The programme of events for this year’s St Patrick’s Festival – which runs from March 15-18 – has been launched.
The theme of this year’s spectacular global celebration of Irish arts, culture and heritage is ‘SPRÉACH’, or spark, “representing the life force, the very essence of our being that feeds into all activities across the Festival weekend including the world-famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade on 17 March and a full programme of live events in Festival Quarter.”
Speaking of the Festival programme announcement, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste said: “Every year, St. Patrick’s Festival is a wonderful celebration of our Irish culture. I’m especially looking forward to being a part of the Parade and seeing the eye-catching Lord Mayor’s Coach on our city’s streets once again. I’ll also be planning a visit to the Festival Quarter at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks which sees a packed programme of events for all ages. I congratulate the St. Patrick’s Festival Board and team for once again creating such a fantastic celebration of so much inspiring Irish talent.”
Of the Programme announcement, Richard Tierney, CEO, St. Patrick’s Festival said: “Every year it takes a phenomenal amount of work from artists, arts workers, makers, creators, live events teams and community organisations, drawn from across the country, as well as the core Festival team to bring the magical national festival to life. There is a huge amount of activity taking place across the capital over St. Patrick’s Festival weekend. From the always exciting Festival Parade to entertainment and events for all ages at Festival Quarter and the One City Festival Programme with cultural partners across the city. We are thankful to all our funders, partners and sponsors who have made this year’s Festival possible and can’t wait to welcome everyone from near and far to Dublin this March.”
Catherine Martin T.D, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media commented: “Across the world people celebrate St Patrick’s Day and it is a great opportunity for Ireland to showcase its culture and creative talent as well as encouraging visitors from far and wide. This programme of events has something for everyone to come and enjoy while the Festival Quarter keeps the “Spréach” or spark lit for the community. This year’s celebration will have over 4,000 participants and it continues to foster a collective inclusive spirit both locally and nationally.”
Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland said:“St. Patrick’s Festival returns to Dublin this year with a fantastic programme of music, entertainment and arts that celebrate the unique spark in Irish culture, heritage, and history. St. Patrick’s Festival Dublin is so important for Irish tourism as it gives visitors from at home and abroad the opportunity to experience the very best of our capital city, while kick-starting the tourist season by showcasing Ireland as a fantastic tourist destination to people around the world. The latest Fáilte Ireland research shows that over 570,000 people attended the Saint Patrick’s Festival in 2023 generating over €110 million in revenue for Dublin city.”
