St Patrick's Day is approaching soon and while the main parade down Dublin's O'Connell Street is set to attract thousands of people, there is a whole host of other events happening in Dublin to mark the occasion.
From dancing to music to all sorts of family friendly events, this year's St Patrick's Festival is set to be a special one, especially given what we've all been through over the past couple of years.
With that in mind, the theme of this year's Festival is Connections. Through art, culture and heritage, the 2022 edition of the festival aims to connect families and communities to each other, whether they're at home or abroad.
Naturally, the national parade takes place in Dublin city centre on March 17 and promises "more pageants, more marching bands and more participants than ever before".
In addition to the parade, there are many events in Dublin geared to people of all ages. Here is everything you need to know about the St Patrick's Festival.
Festival Quarter
The Festival Quarter is a new addition for the 2022 festival. Located at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, The Festival Quarter will be home to a magical day-to-night urban festival.
It kicks off on Wednesday, March 16 and runs until March 20. With a jam packed series of events lined up, the space will also play host to the Irish Food & Craft Village, a daily showcase of Ireland’s incredible food and beverage produce.
Breathe Festival
Wellness is set to be incorporated into this year's St Patrick's Festival in Dublin as Breathe Festival takes place on the grounds of The Law Society of Ireland on March 18 and 19.
The line up for discussions currently includes Trisha Lewis, The Happy Pear, The Useless Project and Davie Philips. Meanwhile, group yoga classes will be led by the likes of Michael Ryan, Lou Horgan, Jen Healy and Mari Kennedy.
There will also be sound baths, strength and conditioning experts, a mobile sauna and plenty of food offerings.
Comedy
There will be plenty of laughs to be had as part of the St Patrick's Festival this year, which only seems right given that we are the funniest nation on earth.
On Thursday, March 17, comedy lovers will be able to catch Damian Clarke hosting an event full of hilarity as he is joined by Neil Delamere, Julie Jay and Grace Mulvey.
On Friday, March 18, there will be a Dublin Comedy Improv and Paradise Cabaret which will feature comedy, circus, dance and the "funniest weirdos and queerdos around". Following that will be Dublin Comedy Improv crew, Fred Cooke and Danny O’Brien.
On Saturday, March 19, Eric Lalor presents a delightfully hilarious lineup of comedians including Kevin McGahern, Andrea Farrell, Steve Bennett and Emma Doran.
All of the comedy fun takes place at The Festival Quarter.
Music
Also taking place at the Festival Quarter is plenty of musical goodness.
The lineup of shows on the main stage includes performances from Damien Dempsy, Lyra, Soule and many more.
Additionally, on Saturday, March 19, over 100 young harpists from around Ireland will gather for dynamic take on Irish Traditional Music today.
Code of Behaviour, a Cork based Irish brass band blending pop, jazz and overall madness, will take to the main stage on Saturday at 2pm.
Events for the kids
With events happening all day and all night at The Festival Quarter at Collins Barracks, there is plenty in store to bring to the kids to.
The variety of family friendly events includes a Ceili on Paddy's Day, Mark the Science Guy on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and Little Gem Puppets on the Saturday.
To book tickets for St Patrick's festival events and to view the full lineup, you can visit stpatricksfestival.ie.
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