Are you planning to experience St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin? With thousands of visitors from all over the world descending upon the city, it can be a daunting task to plan your trip, from finding the best accommodation to navigating the crowds and organizing activities.
This article aims to provide helpful tips and recommendations to make the most of your visit to Dublin during the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. From the best places to stay, transportation options, the parade route, and must-see attractions and tours, we’ve got you covered so you can have a fun and memorable St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin.
We have been living in Dublin for a long time and have assisted many visitors in planning their trips to the city during this time.
When is St. Patrick’s Day Celebrated?
The celebration of St. Patrick’s Day is traditionally observed on March 17th each year, which marks the date of the Saint’s death in 461. Typically, this occasion is marked by a grand festival organized in honor of the day., the St. Patrick’s Festival.
What to do in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day?
The iconic National St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns to the streets of Dublin on March 17th with more pageants, marching bands, and participants than ever before.
While the parade is a must-see, locals know that the real charm of the day comes from exploring beyond the main route: stepping into a traditional pub for live music, catching community parades in nearby neighborhoods, or simply strolling through the city as it bursts with green and laughter. If you want to experience it like a Dubliner, head to Merrion Square for the family funfair, escape the crowds with a walk along the Grand Canal, and end the evening in a pub where the music is just as important as the pint in your hand.
How do I get from Dublin Airport to the city Centre?
Dublin airport is not far away from the city center, and you can reach your accommodation and the center of the City in one of the following ways:
- Taxi: you’ll pay about 25 euros for 30 minutes, but this will also be strictly connected to the traffic and your time of arrival;
- Bus: you can ride on the 16, 41, and 102 buses, and they will bring you to the city centre in 45 minutes -1 hour;
- Airlink 747 and 757: this is one of the quickest ways to arrive at the city center (and back to the airport). The current single fare is €10 and return is €12 for Airlink Express.
- Aircoach: the fastest way possible, not considering the taxi, to reach the center of Dublin. The fare is now €10 one way (city ↔ airport) and €12 return. They also offer free WiFi and USB charging ports aboard.
Where to stay in Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day?
Securing a place to stay in Dublin can be a hassle, especially during St. Patrick’s Day, as the city tends to be expensive. To avoid falling into tourist traps and find the best possible solutions, it’s advisable to book well in advance. Furthermore, choosing a non-central location can be a more budget-friendly option while fully immersing visitors in the festivities.
We recommend avoiding the Temple Bar area (unless one is young and simply seeking to party) and instead opting for different neighborhoods such as Grand Canal Dock and Ballsbridge, which are easily accessible via taxi or public transportation. However, remember that Dublin is quite walkable, and strolling around the city can be a pleasure.
Getting around Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day
Despite the perception held by many tourists, particularly those from Europe, that everything is shut down on St. Patrick’s Day, in reality, the city is buzzing with activity, and all public transportation operates as usual, if not even more frequently.
For those who prefer not to walk, the best means of getting around Dublin is by using the LUAS, which runs along the North and South parts of the city (green and red lines), or by taking the bus, although it may be hampered by traffic. The DART provides access to the coast, but if your visit is confined to Dublin, there’s no need to take it.
If you plan on using public transportation extensively, it is highly recommended to purchase a LEAP Visitor Card directly at the airport. This card only needs to be charged once, and can be scanned each time you use the bus, LUAS, or DART, with the credit expiring after each trip.
To use a taxi, download FreeNow onto your phone, enabling you to locate a certified taxi driver in any part of the city at any hour. By following the on-screen instructions, you can quickly and easily find a driver using the app. Although the FreeNow app is a useful tool, it should be noted that the service tends to be quite expensive.
It is not recommended to use a car due to the hectic traffic and difficulty in finding parking spots.
What to see in Dublin?
For those visiting Dublin during St. Patrick’s Day, there are certain places that should not be missed. By clicking on the name of each location, you will be redirected to Google Maps, which will show you the exact location of each place.
