How to Spend St. Patrick's Day in Dublin, Ireland

This blog post is all about how to spend and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin this year.

As someone from Ireland, I absolutely love St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin.

It’s celebrated everywhere, from tiny villages to big cities, and it’s even famous on a global scale.

New York City in particular goes above and beyond each year.

But there’s no place quite like Dublin if you want to experience the full magic of St. Patrick’s Day.

It’s a day of music, dancing, parades, and boundless joy, where everyone seems to become Irish for a day.

Planning to spend St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin? Here’s my personal guide to help you make the most of it.

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Table of Contents

This blog post is all about how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin.

What is St. Patrick’s Day?

St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious holiday observed annually on March 17th.

It commemorates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and is named after St. Patrick, the country’s patron saint.

Over time, it’s become a worldwide celebration of Irish heritage, marked by parades, festivals, and all-around merriment.

Who is St. Patrick?

St. Patrick was a 5th-century missionary who played a key role in converting the Irish to Christianity.

According to legend, he used the three-leaf shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

This is why the shamrock is so strongly associated with Ireland and why you’ll see it everywhere on March 17th.

RELATED St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin blog post to read: Dublin, Ireland: 10 of the Best Budget to Luxury Hotels

Useful Links & Resources

✈️ SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Make sure you’re insured with travel insurance! SafetyWing offers great deals for digital nomads as well as travellers booking long and short breaks away.

📲 Airalo Travel eSIM
Access the internet with ease as soon as you land in Dublin with an Airalo eSIM. Use code ORLAGH3 for £3 off your first Airalo eSIM.

👩🏻‍💻 NordVPN
If you plan to use public WiFi a lot or want to stream your favourite TV shows from your home country, make sure you have a VPN connection.

When is St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin?

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th each year, which is believed to be the date of St. Patrick’s death.

In Ireland, it’s a national holiday, so banks, schools, and many businesses close for the festivities.

St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, in particular, becomes a hub of vibrant celebrations throughout the week of March 17th, often turning the holiday into a multi-day festival.

Why is St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin Celebrated?

Originally a feast day to honour St. Patrick’s work and life, the holiday gradually evolved into a broader celebration of Irish culture.

Think music, dance, food, and the famous Irish welcome (also known as the “craic”).

Today, you’ll find that revellers around the world join in, celebrating everything “Irish,” whether they have a direct connection to the Emerald Isle or not.

RELATED St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin blog post to read: Five Breakfast Spots in Dublin

How to Spend St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin

Below are the top ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, Ireland.

1. Watch the Legendary Dublin Parade

If you’re spending St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, the parade is non-negotiable. It’s the highlight of the city’s festivities.

This lively spectacle features elaborate floats, costumed performers, marching bands (both local and international), and plenty of surprises.

Aim to arrive early for a decent viewing spot. The parade route typically winds through the heart of the city, passing iconic streets like O’Connell Street and Dame Street.

Grab a hot drink beforehand, get ready to cheer, and prepare for a high-energy start to your day.

2. Swing by Temple Bar (Yes, It’s Tourist Central, But Worth It!)

Some locals roll their eyes at The Temple Bar Pub because it’s well-known for being touristy and somewhat pricier than other areas.

But let’s be honest, if it’s your first time in Dublin, you really do have to give Temple Bar a whirl on St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin.

The atmosphere is electric, with pubs overflowing with music, dancing, and enthusiastic revellers decked out in green.

Grab a pint of Guinness, soak in the lively spirit, and chat with fellow travellers. Even if you only stay for a little while, it’s a must-do experience.

RELATED St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin blog post to read: 11 Places to Visit in Ireland that Isn’t Dublin

3. Have a Proper Pint of Guinness

Speaking of Guinness, St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is the perfect time to embrace Ireland’s most famous export.

Yes, you’ll likely be able to find Guinness on tap just about anywhere in Dublin, but if you’re interested in the full story behind the brew, head to the Guinness Storehouse.

This multi-level exhibition walks you through the history, ingredients, and brewing process, ending with a 360-degree view of Dublin at the Gravity Bar.

Sip on a perfectly poured pint up there while looking out across the city. An unbeatable combination of taste and scenery.

I’ve done the Guinness Storehouse tour on a few occasions and it’s always an amazing experience!

More Useful Links & Resources

🚁 Tours & Activities
Book your tours, museums, activities and more via the below activity booking platforms:

GetYourGuide: great for things like museum entry and local-led tours
Viator: use Viator to book tours and museums across the city

🧳 Bounce Luggage Storage
If you have a late flight out of Dublin, or arrive early in the morning before check-in, Bounce is the perfect solution. Store your luggage safely at one of their locations you can find on the app and don’t delay your time exploring the city.

4. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral

What better day to stop by St. Patrick’s Cathedral than on St Patrick’s Day?

This impressive Gothic cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is one of the most historically significant churches in Ireland.

Pop in for a quick tour to learn about its architecture, its place in Dublin’s past, and the many notable figures associated with it (including Jonathan Swift, who was once dean of the cathedral).

It’s a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the holiday celebrations, at least for a short while.

5. Pop Over to the Jameson Distillery

Not a fan of stout, or just want to explore Irish whiskey culture? Check out the Jameson Distillery on Bow Street.

