This weekend sees the iconic Bewley’s in Grafton Street host an exciting programme of events to celebrate Ireland’s big day. Star attractions over the weekend include a bilingual spoken word night, and musical performances by the world-renowned Kane Sisters and Northside community-based choir The Forget Me Nots.
In addition, there’s also a chance to enjoy The Lovely Show podcast live from the historic venue, but it should be noted that enthusiastic early birds have already snapped up all the tickets for that event.
Inviting people to come to Bewley’s Grafton Street for a bit of atmosphere and a great programme of events Cól Campbell, MD of Bewley’s Grafton Street, said, “Dubliners sometimes think St Patrick’s Day festivities are just for tourists, but the festival programme is packed with incredible experiences for all to enjoy. The whole weekend presents a chance to celebrate our culture and a contemporary take on what it means to be Irish.”
For Gaeilgeoir and Clontarf-born poet Ciara Ní É, the festival marks ten years since she started up bilingual spoken word event REIC where people could share their writing in Irish. “REIC is called a bilingual night but people are welcome to perform in any language – it’s Gaeilge agus fáilte,” says Ciara. “We welcome performers who are just starting out, as well as established performers and it’s really nice how the different generations mix.”
Those attending this Saturday, March 15th can look forward to listening to or participating in poetry, rap, music, storytelling and more. The evening features performances by poets Dairena Ní Chinnéide, Cormac Fitz and Gormfhlaith Ní Shíocháin Ní Bheoláin, along with the musician Ush Mush, who mixes trad with reggaeton and dancehall.
Also performing on the night The Forget Me Nots, an inclusive community choir based in Baldoyle, Co Dublin, which prides itself on offering a special welcome for people affected by memory loss.
Sunday sees The Kane Sisters in action as accomplished Connemara musicians and siblings Liz and Yvonne Kane take to the stage at Bewley’s from 3-5pm. This lively show is followed by The Lovely Show podcast, a sold out show featuring top comedians Justine Stafford and Kevin McGahern, who’ll be hosting their first ever live podcast from the venue.
More about events taking place throughout the St Patrick’s Day Festival can be found here.
