St. Patrick’s Day is Ireland’s national holiday and has turned into a yearly celebration of Irish culture all across the world. In the heart of Amsterdam, a cosy indoor three-day festival is taking place in the intimate concert venue Splendor, so you can soak up Irish culture in your green t-shirt no matter the weather.

St. Patrick’s Festival in the heart of Amsterdam

Amsterdam's very own cultural event to mark this special day sees Irish-Dutch collaborations at Splendor and the nearby historic Uilenburger Sjoel. For the sixth year in a row, Splendor offers a multi-disciplinary Celtic cultural experience, and since it’s a family event, children from as young as 4 can participate in workshops involving music, dance and animation. Some parts of the event are free and for others, tickets can be purchased in advance online from Splendor.

Music in a cosy venue

This event is centred around music, and the main line-up involves a singer-songwriter coupled with jazz musicians and classical chamber music accompanied by one of Ireland's leading novelists.

[Friday, March 15, 9pm] Handel in Dublin: An evening of words and music

Ireland in the 1740s was a creative hotspot for the German composer George Frideric Handel. Renowned Belfast-born conductor Kenneth Montgomery gives us a taste of Handel in Dublin.

[Friday, March 15, 7.30pm] Traditional Irish cuisine with Rory O'Connell

Irish chef Rory O'Connell, founder of the famous Ballymaloe Cookery School in East Cork, gives us a taste of Ireland in the 18th century. In simpler times, the humble potato was a staple food, along with grains, fish and meat.

[Friday, March 15, 6.30pm] Duo Muller & Munnelly

Duo Muller & Munnelly consists of outstanding musicians. Dutch Celtic flute player Isaac Muller and Irish accordion player David Munnelly transport you to the Irish rolling hills with their captivating sounds and mind-boggling skill.

[Saturday, March 16, 8.30pm] Mary Coughlan

Dubbed Ireland's Billie Holiday, jazz, blues and folk singer Mary Coughlan has an extraordinary voice, displaying her raw emotion. She has led an interesting 30-year career, released 15 solo albums and garnered critical acclaim worldwide.

[Saturday, March 16, 1.30pm] The Brexit Conversation with Fintan O'Toole and Joris Luyendijk

Two great minds come together to talk about what Brexit could mean for the Netherlands, for Ireland and for the rest of Europe, and the effect it already has on the people. Don't miss The Brexit Conversation in Amsterdam.

[Sunday, March 17, from 10am] Workshops for all ages

Fun and engaging workshops will include music, dance and cartoon animation! The Redmond School of Irish Dancing, which is based in the Netherlands, will give a performance as well as a Irish dancing workshop for all ages. Meanwhile, Splendor Kids music workshop will involve musical fun with an Irish flavour with a workshop for children aged 3-6 and workshop for children aged 7-10.

[Sunday, March 17, 2pm] Louise O'Neill

Irish author Louise O'Neill writes for a primarily young adult audience. She talks about her latest novel, the Surface Breaks, a modern re-telling of The Little Mermaid.

[Sunday, March 17, 3pm] Animation with Rory Conway

Irish animator Rory Conway will offer an interactive animation workshop called Shape Shifters. Conway, of Ireland’s successful animation studio Cartoon Saloon, was part of the team who worked on the Academy Award® nominated movie The Breadwinner.

[Sunday, March 17, 7pm] Irish céilí dancing on St Patrick's Night

Dance St Patrick's Night away Irish style with music by the young and fresh Celtic music band Four of a Kind. The traditional Irish céilí dancing event is on Sunday, March 17 from 7pm. Tickets are only 5 euros.

Sit back and relax

For anyone who’s into rugby, the Ireland vs Wales Six Nations rugby match will be shown on the big screen for you to enjoy with a pint of Guinness or a drop of whisky!

Featured musicians

• Mary Coughlan | vocals
• Johnny Taylor | piano
• Jeffrey Bruinsma | jazz violin
• Oene van Geel | viola
• Thomas Pol | bass
• David Munnelly | accordion
• Isaac Muller | flute
• Rosanne van Sandwijk | mezzo-soprano
• David Mackor | lute
• Dudok Quartet
• Four of a Kind

Book your tickets

The festival will feature an impressive selection of musicians. Feel free to browse the St. Patrick's Festival programme for more information. Book your St. Patrick's Festival tickets on the Splendor website.