Here, you’ll discover the evolution of one of Ireland’s top whiskeys, from the distilling process to the secret behind Jameson’s smooth flavour.

Tours typically include a guided tasting, so you can see how Irish whiskey compares to its Scotch or Bourbon cousins.

Whether you’re a whiskey lover or a curious newbie, it’s a fun and informative stop.

6. Listen to Traditional Irish Music (and Try a Ceilidh!)

No St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin would be complete without traditional Irish music (known as “trad”).

You’ll find sessions in many pubs around the city with fiddles, tin whistles, and bodhráns often included.

If you’re feeling adventurous, seek out a ceilidh (pronounced “kay-lee”), which is essentially an Irish dance party.

Expect lively folk tunes and a caller who guides everyone through the dances.

Even if you have two left feet, it’s an absolute blast and a genuine way to immerse yourself in local culture.

7. Explore the Festival Quarter and Wear Some Green

Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Festival usually spans several days, transforming certain neighbourhoods into designated “Festival Quarters.”

Keep an eye out for food stalls, family-friendly activities, and pop-up performances.

And yes, wearing green is more or less mandatory if you want to blend in with the locals and fellow visitors.

Hats, scarves, face paint, anything goes!

8. Dive into History at Trinity College (and See the Book of Kells)

If you’re craving a dose of academia amidst the celebrations, swing by Trinity College.

Its Old Library houses the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating back to the 9th century and one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures.

Wandering the campus grounds is also a treat: the architecture is gorgeous, and the atmosphere feels a world away from the clamorous festivities.

I love wandering around Trinity College, especially in the spring or autumn seasons. It really gives the ‘dark academia’ vibes you’d expect from a place as old as this.

9. Kilmainham Gaol: A Window into Ireland’s Past

A short distance from Dublin’s city centre is Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison steeped in Irish revolutionary history.

The guided tour walks you through the corridors where major political figures were once held, offering a sobering but insightful perspective on Ireland’s struggle for independence.

It’s not your typical St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin activity, but if you have time on your trip, it’s absolutely worth it to understand the country’s deeper history.

I visited Kilmainham Gaol a few years ago and can say without a doubt that it’s one of the best things to do in Dublin if you want to learn more about Irish history. It’s incredible.

10. Check Out Croke Park Stadium (Home of Gaelic Games)

Consider adding a Croke Park tour to your itinerary if you want to learn about Irish sport. Especially if you’ll be in Dublin for more than a day or two.

This stadium is the home of Gaelic games like hurling and Gaelic football, both beloved fixtures of Irish sporting culture.

A behind-the-scenes tour includes a look at the dressing rooms, player tunnels, and a museum detailing the history of these uniquely Irish sports.

This is a tour I’ve also done, and it’s a great choice if you know a lot about Irish sport and are a fan of the game, or if you know nothing at all and want to learn.

There’s no sport in the world like Irish sport.

11. Stroll Grafton Street and Unwind in St. Stephen’s Green

Grafton Street is Dublin’s best pedestrian shopping avenue, famous for its street performers and lively atmosphere.

Whether you’re keen on picking up souvenirs or just want to people-watch, it’s a fun place to wander.

At the end of Grafton Street lies St. Stephen’s Green, a lovely urban park with walking paths, ornamental gardens, and a pond.

Perfect for a relaxing break from the mayhem of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

where to stay in dublin for st patricks day

12. Explore the Best Museums in Dublin

There are a variety of free museums in Dublin, like the National Museum of Ireland (with separate branches for archaeology, decorative arts, and natural history).

If you’re fascinated by art, drop into the National Gallery of Ireland to see works by Irish and international artists.

It’s a fantastic way to enrich your cultural experience and is especially handy if you want a breather from the crowded pubs.

13. Tuck into Some Traditional Irish Food

Finally, you can’t leave Dublin without sampling proper Irish stew. A hearty combination of lamb (or beef), potatoes, carrots, and onions in a rich broth.

While you’re at it, snag some Tayto crisps (a local favourite), Irish soda bread, and maybe even a few sweet treats (my favourite is Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Golden Crisp).

The local comfort food will keep you energized for a day of parades, pub-hopping, and general St. Patrick’s Day fun.

RELATED St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin blog post to read: Five Breakfast Spots in Dublin

More Useful Tips for St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin

Plan Ahead: Hotels can fill up quickly, and flights might be more expensive around mid-March. Booking early is wise.
Dress Code: Green is the colour of the day. Think hats, shirts, scarves, or even face paint.
Public Transport: The city centre can get very crowded, so using buses, trams (Luas), or trains (DART) can save you the hassle of trying to drive or find a taxi.
Pace Yourself: The celebrations often start early and go late. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, so be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks when you need to.
Respect Local Customs: St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is all about fun, but remember you’re in a lively city with people from all walks of life. Embrace the good vibes and show kindness to those around you.

How to Spend St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin

St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is more than just a single celebration.

It’s a citywide festival bursting with history, music, food, and the famously warm Irish spirit.

Whether you’re cheering at the parade, dancing to lively trad tunes, discovering Ireland’s revolutionary past, or simply enjoying a hearty pint among new friends, you’ll quickly understand why March 17th is such a big deal here.

Throw on your best green outfit, bring an open mind, and embrace the city’s festive energy.

Once you experience St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, you’ll see why so many people consider it a once-in-a-lifetime event.