St. Patrick's Festival 2008
Saturday the 3rd of May 2008
Thursday 13th March - Monday 17th March 2008
On Tuesday 12th February, St.
Patrick's Festival announced a thrilling programme of events and
activities designed "For the People, by Paddy's People!" Coming to a
street near you and jam-packed with fun-filled performances for five
days and nights from Thursday, March 13th - Monday, March 17th, this is
your Festival, so be a part of it!
A five-day spectacular that
will wow the nation, St Patrick's Festival 2008 will be a combination
of street theatre, fireworks, outdoor spectacles, visual arts, music,
comedy, dance, funfairs and treasure hunts. The Festival culminates
with the world-renowned St. Patrick's Festival Parade, which will snake
its way through Dublin city centre on St. Patrick's Day, Monday 17th
March, to the delight of hundreds of thousands of people!
A premiere Festival event in 2008 is Pearl @ Docklands.
Pearl is an amazing spectacle for all the family devised and performed
by internationally-renowned street theatre company Plasticiens Volants
(France). This enchanting performance involving giant inflatable
characters is based on a simple and beautiful story of The Pearl. In
association with Dublin Docklands, this is the first time an inflatable
performance of this magnitude or scale has been performed in Ireland
and promises to be an experience not to be missed!
Another one of the highlights of this years Festival is sure to be National Lottery Skyfest @ Cashel.
Skyfest, which will be held against the iconic back drop of the Rock of
Cashel, will be the first festival event to be held outside of Dublin.
Expect a truly spectacular event on the site of the Rock of Cashel - an
extravaganza of fireworks, music and light to enthral and entertain.
Another new event in 2008 is Baby Rave,
the music and dance sensation for babies comes to Dublin. SS Michael
and John will be transformed to provide an ambient setting, complete
with DJ, lighting, projections and sensory floor coverings. This is
guaranteed to be a fun interactive experience for babies and parents
alike. Don't miss the opportunity to see your baby raving!
GaelSpraoi is
an exciting series of events available throughout the festival
promoting the use of the Irish language amongst visitors and residents
in fun and novel settings. Participants will follow an informal
itinerary of workshops, tours, gigs, and film suitable for all ages.
All levels of language competency welcome! Ceol, craic agus eachtraÍ
eagsula as Gaeilge!
For film buffs St. Patricks
Festival and Filmbase, in association with Cineworld Cinemas and Samson
Films, will present a special free screening of the Oscar® nominated Irish feature Once followed by a post-show talk with the filmmakers on Friday 14th March.
Music has always been an
integral part of the St. Patrick's Festival programme and 2008 is no
different. Two of Ireland's most popular musical acts - Kíla and Mary Black -
are set to thrill festival audiences with exclusive performances On
Monday 17th March. Two very different artists with unique styles,
expect both Kíla and Mary Black to bring St. Patrick's Festival 2008 to
a close in style.
Firm Festival favourites return again in 2008, such as the ever popular Arts Council Céilí Mór and the action packed Denny Treasure Hunt and Denny Big Day Out at
Merrion Square. Also, scattered throughout the Festival are dozens of
other music and comedy events as well as theatre performances and
family funfairs, so get out there and participate -
Your Festival Needs You!
As always however, the jewel in the Festival crown is the St. Patrick's Festival Parade, which this year takes its inspiration from the theme Energy.
A total of 16 marching bands will take part in this year's parade with
a strong American contingent present once again. Other countries
represented include Japan, Italy and, or course! Ireland. A fantastical
array of pageants will delight the crowds in the capital, adding
lashings of colour, energy and excitement to parade 2008!
No one knows how to celebrate
quite like the Irish, so be sure to join in and have the most memorable
St. Patrick's Festival ever! Don't miss out on the fun and frolics of
St. Patrick's Festival - see www.stpatricksfestival.ie for the full festival programme and how you can be a part of St. Patrick's Festival 2008!
FULL PROGRAMME OF ST. PATRICK'S FESTIVAL 2008
Thursday 13th March
Event: Opening Ceremony
The Festival will open with an opening ceremony officiated by the Lord Major of Dublin
Further information: www.stpatricksfestival.ie
Friday 14th March
Event: Film at the Festival screening ONCE
Venue: Cineworld Cinemas, Parnell Street
Filmbase, in association with
Cineworld Cinemas and Samson Films, is delighted to present a special
free screening of the Oscar® nominated Irish feature Once followed by a
post-show talk with the filmmakers.
