St Patrick’s Day in Dublin: 15 Tips From a Local, Plus Where Else to Celebrate in Ireland

I’ve been to many a St Patrick’s Day in Dublin, and it is insane madness: half a million people on the streets, a sea of green, music spilling out of every pub door and the whole city in party mode from the morning. Because of my mobility issues, I bought grandstand tickets for the parade, and it was worth every cent: a proper seat, a clear view, and I really enjoyed the musicians and marching bands as they passed.

All around us, people were drinking and partying; it really is one giant party. One warning from experience: Dublin books up at least a year ahead for St Patrick’s, so plan early. I’ve also watched Chicago dye its river green, years ago, so I’ve seen how the rest of the world does it too. I’ve also spent the day in Belfast, which is slightly more restrained, and in Donegal Town and Galway, where there’s drinking everywhere, trad music in pubs everywhere and everyone wearing the green. This guide covers Dublin first, with dates, the parade route, grandstand prices and my tips, then the best places to celebrate in the rest of Ireland, North and South.

St Patrick’s Day in Dublin: Fast Facts

St Patrick’s Festival Dublin 2027: Dates and What’s On

The St Patrick’s Festival runs from Saturday 13 to Wednesday 17 March 2027. The full programme is usually published in January. Expect:

• The National St Patrick’s Day Parade on 17 March at 12 noon: the big one, with pageant groups, marching bands from Ireland and abroad, giant puppets and floats. The 2026 theme was “Roots”.
• Greening the City: around 90 landmarks light up green in the evenings, including the Mansion House, the Custom House and Trinity College. Walk the quays after dark to spot them.
• Free family events: in 2026 these included storytelling at the Abbey Theatre, music on the St Stephen’s Green bandstand and activities in St Patrick’s Park.
• Céilís, trad and gigs: dance nights, concerts and late-night events across the city, some free and some ticketed.
• Cathedral services: St Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral hold services on the day.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Map

The Dublin Parade: Route, Times and Where to Watch

The parade starts at 12 noon at Parnell Square, comes down O’Connell Street, crosses O’Connell Bridge, goes along Westmoreland Street and Dame Street, past Christ Church Cathedral, down Patrick Street past St Patrick’s Cathedral, and ends at the Kevin Street/Cuffe Street junction. It’s about 3.2km and takes around two hours to pass any one spot.

Grandstand prices for 2027 (including booking fee): Parnell Square €143.50, St Patrick’s Cathedral €143.50, Westmoreland Street €153.50, Christchurch €153.50, O’Connell Bridge €173.50, the Emerald Circle on O’Connell Street €253.50, and a Westmoreland Street hospitality package with lunch and live music at the College Green Hotel for €293.50. Seats are covered, tiered and allocated. Book through the official festival site.

Accessibility: the festival publishes accessible viewing details on its Your Visit page. The crowds are very dense near O’Connell Street, so if you use a wheelchair or don’t like crowds, look at a grandstand seat or the quieter southern end of the route. See my accessible Ireland guide.

15 Tips for St Patrick’s Day in Dublin

1. Book your accommodation a year ahead

Dublin books up at least a year in advance for St Patrick’s, and hotel prices can more than double that week. Book as soon as you know you’re going (free-cancellation rates are your friend), and choose somewhere walkable, because taxis are almost impossible to find on the day. See where to stay below.

2. Don’t drive

Roads around the city centre close from early morning. Use the Luas, DART, buses and your feet. A Leap card (or tap-and-go on your bank card) is the easiest way to pay. More in my guide to public transport in Ireland.

3. Get to the parade early

For a spot on the barrier on O’Connell Street, arrive by 9.30 to 10am. Bring a snack and water, and know where you’ll meet your group if you get separated, because phone signal can be patchy in the crowds.

4. Expect the pubs to be packed

There’s no getting around it: Paddy’s Day in Dublin means a lot of drinking, and the pubs are rammed from lunchtime. Temple Bar is the most crowded and most expensive. For a better pint and a bit more room, try Camden Street, Baggot Street, Smithfield or Stoneybatter. My guide to the most famous pubs in Dublin has my favourites.

