Updated October 2021: While the celebration of Dublin's St. Patrick’s Day festivities didn't happen in person in 2020 or 2021 due to the pandemic, an online celebration in March 2021 hoped to make up for it.
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A series of TradFest Temple Bar concerts dubbed St. Patrick’s Week@Home were recorded at the Georgian-style Newbridge House and Farm in County Dublin and at the State Apartments in Dublin Castle.
The online musical extravaganza took place March 18th through the 21st and featured some of Ireland’s greatest performers.
TradFest is an annual music and cultural festival that normally takes place in the city in late January.
Events are organized by the Temple Bar Company, a not-for-profit organization that works on behalf of the businesses that are located in the popular Temple Bar section of Dublin.
In 2022, live performances are back and will take place in Dublin from Jan. 26-30.
March 18th Event
To help celebrate St. Patrick's Day virtually last year, the four nights of traditional music were kicked off on March 18 by Irish actor Stephen Rea who lead a special tribute to his late friend and renowned poet Derek Mahon.
The Belfast-born poet was the only child of working-class parents who studied at Trinity College Dublin and later at the Sorbonne in Paris.
At times, Mahon was known for his anti-establishment views, but on the whole, he was better recognized for his restrained poetic voice.
He died in October 2020 after a short illness.
The tribute included some of Mahon’s poems, including “Alien Nation,” “A Fox on Grafton Street,” “Washing Up,” and “Everything is Going to Be Alright.”
The segment also included performances by Matt Molloy of The Chieftains, Paddy Glackin of the Bothy Band, and the Belfast composer Neil Martin.
They were joined by contemporary harpist Brídín and Nigerian Irish poet Felispeaks.
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Discover a Selection of Derek Mahon's Poetry
March 19th Music Event
Lovers of Irish music across the world were delighted no doubt to see the legendary fiddler Frankie Gavin perform on March 19th.
Gavin is the founder of De Dannan, the popular folk group in Ireland and throughout the world.
He performed with musical greats The Rolling Stones, Stephane Grappelli, Elvis Costello, and Yehudi Menuhin.
Gavin was joined by accomplished Galway musicians Edel Fox and Catherine McHugh, as well as Sibéal, a specialist in the old Irish tradition of sean-nós singing.
March 20th & 21st Events
The sounds of The Dubliners were recreated by actor/musician Phelim Drew, the son of the late Ronnie Drew, an integral member of the iconic group known as The Dubliners.
The series wrapped up on Sunday, March 21, with The Best of TradFest@Home from Dublin Castle.
It featured the Hothouse Flowers, Tolu McKay, Dervish, Altan, Aoife Scott, Maighread & Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, and many more.