to keep the festive tones going into the next week. The 47th Limerick International Band Competition sets off at Percy Square at 12pm and promises a free concert at the end of the parade route!
King Johns Castle are hosting a family fun day on Sunday 1-4pm. From interactive quizzes with castle animators, archery, arts and crafts workshops and much more, there'll be plenty for all the family post-Paddy's day
*For further information on alcohol, visit DrinkAware.ie