5. Skip the green beer and the “Irish Car Bomb”

Green beer is an American thing, and asking for an “Irish Car Bomb” in Ireland is offensive, given the history of the Troubles. Order a Guinness, a local craft beer or an Irish whiskey instead.

6. Say “Paddy’s Day”, never “Patty’s Day”

Paddy is short for Patrick (Pádraig in Irish); Patty is short for Patricia. You can also wish people “Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig” (ban-ach-tee na fay-la paw-rig), “St Patrick’s Day blessings”. Learn more Irish phrases in my Irish slang guide.

7. Eat real Irish food

Corned beef and cabbage is Irish-American. In Ireland, try Irish stew, bacon and cabbage, a seafood chowder with soda bread, or a full Irish breakfast to set you up for the day. More in my guide to traditional Irish food.

8. Wear the green (and layers)

Everyone wears the green: hats, scarves, face paint, shamrocks pinned to coats. March in Dublin is usually 5–10°C, often wet and windy, so wear layers, a waterproof and comfortable shoes, because you’ll be standing and walking for hours. See what to pack for Ireland.

9. Make it a long weekend

In 2027 St Patrick’s Day is a Wednesday, so the festival weekend (13–14 March) and the day itself are a few days apart. Arrive for the weekend events and stay through to the parade, or plan a Dublin city break around it. See 2 days in Dublin.

10. Book a grandstand seat if crowds aren’t your thing

I bought grandstand tickets because of my mobility issues, and I’d do it again: you get an allocated, covered seat above the crowd, a clear view of every band and pageant, and no fighting for space for hours. If you have mobility needs, young children or just hate crowds, it’s worth the money. They sell out, so book early.

11. See the Greening after dark

After the parade, walk along the Liffey and around the city to see the landmarks lit up green. It’s free, and a lovely, calmer way to end the day.

12. Find a trad session

Trad music is everywhere on Paddy’s Day. The Cobblestone in Smithfield is the musicians’ pub; or join the Temple Bar Traditional Irish Music Pub Crawl with two professional musicians. More in my guide to traditional Irish music festivals.

13. Go to a cathedral service

For the meaning behind the day, go to a service at St Patrick’s Cathedral or Christ Church Cathedral. Both sit on the parade route.

14. Book the big attractions in advance

The Guinness Storehouse, the Book of Kells at Trinity and EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum are all extremely busy that week. Book timed tickets ahead: try the St Patrick’s Festival at the Guinness Storehouse skip-the-line ticket. The National Leprechaun Museum on Jervis Street is fun for folklore fans; check its opening times before you go.

15. Remember it’s a public holiday

Banks, government offices and some shops close on 17 March, North and South. Pubs, restaurants and most attractions stay open. Carry a card, as most places are cashless.

Prefer an organised trip? The St Patrick’s Day 4-day tour from Dublin takes care of hotels and transport, with the parade included. Or for dinner and a show, Celtic Nights at the Arlington Hotel on the quays has Irish music and dancing most nights.

Where to Stay in Dublin for St Patrick’s Day

Stay within walking distance of the parade route; you won’t get a taxi on the day. More areas in where to stay in Ireland.

St Patrick’s Day in Dublin Budget

Prices jump for the festival, so budget more than for a normal Dublin break. These are per person for three nights around 17 March 2027, sharing a room, based on Go-To-Ireland’s September 2026 estimates.

Money-saving tips: book a year ahead with free cancellation, stay on the Luas line slightly outside the centre, eat your main meal at lunchtime, and skip Temple Bar for drinks. Public transport fares on a Leap card are low (a 90-minute fare was €2 in 2026).

A 3-Day St Patrick’s Weekend in Dublin

In 2027, St Patrick’s Day is a Wednesday. This plan covers the day before, the big day and the day after; or arrive for the festival weekend (13–14 March) and add more days.

Day 1 (16 March): Settle in and get in the mood

• Morning: the Book of Kells at Trinity College (book a timed ticket), then St Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street for the buskers.
• Afternoon: EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum, for the story of the Irish around the world, the reason St Patrick’s Day is global.
• Evening: dinner, then the Greening: walk the quays to see the landmarks lit up green, and finish at a trad session at The Cobblestone.