Further information:
7.00pm, FREE Event
Booking: see www.filmbase.ie for more details
Friday 14th March
Event: Christ Church Cathedral Choir Concert
Venue: Christ Church Cathedral
An intimate evening of Choral music in the stunning surroundings of one of Ireland's most revered mediaeval cathedrals.
Further information:
7.00pm, Tickets €24 / €18.50 concession
Booking: 01 8721122 or www.ctb.ie, No booking fees apply
Friday 14th March
Event: St. Patrick's Festival Comedy Circus
Venue: Tripod
Dave McSavage, the
one-of-a-kind guitar wielding street comic hosts this unique comic
gathering for the festival. McSavage is a popular street performer in
Dublin and the comic genius behind the Ha'penny Laughs comedy night.
Joining McSavage on the night is Joe Rooney, Pat McDonnell (Fr. Eoin
McLove) and John Colleary, plus special guests. Expect the unexpected!
Further information:
8pm, Tickets €25.00 (including booking fee) www.tripod.ie
Friday 14th & Saturday 15th March
Event: Pearl @ Docklands
Location: Dublin Docklands
St. Patrick's Festival and
Dublin Docklands presents the Irish premiere of Pearl by the world
renowned street theatre company Plasticiens Volants (France). This is
an outdoor spectacle for a family audience. Giant inflated puppets will
take over the dramatic surroundings of Georges Dock to tell this
enchanting story of the precarious journey of a precious pearl.
Audiences will be immersed in an extraordinary underwater world of
flying fish, 'joker' squids, bewitched jellyfish and a scary sea snake.
An extraordinary aerial aquarium on a city scale which is not to be
missed.
Further information:
7.30pm, Ticketed Free Event www.stpatricksfestival.ie
Saturday 15th March
Event: The Denny Treasure Hunt
Locations: Dublin City Centre
The Denny Treasure Hunt is a
fun-filled free event for all ages, providing a unique opportunity to
explore and rediscover the city of Dublin. Participants can investigate
hidden haunts and gain free entry to prestigious cultural centres. Get
out your mermaid, pirate and underwater themed costumes and compete for
spot prizes along the way. The swiftest, smartest and sassiest
swashbucklers are in with a chance to win.
Further information:
Free Team Event
Registration: 10.00am - 1.00pm in City Hall
Finish: 5.00pm
Pre-register on www.stpatricksfestival.ie
Saturday 15th March
Event: National Lottery Skyfest
Location: Rock of Cashel
Skyfest at Cashel: In
association with The National Lottery and St. Patrick's Festival will
be a truly spectacular event on the site of the iconic Rock of Cashel,
Co. Tipperary. This spectacular pyrotechnic, lighting, and musical
gathering is designed to celebrate the spirit of The St. Patrick's
Festival and the work of The National Lottery, at the majestic backdrop
of the Rock of Cashel.
Further information:
6.30pm - 8.30pm
Tickets available from 3rd March through www.stpatricksfestival.ie
Sunday 16th March
Event: Denny Big Day Out
Location: Merrion Square
Bring the whole family to the
heart of Georgian Dublin for one of the festival's most popular events.
Merrion Square will be transformed into an oversized playground for
adults and kids. Check out the Family Fun Zone, Art Pod, Storytelling
Buses, Cultural Zone, Street and Urban zone with skaters and
international hip hop. The Fanfare Zone presents international street
performance and European street bands. Lots to do from tots to teens
and it's all for free!
Further information:
Free Event
12 Noon - 6.00pm
Monday 17th March
Event: St. Patrick's Festival Parade
Location: City Centre Parade Route
The biggest and best in the
world! For over two hours you will be entertained by a breathtaking
display of creative talent as the Parade weaves through the city
centre. Irish street theatre companies, ceremonial groups and
international marching bands will create an exciting carnival
atmosphere.
Further information:
Grandstand seats available online, Tickets €60.00, No booking fees apply
Monday 17th March
Event: Arts Council Céilí Mór
Location: Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2
Thousands of people will be
kicking up their feet to the infectious sound of the Matt Cunningham
Céilí Band playing with Seamus Begley. They will be joined by the
sean-nós dancers Chlann Uí Chuinneagáin (The Cunningham family) from
Galway. Dáithí Ó Sé will be MC / Fear a'Tí for the day at this, the
largest outdoor Irish music and dance event in the world. Bainnígi
taitneamh as ceol agus coísir ag an g Céilí mór!
