by Saoirse Anton

As the 17th of March approaches, pints will be turned disconcertingly green, the finishing touches will be put on parade floats around the country and céilí bands will be tuning up across the World. St. Patrick’s Day has always been an opportunity to celebrate Ireland and Irish culture, and at the heart of many of these celebrations is the arts. We’ve long been known for our host of poets, musicians, playwrights and other artists, and on St Patrick’s Day I have no doubt that lines from Yeats, Heaney, O’Casey and others will be recited, old songs sung and our rich artistic heritage celebrated. As it should be. However, this St Patrick’s Day, why not also set out to discover a new Irish artist whose work you haven’t had the chance to enjoy before? Read on for some ideas of how to celebrate our national holiday with a whole host of Irish artists, whether you’re on home turf or in some other corner of the globe.

Head to the Parade

Yes, it’s the obvious one, but it’s arguably the biggest theatrical event of the Irish calendar so it deserves a mention! Whether you are in a small town or taking in the spectacle of the Dublin parade, or in New York, Aukland, Buenos Aires or Tokyo, the St Patrick’s Day parade is at the heart of the celebrations. So grab yourself a bunch of shamrock for your lapel, pop on a rosette and ribbons, nab yourself a hat with a daft slogan and have a ball.

Explore the Bohemian Way

As part of the St Patrick’s Festival in Dublin, a new app is being launched with a historic walking tour of Dublin 7. Launching on the 18th March, The Bohemian Way incorporates live music and poetry with the app-lead walking tour is set to deliver new perspectives in the Phoenix Park, Grangegorman, and Dalymount Park.

Discover Gold in the Water

Enjoy a laugh and a song with a new Irish musical at Project Arts Centre. Written by Shane O’Reilly and Paul Curley, with music composed by Denis Clohessy, Gold in the Water promises “a tap-dancing rabbit, a singing terrapin, a magical goldfish and a stellar cast of people, fish, birds and pets” as it tells the story of Bart and Harvey whose lives are turned upside down after a mysterious goldfish appears on their doorstep.

Have a Knees Up at Kilkenny Tradfest

Trad music and dancing are at the heart of any St. Patrick’s Day celebration, and with 100 sessions and concerts, and a mix of free and ticketed events, Kilkenny Tradfest delivers plenty of both.

From the entrancing vocals of Lisa Lambe, Emma Langford and Lisa Hannigan, to the lively fare of the Kilfenora Céilí Band and Stockton’s Wing, there’s something for everyone in Kilkenny this March.

Discover a new Irish play

Horse Play, the latest offering from award-winning playwright, Eva O’Connor, tells the story of a jockey who lost it all when his best race horse is stolen, and his search for answers. O’Connor’s Mustard gathered several nominations and awards including a Scotsman Fringe First Award 2019, so Horse Play is one to catch.

Enjoy Tunes and Tall Tales in Cork

Storytelling and the Seanchaí have been a vibrant part of Irish culture throughout our history, and this tradition continues in the Fransiscan Well in Cork on St. Patrick’s Day. Storyteller, Teddy Black, will transport an audience with traditional tales and music handed down through generations at Tunes and Tall Tales.

Catch Some Street Theatre in Limerick

If the parades have left you hungry for more vibrant street entertainment, head to Street Show Saturday in Limerick on the 18th March for comedy, acrobatics, clowning and more with Wobbly Circus, Hakuna Matata Acrobats, the Fanzini Brothers, Stephen McGinley and Jack Wise.

However you choose to celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day, make the most of the brilliant cultural offerings available across the country and beyond. Lá Fhéile Padraig shona daoíbh!