St. Patricks Day in Cork

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Hail Glorious Saint Patrick dear saint of our Isle.  Yes, it’s that time of year again.  The days are getting longer, the birds are starting to sing and our season is about to kick off in the only way it can with a big celebration of our national Saint’s Day.  That’s Saint’s Patrick in case you didn’t guess from the title of this article!  He banished the snakes from our land and made us respectable Christians.  Every year, we like to celebrate him in the way we know best- a huge party with lots of music, song, dance, food and drink.  Every community gets involved.  I’m sure Saint Patrick would be proud. Of course, here at our city-centre hotel, you’ll be in the heart of the action.  We are less than 10 minutes’ walk from most of Cork City’s best attractions and that includes this year’s epic Saint Patrick’s Day Festival.  Every year, it gets bigger and better and this year promises to be no different.  Expect lots of green, shamrocks, harps and that’s just the beer. Our award-winning cocktail bar, Cask will be open from 2pm with Jean Luc Razz playing an all-Irish Vinyl set from 8pm till late.  What better way to wind down after the events of the day?  If you fancy something quieter, there’s always our charming Greenes Restaurant beside Cork City’s only waterfall? Still haven’t decided what you’re doing for the festival?  Starting to feel panicked?  Well, allow us to give you just a small sample of some of the reasons you need to get yourself to Cork City and our boutique hotel for the upcoming festivities.

St Patrick’s Day Parade:

The biggest and most anticipated part of any St Patrick’s Day Festival is undoubtedly the massive St Patrick’s Day parade that winds its way through the bustling streets of our Rebel City.  This year’s theme: ‘A Century of Stories’ promises a little bit of everything with a variety of community groups, dance schools, sporting clubs and of course, the much beloved marching brass bands.  Expect a few surprise guests too.  Kickoff is at 1pm.

Cork Harbour Tour:

For those that prefer to engage with our culture on the ‘high seas’, why not jump on board the Cork Harbour Tour Ferry for a relaxing 2 hour scenic tour along our lovely River Lee to Cork Harbour.  Cast off at 2pm on March 18th. It will certainly help blow the cobwebs away.

Hysterical Histories at the Bodega:

History lovers will enjoy this comedic and quite frankly scandalous theatre experience recounting the history of Cork and Ireland in a fun, humorous and sometimes bawdy manner.  A two course meal is available with the show too.  Running March 16-18th: 7pm.  Booking is essential.

Tunes and Tall Tales at the Franciscan Well:

If something a little more traditional and sedate is your thing, why not pop into the St Patrick’s Day Festivalfor some stories by seanchaí and resident storyteller Teddy Black.  There will also be some traditional music.  Storytelling at 4:30pm on the 17th March.

Saints and Shamrock Trail for kids:

Bringing the kids along?  Fear not, Cork has loads to offer families.  Whether it’s Leisureplex at the bottom of MacCurtain Street (2 minutes from our hotel), the newly designed playground in the pretty grounds of Fitzgerald’s Park or this special St Patrick themed Saints and Shamrocks Trail taking place around the city this Patrick’s Day.  Pick up your free guide from Nano Nagle Place, one of Cork City’s top visitor attractions.  Pop into their craft and design market whilst you are there for a wonderful showcase of local Irish crafts.

Cork City Ramble:

Nothing quite beats a good old city walking tour to really get up close and personal with a place.  Running every day of the festival at 10:30am, enjoy a leisurely 75 minute walking tour of some of Cork’s best attractions.  Expect history, architecture, geography and of course, stories of Cork’s infamous characters over the centuries.

Cork Ball Run:

Looking for something completely different?  Partaking in the annual charity Cork Ball Run might just be what you are looking for.  2000 numbered colourful balls will race down St Patrick’s Hill (just at the bottom of our street).  Bet on the number of the ball you think will win.

St Patrick’s Day at Crawford Art Gallery:

One of the city’s best loved galleries will be running an eclectic variety of events over the Patrick’s Day weekend including art workshops for kids, traditional Irish music and a tour of the Great Irish Artists in the collection.

Further Afield:

And, if all of that isn’t enough to whet your appetite, check out some of the wonderful attractions within a half hour radius of Cork City including Fota Wildlife Park, the seafood haven that is Kinsale, the last port of call for Titanic at Cobh or raise a toast to St Patrick with a Jameson at the Jameson Whiskey Experience in Midleton.

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