Millions of people around the world, Irish or not, celebrate St. Patrick's Day on March 17th. Major cities from Chicago to Buenos Aires and Sydney to Vancouver, especially those with large Irish communities, host vibrant festivals that are open to everyone.
But there's no better place to celebrate Irish holidays than in Ireland's capital. Dublin will host his four days of stomping, pub hopping and fireworks parties from Friday 15th March to Monday 18th March. This four-day event includes everything from parades and family-friendly activities to nightlife that stretches well into the night. early morning hours.
Do you want to join? Here's everything you need to know to celebrate Paddy's Day (definitely not Patty) in Dublin. This includes where you can buy decent black wine.
What is St. Patrick's Day like in Ireland?
To commemorate the death anniversary of Ireland's patron saint, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated as a national holiday and represents Irish pride. Every year, the country is painted in vibrant colors with traditional music sessions. ceilidh (Irish dance party), costumes, comedy and lots more great stuff Crake At the pub. It's not subtle.
The whole country takes part in the celebrations, but Dublin is at the center of the action. Although the capital won't dye the Liffey River (Chicago River in the United States) green, you can expect to see plenty of emerald shamrocks. When St. Patrick first introduced Christianity to Ireland, he is said to have used the shamrock as a metaphor for the Holy Trinity. That's why you see it everywhere. It is not a four-leaf clover, as is sometimes mistaken.
One of the best ways to experience Dublin during Paddy's Day is to hit the streets and soak up the atmosphere. It's often the little things like a strong sense of camaraderie and a bar full of people who want to have fun that are most indicative of the Irish spirit.
What's happening in the 2024 St. Patrick's Day Parade?
First held in 1931, 500,000 people are expected to line the streets of Dublin for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in 2024. The parade will be held on his Sunday, March 17th.
Marching bands from all over Ireland and North America will perform, and more than 4,000 people will take part in the parade. This includes creative pageants and large-scale spectacle performances. The theme for 2024 is Spréach, which means “spark” in Irish.
For the first time, the parade will have a special 'relaxed parade space' on College Green. Designed for neurodivergent people and people with sensory sensitivities. Organizers say different volume zones will be created within the space for those who want to experience the parade at low, medium or maximum volume, and the area will also be wheelchair accessible. If your family would like to enjoy a relaxing space, please apply here.
What route will the 2024 parade take?
The parade departs from Parnell Square at noon, following a 2.5km (1.5 mile) route along O'Connell Street, crossing the River Liffey to Westmoreland Street and passing Trinity College. Then continue along Dame Street, turning left at Christ Church Cathedral and ending at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Everything will be over by 2pm.
Do I need to buy tickets for the parade?
No, find a place along the way. However, there are five covered bleachers along the parade route that require tickets. These are located at O'Connell Street, Parnell Square, Westmoreland Street, Christchurch and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Please note that tickets sell out quickly so you need to book early to guarantee your seat. Prices start from 100 euros and can be purchased online.
What about the St. Patrick's Day Festival?
The parade is just the jewel in the crown of the broader St. Patrick's Day festivities. The festival, which celebrates Ireland's art, culture and heritage, will have its own 'Festival Quarter' at the National Museum of Ireland from Friday 16th March until Sunday 18th March. Daytime events are free. The evening event is ticketed and only adults are allowed after 6 p.m.
Visitors can immerse themselves in Irish culture at the main outdoor stage, story yurt, amusement park and Irish food and craft village. Performers include Dennis Chaila, Seravidmai, Holly Munro, Mariachi San Patricio and Mother DJ. Buy tickets online. There will also be a number of live events and club nights in other parts of Dublin, as well as lectures hosted by author Emma Dabiri and activist Bernadette Devlin McAliskey. Ireland's War of Independence in the early 20th century. Another highlight of the St. Patrick's Festival calendar is the Wake, a theatrical performance that combines live music, dance, circus, aerials, drag, traditional Irish music, and spoken word.
Best places to have a beer in Dublin on St. Patrick's Day
Want to find the most expensive pint in the city? Temple Bar is one of Dublin's most traditional and historic areas, but locals prefer to avoid the expensive and often crowded pubs. Go straight to other places. Of course, a stroll through Temple Bar is an essential experience on any trip to Dublin, and St. Patrick's Day is no exception. Expect a lively crowd, but if that's not your thing, skip past it and head to one of the many slightly less crowded pubs.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, enjoy a trad session at nearby Stag's Head or relax in the streets around Kehoes. With over 250 years of history, the Long Hall is the perfect place to enjoy a drink. Eating a ham and cheese toastie at roadside Grogan's is something of a rite of passage in Dublin. Once you find a seat. However, expect most bars in the city center to be crowded over Paddy's Day weekend, so embrace that, join the queue and chat to locals and tourists as you wait for your pint.
Head north of the River Liffey and stroll down pedestrian-only Capel Street, where you'll find plenty of places worth stopping by, including Pantybar, one of the city's most famous gay bars. Nearby on the Northside, in the Smithfield and Stonybatter areas, there are plenty of pubs that serve great Guinness (try Walsh's, The Cobblestone, Glimmer Man, and Hines Bar), but the crowds are (slightly) thinner. is.
South of the River Liffey, you'll find traditional pubs such as Arthur's and Fallon's, as well as new spaces such as music-driven bar Love Tempo. Or walk around the variously named streets of Dublin (South Great George's Street, Onger Street, Wexford Street, Camden Street!) and see where the party is. George, Swan Bar, Anseo, Camden Exchange and many more. Fade Street, lined with bars and restaurants, is also busy with people looking to celebrate the day. To get to the root of the revelry, buy your Guinness Storehouse ticket. The Guinness Storehouse is hosting its own mini-festival on St. Patrick's Day from March 14th to 18th. Expect a full program of Irish music, history, food and dance.
