ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN DUBLIN: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Thinking about spending St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin?

Honestly, do it. So many people debate whether the hype is real, but we’ve been there and we can promise it absolutely is. In fact, every March 17th, visitors from around the globe pack their greenest attire and pour into Dublin for one of the most electric holidays you’ll ever experience.

Specifically, the streets come alive with music, dancing, parties, and of course the parade. Furthermore, Guinness pours faster than you can order it, traditional Irish music spills out of every pub, and the whole city feels like it’s hosting one giant family reunion.

However, doing Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day right takes a little planning. So in this guide, we’ll share everything we wish we’d known before our first trip, plus all the tips we picked up from locals along the way. Whether you’re chasing pints, parades, or the perfect pub session, Dublin delivers for everyone.

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Before You Go: Dublin Basics

First, a few things worth knowing before you book.

Republic of Ireland uses the Euro. Specifically, even though Ireland is right next to the UK, Dublin is not in the UK. So you’ll use Euros, not Pounds. Honestly, don’t get caught at a pub trying to pay in the wrong currency.

Dublin is small and walkable. Additionally, the city center is compact, flat, and easy to navigate on foot. In fact, walking is often faster than rideshare during the festival because of road closures.

The weather is moody. However, March in Dublin means cold temperatures (40-50°F) and a near-guarantee of rain. So pack accordingly. Of course, we’ll cover specifics in the packing section.

Getting To Dublin

First, most international flights land at Dublin Airport (DUB), about 7 miles north of the city center. From there, the Airlink Express bus (€7 one-way) takes about 30 minutes and drops you near most central hotels. Alternatively, taxis run about €25-35 depending on traffic.

What to Expect from St. Patrick’s Festival

First, the St. Patrick’s Festival is a multi-day celebration with city-wide events. Specifically, it includes the spectacular National St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17th. Furthermore, the 2-mile parade kicks off at noon at Parnell Square, runs through the city center, and ends at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Of course, the pubs are bustling. However, the parade itself is family-friendly. Additionally, for families looking for a more cultural experience, check out the Festival Quarter at Collins Barracks. Specifically, this is where you’ll find live music, food vendors, kid-friendly entertainment, and traditional Irish dance performances.

8 Tips for Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin

Tested by us, refined by locals. So here’s exactly what you need to know.

1
Wear Green (Yes, All of It)

First and foremost, wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just a fun tradition. Specifically, the color comes from Ireland’s gorgeous green landscapes and references the country’s nickname as the Emerald Isle. So you’ll see people dressed in every shade imaginable, shaking shamrocks and decked out in everything from green socks to full leprechaun costumes.

Honestly, the more, the better. In fact, Dubliners genuinely appreciate the effort. So go all in.

2
It’s St. Paddy’s Day, Not Patty’s

Honestly, this one matters more than you might think. So please, learn it before you arrive.

Specifically, “Patty” refers to a burger or a woman named Patricia. Meanwhile, “Paddy” is a derivative of the Irish word Pádraig, which in Gaelic translates to Patrick. Therefore, when you’re in Dublin (or anywhere else, honestly), it’s St. Paddy’s Day. Ultimately, getting this wrong is the fastest way to mark yourself as a tourist.

3
Plan Your Trip Way in Advance

Honestly, we cannot stress this enough. Specifically, flights and hotels for St. Patrick’s Day weekend sell out fast and prices climb steeply as the date approaches. As a result, if St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is on your bucket list, start planning now.

Ideally, book flights 3-4 months out and hotels at least 2-3 months in advance. However, if you’re reading this in January or February for that March trip, you can still find availability. But honestly, expect to pay a premium.

4
Get to the Parade Route Early

First, the parade officially starts at noon. However, viewers start filling the streets in the wee hours of the morning. So if you want a real view, plan to be in position by 10am at the latest.

5
Wear Comfortable Shoes

First, Dublin is an extremely walkable city. In fact, we found the landscape to be flat and easier to navigate on foot than by public transport or taxi during the festival. Additionally, you’ll learn more about your surroundings, soak in the local sights, and dodge the inevitable road closures.

So save the fashion footwear for somewhere else. Honestly, your feet will thank you after a day on the cobbles.

6
Be Prepared for Rain

First, overcast skies and rain are basically guaranteed in Dublin in March. Therefore, familiarize yourself with the parade route and keep in mind where you can duck for cover if the sky opens up.

For us, we travel with mini umbrellas that are lightweight and easy to throw in a purse. Honestly, these have saved our behinds more than a few times. Additionally, a waterproof jacket with a hood is non-negotiable.

7
Know the Public Drinking Laws

First, if you’re from the US, you’re probably familiar with American-style St. Patrick’s celebrations. So Chicago’s green river, New York City’s parade, Boston’s step dancers. Honestly, the energy in Dublin is different.

Specifically, drinks on the street aren’t really a thing here. Furthermore, while the police (called gardaí) won’t usually arrest or fine you for sipping a pint in public, they can confiscate your drink if you’re behaving rowdy. So pub-hop responsibly. Ultimately, save the celebration for the actual pubs.

