Plan your St Patrick’s day break in Ireland

If you are thinking of spending St Patrick’s Day in Ireland you will not be disappointed. There are festivals and parades galore across the Emerald Isle and there is a great sense of Irish pride. Even if you are not from Ireland , on St Patrick’s Day everyone is Irish!!

St Patrick is commonly recognised as the Patron Saint of Ireland and in helping to introduce Ireland to Christianity. Ever wondered what the Shamrock symbolises? Well, according to legend St Patrick used the Shamrock because of its three leaf formation to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre-Christian Irish people.

St Patrick died on the 17^th March and so parades and festivals take place in cities, towns and villages throughout Ireland on this date to commemorate his life. Although St Patrick’s Day is a religious feast day, in later times it has become a day to celebrate and commemorate Irish culture.   Therefore, St Patrick’s Day is celebrated throughout the world and reflects the talents and achievement of Irish people everywhere. It is probably the most widely celebrated saint’s day in the world!

Dublin holds a three day St Patrick’s Festival from the 16th – 19th March and is enjoyed by over 1.2 million people. It ranks amongst the greatest celebration in the world, is massively creative, professional and most importantly fun for all the family! Cork’s St Patrick’s Day festival also runs for 3 days, Sunday 18th – Monday 19th March with fantastic floats, street entertainment and live music and free family entertainment from 10am – 6pm daily. Galway City is holding their 109th parade and will feature marching bands, floats, pipe bands and dancing groups. The city will be full of life and a riot of colour and sound. No matter where you decide to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Ireland you are guaranteed a fun-filled memorable day.

It is important that you plan your accommodation well in advance as people travel from all over the world to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Ireland . You don’t want to be disappointed when your preferred accommodation is booked out. Family-run B & Bs are great places to stay in as they are in great locations across Ireland and your hosts will provide you with up to date information on what is happening and where. It is also a great way of immersing yourself in the local celebrations and carnival atmosphere. Remember to leave your inhibitions at home as you will be expected to wear funny hats, don the green and maybe even sup a pint of green Guinness! It really is an experience not to be missed and is truly fun for all the family.

If you need some more information on accommodation or Ireland in general, then visit the B&B Ireland Website and Blog. They are also running a 3 night B&B competition, so you will be in with a chance to enjoy all the celebrations knowing your B&B accommodation is sorted! Their Facebook page is a great source of information, you can read visitors holiday experiences and tips on places to visit and things to do and see.

Photo credits: St Patrick’s day in Dublin by LenDog64 other photos by B&B Ireland

More things to enjoy in Ireland

Dublin – top of the quaffs
Dublin tourist attractions – the ones you may have missed
See the sights of Northern Ireland by car

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com - Read more travel articles at Travel Blog Home

You’ll also find our sister blog with tips on how to build a successful travel blog at My Blogging Journey

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Experience Dublin, Ireland this Christmas

Christmas in Dublin provides visitors with an unrivaled holiday experience; combining the best aspects of traditional and modern Christmas events, ranging from holiday themed plays to high class shopping and special offers in Dublin luxury hotels, this city truly has something special to offer to everyone.

Each year Dublin kicks off their holiday celebrations in November with the traditional lighting of a Christmas tree by the town’s Mayor. 100,000 lights adorn the 50 foot tree and the city has taken a more eco-friendly approach by fitting the strings with low energy bulbs.

Ice skating is a big part of Dublin’s Christmas tradition and those looking to participate, or merely to observe, should head to the annual Smithfield Ice Rink. The area around the rink will play host this year to an igloo, Christmas concerts, crafts and Santa Claus, making this area a must visit location even for those who have no idea how to ice skate.

The Temple Bar is home to multiple Christmas markets throughout the season, including a designer market that showcases some of the best of the local Irish arts and crafts. Local farmers also participate in a market designated for traditional Christmas foods. Lastly, the Temple Bar hosts an annual book market which offers shoppers the opportunity to purchase Christmas themed books, ranging from classics to new releases.

