St. Patrick’s Day: How to Prepare for the Grand Celebration in Dublin, Ireland

Must Know Tips for Planning the Perfect St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world, and there’s no better place to experience it than Dublin, Ireland! The city comes to life in an explosion of green and is initiated with the famous parade that marches through the city. The vibrant atmosphere must be seen in person to comprehend the pure insanity found in the streets of Dublin. Here’s everything you need to know to celebrate this grand festival in style.

St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland

The first thing to note is that St. Patrick’s day is a national holiday and the largest cultural celebration in the country similar to the USA’s 4th of July. It is celebrated every year on March 17th. Many public institutions might be closed on the day so make sure to check hours of operation beforehand. Over half a million people flood the city center so expect a ton of crowds. Everyone is wearing green and the streets are filled with partying and music. Like Oktoberfest in Germany or Carnival in Brazil, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland is an exuberant festival that is a once in a life time experience.

History of St. Patrick’s Day

Colloquially known as Paddy’s day, St. Patrick’s Day is dedicated to Ireland’s patron Saint who is credited for converting Ireland to Christianity in the 5th century. The origins can be traced back to the early 17th century and has evolved over time into a worldwide celebration of Irish culture, heritage, and identity.

St. Patrick was born in Britain in the late 4th century, and at the age of 16, he was captured by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave. After several years in captivity, he escaped and returned to Britain, where he became a priest. He later returned to Ireland as a missionary, preaching and converting the pagan Irish to Christianity.

In addition to the introduction of a new religion, he was also responsible for creating a haven for intellectual refugees during the dark ages. This was a period where conquerors in the east aimed to eradicate books of knowledge and scholars throughout Europe in an attempt for control of society. Ireland became a sanctuary for those being prosecuted and flourished as a land of intellectuals and wisdom.

Preparing for St. Patrick’s Day

As one of the world’s most celebrated festivals, it is imperative to start planning everything far in advance. Hotel prices surge up as every room in the city becomes sold out so be prepared to spend quadruple the price of normal if you’re not early. I recommend securing a cheap plane ticket and hotel at least 6 months in advance to avoid any obscene price hikes. If attending any tours or museums around the city, also reserve them a couple months in advance.

Weather in Dublin

The temperature in Dublin during this time of year can be a bit chilly, with average temperatures ranging from 40° F – 50° F with a high probability for rain and clouds. Fortunately for us, the sun was shining but I would advise bringing rain gear just in case. You can also buy last minute supplies at the various souvenir shops.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The highlight of the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Dublin is the parade, which takes place the morning of March 17th. The parade route starts at Parnell Square and winds its way through the city center, passing by famous landmarks such as Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Dublin Castle. The parade features colorful floats, marching bands, and performers, all dressed in eccentric costumes.

The parade starts at 12 PM noon, in which many of the roads become closed off. If you want to secure a good spot to watch the parade, make sure to arrive early. The path along the route gets crowded very fast. By 10 AM most places along the fence were already taken. The entire parade last 2hrs from 12PM to 2PM, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothes since you’ll be standing outside for awhile. A good viewing point is at the O’Connell monument area. If you prefer avoiding the hassle of finding a spot, Grandstand tickets are also available to purchase. They might be a bit expensive, but you are guaranteed a seat and a great view of the parade. Find Grandstand tickets here!

After the Parade

After the parade, the festivities continue in pubs and bars throughout the city. This is a great opportunity to experience the famous Irish hospitality and enjoy some traditional Irish music and dancing. Stop by the Festival Quarter at the National Museum of Ireland, Collin Barracks for even more festive events, musical performances on a huge stage, and other carnival rides throughout the weekend during the day and night. Here’s the official St. Patrick’s festival website for complete schedules and more info.

Transportation

Transit around Dublin is relatively simple with most sights being centrally located. Dublin International Airport is only about 30mins from downtown, and the best options to get there include an express bus or using Uber/taxi. For intercity travel, try the Lucas Line, buses, Uber (which calls taxis) or by foot. Dublin is an extremely walkable city (as long as the weather is nice).

The Vibe of Downtown Dublin

The vibe on St. Patrick’s Day is electric, filled with drunk party goers dancing and singing in the street as pubs and restaurants around town are loaded to capacity. Areas like Temple Bar will be chaotic and congested with drunk tourists celebrating directly after the parade. The atmosphere can be fun, but good luck getting in anywhere without a long line. Just a few streets south of the Temple Bar district or north of the River Liffey, the vibe settles down for a much calmer ambiance. Consider a visit to the Jameson Bow Street Distillery tour or the Guinness Storehouse for an authentic look into some of the most beloved Irish beverages.

Essential Items for St. Patrick’s Day

• A green jacket, shirt, hat, scarf, or shoes
• Rain jacket or umbrella
• Gloves
• Water bottle
• Type G 230V power outlet converter
• Green glow sticks, wacky headbands, beads, Irish stickers
• Anything with a shamrock

Interesting Facts

• The first celebrated St. Patrick’s Day was in America (Boston)
• The original color for the patron saint was actually blue, not green
• The largest St. Patrick’s Day parade is in New York City
• The Shamrock (3 leafed clover) was a metaphorical symbol for the holy trinity
• A symbol of paganism is 2 snakes, which is why St. Patrick is accredited with removing the snakes from Ireland despite there never being any
• Chicago dyes its river green every year for the celebration since 1962
• Pubs were initially closed during the holiday until the 1970s (It is still prohibited to drink on the streets)
• St. Patrick’s original name was Maewyn Succat
• Over 100 countries around the world celebrate St. Patrick’s day

And now you’re ready to enjoy the world’s most celebrated festival! It’s always on March 17th, so mark your calendar and start planning for next years celebration! As long as you book hotels FAR in advance, everything else in Ireland is relatively cheap. Of course after some partying, I recommend seeing some of the interesting cultural sites around Dublin or venturing into the Irish country side. Grab your greenest clothes, gulp down a pint of Guinness, and prepare for one of the most unique party experiences in the world. Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!

Check out our full 2023 St. Patrick’s Day Parade experience in Dublin!

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