When: March 16-19
Where: Dublin, Ireland
Cost: Various, some free. See website for information on ticketed events.

Each year around the Irish national holiday, the capital Dublin hosts a four-day festival of arts, pageantry, comedy and colour that offers something for all the family.

Ireland’s leading pageant companies and marching bands will make Dublin’s streets come alive in spectacular style with the annual St Patrick’s Day parade on March 17, starting at 11 a.m.

This year’s parade “will explore the wonder and curiosity of science”, with participants attempting to interpret the marvels of science through the eyes of children.

Throughout the four days of celebrations there will be fun fairs, a beer festival and traditional music and dancing taking place around the city.

Highlights of the programme include a daily ‘In the footsteps of St Patrick’ walking tour, departing at 2.30 p.m. opposite Trinity College; hilarious stand-up comedy shows on Friday and Saturday evening and a performance by Sir James Galway and the RTE National Symphony Orchestra at the National Concert Hall on Sunday evening.

For more information, visit www.stpatricksfestival.ie.

Fly to Dublin direct with Ryanair.

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