Day 2 (17 March): St Patrick’s Day

• Morning: a full Irish breakfast, then a cathedral service, or head straight to your spot on the route by 9.30–10am (or your grandstand seat by about 11am).
• 12 noon–2pm: the parade.
• Afternoon: the pubs. Try Camden Street, Baggot Street or Smithfield rather than Temple Bar, or join the trad pub crawl.
• Evening: more music and the Greening; book dinner well ahead, as restaurants are packed.

Day 3 (18 March): Recover and explore

• Morning: a slow start, then the Guinness Storehouse (book ahead) or Kilmainham Gaol.
• Afternoon: the DART to Howth or Dalkey for sea air and seafood, or a day trip from Dublin.

More ideas in my Dublin travel guide and 2 days in Dublin.

Getting There and Staying Safe

Getting from Dublin Airport

Airport express coaches (Dublin Express and Aircoach) and Dublin Bus run from the airport to the city centre, and taxis take 30–45 minutes outside rush hour. On 17 March, city-centre roads close from early morning and buses are diverted around the parade route, so if you’re arriving that day, check Transport for Ireland for St Patrick’s services and expect to walk the last stretch. See getting around Ireland.

Safety and family tips

• No drinking on the street: Dublin City Council bye-laws ban drinking alcohol on roads and in public places, and Gardaí enforce it on the day. Drink in the pubs.
• Agree a meeting point: phone signal can drop in the crowds, so pick a landmark to meet at if you get separated.
• Keep valuables close: pickpockets work big crowds; use a cross-body bag or a zipped pocket.
• With children: the southern end of the route and the grandstands are calmer, and daytime family events are the best fit. Head off before the evening, when the drinking ramps up.
• Mobility needs: book a grandstand seat or check the festival’s accessible viewing details, and plan toilet stops; there are very few along the route.
• Pace yourself: it’s a long day, and Dublin’s “giant party” can turn messy by late afternoon.

Map: St Patrick’s Day in Dublin and Beyond

The parade route, the best Dublin spots, and the places to celebrate around Ireland, colour-coded by area. Tap a pin for its name, or use the numbered key under the map.

Where Else to Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in the Republic of Ireland

Every town in Ireland has some kind of parade, even if it’s a tractor, a pipe band and the local GAA club. These are my picks.

Galway

Galway does Paddy’s Day properly: in 2026 the parade set off at 11.30am from the University of Galway, crossed the Salmon Weir Bridge and went through the city to Eyre Square. When I’ve been, there was drinking everywhere, trad music in the pubs everywhere and everyone wearing the green. Try Tigh Chóilí or The Crane Bar for music. See my Galway travel guide and 2 days in Galway.

Donegal Town

Donegal Town is small, but on Paddy’s Day it feels like the whole county has come in. After the parade, everyone heads for the pubs: when I’ve been, there was drinking everywhere, trad sessions in pubs everywhere and everyone wearing the green. The Reel Inn is my pick for music. See my Donegal travel guide.

Dingle, Co. Kerry

Dingle starts its day with an early-morning parade led by the local fife and drum bands, then the town’s pubs fill with music. It’s one of the most traditional celebrations in the country. See things to do in Dingle.

Cork, Limerick and Kilkenny

Cork and Limerick both have big city parades, and Kilkenny’s TradFest fills the medieval city’s pubs with music over the St Patrick’s weekend. See things to do in Cork and visiting Kilkenny.

St Patrick pilgrimage sites (best outside March)

Croagh Patrick in Mayo, where Patrick is said to have fasted for 40 days, has its big pilgrimage on Reek Sunday, the last Sunday of July. Lough Derg in Donegal, St Patrick’s Purgatory, runs its three-day pilgrimages in summer. Both are worth a visit at other times of year. See famous Irish saints.

St Patrick’s Day in Northern Ireland

St Patrick is the patron saint of all of Ireland, and the North has the places most closely tied to his life: Slemish, Armagh and Downpatrick. 17 March is a public holiday here too. More in my Northern Ireland travel guide.

