A short story written by Roddy Doyle, the award winning Irish writer, is the inspiration behind this year’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin on March 17.

Brilliant, a story where the city of Dublin literally talks itself out of the blues hanging over it, has awakened the imagination of theatrical companies who will step out on March 17 to mark Dublin’s designation as a Unesco City of Literature.

Doyle told the press he was delighted to be asked to write a story for the parade. "The opportunity to see something I'd written brought to life in such an unexpected way as part of Ireland’s largest annual celebration will be very special," he said.??The Saint Patrick’s Festival sit is now called boasts an impressive line-up  that will play out over five days and nights of entertainment.?

Reflecting the strength and international appeal of Irish literary culture a new event called DublinSwell – Words and Voices from the City of Literature will also be unveiled.

DublinSwell take place in Dublin’s Convention Centre on March 18 and will include performances from writers like Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney, Roddy Doyle and Sebastian Barry, with help from musicians Mike Scott and Damien Dempsey. ??