Source: Niall Carson/PA Archive/PA Images

ST PATRICK’S DAY is less of a day and more of a week-long celebration of all things uniquely Irish, culminating in huge parades in almost every part of the country.

If you fancy doing something different for the holiday this year, we’ve got you covered. There are a ton of unusual events on – no green hat required.

Where We Live

Today @thisispopbaby with St. Patrick's Festival announce Where We Live, a two-week programme of theatre productions, work-in progress showings, music events, live art and major exhibition from 6 to 18 March in @thecomplexdublin in Smithfield as part of St. Patrick's Festival! Tickets on sale Friday 01 Dec at stpatricksfestival.ie/events/wherewelive ! #spf2018 #stpatricksfest #thisispopbaby #dublin #art #theatre #music #festival #wherewelive #events #thecomplex #thecomplexdublin

A post shared by St. Patrick's Festival Ireland (@stpatricksfestival) on Nov 27, 2017 at 7:08am PST

When: 6-18 March 2018 Where: The Complex, Dublin 7

Where We Live is a series of plays, talks and exhibitions performed and curated by some of Ireland’s most engaging cultural voices. Run by THISISPOPBABY, who’ve produced some fascinating pieces over the last few years, Where We Live features performance from the likes of Tara Flynn, Peter Daly and Oonagh Murphy, as well as The High Hopes choir, Ireland’s first homeless choir.

You can view the full Where We live programme here.

Macnas

@macnasireland #Parade #Crowds #Atmosphere #Nighttime #BlueHour #Macnas #Brilliant #GalwayEvents #GoodVibes #Galway #LoveGalway #BankHolidayWeekend #Cathedral #Photography #DigitalCamera #Canon750D #Canon #Ireland #DiscoverGalway #DiscoverIreland

A post shared by Cassandra O' Hara Photography (@cassandraoharaphotography) on Nov 4, 2017 at 8:24am PDT

When: 17th March Where: Galway City

Macnas are, hands down, one of the most exciting cultural acts to come out of Ireland in the past 40 years. Their immersive street performances combine live music, dance, theatre and puppetry can often be found at Ireland’s parades – this St Patrick’s Day, they’re gracing Galway with the Macnas Young Ensemble, and a variety of puppets that includes a “fantastical, flowery giant owl”.

Sounds good to us. Get more details on the parade here.

St Patrick’s Food and Walking tour

All ready for St Patrick's Day #stpatricksday #armagh #green #visitarmagh #discoverni #discoverieland #longexposure #nikon #nikond850 #Cathedral #churches #lovequotes #pms #smile

A post shared by Martin McCann (@martin_mccann_photography) on Mar 8, 2018 at 4:42pm PST

When: 18th March Where: Market Place Theatre, Co Armagh

The birthplace of St Patrick goes deep on his origins each year, and this year, we’ve been encouraged to taste the food associated with the man himself – and no, no shamrock shakes are on offer.

St Patrick is also the patron saint of Nigeria and of French fishermen, so this guided walking tour offers delicacies from both 5th century Ireland and Nigeria, as well as tasty seafood. Details and booking can be found here.

The Lee Sessions

Wonderful Irish music from members of the Lee Sessions at The Oliver Plunkett Frisky Whiskey Bar. #theleesessions #theoliverplunkettbar

A post shared by Polly Rockberger (@polly_rockberger) on Jul 27, 2017 at 12:46pm PDT

When: Every night Where: Cork city

The Lee Sessions may run all year round, but there’s no beating them for a slice of real Irish culture. Cork is a city blessed with lots of Irish pubs, and even more local musicians – each night, groups gather together to play traditional Irish tunes long into the night.

There’s no better way to spend St Patrick’s Day than in a pub , tapping your foot to a bodhrán, really, is there? Gig listings can be found here.