St Patrick’s Day in Dublin is an unforgettable experience. From the parades to the craic in the pubs, here’s your ultimate guide to celebrating like a local. Spending Saint Patrick’s day in Dublin is something you will never forget. The city gets a whole different atmosphere for the national holiday, with people from all over the world gathering in the streets to watch the famous parade and celebrate. If you are planning to be in Ireland for the next 17th of March - which is promised to be a landmark celebration, here are a few tips to enjoy it like a local and make your experience even more special:
Last year we made this content about St. Patrick’s Myths and Legends, whether it's the intriguing tales of his life or the vibrant celebrations on March 17th, St. Patrick's legacy is woven into Ireland's rich history. If you're planning to visit Ireland in March, get ready to immerse yourself in the spirited festivities!
Discover the rich culture and history of Dublin. St. Patrick's Day is a vibrant celebration here. If you're a backpacker ready to join the fun, we've got your back with the ultimate guide for a safe and exciting adventure. Join us on this journey to find out everything you need to know about St. Patrick's Day in Dublin – including the best places to have a blast!
Quick chat of St. Patrick's Day: celebrate with Irish charm
Before the party, let's learn some history! St. Patrick's Day is all about honouring St. Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. It's a special day to celebrate Irish heritage and culture. And here's a fun tradition: wearing green is believed to bring good luck! So, remember to pack your greenest outfit and join the festivities!
What makes it extra special is that, on this day, you can enjoy your pint while walking through the streets (as you know it’s prohibited to drink outdoors in Ireland). It's a unique thing that doesn't happen often. Imagine the streets turning into a big party, everyone with a drink in hand, celebrating together. Whether you're checking out famous places, watching the colourful parade, or just soaking in the lively vibes of neighbourhoods, sipping your favourite Irish drink while strolling around adds an extra dose of fun to the celebration. Slainte!
Why is St. Patrick's Day so big in Ireland?
Also known as Paddy’s day, the national holiday celebrates Ireland’s saint patron: St Patrick. A funny thing is that the traditional parade didn't start in the country, it was actually an idea proposed by the Irish immigrants in New York, around 1762, as a way of honoring and celebrating the Irish culture they all missed so much. The holiday became a real celebration in Ireland around 1931, when the first parade happened in Dublin. What started as a religious festivity became the most important national holiday for the country and for the Irish people around the world, celebrated with the national colors: green, white and orange and symbols such as the shamrock.
Early birds catch the Parade: plan your day
St. Patrick's Day parade is the heart of the celebration and trust me, it's a must-see! The parade showcases the rich history and culture of the Irish people, with stunning floats, costumes and lively music. To make the most of it, plan to leave your hostel early (I mean it – 10 AM is already late to leave and find a great spot to watch the parade!). The streets get crowded fast and you wouldn't want to miss the vibrant floats, music and the overall festive atmosphere. Set your alarm, grab a quick breakfast and hit the streets to find that perfect spot for parade watching.
What time does the St. Patrick's Parade start?
The official parade starts at twelve o’clock on the 17th of March, leaving from Parnell Square, but since the morning you will see people starting to gather around the city center to guarantee a nice place to watch it. Try to do the same and get there in the morning, the early birds get the best spots for the parade. Go prepared to stay out all day, bring some snacks and some cash with you, since shops can be pretty busy in the area and ATMs will likely have long queues.
There is no right or wrong once you get to the city center, just find a place where you feel comfortable and enjoy the amazing atmosphere that the national holiday brings to Dublin. You will see different groups of people doing the same, singing, laughing and dancing to the traditional Irish songs.
Decorate like a Pro: budget-friendly finds
Want to add a bit of Irish flair to your hostel space? Look no further than local discount stores like Deals, Eurogiant, or even thrift shops. Grab some green decorations, flags and maybe even a cheeky leprechaun hat. It's an easy and affordable way to get into the St. Paddy's Day spirit.
Discovering the best pubs in Dublin
Dublin has an endless array of bars and pubs, with each having its unique personality and charm. To ensure you have the best experience, check out the traditional Irish pubs in Temple Bar area, surrounded by music and a sea of green hats and clothes. If you're looking for a vibrant nightlife scene, then other areas such as Harcourt Street and Camden Street provide an assortment of clubs and cocktail bars to suit your preferences.
Discover 10 best pubs to visit during the St. Patrick’s Day:
1. The Temple Bar: Dublin's most famous pub in Temple Bar area, a must-visit for St. Patrick's Day revelry.
2. O'Donoghue's: Known for traditional Irish music, this pub offers an authentic atmosphere.
3. The Brazen Head: Ireland's oldest pub, with a charming, historic setting.
4. The Horseshoe Bar at The Shelbourne: A sophisticated choice for those seeking a classy St. Patrick's Day experience.
5. The Stag's Head: A Victorian-era pub known for its beautiful interior and lively atmosphere.
6. Toners: A traditional Irish pub with a cosy feel and cool beer garden, perfect for celebrating the holiday.
7. The Palace Bar: A literary gem with a rich history, ideal for those who appreciate a good pint and conversation.
8. The Long Hall: An iconic pub with Victorian decor, offering a memorable St. Patrick's Day experience.
9. Grogan's Castle Lounge: A local favourite, known for its laid-back atmosphere and excellent pints.
10. The Auld Dubliner: Located in the heart of Temple Bar, this pub provides a lively St. Patrick's Day celebration in a vibrant setting.
