Find the true spirit of St Patrick at Armagh city’s festival
Armagh is Ireland’s ecclesiastical capital and this year the city is pulling out all the stops to celebrate its links to St Patrick, it's fascinating history and its vibrant arts and culture scene.
The Home of St Patrick Festival (9–17 March) presents a lively and thought-provoking programme of events that span music, theatre, dance, art, lectures, tours, food and drink, and collective moments of reflection.
According to the ninth-century manuscript, The Book of Armagh, the area that is now Armagh city is where St Patrick built his first church. The city boasts two cathedrals – Catholic and Church of Ireland – named for the saint, and each evening of the festival they will be bathed in vibrant green light, standing as luminous symbols of faith and history. A highlight of the festival will be a torchlight Vigil Walk (16 March) between the two to signify Christian unity.
In the run-up to St Patrick’s Day, there will be plenty of festival fun to enjoy. From walking tours to storytelling evenings, archaeology talks to whiskey tastings, there will be a variety of events to inspire and entertain.
Several music events will keep spirits high including the outdoor St Patrick’s Shindig in Market Square (14 March) featuring three top folk bands. Across the weekend (14–17 March), the lively trad trail will have music sounding from all parts of the city celebrating its strong musical heritage.
Armagh is also famous for its beautiful Georgian architecture and the historic Armagh Robinson Library founded in 1771 will host a performance of Oscar Wilde's 'Work is the Curse of the Drinking Classes'.
St Patrick’s Day (17 March) will begin with Dawn Light at Navan at the ancient site of Emain Macha which was a sacred space and seat of Gaelic kings for many centuries. A dramatisation of the conversion of Daire and a ceremony by the sacred pool will connect participants with St Patrick and the ancient people of Ulster.
The highlight of the Home of St Patrick Festival will be the afternoon St Patrick’s Day parade through the city’s historic streets which will be a spectacular display of music, colour and entertainment.
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With its strong historical ties to St Patrick and ongoing position as the Christian heart of Ireland, Armagh is the perfect place to spend St Patrick’s Day and reflect on the continuing influence of the saint. It’s also a great city to explore at any time, with a long and fascinating history that sits amiably beside its contemporary vibe creating Armagh’s unique character.