Continue the week-long celebrations for the craic …
All Things Irish | Dublin Zoo
From March 14-17, an immersive takeover brings Irish traditions to life in one of the oldest zoos in the world at almost 200 years old. Enjoy a lively programme of music, storytelling and ‘mams go free’ offer for Mother’s Day. There’s also a playful pop-up trail where visitors can discover animal mammies of the wild. On St Patrick’s Day, festivities continue with live traditional Irish music, discos, crafts and face painting. As a conservation charity, every visit helps to support conserving native species across Ireland and more than 30 conservation projects around the world.
Mother’s Day Pop-Up | Kilkenny Design Dublin
Jennifer Rothwell is back for another pop-up at Kilkenny Design until March 16. Inspired by icons like St Patrick and St Brigid, Jennifer’s designs pay tribute to Harry Clarke’s stained glass window at St Mary’s Church in Co Mayo. Meet the Showcase Ireland Fashion 2025 winner to receive styling tips and receive a complimentary silk scrunchie or greeting card with purchases over €75.
St Patrick’s Festival 2026 | Dublin
Grand Marshal Vogue Williams called it the “pinnacle of her career” to lead the National St Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, which this year focuses on “Roots” exploring identity, belonging and shared stories across generations. “Growing up in Dublin, St Patrick’s Day has always been a special time for me and leading the parade through the city is something I’ve always dreamed of. I’m delighted with the theme as I will talk up my home country and what I love about being Irish any time I get the chance,” she said. Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, said she “embodies the energy and ambition of a global Ireland as her journey reflects the lived experience of so many people abroad”. The festival takes over the capital from March 14-17 and the parade will feature over 3,000 participants.
Stones & Stories | Dundrum Town Centre
Expect three days of free street theatre, live performances and family fun in Town Square and Pembroke Square in Dundrum in Dublin, including interactive sessions celebrating Ireland’s rediscovered lifting stones and the folklore behind them. Have a go lifting lighter stones and watch demonstrations from Ireland’s former five time Strongest Woman Ayshea Ullah. Rooted in Irish rural heritage, stone lifting was historically a test of local status and Ayshea is helping to revive the tradition for modern audiences.
Aware Harbour2Harbour Walk | Co Dublin
Broadcaster and wellbeing commentator Dr Ciara Kelly is Aware’s 19th annual Harbour2Harbour Walk ambassador that takes place on St Patrick’s Day, starting at Howth or Dún Laoghaire Harbour with a ‘Halfway Hooley’ hosted by Dublin Port at East Point Business Park. Over 3,000 walkers of all ages, families and pooches participate in the 26km challenge, raising funds for Aware’s free mental health supports. The route takes in all the sights of Dublin Bay along the UNESCO Biosphere including the Great South Wall, Distributed Museum and Dublin Port Greenway which has welcomed over a quarter of a million visits since it opened. Ciara commented, “I watched the event take place for several years before finally taking part myself last year. The sense of achievement on completing the challenge is incredibly rewarding, and there’s something very special about sharing that journey with so many people all moving toward the same goal. Events like this remind us just how uplifting community, movement and fresh air can be.”
Howth Castle Cookery School | Co Dublin
Celebrate the week that’s in it with foodie masterclasses in the stunning surroundings of Howth Castle Estate. Whether you’re looking to build your repertoire, master quintessentially Irish favourites or indulge your love of seafood, a week-long line-up of classes use the best of seasonal, local ingredients to be savoured afterwards in the beautiful Garden Room with wine or Guinness.
Mountain View Markets | Kilkenny
This popular market in Ballyhale kicks off its new season on March 15 with a full day of food, craft, music and the return of their playful pooch parade – with categories from best rescue dog, best mom and dog, best old-age pup-sioner! Set on 120 acres of countryside, family-run Mountain View is rooted in three generations of the O’Neill family, who are also behind Kilkenny city’s Petronella and the new Lyla’s restaurant. The south-east’s largest weekly farmers’ market supports hundreds of small Irish businesses, from artisan food producers to craft makers, designers, growers, vintage traders and independent creatives from all over the country. They also host a series of specialty markets throughout the year including vintage clothing fairs, pop-up art galleries, potters and makers markets.
Rainbow Umbrellas | Belfast
Belfast’s beloved installation returns to the heart of the Cathedral Quarter just in time for festivities, now double its original length to create an iconic canopy to withstand any weather. One of the most photographed streets throughout the UK and Ireland, the installation also features 500 metres of colour-change lighting and visual displays, turning green for Paddy’s Day. Local tradespeople who worked on the refurbishment joked, “It honestly felt like the moment the umbrellas came down it rained for forty days and forty nights! Hopefully putting them back up will bring a bit of welcome sunshine. If nothing else, they’re guaranteed to brighten people’s day when they walk down the street.”
Alternative Long Weekend Plans Nationwide
National independent charity Drinkaware is calling on adults to embrace mindful celebration with this year’s #HeresToChange theme, particularly given the excitement of the Six Nations Championship on March 14. Alternative events include Ceol Chorcaí at Cork City Hall, Harp Harmony’s St Patrick’s Day celebration in King John’s Castle, Limerick or a Céilí workshop in Galway.
CRAICLY “Irishness” | London
An innovative storytelling project founded in 2023 by Jane Gormley in a strawshed on a Kildare farm, CRAICLY has travelled the country to bring the craic back to communities through suppers celebrating local experiences. Storytellers share “Ten Minute True Tales” and the theme changes for every event, with their first foray outside Ireland planned in London on March 21 to continue St Patrick’s week celebrations. This intimate evening will bring 25 guests to the historic St Mary’s Bell Tower where writers will share their thoughts on Irishness.
