The National St. Patrick’s Festival is back for a global celebration of all things green, Irish and truly magical!
It's safe to say that the past two years have been a rollercoaster for everyone. With us now three months into 2022, there's one huge event that Ireland has sorely missed out on during this time, and that's the annual St. Patrick's Day celebrations. While the day isn't for everyone, there's certainly lots of fun to be had if you're up for taking part in the festivities. Here are some family events taking place during this year's St. Patrick's Festival in Dublin.
The National St. Patrick’s Festival takes place between March 16 and 20, 2022 - and remember, we've been given an extra Bank Holiday this year. This means a lot of the workforce will be off on both March 17 and also March 18.
Connections/Naisc is the theme of this year’s spectacular global celebration of Irish arts, culture and heritage, as the Festival invites Ireland and the world to reconnect in Dublin.
Festival Quarter Days
Where: National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks
When: Thursday 17 - Sunday 20, 12 pm - 6 pm
Brand new for this year's festivities is this magical day-to-night urban festival for all ages. Immerse the whole family in talks, film screenings, interactive games, circus and science shows all in one place. Find everything to keep those shamrock smiles on your family's faces with the likes of Actual Reality Arcade, Curious State, Fanzini Brothers, Little Gem Puppets, Tumble Circus and Strong Women Science Circus Show. Plus, TV Presenter and Celebrity Scientist Mark the Science Guy will also a fun-filled display of his favourite science experiments for the whole family.
Irish Food & Craft Village
Where: National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks
When: Wednesday 16 - Sunday 20, from early to close.
Then we're onto the most important part of the day - food! If you forget to bring along a packed lunch, connect and relax as a family in the many comfortable seating and relaxation areas in the Irish Food & Craft Village. Featuring food trucks galore, you and your family can feast on contemporary and diverse Irish cooking from the cream of Ireland’s food truck community including Lala Poutine, Bad Boys BBQ, Fire and Food, The Brew Crew Café and many more besides.
Breathe Festival With Happenings
Where: The Law Society, Dublin 7
When: Friday March 18, from 10 am - 5 pm / Saturday March 19, from 10 am - 1 pm
All ages are welcome to relax and breathe with yoga and mindfulness classes and activities, talks, demos, local food offerings, a mobile sauna and more! Sustainable, meaningful cultural event producers Happenings will bring their own inimitable style and insights to Breathe Festival featuring the likes of Join Bressie, The Happy Pear, Trisha Lewis, Davie Philips, Michael Ryan, Jen Healy, Reggae Yoga and Friends of The Earth.
City Funfairs
Where: Custom House Quay
When: March 17 – 20
From waltzers and bumper cars to old-time carousels, there’s something for everyone at this year's City Funfair! One of the top family events at the St. Patrick's Festival, dare to be suspended upside down or whisked through the air at amazing speed!
Of course, there will be all of this plus the iconic National St. Patrick’s Day Parade which takes to the streets of Dublin on March 17. You can check out the full festival schedule at the official St. Patrick's Festival website.
If you're outside of the capital, be sure to check out all of the events taking place in your local cities and towns.