Belfast

Belfast’s celebration is slightly more restrained than Dublin’s, but still a great day out. In 2026 the parade left City Hall at 1.30pm and looped through the city centre (Chichester Street, Victoria Street, High Street, Castle Place and Donegall Place) back to City Hall around 3pm, with an accessible viewing area on Chichester Street and trad music in the Cathedral Quarter afterwards. See things to do in Belfast.

Downpatrick, Co. Down

St Patrick is traditionally buried in the grounds of Down Cathedral in Downpatrick, under a large granite stone. On St Patrick’s Day the town has a parade, a main stage with Irish music, an artisan market and family events, and The Saint Patrick Centre is the only permanent exhibition in the world dedicated to him.

Armagh

Armagh is the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland and the only city in the world with two cathedrals named after St Patrick. Its Home of St Patrick Festival runs for over a week around 17 March, with concerts, guided walks, family events and an open-air gig in Market Square.

Slemish, Co. Antrim

Tradition says Patrick was brought to Ireland as a slave and herded sheep on Slemish mountain, near Ballymena. Every St Patrick’s Day, people climb it as a pilgrimage. It’s a short, steep climb with huge views; wear proper boots. See Northern Ireland counties.

For Derry, see what to do in Derry; Derry celebrates too, with events across the city.

St Patrick’s Day Around the World

With around 70 million people worldwide claiming Irish roots, St Patrick’s Day is celebrated far beyond Ireland.

Chicago: Chicago loves St Patrick’s Day. Every year, on the Saturday before 17 March, members of the plumbers’ union (Local 130) dye the Chicago River bright green, a tradition since 1962. I watched them do it years ago: one minute the river is its normal colour, the next it’s an almost unreal emerald. The best views are from the bridges between Columbus Drive and State Street, and the city’s downtown parade follows the same day.

New York: the oldest and one of the largest parades in the world, up Fifth Avenue, first held in the 1760s.

Boston, Savannah and Montreal: all have huge parades, with strong Irish communities. Montreal’s has run since 1824.

Global Greening: landmarks around the world, from Sydney Opera House to Niagara Falls, light up green for Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening.

But nothing beats being in Ireland for it.

Who Was St Patrick?

St Patrick was born in Roman Britain in the 5th century; nobody knows exactly where. At 16 he was captured by Irish raiders and enslaved, traditionally herding sheep on Slemish in Antrim. After six years he escaped home, trained as a priest and came back to Ireland as a missionary. He wrote his own story in his Confessio, one of the oldest documents in Irish history. He’s said to have died on 17 March, which is why we celebrate that day, and he’s traditionally buried at Down Cathedral in Downpatrick.

Two famous stories are legends rather than history: that he used the three-leaved shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity, and that he drove the snakes out of Ireland (there were none after the last Ice Age). St Patrick’s Day began as a religious feast and became a public holiday in Ireland in 1903; the big parades and festivals came later, inspired partly by the Irish diaspora in America. Read more in my Irish culture and folklore guide.

St Patrick’s Day FAQ

When is St Patrick’s Day 2027?

St Patrick’s Day is on Wednesday 17 March 2027. It is a public holiday in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

When is the St Patrick’s Festival in Dublin 2027?

The St Patrick’s Festival in Dublin runs from Saturday 13 to Wednesday 17 March 2027, with the National St Patrick’s Day Parade on 17 March. The full programme is usually published in January.

What time does the Dublin St Patrick’s Day parade start?

The Dublin parade starts at 12 noon on 17 March at Parnell Square. It takes around two hours to pass any one spot, so arrive by 9.30 to 10am for a good view on O’Connell Street.

What is the Dublin St Patrick’s Day parade route?

The parade starts at Parnell Square, goes down O’Connell Street, crosses O’Connell Bridge, continues along Westmoreland Street and Dame Street, past Christ Church Cathedral and down Patrick Street, and ends at the Kevin Street and Cuffe Street junction. The route is about 3.2km.

How many people go to the Dublin St Patrick’s Day parade?

