There’s little doubt that St Patrick’s Festival has taken the snake by the scruff of the neck and shed much of the sad skin it once had. In the city, its programming pathway has seen it create a diverse and embracing cultural agenda whilst turning Collins Barracks into a splendid Festival Quarter. This year Queer club night Mother present Cultúr Club (March 16, €20) with the first ever Geilí and the acclaimed Seanchoíche storytelling night amid their razzle dazzle of drag and DJs.
Pillow Queens & friends bring 12 acts to four stages (March 18, €35). The other hot addition is Me Auld Flower, a new food and drinks festival from the team behind The Big Grill. The upsell here is they are taking over the Fruit and Veg Market with over 50 vendors (March 16-19, €22-€26). Of course, not all pockets are lined for these nights out but there are numerous free events on the programme too including the Festival Quarter by day. Bringing a packed lunch and a flask of tea to the parade is always an option.