Further information:
Free Event, 2.30pm - 5.30pm
Monday 17th March
Event: Kila in Concert
Venue: The Olympia Theatre
One of Irelands most
innovative bands, their diverse line-up (the seven-piece play a variety
of instruments including whistles, fiddles, pipes as well as brass and
woodwind) fuses Traditional Irish with an eclectic blend of World music
influences. Expect a high-octane Trad group performance infused with a
world music sound!
Further information:
7.30pm, Tickets from €36.00 - €38.00www.ticketmaster.ie
Monday 17th March
Event: Mary Black: Celebrating 25 Years
Venue: The National Concert Hall
An intimate musical gathering
with one of Irelands most celebrated artists - legendary Irish vocalist
Mary Black and her Band bring St. Patrick's Festival 2008 to a close
with a special concert that covers her 25 years as one of the finest
female vocalists in the world.
Further information:
8.00pm, Tickets from €20.00 - €45.00
Booking: 01 4170000 or www.nch.ie
Events through-out the Festival
Thursday 13th - Monday 17th March
Event: Festival Funfair
Location: Merrion Square
Ever-popular, the festival funfair returns: chills, thrills and near-spills guaranteed!
Further information:
Free entry & ride tickets from €1.50 www.stpatricksfestival.ie
Thursday 13th - Monday 17th March
Event: GaelSpraoi
Locations: Dublin City Centre
GaelSpraoi is an exciting
series of events available through-out the festival promoting the use
of the Irish language amongst visitors and residents in fun and novel
settings. Participants will follow an informal itinerary of workshops,
tours, gigs, and film suitable for all ages. All levels of language
competency welcome! Ceol, craic agus eachtraÍ eagsula as Gaeilge! Full
programme details onwww.stpatricksfestival.ie
Friday 14th - Sunday 16th March
Event: Baby Rave
Location: SS Michael & John, Temple Bar
The music and dance sensation
for babies comes to Dublin. Venue, SS Michael and John will be
transformed to provide an ambient setting, complete with DJ, lighting,
projections and sensory floor coverings. Dance facilitators will also
be on hand to assist parents and children in an exploration of movement
and rhythm. This is guaranteed to be a fun interactive experience for
babies and parents alike. Don't miss out the opportunity to see your
baby raving!! Age 0-4 years.
www.myspace.com/belfastbabyrave
Further information:
Show details -
Fri 14th - 2 shows - 11am / 2pm
Sat 15th - 4 shows - 11am / 12.30pm / 2pm / 3.30pm
Sun 16th - 3 shows - 11am / 12.30pm / 2pm
Tickets €8.50 and required for both parent and child
Tel. 01 8721122 or Visit www.ctb.ie
Thursday 13th March - Monday 17th March 2008
On Tuesday 12th February, St. Patrick's Festival announced a thrilling programme of events and activities designed "For the People, by Paddy's People!" Coming to a street near you and jam-packed with fun-filled performances for five days and nights from Thursday, March 13th - Monday, March 17th, this is your Festival, so be a part of it!
A five-day spectacular that will wow the nation, St Patrick's Festival 2008 will be a combination of street theatre, fireworks, outdoor spectacles, visual arts, music, comedy, dance, funfairs and treasure hunts. The Festival culminates with the world-renowned St. Patrick's Festival Parade, which will snake its way through Dublin city centre on St. Patrick's Day, Monday 17th March, to the delight of hundreds of thousands of people!
A premiere Festival event in 2008 is Pearl @ Docklands. Pearl is an amazing spectacle for all the family devised and performed by internationally-renowned street theatre company Plasticiens Volants (France). This enchanting performance involving giant inflatable characters is based on a simple and beautiful story of The Pearl. In association with Dublin Docklands, this is the first time an inflatable performance of this magnitude or scale has been performed in Ireland and promises to be an experience not to be missed!
Another one of the highlights of this years Festival is sure to be National Lottery Skyfest @ Cashel. Skyfest, which will be held against the iconic back drop of the Rock of Cashel, will be the first festival event to be held outside of Dublin. Expect a truly spectacular event on the site of the Rock of Cashel - an extravaganza of fireworks, music and light to enthral and entertain.
Another new event in 2008 is Baby Rave, the music and dance sensation for babies comes to Dublin. SS Michael and John will be transformed to provide an ambient setting, complete with DJ, lighting, projections and sensory floor coverings. This is guaranteed to be a fun interactive experience for babies and parents alike. Don't miss the opportunity to see your baby raving!
GaelSpraoi is an exciting series of events available throughout the festival promoting the use of the Irish language amongst visitors and residents in fun and novel settings. Participants will follow an informal itinerary of workshops, tours, gigs, and film suitable for all ages. All levels of language competency welcome! Ceol, craic agus eachtraÍ eagsula as Gaeilge!
