Festival launch pad for huge tourism bid
Tourism chiefs are aiming to buck the global economic downturn and lure over 9 million visitors to Ireland this year.
And with over 70 million people worldwide claiming links with the island of Ireland, they hope to use St Patrick’s Day celebrations to kickstart that initiative. Tourism Ireland’s new chairman,
Hugh Friel, said: “St Patrick’s Day provides our tourism industry with a unique platform to showcase what we have to offer.”
A massive €37m six-month campaign is underway overseas to promote the island of Ireland as a tourist destination, as the spotlight focuses on Ireland for St Patrick’s celebrations around the world.
St Patrick's Day falls on March 17 but the festival in Dublin will begin on March 13 and continue over the weekend, culminating in a parade through the city.
The celebrations include days of music and entertainment events including street theatre, fireworks displays, pageants, exhibitions and dance.
Dublin's St Patrick's Festival is kicking off with a five-day line-up. Highlights include a funfair on Merrion Square West from March 13-17, the Big Day Out Street Theatre at Merrion Square South, West, Fitzwilliam Street Lower and Merrion Street on March 16 and the St Patrick's Day parade. Full details of the St Patrick's Festival line-up can be found by logging on to www.stpatricksfestival.ie.
With more than 4,000 performers expected to attend, there will be a slew of both Irish and international bands, street theatres, comedy performers, fireworks and even a treasure hunt to occupy festivalgoers .
Gardai have advised festivalgoers to use public transport and, if driving, to park their cars in designated areas.
Brits in search for St. Pat
BRITISH go in search of St Patrick!
One of many multimedia St Patrick’s Day promotions in Britain is a competition to discover the hidden St Patrick in a range of press and outdoor advertising, including in the London Paper and on the London Underground.
