While St Patrick's Day will attract crowds to parades and green-themed activities around the country, a varied selection of sporting and cultural events is also available.
As is to be expected at this time of year, the weather is forecast to be mixed and those travelling to outdoor events would be well advised to prepare for the worst.
Saturday will be a busy day at Croke Park where the AIB GAA football and hurling club championship finals take place.
Offaly hurlers Coolderry take on Antrim side the Loughgiel Shamrocks, who are the only Ulster team to have ever won an All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship. Throw in is at 2.00pm.
Five-time winners and current champions Crossmaglen Rangers from Co Armagh defend their football title against Leinster champions Garrycastle of Westmeath. Throw in is at 3.45pm.
Another sporting highlight this weekend will see thousands of rugby fans flock to airports and ferry terminals as they head to Twickenham for Ireland’s final Six Nations match where they take on England at 5pm.
Opera North’s touring production of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly opera will be performed at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre - formally known as Grand Canal Theatre - on Saturday night and across the river Andy Irvine, formerly of Planxty, will play a set on board the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship.
Some 10,000 people are expected to attend the inaugural Irish Craft Beer and Artisan Food Village at George's Dock at the IFSC this weekend where Irish craft beers, artisan food, live music and entertainment will be provided for all ages.
A number of beers have been brewed specifically for the fair and punters will have the opportunity to meet with brewers and hear about the methods used in their craft.
Sunday will see one of the most anticipated fixtures in inter-county football when Cork take on neighbours Kerry in the Allianz Football League at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, on Sunday at 2.30pm
Fresh from their narrow win over Dublin last weekend, Cork take on Galway in the earlier hurling fixture, also at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Another highlight on a busy GAA weekend will see Dublin’s hurlers facing the might of Kilkenny in Nowlan Park at 2.30pm on Sunday.
Traffic restrictions will be in place around most events and patrons are asked to allow additional time for travel to and from events.
Met Éireann tell us showers in the west and south will become more widespread on Saturday, with hail and isolated thunderstorms occurring. Sunday, happily, will be a different affair with fewer showers generally and a lot of dry weather and some spells of sunshine.
