The St Patrick’s Day Festival returns to Dublin from 13–17 March this year, with the highlight being the National Parade. Clients who fancy a good seat to view the colour and spectacle, should snap up grandstand tickets now. These include VIP hospitality packages for various points along the route. Dublin’s packed 2020 programme will have hundreds of events on throughout the city, from music, performance, art, spoken word and literature, to tours, trails, food events and family entertainment.

Meanwhile in Armagh, where Patrick began his Christian mission and established the city as the spiritual capital of Ireland, the St Patrick Festival runs from 6–17 March. It offers a mix of local and international music, theatre, spoken word, art and comedy that emphasises the locations where Patrick walked and worked. Events include a multi-choir recital at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral; candle-making, storytelling, puppetry and other events for children; and on St Patrick’s Day itself a street procession, followed by a family day in the Shambles Yard variety market. www.stpatricksfestival.ie and www.visitarmagh.com/st-patricks