As we all know, there has been a lot of sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland in past years and even though the Troubles are thankfully behind us, it’s still common to get asked about your religion.* We even have a joke that goes:
-Are you a Catholic or a Protestant?
-I’m Atheist.
-Okay, but are you a Catholic or a Protestant Atheist?!
All jokes aside, if there’s one time of the year (apart from the messy 12th July) that can bring communities together or tear them further apart in Northern Ireland, it’s the fast approaching Saint Patrick’s Day. This much-loved, joyous holiday is celebrated all over the world every 17th March with the biggest celebrations typically being in Dublin and New York in honour of the patron saint of Ireland- or rather, in honour of alcohol and all its glory. And yet, in Northern Ireland it is often characterised as a Catholic/Nationalist holiday, thus those who identify with being Protestant/Unionist have historically felt excluded on this day and many people of all backgrounds have preferred to celebrate St Paddy’s in Dublin to avoid anti-social behaviour.
However, thankfully this perspective has shifted greatly in recent years and St Paddy’s is quickly becoming a holiday for everyone- as it was always intended to be!- to celebrate their Irish roots regardless of whether they hold an Irish or British passport, or one from anywhere else in the world. Belfast has become a mainly lively and joyous place on 17th March with people from all over the country and the world dressed in green and coming together to drink Guinness and any other alcohol they can find! It’s also a great family event with lots of activities for kids and adults alike.
*This is usually someone’s way of sussing out your political views without asking directly since Nationalists are, generally speaking, Roman Catholic, whereas Unionists are typically Protestant.
Here are some things not to be missed in Belfast and Dublin on St Paddy’s Day 2016:
Belfast
-Pre Paddy’s Party, Limelight (club, 16th)- green theme, free hats, River Dance
-Saint Patrick’s Day Carnival Parade and Concert, city centre (17th)- rainbow-themed carnival starting at City Hall
-St Paddy’s Day Marquee, Filthy McNastys (alternative bar, 16th/17th)
-St Paddy’s Day Extravaganza, Eglantine Bar (17th)- live bands and themed food and drinks
Dublin
-Temple Bar- tourist-haven but has to be done!
-Saint Patrick’s Festival Parade
-Street Theatre
-Irish Craft Beer and Whiskey Village
Other things not to be missed on any St Paddy’s Day:
-Drink Guinness (green or otherwise, but it is a must, as is drinking in general)
-Watch Dublin and Belfast City Hall lit up green at night
-Wear green/ dress up full-Leprechaun-style
-Kiss an (Northern) Irish person (with their permission, of course)
-Start celebrating early and, above all, HAVE FUN!
http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events/Event-58303.aspx
http://visit-belfast.com/whats_on/event/st-patricks-day-carnival-parade-concert