For film buffs St. Patricks Festival and Filmbase, in association with Cineworld Cinemas and Samson Films, will present a special free screening of the Oscar® nominated Irish feature Once followed by a post-show talk with the filmmakers on Friday 14th March.
Music has always been an integral part of the St. Patrick's Festival programme and 2008 is no different. Two of Ireland's most popular musical acts - Kíla and Mary Black - are set to thrill festival audiences with exclusive performances On Monday 17th March. Two very different artists with unique styles, expect both Kíla and Mary Black to bring St. Patrick's Festival 2008 to a close in style.
Firm Festival favourites return again in 2008, such as the ever popular Arts Council Céilí Mór and the action packed Denny Treasure Hunt and Denny Big Day Out at Merrion Square. Also, scattered throughout the Festival are dozens of other music and comedy events as well as theatre performances and family funfairs, so get out there and participate - Your Festival Needs You!
As always however, the jewel in the Festival crown is the St. Patrick's Festival Parade, which this year takes its inspiration from the theme Energy. A total of 16 marching bands will take part in this year's parade with a strong American contingent present once again. Other countries represented include Japan, Italy and, or course! Ireland. A fantastical array of pageants will delight the crowds in the capital, adding lashings of colour, energy and excitement to parade 2008!
No one knows how to celebrate quite like the Irish, so be sure to join in and have the most memorable St. Patrick's Festival ever! Don't miss out on the fun and frolics of St. Patrick's Festival - see www.stpatricksfestival.ie for the full festival programme and how you can be a part of St. Patrick's Festival 2008!
FULL PROGRAMME OF ST. PATRICK'S FESTIVAL 2008
Thursday 13th March
Event: Opening Ceremony
The Festival will open with an opening ceremony officiated by the Lord Major of Dublin
Further information: www.stpatricksfestival.ie
Friday 14th March
Event: Film at the Festival screening ONCE
Venue: Cineworld Cinemas, Parnell Street
Filmbase, in association with Cineworld Cinemas and Samson Films, is delighted to present a special free screening of the Oscar® nominated Irish feature Once followed by a post-show talk with the filmmakers.
Further information:
7.00pm, FREE Event
Booking: see www.filmbase.ie for more details
Friday 14th March
Event: Christ Church Cathedral Choir Concert
Venue: Christ Church Cathedral
An intimate evening of Choral music in the stunning surroundings of one of Ireland's most revered mediaeval cathedrals.
Further information:
7.00pm, Tickets €24 / €18.50 concession
Booking: 01 8721122 or www.ctb.ie, No booking fees apply
Friday 14th March
Event: St. Patrick's Festival Comedy Circus
Venue: Tripod
Dave McSavage, the one-of-a-kind guitar wielding street comic hosts this unique comic gathering for the festival. McSavage is a popular street performer in Dublin and the comic genius behind the Ha'penny Laughs comedy night. Joining McSavage on the night is Joe Rooney, Pat McDonnell (Fr. Eoin McLove) and John Colleary, plus special guests. Expect the unexpected!
Further information:
8pm, Tickets €25.00 (including booking fee) www.tripod.ie
Friday 14th & Saturday 15th March
Event: Pearl @ Docklands
Location: Dublin Docklands
St. Patrick's Festival and Dublin Docklands presents the Irish premiere of Pearl by the world renowned street theatre company Plasticiens Volants (France). This is an outdoor spectacle for a family audience. Giant inflated puppets will take over the dramatic surroundings of Georges Dock to tell this enchanting story of the precarious journey of a precious pearl. Audiences will be immersed in an extraordinary underwater world of flying fish, 'joker' squids, bewitched jellyfish and a scary sea snake. An extraordinary aerial aquarium on a city scale which is not to be missed.
Further information:
7.30pm, Ticketed Free Event www.stpatricksfestival.ie
Saturday 15th March
Event: The Denny Treasure Hunt
Locations: Dublin City Centre
The Denny Treasure Hunt is a fun-filled free event for all ages, providing a unique opportunity to explore and rediscover the city of Dublin. Participants can investigate hidden haunts and gain free entry to prestigious cultural centres. Get out your mermaid, pirate and underwater themed costumes and compete for spot prizes along the way. The swiftest, smartest and sassiest swashbucklers are in with a chance to win.