Over half a million people lined the streets of Dublin for the 2026 parade, with more than 3,000 performers taking part.

How much are grandstand tickets for the Dublin parade?

Grandstand seats for the 2027 Dublin parade cost from €143.50 to €253.50 including booking fee, depending on location, with a hospitality package at €293.50. Watching from the street is free.

Where is the best place to watch the Dublin parade?

O’Connell Street has the classic view but is the busiest. Parnell Square sees the parade first, and Westmoreland Street, Dame Street, Christ Church and Patrick Street are usually a little calmer. A grandstand seat guarantees a view.

Is St Patrick’s Day in Dublin worth it?

Yes, if you enjoy big crowds and a party atmosphere: it is one of the biggest celebrations in the world. Book accommodation months ahead and expect packed pubs. For a calmer day, try Belfast, Armagh, Downpatrick, Galway or a small town.

When should I book a hotel for St Patrick’s Day in Dublin?

Book up to a year ahead. Dublin books out for St Patrick’s and hotel prices rise sharply that week, especially near the parade route. Choose free-cancellation rates if your plans might change.

Where else in Ireland can I celebrate St Patrick’s Day?

Galway, Cork, Limerick, Kilkenny, Donegal Town and Dingle all have parades and pubs full of trad music. In Northern Ireland, Belfast has a parade from City Hall, Armagh holds the Home of St Patrick Festival, and Downpatrick, where St Patrick is buried, has a parade and festival.

Where is St Patrick buried?

St Patrick is traditionally buried in the grounds of Down Cathedral in Downpatrick, County Down, in Northern Ireland. The Saint Patrick Centre in the town tells his story.

How is St Patrick’s Day celebrated in Northern Ireland?

St Patrick’s Day is a public holiday in Northern Ireland, with parades in Belfast, Downpatrick, Armagh and Derry, trad music in pubs, cathedral services, and a pilgrimage climb of Slemish in County Antrim.

Is it Paddy’s Day or Patty’s Day?

It is Paddy’s Day. Paddy is short for Patrick, or Pádraig in Irish. Patty is short for Patricia, so Irish people never say Patty’s Day.

How much does St Patrick’s Day in Dublin cost?

Budget around €545 to €975 per person for three nights mid-range, sharing a room, including accommodation, food, drink and transport. A budget trip is around €290 to €505, and premium €1,020 or more. Watching the parade from the street is free.

Can you drink on the street in Dublin on St Patrick’s Day?

No. Dublin City Council bye-laws ban drinking alcohol on roads and in public places, and Gardaí enforce this on St Patrick’s Day. Drink in pubs, bars and restaurants.

What is the weather like in Dublin in March?

March in Dublin is cool and changeable, usually around 5 to 10°C, with showers and wind. Wear layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for the parade.

Why does Chicago dye its river green?

Chicago has dyed its river green for St Patrick’s Day since 1962. Members of Plumbers Local 130 release the dye from boats on the Saturday before 17 March, and the river stays green for a few hours.

How do you say Happy St Patrick’s Day in Irish?

Say Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig, meaning St Patrick’s Day blessings, pronounced roughly ban-ach-tee na fay-la paw-rig. The day itself is Lá Fhéile Pádraig.

Are pubs open on St Patrick’s Day in Ireland?

Yes. Pubs, restaurants and most attractions are open on St Patrick’s Day, and pubs are very busy from lunchtime. Banks, government offices and some shops are closed.

Plan Your Trip to Ireland

• Dublin Travel Guide and 2 Days in Dublin
• The Best Festivals in Ireland, Month by Month and Traditional Irish Music Festivals
• Famous Pubs in Dublin and Traditional Irish Food
• Famous Irish Saints and Irish Culture and Folklore
• Best Time to Visit Ireland, Ireland Travel Tips and What to Pack for Ireland
• Getting Around Ireland and Where to Stay in Ireland
• Regions: Ancient East, Hidden Heartlands, Wild Atlantic Way, Northern Ireland

Celebrating Paddy’s Day in Ireland? Share your plans in my Facebook group, Ireland Uncovered: Hidden Gems & Local Tips.