| The West of Ireland has the most breathtaking | | | | newly commissioned, highly original and inventive |
| landscapes, fine food, comfortable and affordable | | | | street theatre troupes, artists, giant puppetry, |
| accommodation. Read more about events and | | | | dancers and marching bands from Ireland and |
| attractions in March and April.. | | | | across the globe. Expected to attract |
| There are many beautiful attractions in Ireland, so | | | | approximately 20,000 spectators from Dublin and |
| just book your flight, rent a car (car hire Ireland is | | | | surrounding cities, the parade is a wonderful |
| very easy and convenient form of transport) and | | | | opportunity to entertain guests who want to |
| go explore the most unusual places within the | | | | celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin. |
| green blanket landscape...March and April are the | | | | If you stay in Ireland for longer, then car hire and |
| perfect months to visit the country. In March, St. | | | | go to Ratoath and take a prt in Fairyhouse Easter |
| Patricks Day is celebrated and April hosts | | | | Festival. The 2010 festival takes place from |
| Punchestown National Hunt Festival (20 — | | | | Sunday 4th April to Tuesday 6th April featuring |
| 24 April) as well as Fairyhouse Easter Festival. | | | | The Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National on |
| St. Patrick’s Festival, also called Paddy's | | | | Easter Monday 5th April 2010 marks the 139th |
| Day, is an annual feast day that celebrates Saint | | | | running of this prestigious race which is Ireland's |
| Patrick, the most commonly recognised of the | | | | most valuable national hunt handicap run over 3 |
| patron saints of Ireland, and is generally | | | | miles and 5 furlongs, and includes a total of 23 |
| celebrated on 17 March, which is a national holiday | | | | fences. Horses must be five years or older to |
| of Ireland, and Dublin is the stage for the biggest | | | | participate. The Festival is characterised by plenty |
| and best St. Patrick’s celebrations in the | | | | of entertainment, competitions, and live music. |
| world. However in Dublin, the 'Festival' officially | | | | Easter Sunday is Family Fun Day, with special |
| kicks off on the 12th of March with a series of | | | | offers at the Fairyhouse restaurants. Easter |
| events such as a comedy festival, a fireworks | | | | Monday hosts 'the Most Stylish Lady' competition, |
| spectacular known as the 'Skyfest', a film festival | | | | sponsored by Carton House Hotel. Whether you |
| and numerous cultural and musical events that | | | | are looking for a unique day out with colleagues, |
| give visitors a fun insight into the Irish traditions. | | | | friends or family, the festival has various facilities |
| St. Patrick’s Festival is virtually bursting at | | | | and hospitality options to suit everyone. |
| the seams with street theatre, Irish music, dance, | | | | Spring is definitely a great time to visit Ireland. |
| street spectacles, comedy, film, a treasure hunt, | | | | After a long winter the country springs to life in |
| Irish language events, family fun and of course | | | | March and the party keeps going through the |
| the best St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the | | | | summer. Make sure you make the most of it, |
| world. This year the Parade’s theme is | | | | and one of the quickest and easiest ways to do |
| Extraordinary World’ and will features | | | | that is with car hire Dublin. |