Saint Paddy’s Day is a religious and cultural celebration celebrated in Ireland and other parts of the world on 17th March each year. The day is a commemoration of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and the arrival of Christianity in the Irish republic.
Every town in Ireland holds festivities and events to mark this historic day. The St. Patrick’s Day Festival Tour usually includes two days in Dublin, including March 16th and 17th. Dublin hosts the grandest Saint Paddy’s parade in Ireland.
Each year’s festivities usually have a theme. For instance, in 2015, the theme was “The Present”, which focused on present-day Ireland at that time. In 2016, the theme was “The Future” and entailed a reflection into the future and the Irish people determining who they aspire to be in the next say 100 years.
According to research from Betway online casino, the celebrations have evolved over the years and gone global. Nowadays, there are several day and night tours held during the festivities. You will get the complete Irish package as you visit the medieval towns, natural splendour, parades and lively parties. Here are some of the tours you can expect to enjoy during these celebrations.
A trip to Waterford
Revellers can enjoy a trip to Waterford, regarded as the oldest city in Ireland. Historians state that the town was first visited by the Vikings in 825 AD. Moreover, the city enclosed by a wall maintains most of its ancient character and graceful buildings from its 18th-century expansion.
You will also find Reginald’s Tower in the town, which is the most historic urban medieval monument in Ireland. Other elegant works of architecture from the 18th century include the Chamber of Commerce building, Bishop’s Palace, and the City Hall. If you get to the Viking’s Triangle, you will be wowed by the 10th-century settlement parameters.
Wicklow Mountains
If you are an ambitious person, you will enjoy the trip to the Wicklow Mountains. Here, you will love the jagged wilderness. If you get thirsty fast, don’t fret; you can make a stopover at a typical Irish country bar.
You will also get the opportunity to visit the valley of the two lakes, Glendalough. The site is renowned for its magnificence and historical as well as archaeological interests. The trip to the mountains usually ends in the town of Avoca, famous for “Ballykissangel”.
The city of Dublin
Your Saint Patrick’s Day celebration is not complete without a trip to Dublin to join the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Here you will have maximum fun as you join the marching bands, military processions, dancing troupes, and other street entertainers doing what the Irish are good at – entertaining! You can also quench the thirst from the dancing by getting a St. Patrick’s Day drink.
Revellers usually imbibe the “Black Stuff” at the Temple Bar or any other homely Dublin pubs. Before ending your Dublin tour, ensure you see other highlights of the city, including Ha’penny bridge and Trinity College.
Kilkenny city
Another great destination for an excursion is the fantastic city of Kilkenny, located at the banks of River Nore. The city’s Elizabethan structural designs and snaky passages and lanes are unmatched. Kilkenny also boasts a richly enthralling medieval history and a blooming crafts industry.
One amazing site is the splendid 12th century Kilkenny Castle that overlooks River Nore. From the Castle, you can also see the Kilkenny Design Craft Centre, which houses a wide range of Irish handcrafted gifts.
Moreover, the Irish tour is not complete without drinking the “Black Stuff” also known as Guinness. However, in Kilkenny, you can take a trip to the Smithwick’s Experience, which is home to the popular ales that have been brewed in Kilkenny since 1710. Nowadays, the drink is exported to different countries around the globe.
The brewery museum offers its visitors a guided tour of the facility. At the end of the tour, you will have a chance to sample a pint of Pale Ale, Red Ale, or Blonde Ale. You can also go to the gift shop and then explore the rest of the town.
Cliffs of Moher and Galway
If you love nature, this is an excellent trip for you. It gives you the chance to enjoy the awe-inspiring landscape as you move across the iconic rolling green hills to the west coast. You will also love the Cliffs of Moher located in the County Clare on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
From there, you can head to the city of Galway and explore the local shops. You can also pop into the Irish pubs and lunch joints and enjoy traditional music. Fans of Irish wool can also shop in the city. You can also find the Claddagh ring that was first made in the City of Galway.