7 Weatherproof Activities This Paddy’s Weekend

Every year we hope the sun will split the stones, but with no guarantee in sight, we figured the safest bet is to create a weatherproof St. Patrick’s plan.

Unless you can get your hands on a crystal ball, we have no way of knowing whether it’s a green t-shirt or a woolly hat we’ll need this Paddy’s weekend. Should the rain turn up uninvited, this backup plan will make sure your spirits aren’t dampened.

1. Epic and Dublin’s Docklands, CHQ Building, Custom House Quay, Friday 17th -Sunday 19th of March

At number one we recommend you try something a little different this Paddy’s weekend and journey through the original Dublin port at Dublin Docklands. Research your  family tree at the Irish family history centre and learn about the history, people and industry of the area. With talks from Turtle Bunbury and Dublin Dock workers preservation society, you’ll be kept fascinated and the rain won’t have a look in! Simply log onto epicchq.com to grab your free tickets.

2. Young Blood; Beats and Voice of Our Generation, National Concert Hall, 18th of March

For something to look forward to when the festivities are winding down, Young Blood’s performance will celebrate young Irish music, hip hop and spoken word artists. On the stage of the National Concert Hall, ‘Ireland as she is’ will be celebrated and dissected while young Irish talent will be centred at centre stage. Tickets are available for only €18 via nch.ie.

3. GPO Witness History, O’ Connell Street, Thursday 16th-Sunday 19th of March

Step out of the cold and back into Irish history at the GPO Witness History event. Running throughout the course of the Festival, you can have your 1916 memorabilia authenticated for free, partake in traditional Irish singing workshops and have your 1916 letters and photographs digitised. Booking fee may apply for certain events, for more information log onto stpatricksfestival.ie.

4.Lorcán Mac Mathúna amd Daire Bracken Special Event, Saturday the 18th of March

Journey through musical patterns inspired by 3000 years of Irish literature with music as composed by leading Irish singer Lorcán Mac Mathúna and  fiddle player and Daire Bracken. Entitled From Amergin to Pearse the musical masterpiece will weave through tales from ancient Bard Amergin Glúingel to Patrick Pearse. Tickets are €10 can be purchased via gpowitnesshistory.ie and also include entry to GPO Witness History.

5. This Aint No Disco; The Sugar Club, Friday 17th of March

If the rain is pouring and the pubs are overflowing, fear not! Take a chill for the evening in the sultry Sugar Club at an exclusive screening of This Ain’t No Disco. Featuring an Irish Music star who’s identity will be revealed on the night and acclaimed Irish comedian Maeve Higgins, the documentary explores the streets of New York City and those who reside there. All you have to do is log onto stpatricksfestival.ie to register for your free tickets.

6. The Past Is The Present, St. Stephen’s Green, Thursday 16th – 19th of March

If you’re looking to dodge the rain and the crowds look no further than The Little Museum Of Dublin, St Stephens’s Green this Paddy’s weekend. With a series of fascinating lunchtime talks and workshops discussing Irish heritage, the event will also host some of Ireland’s most accomplished writers and sean- nós singers. Completely free of charge, the event is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Streets and dare we mention the rain! Check out stpatricksfestival.ie to register your free tickets and for a full breakdown of the timetable.

7. Put Yourself In The Portrait Gallery, Temple Bar, Saturday the 18th of MarchWatch some of Ireland’s most renowned artists capture portraits of young children completely. Chat to the artists and get tips about drawing before visiting the drawing stations to create self-portraits which will feature in The Ark’s Portrait Gallery. Participants will also receive a digital copy of their portrait. The drop-in event will run from 10.30am -4.00pm. To have your portrait drawn, simply register from 1st March on Facebook @TheArkDublin.

While we can’t guarantee whether the heavens will open or the sun will shine, this itinerary is sure to see you straight.Whether you’re immersed into the Dublin Docklands history or checking out young Irish talent at the National Concert Hall, come rain or shine there is no stopping these festivities!

For a full list of events throughout the festival log onto stpatricksfestival.ie