With the St Patrick's celebrations already underway, there's lots happening in Dublin this weekend.
Here's our pick of the best things on in the city over the coming days...
The Parade
12:00 PM Saturday 17th March
Let's start with the most obvious, shall we? The fire breathing, Irish dancing, majorette twirling worldwide broadcast that is the St Patrick's Day parade will start at noon on Saturday. Floats, performance artists and cheerleaders will set off from Parnell Square and snake through the city to St Patrick's Cathedral. Rolling transport restrictons will be put in place. Find out how to get around here.
Six Nations Final
2.45 PM Saturday 17 March
Ireland have a date with destiny. Victory over England at Twickenham would hand Joe Schmidt's charges just a third Grand Slam in their history, the bitter rivalry turned personal this week when Eddie Jones described the Irish as 'scummy'. The green machine can silence the mouthy England coach by beating them on their own patch. TV3 will show the game live, Oisin Langan will be providing updates on 98FM.
Where We Live: Town Hall Sessions
6:30 PM From Thursday 15 March
This Is Pop Baby (the team behind the outrageously popular RIOT) hosts Where We Live in Smithfield on Saturday. The threatre group takes over The Complex and will explore "ideas around money, housing, migration, gender, community, the city and sex…Where We Live will have a couple of bangin’ nights out too."
via thisispopbaby.com
The Laughter Lounge: Stars From Father Ted Comedy Showcase
7:00 PM Laughter Lounge Thursday 15 March
Down with that sort of thing and careful now. Joe Rooney and Patrick McDonnell aka Father Damo and Eoin McLove will be treating Father Ted fans to a night out which includes a 'Lovely Girls Competition.' The event includes a free cocktail. Tickets are €25.
Irish Designers Sample Sale
Until 5:00 PM Sunday 18 March, Fumbally Exchange, Dame Lane
Seven of the finest Irish female designers are selling everything from hats, knits, jewellery, swimwear and fashion from now right up until this Sunday. Celebs like Amy Huberman, Aisling Bea, Vogue Wilson and Aoibhin Garrihy have all been photographed wearing pieces by Emma Manley, FAO Millinery, Edge Only, Jill de Búrca, Mona Swims, Drift Knits and Maria Dorai Raj. Their handcrafted work usually costs top dollar but there are discounts of up to 70% at this sample sale. Don't miss it.
Irish Family History Centre Treasure Hunt
10:00 AM, Friday, 16 March
Sending off a DNA swab is all the rage now, but why not try a less invasive way of tracing your ancestry at the Irish Family History Centre in the IFSC? From Thursday to Sunday the doors will be open to those who want to explore their roots. You can find out what your surname means and what counties it's linked to as well as exploring the largest numbger of Birth, Marriage, Death, Census and Parish records.
Cuala V Na Piarsigh
3.45pm Saturday at Croke Park
Cuala look to retain their All Ireland club hurling crown. The 2017 champs are back in Croke Park. Standing between the Dalkey men and a place in the history books is Na Piarsigh from Limerick. Throw in is at 3:45pm, the live updates will be on 98FM with TV coverage on TG4.
Festival Big Day Out
11:55 AM, Sun, 18 Mar, Merrion Square
Merrion Square will be transformed again this St Patrick's weekend for a family-friendly carnival. There'll be "mysterious storytelling by torchlight" as well as performance artists, a science zone, comedy and a céilí.
via stpatricksfestival.ie
Dublin Bay Prawn Festival
12:00 - 18:00, Oar House, Howth.
The massively popular shellfish extravaganza returns again this year with restaurants, bars and cafes hosting cookery demos and free music and entertainment. There'll also be wine tasting and a seafood selection at the Harbour Festival Food Village.
