Saint Patrick's Day in Dublin

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Advisor - Jacob Bryant
Curated By

Jacob Bryant

  • Dublin

  • City Travel

  • Arts & Culture

  • Weekend Getaways

  • Sightseeing

  • Local Culture

Advisor - Saint Patrick's Day in Dublin
Curator’s statement

Experience the unrivaled magic of St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, Ireland, where the world-famous parade fills the streets with vibrant floats, lively music, and a sea of green, drawing you into the heart of Irish celebration. After marveling at the spectacle, dive into the city’s legendary Irish bars—like The Brazen Head or The Rag Trader—where perfectly poured Guinness flows, each glass a creamy masterpiece crafted with tradition and pride. Above all, it’s the warm, welcoming people of Dublin who make this a must-visit, embracing you with open arms and infectious cheer, ensuring you feel like part of the family on this unforgettable day.

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Where to stay in Dublin

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Things to do in Dublin

Get your picture taken and printed on a pint of Guinness

A weekend trip to Dublin, Ireland, for St. Patrick’s Day promises an unforgettable blend of festive energy and rich culture, with the city buzzing in celebration of its patron saint. Here are the best things to do, including the iconic parade and must-visit landmarks:

St. Patrick’s Day Parade: On March 17th, Dublin hosts its world-renowned parade, a vibrant explosion of color, music and creativity starting at Parnell Square and winding through the city center to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Expect dazzling floats, traditional Irish bands and a crowd of over 400,000 revelers celebrating Ireland’s fearless spirit — stake out a spot early along O’Connell Street for the best views.

Trinity College: Located in the heart of Dublin, this historic university, founded in 1592, is home to the breathtaking Long Room library and the Book of Kells, a 9th-century illuminated manuscript. Visit during the weekend to soak in its scholarly charm and explore the campus, a serene contrast to the St. Paddy’s festivities.

Guinness Storehouse: At St. James’s Gate, this seven-story shrine to Ireland’s famous stout offers an interactive journey through Guinness’s history, ending with a perfectly poured pint at the Gravity Bar with 360-degree city views. During St. Patrick’s weekend, expect special events like live music and tastings, making it a must for beer lovers and partygoers alike.

Jameson Distillery Bow St.: In the Smithfield district, this historic distillery (though production has moved to Cork) provides a lively tour detailing the craft of Irish whiskey, complete with a tasting or cocktail-making session. It’s a spirited stop to toast St. Patrick, with a cozy bar to linger in afterward.

Dublin Castle: Nestled in the city center, this 13th-century fortress turned Georgian palace was once the seat of British rule and now serves as a government complex and tourist gem. Wander its state apartments and medieval ruins for a dose of history amidst the weekend’s revelry, just a short stroll from the parade route.

From the parade’s electric atmosphere to these iconic sites, Dublin during St. Patrick’s Day weekend blends tradition, fun, and a hearty dose of Irish craic — perfect for an epic getaway. Take advantage of this trip and add on other locations such as Cork or a trip up to Edinburgh.

Places to eat & drink in Dublin

Outside the Temple Bar

The Saint Patrick's Day bar crawl.. well maybe two days:

  • The Bleeding Horse: A historic Camden Street pub dating back to 1649, offering hearty pub grub and pints in a lively, medieval-inspired setting — perfect for St. Patrick’s Day revelry.

  • Doughboys: A cozy spot in Temple Bar (area not the bar itself) known for craft beers and gourmet pizzas, ideal for a quick bite and drink during your festive crawl.

  • O’Regan’s: A traditional Irish pub near Merrion Square with a warm atmosphere, serving classic dishes and perfectly poured Guinness for a true St. Paddy’s experience.

  • The Chelsea Drugstore: A quirky, retro-styled bar in the city center with creative cocktails and small plates, adding a fun twist to your holiday bar hop.

  • J. T. Pim’s: A stylish gastropub off Grafton Street, blending modern vibes with Irish fare and drinks, great for a sophisticated St. Patrick’s Day stop.

  • The Temple Bar Pub: A must-visit icon in Temple Bar, buzzing with live music and festive crowds — wave to friends on the Earth Live Cam outside while enjoying a pint.

  • The Bull & Castle: Perfectly positioned near Christ Church for parade viewing, this bar offers a spacious outdoor area and quick drinks like craft beers or whiskey.

  • The Brazen Head: Dublin’s oldest pub, established in 1198, delivers authentic Irish charm, traditional music and hearty meals for a historic St. Patrick’s celebration.

  • The Rag Trader: A trendy South Great George’s Street spot with a mix of cocktails, craft beers and casual bites, keeping your bar crawl lively and modern.

Need to know

When heading to Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day, expect variable weather — March can bring anything from chilly rain to crisp sunshine — so pack layers and waterproof gear to stay comfortable. Arrive at the parade route, stretching from Parnell Square to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, hours early (by 9 am) to snag prime viewing spots, as it draws over 400,000 spectators and fills up fast. Post-parade, brace for massive crowds as the route empties and bars like The Temple Bar or The Brazen Head overflow with revelers, so patience and a festive spirit are key. Strike up a conversation with a friendly local while watching the parade — our group did this and scored insider tips on the best routes to top pubs, plus great company that turned into lifelong friendships. It’s a perfect way to navigate the chaos and make your trip unforgettable!

Advisor - Jacob Bryant

Travel Advisor

Jacob Bryant

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