- Guinness Storehouse: The most popular attraction in Ireland and Europe is undoubtedly the Guinness Storehouse, and during St. Patrick’s Day, it is heavily crowded. Therefore, it is advisable to book tickets in advance to avoid spending too much time waiting in the queue. Read our guide on how to visit the Guinness Storehouse and start planning;
- Trinity College: one of the oldest colleges in Europe with its Old Library and the Book of Kells;
- Christchurch Cathedral: the cathedral in the heart of the medieval city. A must-see;
- Saint Patrick Cathedral: the official church of Dublin, filled to the bone during the St. Patrick’s period but unmissable, especially for its garden;
- General Post Office: the place from which the Irish revolution for independence began, a cult place;
- Molly Malone: the most famous statue in Dublin; touch her breasts for good luck;
- Dublin Castle: a green dot in the center of Dublin with its Chester Beatty Library, a must-see, often not even reached by tourists;
- Docklands: The non-touristy Dublin, the one that I love and that tourists forget to greet or that they visit to take a photo in front of Facebook or Google;
- Grafton Street: a walk in the most popular area of Dublin heading to St. Stephen’s Green;
- O’Connell Bridge and Henry Street: the widest and shorter bridge in Europe will bring you to the shopping district;
- Temple Bar: although it is a tourist area, a walk is required. Do not forget to head to Ha’penny Bridge!
If you have a few extra days, we highly recommend:
- Phoenix Park, the largest park in Europe;
- Kilmainham Gaol, the old former prison in Dublin.
What are the best pubs to visit in Dublin during St. Patrick’s Day?
Dublin is known for its pubs, with at least 365 spread throughout the city – so many that it would take a year to visit them all. However, there are even more than 365 pubs in Dublin, and the less well-known ones are often the best. If you’re in Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day, you must visit at least one pub. Here are a few pubs we always recommend, even though they can be quite touristy. Click on the name of each pub to view its location:
- O’Donoghue’s: popular with both tourists and locals, it is divided into two areas and it’s constantly full but the atmosphere is really amazing;
- The Celt: same as above but the environment is more spartan and you can also eat;
- Kehoe’s: tiny to the point that the pint, often, has to drink in the street;
- The Cobblestone: outside the center but shown on any travel guide. The music is always a plus and the beer is cheaper than in the centre;
It’s important to note that the price of a pint of Guinness or beer in a central pub in Dublin can be quite expensive, so you should not be surprised by the cost. However, the experience of enjoying a drink in an authentic Irish pub is well worth the price for many people.
What is the typical route for the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin?
The route of the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin can vary from year to year, but typically it starts from the top of Parnell Square, proceeds down O’Connell Street, and then crosses the city via Dame Street. Spectators can watch the parade for free by standing near the road, or for a better view, they can purchase a ticket for a seat.
The St. Patrick’s Festival Parade usually begins at noon on the 17th of March.
How to dress in March to visit Dublin?
What’s the weather look like in March in Dublin?
The weather in Dublin can be pretty unpredictable, as evidenced by past occurrences of snow on March 17th. We recommend the classic “dress in layers” approach, which includes wearing a waterproof jacket with a hood, a sweatshirt with a zip, and a shirt with short sleeves underneath. It’s essential to be prepared for any weather. Additionally, waterproof boots or sneakers are highly recommended. A shawl, even made of cotton, and a hat are also useful items to bring along. While it may be tempting to bring an umbrella, it’s not recommended as it can be an obstacle to both the parade spectators and yourself.
Add some green to your outfit and enjoy the festive St. Patrick’s Day parade!
Is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland worth it?
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is an incredible experience everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. With the parade, the pubs, the live music, and the friendly atmosphere, it’s a unique and unforgettable celebration of Irish culture and heritage. Whether you’re coming from far away or are lucky enough to be in Ireland during this time, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Be prepared for the unpredictable weather, plan your transportation, and don’t forget to wear green!
St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is a great event, and we hope this article has given you the desire to book and visit Dublin.