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Celebrating St Patricks Day in Dublin has got to be the ultimate way to show your love for this infamous Irish holiday. Like Mardis Gras in New Orleans or Rio's Carnival, this world-famous party is best celebrated in the country where it was born.
But if you don't know whether you'd definitely want to celebrate St. Paddy's Day in Dublin or even know where to begin your planning, this blog should help since we'll cover:
- The origins of this iconic Irish celebration
- The best things to do in Dublin for St. Paddy's Day 2025
- Things to do in Dublin beyond St. Patrick's Day
- Where to stay in Dublin for St. Patrick's Day 2025
A Background to St. Patrick's Day
How Did St. Patrick's Day Begin?
St. Patrick's Day, originally a religious holiday commemorating the patron saint of Ireland, has evolved into a global celebration of all things Irish. It began as a feast day to honour St. Patrick, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland but over the years, St. Paddy's has transformed into a cultural celebration, and today, it's synonymous with the Irish spirit, marked by St. Patrick's Day parades, music, dance, and, of course, the iconic emerald green colour.
Does Dublin Celebrate St. Patrick's Day?
Absolutely! Dublin goes all out to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The entire city transforms into a sea of green, and the festivities last for several days. You'll find the world-famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade, traditional Irish music, dancing, and a sense of community that will make you feel right at home.
What Makes Dublin the Best St. Patrick's Day Destination?
Being the capital of the Emerald Isle, it's no surprise that Dublin is the best place to celebrate the day. Here's our reasons why:
- Fun St. Patrick's Day Events: From the famous Saint Patrick's Day parade where hundreds gather in their finest green garb to free live music around the city, the events are endless in Dublin on St. Paddy's.
- Rich Irish Heritage: Dublin boasts a heritage that lives and breathes Irish history and culture. The city itself is a living museum, with its cobbled streets, historic landmarks, and friendly locals who are more than happy to share their stories.
- Welcoming Atmosphere: On St. Patrick's Day, the city comes alive with a palpable energy. The iconic St. Patrick's Day Parade, the biggest in Ireland, winds its way through the streets, showcasing extravagant floats, colourful costumes, and traditional Irish music and dance.
- Hearty Irish Food: While you're in Dublin, don't forget to savour authentic Irish dishes like hearty stews, traditional fish and chips, and, of course, a pint of Guinness at one of the city's many historic pubs.
What to Do in Dublin on St. Patrick's Day 2025
Dublin offers plenty of fun St. Patrick's Day activities (both free and paid), perfect for travellers who have come from far and wide to join in on the fun. Check out our list of the top things to do in Dublin on St. Patrick's Day 2025 below:
1. Join the St. Patrick's Festival Parade
You can't miss the world-famous St. Patrick's Day Parade when spending March 17th in the city. The St. Patrick's Day Festival Parade starts at noon before winding through the heart of Dublin, filling the streets with music, dance, and colourful floats. Don't forget to wear green! Look out for celebrities as Ireland's biggest exports usually flock home to join in on the festivities. Buy tickets to the Grandstand to get a perfect view of the festivities without having to stand, but if you're happy standing you can watch the parade for free in the crowds.
Key info: The parade starts at Parnell Sq. North at 12 pm on March 17th with the streets filling up around 9 am, so make sure to arrive early to get a good spot.
2. Explore Dublin's Festival Quarter
Each St. Paddy's Day, the Collin Barracks turns into the Festival Quarter and is a must for any families with kids in toe. Open from Thursday to Saturday night, the Festival Quarter will host tons of fun St. Patrick's Day activities including street theatre, interactive games, film screenings and even a circus! You can even bring your dog along (so long as they are on a lead) until 6 pm making it a celebration for truly every member of the family. Plus, all the St Patrick's daytime events at the Festival Quarter are completely free of charge so you've no excuse not to join in on the fun.
