Smaller St Patrick’s day events will still go ahead in Dublin say festival organisers

Many St Patrick's Festival events will still go ahead.

After much speculation, it was announced yesterday that Dublin's St Patrick's Day parade would not go ahead due to fears over the Coronavirus. In a statement, the St Patrick’s Festival organisers said that they supported this decision "in the best interests of public health" and confirmed that, as well as the national parade, the festival village and céilí mór at Merrion Square would also be cancelled, along with the port to city treasure hunt that was due to take place on March 15. However, the organisers said that the "small to medium scale" events planned as part of the festival would still go ahead to cater for both Irish citizens and foreign tourists who travel to Dublin. The statement said:

"St. Patrick’s Festival will continue to provide a vibrant and diverse world-class celebration of our national holiday for citizens and visitors alike through our extensive Cultural Programme, more than 100 small to medium scale events including music, theatre, talks and trails, exhibitions and more, running from March 13 – 17. "St. Patrick’s Festival thanks our artists, partners, funders, participants and volunteers for their understanding, support and patience at this very challenging time. We would ask for continued patience as the Festival team endeavour to communicate with the thousands of participants from home and abroad who are involved in the events which are not proceeding. We would ask the public and media alike to bear with us as we take immediate action to stand down these events."

Shows that are planned as part of the festival line up include Annie Mac with Kojaque, Soulé and guests at the Guinness Storehouse on March 14, the world premiere of James Joyce’s Pomes Penyeach with Lisa Hannigan and guests at the National Concert Hall on March 16 and the Dublin Gospel Choir performing at the Pepper Canister on March 16 and 17.  You can find information on the St Patrick's Festival events that are still running by visiting the festival website.