Travel | Posted 24 Jan 2012
St. Patrick's Day in Dublin has become St Patricks Festival because it is comprised of numerous days and nights of fun for the whole family and will offer many spectacular events from March 16th through 19th, 2012. "Greening the City" is a request that all businesses and venues make their lights green to create that colorful illumination for the whole city. Started as a one-day festivity on March 17, 1996 with an audience of 430,000, it now takes 18 months of planning to put on Ireland's biggest annual celebration for participants that are expected to number over a million. Celebrating the Irish people and culture with green shamrocks and gold for luck as well as with "enjoying a pint", this Festival is jam-packed with parties and ways to showcase the talents of these fabulous inhabitants.
There are numerous free events for all ages such as the Festival Parade, the National Lottery Skyfest, a Boat Race, a Treasure Hunt, plus dancing and performances in the streets for all to enjoy. Whether of Irish descent or wishing that they were, visitors can enjoy the imaginative and creative celebrations.
The Festival Parade has a carnival atmosphere and winds its way through Dublin for 1.5 miles featuring floats, dancers and other performers, marching bands, Irish music, and more. This parade also honors the city's designation as the UNESCO City of Literature.
Ireland's biggest fireworks display is known as the National Lottery Skyfest and presents a choreographed display including a pyrotechnic waterfall with a curtain of silver fire.
The Gannon Cup University Boat Race is a 60-year-old historic race with two colleges competing in a rowing race on the River Liffey.
Taking part in the Literary Treasure Hunt gives the whole family a chance to unravel riddles throughout the city with the chance of winning prizes as well as learning of the rich culture. Choose from one of the many
hotels in Dublin and don’t miss out on this magnificent event on its home turf