What is the best way to enjoy the St. Patrick's Day in Dublin?
You can start by paying some special attention to what you're gonna wear and making a plan of action for the day out. Comfortable shoes are indispensable, as well as your favourite pieces of clothing in green. March can still be quite cold, so make sure you are prepared for the weather, with extra lawyers and a waterproof jacket. If you need to use the bathroom, there are public ones in the shopping centers such as Stephen's Green Shopping Center, Jervis and Illac. There are also some options for food in these locations, so make sure you keep your body nourished throughout the day. Most pubs will be serving delicious food around that area and you can also find some budget-friendly restaurants, such as the Fireaway Pizza, UMI Falafel and Boojum.
After the parade, you can head to one of the pubs in the city to keep celebrating in the most Irish way: live music, dance and Guinness (or other draft beers). Keep in mind that the pubs around the Temple Bar quarter can be more expensive than the ones around the inner city, so head to Camden or Parnell Street to find better deals for your pints. Other areas such as Rathmines, Smithfield and Portobello also have some nice options of pubs to go to.
As the sun sets, Dublin transforms into a lively party hub. Temple Bar is a classic choice, with its pubs, live music and cheerful crowd. If you want a more local experience, explore neighbourhoods like Smithfield or Rathmines. The pubs are packed, the music is lively and the Guinness is flowing.
Be a nice fellow backpacker: embrace the Irish craic
The beauty of traveling is immersing yourself in new cultures while interacting with locals and fellow travellers. The St. Patrick's Day celebration in Dublin is no exception. As a backpacker, being respectful, friendly and courteous to your hosts, fellow travellers and locals should be a priority. It is also crucial to stay aware of your surroundings and not overindulge in alcohol. This way, you're guaranteed to have a memorable and safe adventure.
What to pack in your luggage
Keeping up with Irish weather can be a bit tricky, but always make sure to pack your backpack with the essentials: Raincoat, sweaters, hats, comfy shoes and electronics to capture moments. Also, bringing some traditional green outfits or accessories to blend in with the Irish crowds is advisable and recommended (just so you get the full experience!).
- Green Attire: It's a tradition to wear green on St. Patrick's Day, so pack some festive clothing to blend in with the locals.
- Rain Gear: Dublin's weather can be unpredictable, so a waterproof jacket and umbrella are a must.
- Comfortable Shoes: Be prepared for lots of walking, especially if you plan to explore the city and follow the parade.
- Cash: Many places prefer cash, so make sure to have some on hand.
- Portable Phone Charger: You'll want to capture all those Instagram-worthy moments – but also remember to enjoy them to the fullest!
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while celebrating.
Organise your accommodation: book ahead a home away from home.
The week of St. Patrick’s Day is the busiest time for hotels and hostels in Dublin, so planning ahead can make your trip less stressful and get you a chance to grab a nicer spot to stay. Every year the St Patrick’s Parade happens at the heart of Dublin, crossing the whole city center - from Parnell Street to Stephen’s Green. If you want to avoid getting the public transport (which can be quite busy during the holiday), make sure to book an accommodation that is in a walking distance from O'Connell Bridge, Parnell Square or the Stephen’s Green area, such as our Gardiner House Hostel, with options for private or shared bedrooms (book here). Booking a place to stay earlier on will also guarantee you a better deal and probably save you some euros.
Canbe Hostels, with two big hostels situated in Dublin's city centre, is a great option for backpackers looking for cheap, clean and convenient accommodation. Apart from Canbe Hostels, Dublin has a broad range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, amongst others. But remember, the city is always completely booked during the St. Patricks period, so you need to book ahead (we meant it, sometimes one year earlier!) to ensure you get the best place.
Security deposit for Hostels when booking with groups
If you plan to travel to Dublin as a group, some hostels might require a security deposit to book. This is to ensure the safety of their property in case of any damages caused by the group during their stay. So, make sure to contact your hostel of choice ahead of time to learn about their deposit policy.
St. Patrick's Day in Dublin is one of the most significant cultural celebrations in the world and you don't want to miss out on the fun. By following our ultimate guide, you're guaranteed a safe, enjoyable and unforgettable experience. So, there you have it, fellow backpackers! Your guide to experiencing the magic of St. Patrick's Day in Ireland. Cheers to green beer, lively parades and the warm Irish spirit. Enjoy every moment of this vibrant celebration!
Now I feel like you have all the important information you need for a perfect St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin. I can’t wait to dress green and celebrate, see you there!
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