34 ST PATS AT HOME


March 2022 Travel News


CELEBRATE ST PATRICKS DAY IN NORTHERN IRELAND THIS MARCH


The patron Saint of Ireland, St Patrick, is celebrated both nationally and globally every year on the 17th March. Despite the pandemic halting the celebrations for a short while, the festivies for Belfast and the island of Ireland have returned and are set to be bigger and better than ever! Find out what Northern Ireland has in store...


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T Patricks day is a bank holiday across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and many places across the world. It is a celebration of Irish culture that takes place on March 17th of every year and it marks the death of one of Ireland’s patron saints, St Patrick who brought Christianity to Ireland. Due to Covid-19 St. Patricks day has been celebrated within homes from 2020, rather than colourful and vibrant parades and events. However, it has been confirmed that traditional St Patricks day celebrations are set to return to the streets


of Londonderry, Newry, Downpatrick and Belfast in 2022.


The theme this is year is focused around the subject of rebirth and renewal as we move away from a lockdown environment and begin life outside of covid. NI travel News have put together a list of St Patrick cheer for our readers here in Northern Ireland to celebrate this year: The city of Derry are hosting an ‘About Us’ event. This will take place in and around the Guildhall square, overlooked by the stunning Guildhall. The event includes exploring the natural world and the universe, as well as taking a 13.8 billion year trip back in history! There will be animations, projection of mapping technology and local choirs present to keep the festivities flowing within the maiden city.


Alternatively, here are some of the best places for a


pint of Guinness in Belfast this St Patricks Day because, let’s face it, the best (and only) way to celebrate the Irish is with a pint of the black stuff in hand.The Emerald Isle’s Guinness is said to have a superior taste compared to the 48 other countries the stout is brewed in and is a perfect drink when celebrating St Patricks day; We too agree with this statement!


1. The Duke of York is a traditional pub situated on a cobbled street and is well known for its pints of Guinness. 2. The Errigle Inn situated on Ormeau Road is a


huge hit for tourists and the people of Belfast. With five bars a beer garden and beer on tap, it’s the perfect place to visit on St Patricks Day. 3. The Cloth Ear is an Irish pub in Cathedral Quarter


of Belfast. Known for its laid back atmosphere and traditional acoustic music, its the perfect place to relax! 4. Hickson’s Point in East Belfast, located close to Titanic Belfast showcases a ‘titanic’ shipyard feel. The excellent traditional music along with a cold pint goes down a treat on this side of town.


Why not spend your weekend trying out local Irish cuisine alongside your new-found love for an Irish Guinness?, Here is a few ‘delicacies’ we personally love


in this part of the world! An Ulster fry: Traditionally eaten in the morning, the mainly carb-fuelled meal usually consists of sausage, bacon, egg, potato bread, soda bread, tomato and, depending on your taste, a dollop of baked beans. The real argument starter boils down to the choice of condiment to go alongside the hearty breakfast- are you team ketchup or brown sauce!? An Irish coffee; Pleasing on the eye and tastebus, this


perfect mix of hot coffee, whiskey, sugar and whipped cream is an Irish storm in a cup- created from ingredients we all know and love. Try it out for yourself! And lastly, a Belfast bap- which is a combination of a


bun with egg, sausage and bacon sandwiched together. Find the tastiest Belfast baps at St Georges Market. On the other hand, there are many historical places


you can visit in relation to St Patricks day. The North Down museum holds displays which explain the importance of Bangor Abbey and the history of the monks who lived there. You could also visit Saul’s Church of Ireland where Saint Patrick established his original church in 432AD in Downpatrick. There is also a Saint Patrick Centre here where you can visit an interactive exhibition about his life. Armagh is also a significant place when it comes to St Patricks day. this is where St Patrick founded his first church in 445AD. Armagh is also the home of The Pilgrims Walk which


takes place annually, starting at the Navan Centre this is an 82 mile walking trail that links to the life of St Patrick and his Christian heritage. Authentic Irish cili dancing experiences are available where you can learn traditional Irish dances with live music, topped off with local grub! You will be taught by local dancers who will teach and demonstrate some of the dances so you can learn too. Why not get involved? If dancing is not your style why not try out the Belfast


pub trail map. This experience will definitely make you an Irish expert as all of these pubs have a great range of Irish beers. You can sample many different beers at Belfast city’s top bars and pubs. The many Irish beers to try are Guinness, Harp, Smithwicks Red Ale, Smithwick’s Pale Ale, Smithwick’s Atlantic Blonde Ale, Rockshore and Citra IPA.


Please consider the current rules and regulations set in place in Northern Ireland. With unprecedented times ahead travel, hospitality and event businesses may be affected by restrictions put in place due to Covid. These restrictions are continually changing.The pub trail begins at The duke of York which is mentioned earlier for its desirable pint of Guinness. As well as guinness, The Duke of York also has the largest selection of Irish whiskeys in Ireland. The next stop is The Merchant Hotel’s public bar The Cloth Ear which is the perfect place to enjoy some relaxation.