The Temple Bar is not the only establishment to host Christmas markets throughout the season; Phoenix Park and the Dublin Docklands also participate. The Christmas market at the Docklands, which runs for 12 consecutive days, is especially popular and features over 80 local merchants and artists, along with Christmas carolers, carousel rides and another opportunity for the children in your group to provide Santa Claus with their Christmas wish list.

Aside from all of the specialized Christmas markets, the year-round local shops also pull out all of the stops. They extend their hours for the holidays and offer a wide mixture of common items and gifts that will only be found in Dublin. Those looking for a unique gift will not go home empty handed.

Several local theater troupes stage annual productions of holiday classics, such as A Christmas Carol. Those who prefer a more musical approach to the holiday will not be disappointed; Dublin is home annually to multiple Christmas concerts and sing-along’s, ranging from events at local libraries to concerts featuring world renowned recording artists.

So why not book one of the many luxury hotels in Dublin and come experience a celebration of Christmas unlike any other by enjoying it in the heart of the city.

My thanks for this article to The Doyle Collection of Luxury Hotels in Dublin and other locations.

Photo credits: Zona Temple Bar by Jexweber.fotos, and Christmas market by timf

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com – Read more travel articles at Travel Blog Home

You’ll also find our sister blog with tips on how to build a successful travel blog at My Blogging Journey

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Dublin Tourist Attractions – The Ones You Might Have Missed

Visiting Ireland is the trip of a lifetime for many travelers. When in the country, Dublin is a must-see destination. No matter where you turn, there is plenty to do.

When perusing the city, you will probably want to visit attractions that get a lot of attention and of course stay in one of the many luxury hotels in Dublin. There are, however, plenty of hidden treasures in and around Dublin that you might miss if you don’t do your homework.

Notable Buildings

Dublin is packed full of beautiful and notable buildings. Some are renowned for the architecture, while others combine beauty with interesting activities. From a cultural standpoint, one of the most important Dublin buildings is the Aras An Uachtarain or President’s Palace. This popular attraction is located in Phoenix Park and offers a guided tour. If you want to get away from the city vibe and enjoy the lushness that Ireland is known for, Ardgillan Castle and Demesne is the place to stop. Not only can guests enjoy the amazing architecture, but the grounds are packed with amazing gardens.

Cultural Attractions

As a large city, Dublin has a wide variety of cultural attractions to offer visitors. While the Abbey Theatre is likely to catch your eye, fewer people enjoy the cultural possibilities offered by the Dublin Writer’s Museum. Celebrating Dublin’s rich literary heritage, 300 years of treasures rest within these walls; travel to 18 Parnell Square North to savor the atmosphere. If you find sports more interesting than books, you might make a stop at the GAA Museum in Croke Park. This venue pays homage to the sporting traditions of Ireland and is connected to the stadium, which is open for tours.

Fun Fairs and Festivals

While many Dublin hot spots are available to visitors regardless of their travel itinerary, some of the most interesting Irish attractions are limited-time events. To participate in the Mullagh Fair Day, for example, you have to be in the area on September 11. Whether your party includes the old or young, this one-day fair has a nostalgic flavor with something for everyone. The end of September is particularly packed with fairs and festivals; visitors can spend time at the Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival, the Clare Island Singles Weekend or the New Ross Piano Festival, all of which are held simultaneously around the end of the month. Check your vacation dates to find other festivals that you might enjoy.

No matter where you travel around Dublin, there is plenty to see and do. However, if you want to enjoy the true flavor of this place, look beyond the standard vacation stops and find the hidden treasures. After all, some of the best memories are made when you take to the time to enjoy the attractions you might have missed and for those of you looking for real comfort on your visit here why not stay in one of the fine 5 star hotels in Dublin.

My thanks for this article to The Doyle Collection of luxury hotels in Ireland, the UK and the US.

Photo credits: Croke Park

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com – Read more travel articles at Travel Blog Home

You’ll also find our sister blog with tips on how to build a successful travel blog at My Blogging Journey

Don’t miss out – subscribe to Heather on her travels

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