The Irish capital was alive and kicking this March as visitors and locals thronged the streets for what is now a serious rival to the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world.
Over 600,000 people lined the streets of Dublin and more the length and breadth of the country for the St.Patrick’s Day Parade which falls in the middle of the 5 day St.Patrick’s Festival. The parade itself is one of the most visible celebrations of Irishness. The theme for this year’s parade was ‘Legendary’ and participants took to the task of creating floats along that theme with great gusto. Silly hats, shamrock, Aran jumpers and plenty of green were worn. Carroll’s Irish Gift Stores surely made their biggest profits of the year! Children (and adults) sprayed their hair green and wore face paint in the colours of the Irish flag or expertly painted shamrocks on their cheeks. Tricolours hung from most windows and poles.
The parade started at Parnell Square, working it’s way down O’Connell Street over O’Connell Bridge, up Westmoreland Street, and right up Dame Street past the Central Bank where it ended. On O’Connell Street opposite the GPO a tier of seats were in place for politicians and dignitaries to view the parade as it passed. The rest of us took our places along the route from the early hours to ensure a good vantage point.
Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh was parade marshal and guest of honour. The famous broadcaster, commentator and author lead the parade seated in the back of a convertible.
The displays of creativity were inspirational. Entrants from all parts of the country and all across the globe made fabulous efforts. Giant monsters towered above the crowds. Creatures from myth and legend strolled over O’Connell Bridge.
More traditional fair was also on display. Irish pipe bands, representatives from An Garda Síochána, the Irish Army and much loved Irish Wolf Hound’s participated.
Multicultural Ireland made its presence felt in a big way this year. Recent census reports now show that about 10% of the population of Ireland are now born outside of the country. What has taken years to happen for other countries has happened in a relatively short period of time in Ireland.
The Irish Sikh Council had an impressive display of swordsmanship, traditional dance and music. The first St. Patrick’s Day parades took place in America so as always there was a large American contingent in the parade. Representatives from New York, who boast the biggest parade in the world, were prominent, alongside dozens of marching bands from schools, colleges and universities from across the United States.
One unfortunate marching band arrived in Dublin but found that their instruments had not arrived with them. They decided to just walk in the parade anyway. It is that eagerness for participation that sums up the St.Patrick’s Day spirit.
Visitors from most countries in the world must surely have been present on the 17th of March. Numerous sideshows were in place around Dublin for one of the busiest tourist days in the Irish calendar.
The ‘Luminarium’ was in place in George’s Dock. The ‘Luminarium’ being a giant maze aimed at adults and children alike. George’s Dock is now frequently used for unusual attractions. An exotic food fair was also a big crowd puller at the RDS.
Seachtain Na Gaeilge runs the week up to St. Patrick’s Day promoting the Irish language to visitors and Irish people alike.
The annual Skyfest, which promised to be one of the biggest fireworks displays in Ireland, was due to be held on Sunday the 18th but was cancelled due to bad weather. High winds and a one metre swell on the Liffey made conditions unsafe.
Minor disappointments aside, the St. Patrick’s Festival was a thoroughly enjoyable few days. New policies were in place this year to reduce underage and public drinking. Off-licences around the city centre were closed until 4pm. This made the day more family friendly and certainly reduced the amount of public drunkenness, vomit etc that has blighted previous years.
The atmosphere in Dublin was jovial and friendly as everyone was Irish for a day. Streets were as jam-packed as the pubs. Dublin is always worth visiting but never so much so as when its celebrating its Catholic heritage, culture, history and a little bit of over the top Oirishness!