8
Eat Like a Local

If you’re looking for a proper bite to eat, fish and chips are a staple in Ireland. In fact, you can walk into just about any pub and find a tasty plate. However, if your palate is feeling adventurous, try a spice bag. Specifically, this is one of Ireland’s greatest modern creations, consisting of fried chicken strips, chips (French fries), and a blend of spices that hits perfectly after a few pints.

Additionally, don’t sleep on a full Irish breakfast (rashers, sausage, black and white pudding, eggs, beans, toast) the morning after a big night out. In short, it’s hangover food at its finest. So order it without shame.

Where to Pub-Crawl on St. Paddy’s Day

Temple Bar: The Famous (and Overpriced) Option

First, the Temple Bar district is iconic. So we’ll just say it.

However, it’s going to be extremely crowded and seriously overpriced on St. Patrick’s Day. In fact, a pint of Guinness that normally costs €6 can climb to €10 or more during the festival. Therefore, if you want the bucket list photo and the chaos of it all, go for the experience. But honestly, don’t make Temple Bar your main hub.

Stoneybatter: Where the Locals Go

Alternatively, if you want to celebrate like a Dubliner, head to Stoneybatter. Specifically, this trendy, laid-back neighborhood on the north side of the River Liffey is full of traditional pubs where locals actually drink. Furthermore, prices are normal, the atmosphere is relaxed, and you’ll have actual conversations instead of being elbow-to-elbow with other tourists.

Beyond the Parade: What Else to Do

Honestly, Dublin is more than just one day. So if you’re staying for a long weekend, here are the experiences worth booking ahead.

Tour the Guinness Storehouse

First, even if you don’t drink, the Guinness Storehouse is genuinely fascinating. Specifically, the 7-floor experience walks you through how Guinness is brewed, ends with a perfectly poured pint in the Gravity Bar (where you’ll get a 360-degree view of Dublin), and is one of the most popular tours in the city.

So book your ticket in advance, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. Honestly, walk-up tickets often sell out.

Take the Jameson Whiskey Blending Class

Alternatively, if whiskey is more your speed than stout, do not just take the standard distillery tour. Honestly, take the Jameson Whiskey Blending Class at Bow St. instead. Specifically, you’ll learn the history of Irish whiskey, blend your own custom whiskey, and take home a small bottle of the result.

We’ve toured a lot of distilleries (Scotland, Kentucky, you name it), but this was the first time we got to actually create our own blend and bring home a sample. Honestly, it was one of the coolest experiences of the entire trip. In fact, we’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Day Trip to Blarney Castle and Cork

Finally, if you have an extra day, this is the move. The Blarney Castle and Cork day trip from Dublin takes you to the legendary 15th-century castle, the famous Blarney Stone (Nick almost chickened out, but yes even kissed it), and the colorful harbor city of Cork.

Honestly, kissing the Blarney Stone is one of those bucket list traditions that sounds a little ridiculous until you’re actually doing it. Specifically, legend says it gives you the “gift of gab” (eloquence), and you have to lean backward over a ledge to reach it. So a guide holds your legs while you do it. In fact, it’s hilarious, slightly terrifying being tossed backwards like a fish at a market, and 100% worth the photo. It’s what we like to think of as a tourist trust fall.

Ultimately, it’s a long day (about 12 hours) but absolutely worth it.

What to Pack for Dublin in March

First, pack for cold and wet. Specifically, March in Dublin is gray, rainy, and around 40-50°F. So a few non-negotiables:

• Waterproof jacket with a hood (since you’ll definitely use it)
• Warm layers (because indoor pubs get hot, outdoor parades get freezing)
• Comfortable walking shoes (broken in, please)
• Green hat, shirt, or shamrock accessories (the louder the better)
• A compact umbrella (light enough to throw in a bag)
• Portable phone charger (you’ll burn through battery navigating and photographing)
• A crossbody bag (pickpockets work crowds, so keep things zipped)
• Cash (some pubs are cash-only and ATMs get drained on parade day)

🛒 Shop Our Dublin Packing List →

Tips From Experience

Honestly, here’s what we wish we’d known before our first Dublin trip. Specifically, these would have made everything smoother, cheaper, and a little less stressful.

• Visit the Guinness Storehouse early or late. Specifically, go right when it opens or in the last 90 minutes before closing. As a result, you’ll dodge the worst crowds.
• Use the festival app or website. In fact, the St. Patrick’s Festival site lists free events that don’t get crowded. So this is a great way to save money and skip the chaos.
• Walk whenever possible. Public transport and rideshare run on chaos mode during the festival. Therefore, walking is faster, free, and gives you the best feel for the city.
• Expect inflated prices. However, food, transportation, and lodging all spike around the holiday. So budget extra.
• Don’t try to do everything. Honestly, the parade alone is a full day. So pick 2-3 experiences and let the rest happen naturally.

Is Dublin Worth Visiting on St. Patrick’s Day?

Spending St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is one of those experiences that you’ll talk about for years. Specifically, the music, the parade, the energy in every pub, the way the entire city becomes one big party. So grab your green, raise a pint, and prepare to make memories worth a passport stamp (or two).

Dublin St. Patrick’s Day FAQ

Planning Your Trip

On the Ground in Dublin