EVENTS ACROSS THE CITY THIS ST PATRICKS DAY The SPAR Craic 10k


Féile an Earraigh 2022 Féile an Phobail’s Spring festival, Féile an Earraigh, celebrates and showcases local Irish culture and diversity through an eclectic mix of vibrant and inclusive Irish cultural and arts activity for local people and visitors to the city in the lead in to and including St Patrick’s Day. The 2022 festival will see over 150 events take place in more than 30 venues throughout the City.


St Patrick’s Day Pageant Parade Watch as Patrick journeys through the streets of Belfast with giant hound, Spiorad-Spirit (spirit of adventure). He’ll be donning a giant cloak, elegantly patchwork-fashioned from expressions of people and groups throughout Belfast.


The pageant parade will leave from Belfast City


Hall at 1pm and will travel along Donegall Place, into High Street, Bridge Street, Waring Street and finish on Donegall Street close to Writers Square.


St Patrick’s Eve Concert This event will bring together some of Ireland’s most beloved musicians and rising stars for a special outdoor live concert for all the family.


Some of the stage highlights this year will include


The Duncairn Creative Collective, a brand new collaborative project that brings together over 20 independent Irish musicians from different backgrounds and genres.


‘Run for the Craic’ in Belfast this St Patrick’s Day and take part in the annual SPAR Craic 10k. Upwards of 2,000 runners take part in this urban 10k, which leaves City Hall at 9am, passing through the Gaeltacht Quarter before finishing in the EastSide at Ormeau Park.


Féile Trad Trail Enjoy traditional Irish music sessions in bars, restaurants, hotels and popular visitor spots throughout the Gaeltacht Quarter.


Listen to some of the top Irish trad musicians with over 60+ sessions across 30 venues in the lead up to and over St Patrick’s Day season.


St Patricks Day at the Ulster Folk Museum


Take a trip to the Ulster Folk Museum and enjoy a truly traditional St Patrick’s Day.


Steeped in folklore, marking the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring, St Patrick’s Day is an important date in the calendar. Visit the village of Ballycultra and enjoy traditional Irish dancing, drama, music, folklore tales and more. Get involved in craft stations and sample colcannon and champ cooked over the griddle.


For more informaiton on any of the events, please visit www.visitbelfast.com


Belfast’s popular St Patrick’s Day event will make a welcome return this year – but this time, with a reimagined 11-day citywide celebration from 10-20 March.


Belfast City Council awarded creative development funding to four organisations to deliver a new-look celebration that is fun and welcoming, and offers a creative line-up of family activity, including a live concert on 16 March, a St Patrick’s Day carnival pageant, a trad music trail and a community showcase event. Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl said: “After two years of not being able to host our usual St Patrick’s Day event, I am really thrilled that it is back this year, bigger and better than ever. It’s great to have the input of community organisations too to help make this a city-wide celebration that will appeal to a wide range of people, young and old, from all corners of our city, with plenty of free activities happening day and night across the 11 days.


“As a UNESCO City of Music, music will play a major role this year with a Féile Trad Trail running from 10 March and a St Patrick’s Eve concert at Custom House Square. The concert promises to be a real family-friendly affair this year featuring authentic homegrown talent. And, on St Patrick’s Day itself, I’m excited to be leading Beat Carnival’s pageant parade and am really looking forward to seeing the city come alive with colour and performances.”


A free family-friendly concert will take place on Wednesday 16 March at Custom House Square, 5pm- 9pm, delivered by The Duncairn Centre, supported by the Arts Council NI.


The concert will feature some of the Island’s brightest voices with music from beloved duo Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill, rising-star Tolü Makay and experimental folk artist Joshua Burnside. There will also be special performances from trailblazing flute and whistle player Brian Finnegan and The Duncairn Creative Collective, which brings together over 20 independent Irish musicians from different backgrounds and genres. Barry O’Kane from The Duncairn Centre said: “We have been champions of independent Irish music since opening in 2014, so to give these artists a platform in Belfast’s city centre is a dream come true. We look forward to representing the authentic, modern and diverse society we live in, while providing an inclusive and family-friendly atmosphere where all shades of Irishness, and none, are welcome.”


This year’s new look St Patrick’s Day parade by Beat Carnival will be a colourful, carnival pageant of costume, music, dance, circus and theatrical performance. David Boyd, Director of Beat Carnival, said: “We want to involve and inspire people of all backgrounds and abilities, to entertain and captivate audiences and to promote an inclusive and forward-looking experience of St Patrick’s Day in Belfast. The new parade will be a spectacle of creativity, fun and challenge proclaiming that ‘we are all Patrick’.


Feile an Phobail will also be delivering a series of events as part of this year’s St Patrick’s Day programme of activity.


St George’s Market will also be getting in on the craic, with traditional music performances at the market each day from 18-20 March.


For more information go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/ stpatricks


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