March 17 is a time to reflect on how St Patrick changed the face of Ireland…

Celebrating all things Irish

In 2011, the  St Patrick’s Day Festival (March 17-20) in Dublin is celebrated in style, with music, street theatre, family carnivals and up to 4000 performers joining the fun. And as part of this year’s festival, Wexford will host the SkyFest – a massive fireworks display over the River Shannon. Limerick then follows this event up in style with the SpringFest. In Galway , things really hot up with performers taking part in the city’s fabulous walking parade. In Northern Ireland, Armagh and Downpatrick pay tribute to St Patrick with the largest celebrations of the patron saint, plus those looking to embrace the countryside can also take part in the annual St Patrick’s Day walk around the part of County Down known as St. Patrick’s Country. Cork goes wild with excitement, with a fiesta of colours and flights of fancy; while Belfast becomes a captivating carnival city for the duration. In fact, most cities, towns and villages across the island of Ireland all hold their own celebrations – big or small – so no matter where you are in the country, you’ll be treated to a delightful dose of Irish tradition and festive spirit.