St Patrick's Day: Head to Ireland to Enjoy a Multitude of Festivities on This Patron Saint's Day

St Patrick's Day is a highly anticipated date in many people's calendar. Across the globe festivities and celebrations take place to mark the occasion and they come in all shapes and sizes, from a local Irish bar arranging dancing and live music, to full blown street parades. No where is there more fun and excitement, though, than in Ireland itself. The Emerald Isle has a huge range of St Patrick's Day events happening all over, from its cities and towns right down to its villages.

There will be plenty going on in Ireland's largest city, of course, Dublin, which is playing host to the country's official celebrations between 12th and 17th March. Attractions include one of Ireland's biggest literary festivals, a treasure hunt - which involves solving clues dotted around the cultural venues of the city - and even a Cuban Salsa festival (Dublin's first!). Bringing this exciting event to a close will be the spectacular world-famous St Patrick's Day parade.

Belfast is an excellent choice for those seeking a colourful Carnival experience. The city is also the starting point for the Rith 2010 - a 1,600 km relay-run, on 9th March, which finishes in Galway city. Thousands take part in the huge run with a specially designed baton, which holds a secret message from Ireland's President - to be revealed at the end of the run, from the reviewing stand in Eyre Square, Galway.

For a regional twist on St Patrick's Day, visitors can head to Ireland's smaller towns. Armagh, Downpatrick, Killarney, Kiltimagh, Limerick, Sligo and Cork all hold their own festivities, and are brilliant choices to get more of a taste of Ireland.

Visit the Armagh Down Saint Patrick's Festival, which has over 70 events being held, including plays, music concerts and children's entertainment. Or pay a visit to Cork, for exciting celebrations on 13th, 14th and 17th March, including a vibrant parade, street music, circus performers as well as artisan food markets.

To get to know more about St Patrick himself, meanwhile, Downpatrick, Co. Down is the place to visit. This is where the Saint Patrick Centre is located. With interactive displays, amazing graphics and reconstructions, the story of Ireland's Patron Saint is revealed, detailing his history and missionary work in Ireland. The Centre's location also makes it the perfect place to start a tour of St Patrick's country.

Visitors travelling to Ireland will be sure they've made the right choice for St Patrick's Day, no matter where they choose to stay. In true Irish fashion, the celebrations will be fun, lively and full of passion and spirit. And what better place to go than the country where it all started in the first place?