Festivals in Ireland: As an international student, one should make the most of their study abroad journey by immersing themselves in different cultures to get new perspectives. The best way to learn about a foreign country’s culture is to observe and enjoy their festivals, just like a native.
If you are an international student based out of Ireland and want to experience the beautiful culture of this country then this blog will help you greatly. In the following sections, we have covered some of the popular festivals in Ireland exhibiting the beauty of Irish culture.
This Blog Includes:
St. Patrick’s Festival
Embed from Getty ImagesSt Patrick’s Day is a national holiday in Ireland. It is celebrated every year on 17th March to mark the death anniversary of St. Patrick and is regarded as a cultural and religious holiday. St. Patrick (c. AD 387–461) was one of the popular patron saints of Ireland and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.
In the early seventeenth century, St. Patrick’s Day was declared an official feast day and over the years, it has become a celebration of Irish culture in general. Although this is a popular festival in Ireland, it is also celebrated all around the world by the Irish diaspora. If you live in student accommodation in Dublin, the you must know that on this day Dublin hosts one of the largest parades which is said to be attended by around 500,000 people and there are around 3000 performers who participate in this parade.
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Puck Fair
Puck Fair has been celebrated in Ireland for more than 400 years and is, therefore, regarded as one of the oldest festivals in Ireland. You will be surprised to know the rituals that are being performed to celebrate this festival – a wild mountain goat is crowned king and reigns over Killorgin for 3 days. To summarise, basically, this festival is all about a goat becoming a king and people act like the goat.
For 400 years, the first day of the Puck Fair has been called the Gathering Day which is why this festival is the original and oldest Gathering festival in Ireland. If you happen to be living in student housing in Ireland then make sure you attend the parade and the unique coronation ceremony as you will also enjoy complimentary things like storytelling, night concerts, traditional dance and music sessions, midnight fireworks, music & dance workshops, and horse fair.
Festival of World Cultures
The Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Festival of World Cultures is all about celebrating folk, tribalism, tradition, culture and digital art. This festival is incomplete without the World Dance Plaza, the Global Village (in association with Oxfam Ireland), and the Vibrant Mela Festival which celebrates the art of South Asia.
It has been 9 years since this festival started being celebrated and every year it attracts over 250,000 people which makes it the largest Ireland festival that celebrates different cultures. This festival is like taking a trip to experience world culture as it offers things like a nightly festival club where Irish artists jam with world musicians, food fairs, art exhibitions, world music line-ups, workshops and so much more. The best part of this festival is that around 90% of events are free of charge which makes it quite affordable for people to enjoy.
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Listowel Writers Week
It is an internationally backed 5-day literary festival which aims to bring together writers and audiences at innovative and unique events in the historical surroundings of Listowel, County Kerry. The objective of this festival is to promote literary talent and encourage organisations that promote inclusivity, partnership and civic responsibility.
There are many events conducted yearly to achieve the desired objective of the festival such as – writing workshops, writing competitions, readings, book launches, seminars and lectures. Listowel Writers’ Festival is known for showcasing the best contemporary work from Ireland and the rest of the world. Apart from this, it is also well-known for presenting unique literature events from already-established as well as emerging writers.
Galway Oyster Festival
Embed from Getty ImagesEvery September since 1954, a town called Clarenbridge in Galway, Ireland, gets really exciting because they celebrate the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival. It’s a famous food festival known not only in Ireland but all over the world, and it’s also the oldest oyster festival globally.
Why are the oysters from Clarenbridge so famous? It’s simple – they taste amazing. The oysters grown and harvested there are unmatched because Clarenbridge has the perfect conditions for oyster farming. It has a sheltered bay, just the right mix of fresh and saltwater, and the people there have the knowledge and skills to make it all work.
During the festival, there are lots of fun things that happen in Galway like fantastic music, cooking competitions with famous chefs, delicious Irish seafood, contests for opening oysters, yummy meals in the best restaurants in Galway, a fancy black-tie ball, and so much more!
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FAQs
Throughout the year, Ireland attracts expats from all over the world. The people in Ireland are quite friendly. Apart from this, there are other positive aspects of this place which include its natural beauty, amazing architecture and modern houses which make this country a desired place to live.
Saint Patrick’s Festival is one of the popular festivals celebrated in Ireland.
The majority of the population in Ireland believe in the Catholic religion.
We hope you liked this blog where we covered some of the festivals in Ireland. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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