Further information:
Free Team Event
Registration: 10.00am - 1.00pm in City Hall
Finish: 5.00pm
Pre-register on www.stpatricksfestival.ie
Saturday 15th March
Event: National Lottery Skyfest
Location: Rock of Cashel
Skyfest at Cashel: In association with The National Lottery and St. Patrick's Festival will be a truly spectacular event on the site of the iconic Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary. This spectacular pyrotechnic, lighting, and musical gathering is designed to celebrate the spirit of The St. Patrick's Festival and the work of The National Lottery, at the majestic backdrop of the Rock of Cashel.
Further information:
6.30pm - 8.30pm
Tickets available from 3rd March through www.stpatricksfestival.ie
Sunday 16th March
Event: Denny Big Day Out
Location: Merrion Square
Bring the whole family to the heart of Georgian Dublin for one of the festival's most popular events. Merrion Square will be transformed into an oversized playground for adults and kids. Check out the Family Fun Zone, Art Pod, Storytelling Buses, Cultural Zone, Street and Urban zone with skaters and international hip hop. The Fanfare Zone presents international street performance and European street bands. Lots to do from tots to teens and it's all for free!
Further information:
Free Event
12 Noon - 6.00pm
Monday 17th March
Event: St. Patrick's Festival Parade
Location: City Centre Parade Route
The biggest and best in the world! For over two hours you will be entertained by a breathtaking display of creative talent as the Parade weaves through the city centre. Irish street theatre companies, ceremonial groups and international marching bands will create an exciting carnival atmosphere.
Further information:
Grandstand seats available online, Tickets €60.00, No booking fees apply
Monday 17th March
Event: Arts Council Céilí Mór
Location: Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2
Thousands of people will be kicking up their feet to the infectious sound of the Matt Cunningham Céilí Band playing with Seamus Begley. They will be joined by the sean-nós dancers Chlann Uí Chuinneagáin (The Cunningham family) from Galway. Dáithí Ó Sé will be MC / Fear a'Tí for the day at this, the largest outdoor Irish music and dance event in the world. Bainnígi taitneamh as ceol agus coísir ag an g Céilí mór!
Further information:
Free Event, 2.30pm - 5.30pm
Monday 17th March
Event: Kila in Concert
Venue: The Olympia Theatre
One of Irelands most innovative bands, their diverse line-up (the seven-piece play a variety of instruments including whistles, fiddles, pipes as well as brass and woodwind) fuses Traditional Irish with an eclectic blend of World music influences. Expect a high-octane Trad group performance infused with a world music sound!
Further information:
7.30pm, Tickets from €36.00 - €38.00www.ticketmaster.ie
Monday 17th March
Event: Mary Black: Celebrating 25 Years
Venue: The National Concert Hall
An intimate musical gathering with one of Irelands most celebrated artists - legendary Irish vocalist Mary Black and her Band bring St. Patrick's Festival 2008 to a close with a special concert that covers her 25 years as one of the finest female vocalists in the world.
Further information:
8.00pm, Tickets from €20.00 - €45.00
Booking: 01 4170000 or www.nch.ie
Events through-out the Festival
Thursday 13th - Monday 17th March
Event: Festival Funfair
Location: Merrion Square
Ever-popular, the festival funfair returns: chills, thrills and near-spills guaranteed!
Further information:
Free entry & ride tickets from €1.50 www.stpatricksfestival.ie
Thursday 13th - Monday 17th March
Event: GaelSpraoi
Locations: Dublin City Centre
GaelSpraoi is an exciting series of events available through-out the festival promoting the use of the Irish language amongst visitors and residents in fun and novel settings. Participants will follow an informal itinerary of workshops, tours, gigs, and film suitable for all ages. All levels of language competency welcome! Ceol, craic agus eachtraÍ eagsula as Gaeilge! Full programme details onwww.stpatricksfestival.ie
Friday 14th - Sunday 16th March
Event: Baby Rave
Location: SS Michael & John, Temple Bar
The music and dance sensation for babies comes to Dublin. Venue, SS Michael and John will be transformed to provide an ambient setting, complete with DJ, lighting, projections and sensory floor coverings. Dance facilitators will also be on hand to assist parents and children in an exploration of movement and rhythm. This is guaranteed to be a fun interactive experience for babies and parents alike. Don't miss out the opportunity to see your baby raving!! Age 0-4 years.
www.myspace.com/belfastbabyrave
Further information:
Show details -
Fri 14th - 2 shows - 11am / 2pm
Sat 15th - 4 shows - 11am / 12.30pm / 2pm / 3.30pm
Sun 16th - 3 shows - 11am / 12.30pm / 2pm
Tickets €8.50 and required for both parent and child
Tel. 01 8721122 or Visit www.ctb.ie