Dublin St. Patrick’s Day 2011: Free Events
The Dublin St. Patrick’s Day 2011 schedule of free activities, concerts and fairs offer craic agus ceol (that’s music and good times in Irish) that will keep even those on the tightest budget on their toes!
On March 16th, 2011, St. Stephen’s Green comes alive with traditional sounds as festivalgoers pick up their feet for a céilí, or traditional Irish dance, at 4:30 p.m. As fiddles, horns and drums spins tunes, every pair of feet have a place in the dance. Throughout the day music lovers will also be able to catch street performances and bands playing seisiúns (gigs) throughout the city.
On March 17th, Dublin celebrates St. Patrick in style, beginning with the Gannon Cup University Boat Race at 9 a.m. A tradition for over 60 years, the race pits Trinity College Dublin’s rowing team against University College Dublin. Starting at O’Connell Bridge, the teams must battle upstream against the Liffey’s currents, finishing at St James’ Gate, the front door of the Guinness Brewery.
At 12 p.m. the spotlight returns to O’Connell Street as the pageantry of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade unrolls before thousands of spectators in town and worldwide. Award winning Irish author Roddy Doyle’s short story “Brilliant” inspired the parade’s performers, who have taken chapters of the work to interpret in the parade itself. Arrive early to guarantee a view of the action on the street, or purchase grandstand seats at €60 per ticket.
On March 18th, and throughout the festival, the city hosts carnivals in Merrion Square, Wolfe Tone Park and at Custom House Quay packed with fairground food, rides and activities. March 19th at 10 a.m. join other festival goers for a Literary Treasure Hunt across the city for prizes and a closer look at Dubliners favorite places.
On March 20th, the festival closes with the Big Day Out; its largest carnival staged in Merrion Square featuring free workshops, performances and more. For more active visitors looking to work up a sweat, the day also includes the Festval 5km road race (about 3 miles) at 10 a.m. Hosted by Irish Olympian Eamonn Coughlan, the event will take racers on a fast-paced tour of Georgian Dublin before concluding at the Mansion House on Dawson Street.
There’s plenty of art, culture and adventure, for everybody and any budget, to experience on St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin!
Posted on Mar 1, 2011 by Bridget Reilly
