Dublin may have lost the Skyfest but still has lots to offer

THE ST Patrick's Day Skyfest may have moved to the Rock of Cashel but festival organisers say there will be plenty of activity…

THE ST Patrick's Day Skyfest may have moved to the Rock of Cashel but festival organisers say there will be plenty of activity in Dublin for families and revellers alike.

As part of the celebrations, a funfair is taking place at Merrion Square West from noon-11pm today and from noon-9pm tomorrow.

Other Dublin activities include:

The Denny treasure hunt on Castle Street in the city centre today, with registration in City Hall between 10am and 1pm. Finishing at 5pm.

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A baby rave, which opened yesterday, will be held today and tomorrow at St Michael and St John Church, Temple Bar. Dance facilitators will be on hand to assist parents and children in an exploration of movement and rhythm. Tickets €7.50 for parent and child. Contact 01-8721122 or www.ctb.ie

Pearl @ Docklands. John Steinbeck's book The Pearl will be staged by street theatre company Plasticiens Volants from France, tonight at 7.30pm. The event is free, however tickets are required and are available from www.stpatricksfestival.ie

The St Patrick's 5km festival road race takes place in Dublin city tomorrow from 10am. As a number of roads will have to be closed to accommodate the race, delays can be expected.

The race starts at the Mansion House on Dawson Street and will traverse many inner city streets around Baggot Street and Herbert Place so drivers are warned to look out for road closures.

The Dublin parade gets under way on Monday at the Dorset Street/Granby Way junction at noon. This year former athlete Eamonn Coghlan will lead the way as grand marshal.

It will continue down O'Connell Street on to Westmoreland Street, before heading towards College Green, Dame Street, Lord Edward Street and on to Patrick Street, before dispersing at Clanbrassil Street. Luas Red Line services on Monday between 11am-2.30pm will run only between Tallaght and Smithfield.

The Arts Council céilí mór takes place at Earlsfort Terrace on Monday from 2.30pm-5.30pm.

Some 35,000 people are expected to attend the AIB All-Ireland club finals at Croke Park on Monday. The hurling final between Portumna (Galway) and Birr (Offaly) will get under way at 2pm and will be followed by the football final between St Vincent's (Dublin) and Nemo Rangers (Cork) at 3.45pm.

There is a high demand for tickets on the Cork and Kerry train service to Dublin due to the finals and Irish Rail advises patrons that reservations are essential.

On Monday trad band Kila will stage a concert at the Olympia Theatre at 7.30pm. Tickets from €36 at www.ticketmaster.ie.

Mary Black will be Celebrating 25 Years at the National Concert Hall on Monday at 8pm. Tickets are from €20-€45. Bookings at 01-4170000 or www.nch.ie

GaelSpraoí is a series of events available throughout the festival promoting the use of the Irish language among visitors and residents. Full programme details on www.stpatricksfestival.ie

Tim O'Brien

Tim O'Brien

Tim O'Brien is an Irish Times journalist