A group of young dancers kicked off Friday's upcoming Festival Céilí at St Stephen's Green today, stepping off the Luas in a flurry of footwork.
The free céilí will take place in St Stephen's Green this Friday afternoon and revellers in Dublin and around the world are invited to take part. The festivities will be streamed live online for the first time on stpatricksfestival.ie and LiveTrad.com.
MCed by Riverdance star Dearbhla Lennon, the céilí will have rollicking Irish tunes from Paudi O'Connor on the box, Aoife Ni Chaoimh on the fiddle, Mary Corcoran on the keyboard, and Brian Fleming on the bodhrán.
Ms Lennon will be joined by caller Jerry O’Reilly, step dancer Mick Donegan and dancers from the Brookes Academy.
“The Festival Céilí is always an enjoyable event and an ideal way to celebrate St Patrick’s Festival,” Ms Lennon said. “The dances are great fun to learn on the day and suitable for all ages and abilities so come join us, you’ll have a ball!”
The céilí is one of many free entry cultural events as part of the Festival’s programme of “I Love My City” events on March 16th and 17th. Centred on the Georgian Quarter, the events hope to draw in a variety of ages and interests to the area, from Merrion Square to Kildare Street.
The 2012 St. Patrick’s Festival will host a huge variety of events over the course of the four-day celebration. Many of the happenings will highlight Dublin as this year’s official City of Science, including the how, what and why-inspired parade, and the popular city Treasure Hunt.
As one of the most well-liked events of the festival, the céilí is sure to set toes tapping, even for first timers.
Festival chief executive Susan Kirby said the performers will cover all the old favourites, from the Walls of Limerick to the Siege of Ennis during the show. "Come along, enjoy the craic, and help us get the celebrations started."