Posted: 28/02/2023
Waterways Ireland partners with St. Patrick’s Festival to celebrate the Royal and Grand Canals in Dublin

Waterways Ireland is thrilled to support
the national St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin from 16-19 March, 2023.
This year, our partnership with the
Festival team will celebrate our beloved Dublin Canals as one of 10 showpiece
performances in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. With half a million spectators
expected to line this year's route, we're proud to showcase and celebrate the
history, heritage and recreational vibrancy of our Dublin canals as integral
parts of our culture.
Look out for 'Uiscebhéal', a performance
inspired by the values of sustainability and community that will highlight the
role of the Grand and Royal Canals in the life of the city, as the parade
passes by!
John Mc Donagh, Waterways Ireland CEO: “Our
treasured historic canals are familiar welcoming places for generations, spaces
for recreation, inspiration for artists and a sanctuary where nature can
survive and thrive. It is a pleasure to have worked with the St. Patrick’s
Festival team to recognise the significance of the Royal and Grand canals in
Dublin through this wonderful performance.”
Richard Tierney, St. Patrick’s Festival CEO:
“We are delighted to partner with Waterways
Ireland for another year, the team at St Patrick’s Festival has been working
with its Dublin office to create an artistic piece celebrating the Dublin
Canals. With Waterways Ireland support, the renown Autin Theatre
Company will bring the tale of a 13 foot tall puppet surrounded by
representations and performances of the Royal and Grand Canals; sharing
Waterways Ireland vision of promoting life in the Dublin canals and the
importance of our heritage. Our partnership with Waterways Ireland
celebrates some of the most intrinsic and loved parts of Dublin and Ireland, we
are thrilled to shine a light on the usage of the canals and the many ways we
can all enjoy these great amenities.”
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade
will take place on Friday 17 March from 12 to 2pm, running from Parnell Square
in the north of the city, down O'Connell Street and through the south side of
the city, ending at the Cuffe St/Kevin St junction. The Parade will also be
broadcast live on RTE One.