St Brigid’s Day: Celebrate Spring and Women in Dublin
As February 1st approaches, get ready to immerse yourself in the lively celebrations of Lá Fhéile Bríde—St. Brigid’s Day in Dublin! This special day marks the end of Winter and the glorious beginning of Spring, with Ireland unfolding into a tapestry of vibrant greens.
Since 2023, St. Brigid’s Day has become an official national bank holiday in Ireland, marking a historic milestone as the first Irish public holiday dedicated to women. This honours Ireland’s Celtic Goddess and matron Saint Brigid, who holds a special place alongside St. Patrick and St. Columba as one of the country’s three national Saints.
Things to do on St Brigid’s Day in Dublin:
National Gallery of Ireland
Date: Friday 2nd February
Time:2.30pm
Price: Free
Address: National Gallery of Ireland, Merrion Square West, Dublin 2, Ireland
Join a free guided tour led by the Gallery’s skilled guides. Discover highlights from the permanent collection, with a special focus on artworks depicting celebrated women. It’s a great way to experience art and culture, conveniently located just steps away from our hotels in Dublin—The Alex, The Mont, The Davenport, and The Green.
GPO – BRIGIT RISING AERIAL PERFORMANCE
Date: Monday 5th February
Time: 5:45pm; 6:00pm; 6:15pm
Price: Free
Address: General Post Office, Dublin, O’Connell Street Lower, North City, Dublin 1, Ireland
Don’t miss the spectacular aerial performance on the iconic GPO building’s facade. Aerial artists from Nicola Moran Art will defy gravity, dancing along the walls and floating through the air to the beats of ELLLL’s music. Accompanying the performance are projections of Jill & Gill’s Badass Brigit, an exclusive artwork commissioned for Brigit 2024. Performances last 5 minutes at 17:30, 17:45, and 18:00 sharp. Make sure to arrive early to grab your spot!
Welcome the Year of Dragon with Chinese New Year Celebrations
Chinese New Year, 10th Feb 2024, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the beginning of the lunar new year.
Each Chinese New Year is associated with one of the twelve zodiac animals, rotating in a twelve-year cycle. 2024 welcomes the Year of the Dragon, symbolizing strength, vitality, and good fortune.
Reunion Dinner
Families gather on the eve of Chinese New Year for a lavish reunion dinner. It is considered the most important meal of the year, symbolizing unity and prosperity.
“One of my all-time favourite New Year memories is the Reunion Dinner. On New Year’s Eve, all family members come together for a grand feast, including those we haven’t seen in a long time. It’s like Christmas, with everyone sharing their joy and creating a warm and festive atmosphere that I truly love.” – Xinran
Decorations
Red is the dominant color during Chinese New Year, symbolizing good luck and happiness. Homes are adorned with red lanterns, banners, and other decorations.
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Dublin:
Meeting House Square – Flagship Event
Date: Sunday 11th February
Time: 12pm – 6pm
Price: Free
Address: Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Get ready for an incredible show, “The Journey of the Dragons,” featuring international spectacle champion Lisette Krol and Vietnamese-Irish DJ Lychee. There’re Cantonese Lion and Dragon performances, Tai Chi demonstrations, and collaborative workshops with artists. Indulge in tasty treats from Seoul Kitchen and Bahay. There’s something for everyone, from dazzling performances to creative demonstrations and traditional Lunar New Year games.
National Gallery of Ireland – Drop-in Family Workshop
Date: Sunday 11th February
Time: 11:30pm – 1:30pm
Price: Free
Address: National Gallery of Ireland, Merrion Square West, Dublin 2, Ireland
Families with children of all ages are invited to the splendid Shaw Room at the National Gallery of Ireland for a drop-in workshop. Join at any time during the workshop and stay for as long as you like. Led by artist Chun Zhu Wang, the creative activity will center around a 600-year-old painting of Saint George and the Dragon from the Gallery’s collection. It’s a fantastic opportunity for artistic exploration and family fun!
Valentine’s Day: Elevate Your Date Night at Pen & Player
Escape to romance at Pen & Player, the premium cocktail haven nestled within The Green Hotel, right on the corner of St. Stephen’s Green. The intimate and unique atmosphere sets the stage for an unforgettable Valentine’s experience.
Its interior design pays homage to the architectural heritage of the Georgian buildings it calls home while tastefully incorporating modern elements. Panoramic fabric wall coverings from France, adorned with ornate Georgian ceiling coving and Italian Murano glass chandeliers, Pen & Player is a sanctuary of love, distinct from Dublin’s social scene. The bar, inspired by art deco aesthetics, embraces a moody colour palette, casting a spell of deep burgundy tones. Every corner of Pen & Player is crafted to enhance the romantic vibes for your special Valentine’s date.
Beyond the ordinary cocktail menus and an extensive selection of fine wines, along with head chef’s culinary masterpieces, immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of Pen & Player, where every sip and bite is a journey into the extraordinary.
Visit Pen & Player Website: https://www.penandplayer.ie/
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