merrion street

St Patrick’s Day has always been a time to celebrate with our families and friends, but as we all know, in more recent years it has become a global event. In fact, last year Time Magazine called it the world’s most global national day – bigger even than the Fourth of July.

At home and abroad, St Patrick's Day provides an opportunity to showcase Ireland both in terms of tourism, and economy and trade. Last year, the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and 27 Ministers took part in over 200 business and high-level political events in 27 countries around the world, along with 148 business events involving over 18,000 Irish and international company representatives. 

This year the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and eight ministers travel abroad to six priority markets in North America, Europe, and Asia for the promotion of trade, tourism, investment and education services. 

With the international profile of St. Patrick’s Day the envy of countries around the world, the programme of visits provides a very valuable and unique annual opportunity to promote Ireland abroad, develop our trade and economic links with overseas markets, as well as connect with the Irish diaspora, not least in this historic 1916 Centenary Year.

So what impact does the Festival have on the economy? We've put together some interesting stats to know...

2016 St. Patrick’s Day programme

Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Ministers are travelling to the following locations as part of the St Patrick's day programme.