The Saint Patrick’s Day bank holiday weekend is once again upon us. The whole world it seems will once again come alive with the festivities  and go green on March 17th. For the celebration of the national saint of our, relatively small country, St Patrick’s Day has undoubtedly assumed proportions way beyond Ireland’s borders. They’ll be celebrating from New York to Tokyo but there is no doubt that Ireland is still the best place in the world to enjoy the occassion. This years Saint Patrick’s Day festival will see a whole host of fantastic events held in Dublin city starting on Friday the 14th of March and continuing right through the bank holiday weekend. Here is a list of some of the best events that are being held in the capital over the Saint Patrick’s Day bank holiday weekend.

Dublin ‘Then & Now’

Date: Fri, 14 Mar
Where: City Assembly House, South William St, Dublin 2
Time: 10:00 AM

The Dublin Painting and Sketching Club will be commemorating its long history with a unique exhibition in the City Assembly House, celebrating representational art in Dublin, over a period of almost 250 years.  The City Assembly House was founded by the Society of Artists in Ireland in the 1760s.  Paintings will be exhibited in homage to the work of some of these Society artists, early Club members such as Walter Osborne, Sarah Purser as well as James McNeill Whistler and John Singer Sargent, both guest exhibitors, in the Club’s 1884 Exhibition.  A selection of current works will also be on display. The event is free to the public and runs from ten in the morning until five in the evening.

Festival Ceili

Date: Fri, 14 Mar
Where: St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
Time: 4:30 PM

The Festival Ceili is an outdoor celebration of traditional Irish dancing.  The free event will help all in attendance to learn the steps, enjoy live traditional music and soak up the atmosphere on the streets of Dublin. Former Riverdance dancer Dearbhla Lennon will be hosting the event along with expert callers, dancers, and the All-Ireland champions, 11-piece Sligo Céilí band, The Dartry, will be teaching the public dances such as The Siege of Ennis, The Walls of Limerick among others. It is sure to be a fun filled afternoon of traditional Irish music and dance.

Irish Craft Beer & Food Market

Date: Fri, 14 Mar
Where: Inside CHQ, IFSC, Dublin 1
Time: 4:30 PM

This will be a celebration of Irish craft brewing, Irish whiskey, and Irish artisan food. The event is to be held in the IFSC so if the weather isn’t ideal you will still be able to browse the stalls, enjoy a masterclass or two and soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy the food and drink along with the live music that will be on offer.

Irish Craft Beer & Whiskey Bar Times & Entry:

Thursday 13th (5pm-10pm), Friday 14th – Monday 17th (12.30pm-10pm)
Entry is free before 6pm Thursday 13th & Friday 14th, after 6pm entry is €5
€5 Entry Saturday 15th – Monday 17th

Father Ted Comedy Show

Date: Fri, 14 Mar
Where: The Laughter Lounge, Eden Quay, Dublin 2
Time: 8:30 PM

The Laughter Lounge comedy club in Eden Quay will be hosting a spectacular ‘Father Ted’ comedy set featuring comedians from the show. Audiences will be treated to great comedy from two of the most popular character from the Father Ted series – the wonderful Joe ‘Father Damo’ Rooney and Patrick ‘Eoin McLove’ McDonnell. Visitors are sure to have a great night with staff in fancy dress and drinks like Mrs Doyle’s Craggy Island iced tea. Ah, go on, go on go on!

Remembering Luke

Date: Sat, 15 Mar
Where: O Donoghue’s Pub, Merrion Row, Dublin 2
Time: 12:00 PM

It may not seem like it but Thirty years have passed since the light went out on one of Ireland’s most important cultural icons. In this frank and revealing documentary, Remembering Luke, the story of Luke Kelly is revealed, in the appropriate surroundings of O’ Donoghue’s where he regularly played with The Dubliners. The film features poignant contributions from Ronnie Drew, Christy Moore, The Dubliners, John Hume and Shane McGowan.

The Gannon Cup-Irish University Boat Races

Date: Sun, 16 Mar
Where: Starts at O’Connell Bridge
Time: 9:30 AM

The Irish University Boat Races will take place on the river Liffey, between rivals University College Dublin (UCD) and Dublin University (Trinity College). The 2km rowing course, will start at O’Connell Bridge and travel past many of Dublin’s landmarks on its way up the river, finishing at St. James’ Gate. This will be a unique chance to see two universities battle it out in a thrilling series of races. The main race will begin at 11am.

The Floating Cinema

Date: Sun, 16 Mar
Where: Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 4
Time: 7:30 PM

This floating cinema in the heart of Ireland’s waterways is a free event for the public and will screen the Irish classic, Waking Ned. It will be a great start to an evening out in Dublin City, but make sure to wrap up warm!