11 indoor events to enjoy on a rainy St Patrick’s weekend

While many will be happy to don ponchos and huddle under umbrellas to catch a glimpse of the many parades and festivities taking place outdoors across the holiday weekend, others will look to attend events indoors.

Independent.ie has compiled a list of the many events around the country this weekend that will not require you to bring a spare change of clothing.

Mother presents Cultúr Club at Collins Barracks

Thursday night will see music, performances and art in celebration of Irish LGBTQ+ club culture. Cultúr Club will see St Patrick's Festival and LGBTQ+ Club promoters, Mother, collaborate at the Festival Quarter in the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks.

Panti Bliss and her Dancing With The Stars partner Denys Samson will perform a routine, as will Elaine Mai, Bobbi Arlo, PJ Kirby and numerous others. Doors are at 6pm Thursday and tickets are €20.

Abair in the Palatine Room in National Museum, Collins Barracks

Abair is an “annual oral traditions programme which explores the Irish traditions of storytelling, song and oral history”.

This year’s Abair will run from Thursday to Sunday and it is the fifth instalment of the programme, which aims at celebrating the rich oral culture of Ireland and examining its place in the world at large.

An examination of Southern Italian folk and its links to Donegal; a comparison of the Sami people of Northern Europe and the Irish Travelling Community and also ‘Ukraine and Ulster: songs of conflict’, are among Abair’s offerings across the weekend.

Festival Quarter tents, Thursday to Sunday

Tent Mór and Tent Beag at the National Museum’s Festival Quarter will have a range of musical offerings every day throughout the four-festival and Pillow Queens will headline Saturday night on the main stage, which will ensure many brave whatever elements are at play.

Ticket prices vary for each day but can be bought at Stpatricksfestival.ie

Me Auld Flower food and drink festival at Dublin City Fruit, Veg and Flower Market

This new festival brings together some of Ireland’s best restaurants, chefs, brewers, distillers and producers all under one roof for a culinary smorgasbord.

There are two sessions per day on Friday and Saturday with the later sessions strictly over-18s but the 11am-4pm day sessions are open to all ages. The festival aims to celebrate the best of Ireland’s food and drink offerings by sampling as much of them as possible.

Tickets are €22 and can be bought on the St Patrick’s Festival website.

Milk Market Art, Antique and Craft Fairs - Limerick, Sunday

From 11am to 4pm on Sunday, there will be an art fair running alongside a vintage antique and craft fair in Limerick’s famous Milk Market. Sheltered from the elements, the market is also home to numerous food and drink retailers, and the Famous Food Market will run from 8am to 3pm on Saturday.

Hysterical Histories, Cork, Thursday to Sunday

A “high-octane comedic dinner theatre experience”, learn about Cork and Ireland as you enjoy two courses of local food and beer, served with live traditional music and plenty of personality.

The event takes place at Bodega, in the Cornmarket, from 7-9pm on Thursday to Saturday and must be booked beforehand.

Movie screenings from Cork International Film Festival

If you are in the Rebel county and fancy catching a free movie, then the Cork International Film Festival is showing some of their short flicks from last November’s instalment. All screenings are free but tickets must be obtained beforehand to guarantee entry.

Learn sean-nós dancing, Galway – Saturday

Galway City Museum are hosting an event to help beginners learn the basics of sean-nós dancing for St Patrick’s weekend. Sean-nós dancer Emma O’Sullivan will provide a fun introduction to the old-time steps that were once popular in the rambling houses of Connemara. The event is 11am-1pm on Saturday and is free.

RTÉ Concert Orchestra - Moving Hearts

The Bórd Gáis Energy Theatre will play host to the RTÉ Concert Orchestra on Friday and Saturday night as they link up with Moving Hearts for a traditional rock night to behold.

Moving Hearts’ ensemble of musicians first teamed up with the orchestra in 2020, much to critical acclaim and the event is sure to be popular this St Patrick’s weekend. Tickets are on sale from €22.

Art Workshops at Hugh Lane Gallery, Saturday, Dublin

Once the excitement of the parades on Friday has eased off, the Hugh Lane Gallery are doing art workshops for just €5 for children eager to hone their artistic creativity.

The sessions run from 11am and 1pm on Saturday and tickets must be purchased beforehand online.

Kilkenny Tradfest - Kilkenny town

All across Kilkenny, there will be free and ticketed traditional music sessions this weekend as part of Kilkenny Tradfest 2023.

Irish traditional and folk music will echo around the heart of Kilkenny’s venues, pubs and clubs this St. Patrick’s weekend.

TradFest has attracted numerous accolades and in 2016 was awarded ‘Small Festival of the Year’ award, such is the esteem in which it is held.

Tickets for events that require them are available online.