March 17th – the day the calendar strikes green! Get your dancing shoes and drinking booze ready for when the city comes alive with culture and craic!
Dublin City is the place to be this Paddy’s Day. Whether you’re a local or a friend from overseas, there is something here for everyone.
St. Patrick’s Day is a tribute to the patron saint who was reportedly kidnapped by Irish pirates as a teenager and became a slave. Whilst he was enslaved, he was forced to learn the Irish language. He escaped and trained as a priest to only return and convert Ireland to Christianity. The three-leaf shamrock was used as a symbol of the holy trinity.
To celebrate, Ireland and other major cities host a three-day festival full of cultural festivities – from folk music, parades and dancers.
So, what are the go-to events this season?
Top of the list is and always will be The St. Patrick's Day Parade (March 17th)
The parade takes place every year in the city centre. Many tourists from around the world travel to the emerald isle to experience it in person.
This year’s theme is ‘Adventures’ which in Irish translates to ‘Eachtraí.’ The theme expresses Ireland’s fearless spirit. The celebration features talented marching bands, traditional displays of music and pageantry, colourful dancers prancing the streets and a wide array of extravagant floats.
The parade begins at 12pm on the 17th at Parnell Square. It then comes down O’Connell Street and through the south side of the city. It concludes at the Cuffe St./Kevin St. junction and lasts roughly 2 hours.
The ‘Greening’ of the city
Every year during the St. Patrick’s Festival, the city lights up monumental landmarks in bright green outdoor lighting to highlight the significance of the day and takes place March 15 to 17. This gives tourists and locals the chance to sit back and take in the infamous buildings dotted around the country.
Some of the landmarks that get lit up this festival are:
- Bank of Ireland College Green
- Custom House
- The Rotunda
- St. Stephen’s Green
All of which are accessible from our Hop on Hop off tour.
Step into the stereotype and try out the local deoch (drink)
Check out the best pubs in the city. The best way to experience the local is by joining a beer tour.
Why not join the legends at Guinness and devour the famous ‘Black Stuff.’ The Guinness Storehouse and Perfect Pint Tour includes a drink at the scenic 360 degrees Gravity Bar. You also have the opportunity to pour and enjoy your own pint.
Or take a stroll into the liberties and take on the Distillery and Whiskey tour. Discover the art of brewing at a working craft brewery, then savour a delicious pint or two as you visit four charming local pubs in Irish Town.
Try out the Traditional Irish Dance
We love a good jig here in Ireland and what a better time to go and watch an Irish Dance show? Or better yet – Dance the night away at Céilí Mór.
Belvedere host one of the best Irish Dancing shows in the country. It gives visitors a unique experience with traditional music, dance and food. The show itself is choreographed by the directors of ‘Damhsa’ and includes performers from well-known shows like River dance.
Céilí Mór is a free event that celebrates Irish Music and Dance at Merrion Square West on March 17. The outdoor event welcomes everyone—beginners and experts alike. Champion dancer Dearbhla Lennon hosts the event and has been educating students for over 20 years.
