Tips for celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Dublin
If you’re considering a trip to Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day this is your sign – book the trip!
Every March 17th visitors from around the globe pack their greenest attire and head to the Irish capital for an unforgettable time. One of the most exciting holidays to celebrate the streets come alive with music, dancing, parties and of course The Greenest Grandest Parade.
In this guide we’ll share everything we think you need to know to make the most of your time in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day!
What to Expect
The St. Patrick’s Day Festival is a multi-day celebration with city-wide events which includes the spectacular National St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17th. The 2-mile long parade begins at noon and starting at Parnell Square, running through the city center, and ending at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Even though the pubs will be bustling, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and festivities are family friendly. For families looking for a more cultural experience there is plenty to see and do at the Festival Quarter at Collins Barracks.
Passport Partners Tip – If you are looking to get a good spot to post up along the parade route you’ll want to arrive early as crowds begin to form quickly. According to locals, prime time viewing locations are O’Connell Street and Dame Street.
8 Tips for Celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Dublin, Ireland
Wear green! Wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day is more than just a fun tradition. The color comes from Ireland’s gorgeous green landscapes and reference to being known as the Emerald Isle. You will see people dressed in every shade, shaking their shamrocks.
It’s St. Paddy’s Day, not Patty’s. A common mistake, the word Patty refers to a burger, or a woman named Patricia. Paddy is a derivative of the Irish word, Pádraig, which in Gaelic is Patrick.
Plan your trip in advance. We don’t recommend waiting until the last minute to figure out your travel logistics. Flights increase and hotels become scarce. So if St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is on your bucket list start planning now.
Get to the parade route early. The parade starts at noon but viewers begin filling the streets in the wee hours of the morning. Important note for our drinking friends or families with children — bathrooms are not easy to come by during the parade as they closed for dine-in-only customers.
Take comfortable shoes. Dublin is an extremely walkable city. We found the landscape to be rather flat and easier to navigate on foot than by public transport or taxi. Plus this way you learn about your surroundings, take in the incredible local sites, and avoid pesky road closures due to festivities.
Be prepared for rain. Overcast skies and rain are common in Dublin. Familiarize yourself with the parade route and keep in mind where you want to stand if begins to rain. We travel with mini umbrellas that are lightweight and easy to throw in a purse. These have definitely saved our behinds a time or two!
Be cognizant of drinking laws. If you’re from the U.S., you’re likely familiar with celebrations of the alcoholic type like Chicago’s Green River celebration, New York City’s parade, or even the Irish step dancers in Boston. But in Dublin (not Dublin, Ohio, USA), drinks on the street aren’t common. While the police, or gardi, won’t arrest you or give you a fine for drinking in public, they can take away your drinks if you’re behaving out of hand. But if you are looking for a pint,
If you’re looking for a bite to eat. Fish and chips are a staple in Ireland and the UK, and you can walk into just about any pub and find a tasty treat. If your palate is feeling adventurous try a spice bag. One of Ireland’s greatest creations, this dish consists of fried chicken strips and chips, or french fries as we know them, mixed with several spices.
Pub Celebrations
The Temple Bar district is iconic – there, we said it.
However, it will be extremely crowded and overpriced. If you’re looking to have a good time and celebrate like a local we would recommend exploring a neighborhood like Stoneybatter. You’ll avoid the chaos while enjoying a pint in a laid-back atmosphere.
Passport Partners Favorite: The Glimmerman is the place to be! If you’re lucky you may even find yourself armwrestling a local.
(Photo for evidence.)
Winner takes all! USA vs Ireland in St. Paddy’s Day arm wrestling challenge.
What to Wear
Everyone will be clad in their finest green attire, but it’s important to mention that Dublin in March is cold and rainy. Here are some items we are glad we packed:
Waterproof layers
Green hats and shamrock shirts
Warm jackets
Comfortable walking shoes
Tips From Experience
Here is what we wish we’d known before traveling to Dublin — these tips would have made our trip smoother, cheaper, and a little less stressful.
Visit the Guinness Storehouse early in the morning before the crowds arrive or right before closing when things have slowed down.
Plan in advance if possible to save on accommodations as they fill up quickly.
Walk when you can. Public transportation and rideshare tend to be delayed due to festival activities.
Expect an increase of prices on food, transportation, and lodging. Use the festival app or website to find free events for low budget options.
Is Dublin Worth Visiting on St. Patrick’s Day?
Absolutely — Dublin gets our Passport Partners stamp of approval.
Spending St. Patrick's Day in Dublin is a truly unforgettable experience. So grab your green, raise a pint, and prepare to make memories that will last a lifetime. Dublin’s history and culture will not disappoint!
