St Patrick's Day
"Everyone wants to be Irish
on St Patrick's Day"
Dig out your green get-up. Dust off your silly hats. And be ready to party hard the Irish way. That's right, the excuse for a good old fashioned knee's up is fast approaching - it's St Patrick's Day. And exclusively, for one year only, it's moved to 15th March!
It's that time of year again. St Patrick's Day, Paddy's Day - whatever you want to call it. And one thing's sure to be sure, the population are guaranteed to be living it up with a shamrock in one hand and a Guinness in the other.
So how about celebrating somewhere different this year? There's the obvious home of St Patrick's Day - Ireland. The vast expanse that is America. Or how about heading down under to Oz? We've pulled together a few favourites to help whet your appetite. So wherever you choose, and whatever you do to celebrate, as always, it's gonna be a day to remember.
Celebrate on Irish turf
What better place to celebrate St Patrick's Day than in Ireland itself. And we reckon you can't go wrong heading to the daddy of Irish cities, Dublin, to join in with 5 days and nights of celebrations at the St Patrick's Festival. They've got it all - funfairs and comedians, treasure hunts and baby raves! And to top it all off with a bang, the Festival Parade takes over the streets for a finale you'll be buzzing about until it starts all over again next year.
But don't forget, Dublin's got more than just the festival to tempt your tastebuds. Talking of which, a stay wouldn't be complete without a Guinness or two. And what better place to take that first sip than at the Guinness Storehouse, home of the famous black stuff.
And for a novel way to make sure you see all the 'best bits' of Dublin, jump on one of the World War ll 'bus-come-boats'. We'll say no more - you'll just have to see what we mean when you get there!
Celebrate over the pond
Head to the bright lights of New York City and celebrate St Patrick's Day in style. Take yourself to Fifth Avenue and you're good to go to enjoy the Paddy's Day Parade which takes place throughout the day. And when that's over, you'll have no problems filling the rest of your days in the Big Apple. No visit is complete without stopping off at the numerous famous hotspots of New York. These include Grand Central Station, Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square, Empire State Building - the list goes on... and on...
But if New York doesn't do it for you then how about heading to the home of the first American St Patrick's Day Parade - Boston? For weeks leading up to the big day, events will be taking place all over the city. And come Sunday 16th March, the 3 hour parade will commence. See colourful floats. Marching bands and pipe bands from Ireland and America. And a bucketful of Irish good cheer.
Celebrate a little closer to home
Are you all geared up to join in the with the festivities, but you want to do it closer to home? Maybe the pennies are a bit tight to go abroad? Then, we've got the answer. Book a UK break and celebrate in one of Britain's finest.
And where better to head for than home of the largest St Patrick's Day Parade in the UK - Birmingham. The festival will be running from 9th March 2008 to 17 March 2008 - with the 2 mile parade taking place on Sunday 16th March.
Or why not use it as an excuse to spend some time in our buzzing capital, London. Check out historical hotspots. Shop till you drop in Harrods. Party like a celeb in top nightspots. It's packed with endless things to see and do. And that's just the tip of the iceburg. Remember to check out the St Patrick's Day Festival thats's happening
on March 16 2008 in Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and Covent Garden. Oh, and for all you sports fans out there, how about starting proceedings by watching the rugby - England vs Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday 15th March. Game on!
Celebrate down under
There are festivals and parades happening all over the world. So if celebrating somewhere a little further afield tickles your fancy, why not really push the boat out and head down under.
The 2008 Sydney St Patrick's Day Parade and Family Day is being held on Sunday 16th March. They've got oodles of entertainment - bands, Irish dancers, face painting for the kids and more.
Once that's over, make sure you enjoy the laid back atmosphere of this fabulous city and all it has to offer. It would be criminal to leave without a snap next to the famous Opera House. A climb to the top of the Sydney harbour bridge to take in the awe-inspiring views. Or for you soap-lovers out there, a day soaking up the sun on Palm Beach. And don't forget to drop in to the Surfclub. Yep, you've got it - it's the set of Home and Away. Don't turn your nose up - we know you can't resist...
Find out more on Australia