Key Info: The Festival Quarter is free and it’s open on the 16th (12 pm – 5 pm) and the 17th (12 pm – 10:30 pm
3. Visit a St. Patrick's Day Food Market
Partying like the Irish can surely work up an appetite. Head over to Me Auld Flower, the Irish food and drink festival located in the centre of Dublin. At the St. Patrick's Day festival, you can taste traditional Irish food like fresh oysters, bacon and cabbage dumplings and coddle. You can even watch live cooking demos, participate in workshops and enjoy live acts and DJs.
4. Attend a Traditional Irish Music Session
Music is a huge part of St. Paddy's festivities, so joining a traditional Irish music session at one of Dublin's cosy pubs is a must. Top picks include O’Donoghues, Devitt's and The Celt. You'll be captivated by the soul-stirring tunes and warm hospitality. Or if you'd rather enjoy Celtic music in a more refined setting, get tickets to the quintessentially Irish Kilfenora Céilí Band at the National Concert Hall, who always promise an uplifting show.
What to Do in Dublin Besides St. Patrick's Day
If you choose to spend a few days in Dublin, you'll also be pleasantly surprised by the interesting things to do other than just the St. Patrick's Day parties. Here are our expert tips:
- Watch a play at The Abbey Theatre. Our pick is for Na Peirsigh (Persians), a new Irish-language translation of Europe's oldest play by writer and poet Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill. If you don't speak Irish, don't worry, you can watch along with English subtitles.
- Take a tour of the stunning Trinity College that includes a walk through the Book of Kells and the library's long room.
- Take a bus tour of the city to get a good overview of Dublin and to inspire you on areas you want to explore further.
- Visit the National Museum of Ireland to learn all about Irish Saints (including St. Patrick) and how Christianity influenced the nation as well as other notable facts connected to Irish culture and history.
- Head out of the city and shake off the post-party blues with a day trip to the picturesque Cliffs of Moher.
- Although not typically Irish, you've got to try the Korean food at Space Jaru. A firm favourite among locals, it's always packed and you can tuck into delicious burgers, dumplings, chips and more.
Where To Stay In Dublin For St. Patrick's Day 2025
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- Luxury: The Merrion Hotel – ★★★★★
Want to celebrate in style? The Merrion is pure Irish elegance, with plush rooms, a relaxing spa, and an unbeatable city-centre location. Perfect for soaking up the St. Patrick’s Day buzz, it’s just a short walk from the parade. Don’t miss their famous afternoon tea – a treat after the festivities!
- Luxury: The Merrion Hotel – ★★★★★
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- Family-Friendly: Staycity Aparthotels – ★★★★
Got the kids in tow? Staycity Aparthotels combines home comforts with hotel perks. Spacious apartments with kitchens give you flexibility, and its central spot means the St. Patrick’s fun is right on your doorstep.
- Family-Friendly: Staycity Aparthotels – ★★★★
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- City Centre: The Westbury – ★★★★★
In the heart of the action, The Westbury puts you smack bang in Dublin's city centre. With luxurious rooms and an award-winning restaurant, it’s a sophisticated spot to enjoy the festivities. Plus, the parade route is just steps away.
- City Centre: The Westbury – ★★★★★
Will you celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2025 in Dublin?
So, as you can see, celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Dublin is truly one for the books. With plenty of choice of things to do from parades, and live music to family-friendly activities, you can join in on St. Paddy's parties that go on for days. So, pack your green attire, book your flight, and get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Dublin on St. Patrick's Day.
Can't get over to Dublin? You can celebrate St. Paddy's in numerous UK cities or tune in to the live stream of the Dublin St. Patrick's Day Parade (yes, really, they have a live stream). Sláinte!
Gift a St. Paddy's Experience in Dublin with Flight Vouchers
Looking to surprise a loved one with an authentic St. Patrick's Day in Dublin? Consider gifting them one of our flight vouchers! Whether it's a:
Or simply a thoughtful gesture, our personalised flight vouchers make for the best travel gift since they can plan their own Dublin adventure or a trip to over 980 other global destinations. From Italy, Switzerland, Paris, New York, Australia and thousands more, your loved one will be able to easily plan their perfect holiday. They'll have 2 years to use their airline gift card and will have access to our 24/7 customer service so they feel supported every step of the way.
