Irish dancers take to Belfast's empty streets to celebrate St Patrick's Day
Can you guess the city landmarks?
Last updated 17th Mar 2021
Filmed throughout the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast City Centre, and on the rooftop of CastleCourt’s car park, McGowan Moore Academy showcase a wealth of talent through their young Irish dancers.
The school of Irish dancing has been established for 25 years, and is run by Maura McGowan alongside her daughter Keeva Wilson and daughter-in-law Kelly Moore.
McGowan Moore Academy share a special history with CastleCourt Shopping Centre, having danced at CastleCourt’s 10th anniversary celebrations, 21 years ago. The reconnection happened by coincidence when CastleCourt placed a call-out on Instagram for local Irish dancers to perform.
Principal teacher, Maura McGowan says, “The children were absolutely thrilled to bits to dust down their shoes and have a chance to perform with CastleCourt. Particularly during these unprecedented times, it’s been great to give the children an opportunity to dance and do what they love. We’d like to extend a very Happy St Patrick’s day to everyone and hope you enjoy the dancing.”
CastleCourt’s Marketing Manager, Catherine Ashman, said “We are delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with McGowan Moore Academy. At a time when we cannot host mall events, we are privileged to have a strong online community where we can showcase local talent from Belfast. The girls are world champion dancers, and I was truly in awe of their craft and dedication. We’d like to extend a safe and happy St Patrick’s Day to everyone, and when the time is right, look forward to welcoming everyone back.
Read more:
17 St Patrick's Day anthems for lockdown celebrations
Armagh streams six-day Home of St Patrick Festival to the world
Quirky St. Patrick's Day facts you might not know