Big Fun in Dublin: St. Patrick's Day Grows Up
When the sun sets on Dublin, the St. Patrick’s Festival comes alive with an impressive schedule of performances. Go beyond the pub and experience everything the city has to offer, with thoroughly grown-up fare that's as exciting as the glitz and color of the day’s more family-oriented offerings. When the kids are in bed, visitors can sample the St. Patrick’s Festival creative best with hot tickets to concerts, films and more.
Culture lovers, stargazers and visitors looking to engage with Ireland’s most creative minds shouldn’t miss Dublin Swell at the newly opened quay-side convention centre. In this one-night only show, 7:30 p.m. March 18, Dublin’s rich literary heritage takes center stage for a night of unforgettable performances from Dublin’s best writers and creative minds – including Academy Award-winner Glen Hansard, Maeve Binchy, Seamus Heaney, Roddy Doyle and others. Tickets range from €18 to €25 and can be booked through the Dublin City of Literature website.
For a fun, grown-up night out, bring your cell phone to The Laughter Lounge and get texty at “Text in the City” improv event. Kicking off at 8:30 p.m. March 18-19 at the lounge’s quay-side location, Irish comedians go for laughs with the help of audience text messages posted live on stage. Tickets are €25, available through The Laughter Lounge’s website.
Twenty years and one Celtic Tiger later, the influence of Dublin-based cult film “The Commitments” continues to bare its soul-music sounds to the world. March 19, the St. Patrick’s Festival puts the original band back on stage for a rocking anniversary gig in Dublin’s O2 concert venue. Ticket prices range from €55.80 to €59.80 and can be booked in advance online.
For a look at the hit film behind the concert, catch screenings of Roddy Doyle’s novel-turned-film at The Screen Cinema March 17-18. With just two shows, booking in advance is recommended by calling 1520 927 005.
HelloDublin Tip: At its heart, Dublin is a medieval city still learning to cope with heavy traffic. Getting around quickly starts with an all-day pass for the city’s LUAS tram system. Its recently expanded Red Line takes visitors directly to the O2 concert venue, as well as the Convention Centre Dublin.
Posted on Mar 11, 2011 by Bridget Reilly
