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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. Dublin, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm-hearted people, offers an unforgettable St. Patrick's Day experience for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the spirit of this iconic Irish celebration. Like Mardis Gras in New Orleans or Rio's Carnival, this world-famous party is best celebrated in the place it originated. In this blog, we'll take you on a journey through the origins of St. Patrick's Day, why Dublin is the ultimate destination for it, and what you can do in this lively Irish city on this special 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. 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?
Dublin, with its deep-rooted history and lively atmosphere, is the ultimate St. Patrick's Day destination. Here's why:
1. Rich 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.
2. Electric 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.
3. Authentic Irish Cuisine: 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
Dublin offers a myriad of fun St. Patrick's Day activities, perfect for travellers that 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 2024 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.
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. Patricks 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 6pm making it a celebration for truly every member of the family. Plus, all the St Patricks daytime events at the Festival Quarter are completely free of charge so you've no excuse not to join in on the fun.
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. Patricks 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 the 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. Patricks Day
Dublin has much more to offer than just St. Patrick's Day festivities. Explore the city's history at Kilmainham Gaol, stroll along the scenic River Liffey, or take a day trip to the picturesque Cliffs of Moher. Visit the renowned Dublin Zoo or embrace the literary heritage by exploring the works of James Joyce and other famous Irish writers.
Will you celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Dublin?
In conclusion, celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Dublin is an experience like no other. The combination of history, culture, and warm Irish hospitality makes it an unforgettable destination for this iconic holiday. 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!
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