St Patrick’s Day: a guide to the best events across the country

From the university boat race to the Kilkenny TradFest, the greening of Dublin and an Irish Whiskey Festival, there is plenty to see and do across Ireland this weekend. Here is our guide to weather, traffic and the best events this St Patrick's Day.

Road safety

Enjoy the craic, but keep our roads safe is the message from An Garda Síochána ahead of one of their busiest weekends of the year.

Last year’s St Patrick’s Day period saw a doubling in the number of drink driving arrests, while 15 people died on Irish roads in traffic accidents with a further 30 seriously injured.

"Obviously we want everyone to enjoy the festivities that will take place around the country, but please remember that if you are celebrating and consuming alcohol, leave the car behind. This not only applies to the day itself, but also the morning after," said traffic bureau chief superintendent Mark Curran.

Weather

It looks set to be a generally dry and bright weekend as the country gears up for St Patrick’s celebrations. Following a crisp start, Saturday will bring calm, sunny weather throughout the country with highs of 9 to 11 degrees expected.

Sunday will provide much of the same, however, temperatures are expected to dip slightly to around 6-8 degrees, and isolated showers may occur along the eastern coast.

Irish Boat Races

Mimicking the centuries-old ritual contested by the Oxbridge universities across the water, Trinity and UCD rowing teams are gearing up for the 67th annual instalment of the Irish Boat Races as part of St Patrick’s festivities in the capital.

The first of four races along the 2km route from O'Connell Bridge to St James' Gate commences at 3.30pm on Saturday, with the senior men's Gannon Cup race set to be the showpiece event.

Irish Beer and Whiskey Festival

Now in its fourth year, this celebration of Irish beverages offers visitors the chance to sample some of the country’s finest tipples, find out some of the history their favourite drinks, taste the food and revel in the music.

It takes place in the RDS Main Hall from Friday 13th through to the big day on Tuesday, and tickets are priced at € 10.

Greening the City

In what has now become a familiar spectacle for St Patrick’s Day festival-goers the world over, many of Dublin’s most recognisable landmarks will be illuminated in emerald green to mark our national celebration. Buildings such as the GPO, Government Buildings, the Four Courts and the Guinness Storehouse are all set to go green over the weekend, along with a host of others dotted around the capital.

Visit stpatricksfestival.ie for more details.

Dingle International Film Festival

Organisers promise a spectacular array of talent as one of the country’s premier film festivals visits the dramatic surrounds of the Dingle Peninsula.

Screenings involving internationally-recognised actors such as Saoirse Ronan, Cillian Murphy and Maureen O'Hara will be taking place in a host of locations including the Phoenix Cinema, the 200 year-old St James' Church and a host of pubs, clubs and venues around the south Kerry town.

Visit dinglefilmfestival.com for more details.

Kilkenny TradFest

Some of the biggest names in Irish traditional music will be visiting the Marble City from Saturday to Tuesday as the TradFest swings into action.

The alluring surrounds of Kilkenny Castle will play host to some enchanting musical sets, and a Trad Trail will also be offered to those willing to seek out the lesser-known traditional haunts of the medieval city.

Family entertainment will include craft workshops and instrument master classes, with the St Patrick’s Day parade set to top off events on Tuesday.

Visit kilkennytradfest.com for more details.