Canary Islands Holidays

For a huge array of St Patrick’s Day celebrations that are hard to beat the Emerald Isle itself is the best place to go. For those who really want to celebrate in style, festivities take place right across the country, from some of its smallest villages to its biggest cities, including St Patrick’s Day parades, funfairs, street theatre, fireworks, food, music, band competitions and treasure hunts.

Ireland’s official celebration takes place in Dublin between 12th and 17th March and of course it is one big party. Attractions include one of Ireland’s biggest literary festivals, a treasure hunt – which involves solving clues dotted around the cultural venues of the city – and even a Cuban Salsa festival (Dublin’s first!). Bringing this exciting event to a close will be the spectacular, world-famous St Patrick’s Day parade.

If you fancy a visit to Belfast, on the other hand, you’ll be able to enjoy its colourful St Patrick’s Day Carnival. The city is also the starting point for the Rith 2010 – a 1,600 km relay-run, on 9th March, which finishes in Galway city. Thousands take part in the huge run with a specially designed baton, which holds a secret message from Ireland’s President – to be revealed at the end of the run, from the reviewing stand in Eyre Square, Galway.

Of course there is plenty to be seen beyond the city walls, so venture out into Ireland’s smaller towns for a regional celebratory twist. Armagh, Downpatrick, Killarney, Kiltimagh, Limerick, Sligo and Cork all hold their own festivities, and are brilliant choices to get more of a taste of Ireland.

If you want to know more about St Patrick himself, visit the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, Co. Down. The life and times of the Saint, including the events that led him to become such a dedicated missionary, are revealed to visitors through a series of interactive displays and imaginative reconstructions. Those keen to explore more of St Patrick’s country will find that the Centre also provides an excellent stepping stone.

Wherever you choose to celebrate, you can guarantee that there’ll be no where more fun or lively than the country where it all began. So book a ticket to visit the stunning Emerald Isle and get prepared to enjoy all of its beauty and hospitality as well as have the time of your life on St Patrick’s Day itself.