St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is back with a bang in 2023, and here is all you need to know to get involved in the celebrations.
Ask anyone in Ireland about the best day of the year, and they will happily tell you it’s St. Patrick’s Day.
Irish pride is alive and well all over the world on 17 March every year and if you are celebrating the big day in Ireland, you need to make your way to the capital for one of the best parades in the country.
For the ultimate guide to St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, check this out.
St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin – an overview of the big celebration
The annual four-day celebration is the best way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, with plenty of shenanigans, a lively atmosphere, and lots of entertainment to keep all ages engrossed.
The big day aims to recognise all aspects of Irish culture, such as song, dance, socialising, and traditional food and drinks – all of which you will find in Dublin city.
Many places around Ireland will host their own parades, but Dublin is the hub of all the action. So, if you want to experience a fantastic Paddy’s Day the Irish way, you need to plan a visit to the big parade.
Apart from the exciting parade, one of the best ways to soak up the thriving atmosphere of the day is to embrace the Irish spirit in one of Dublin’s many pubs at any time during the long weekend. Don’t miss the chance to chat and have a pint with the locals.
For an in-depth look at what St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin offers, have a look at the main events and the things to know right here.
The ins and outs of the big celebration – St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin
The St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Dublin begin on 16 March at noon and conclude at 10 pm on 19 March. The big St. Patrick’s Day parade will occur on the streets of Dublin on 17 March. The parade will see thousands of people joining in.
From 16-18 March, the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks will be transformed into the Festival Quarter, with plenty of exciting ticketed and non-ticketed events to attend.
This historical heritage site will be the place for fun, music, and a great atmosphere. Designated entertainment areas include a main outdoor stage, a funfair for kids, and an Irish food and craft fair village. There are also relaxation areas to take advantage of.
What to expect – planning for the big celebration
There is a programme of events from 16-19 March, suitable for all ages – many of which are free of charge. The big parade will, of course, take place on 17 March, which is officially St. Patrick’s Day.
Over half a million people are expected to line the streets of Dublin to witness one of the best St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country. The parade will include 4,000 participants from across the country as well as some from North America.
On 17 March, you can expect to witness some marvellous performances, marching bands, creative pageants, and much more. The parade’s theme for 2023 is “Mar a chéile sinn”, which means “We are one” in Irish.
The parade will begin in the north of Dublin at Parnell Square. From there it goes down through O’Connell Street, over O’Connell Bridge, and through the south side. It ends at the Cuffe Street-Kevin Street Junction.
It will take place from noon–2 pm and is open to all ages. No tickets are needed to attend the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Things to know – some helpful information for St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin
- Getting there is easy, with the Festival Quarter accessible by the Luas, Dublin Bus, and Heuston railway station. It is best to park outside the city and take public transport if driving.
- The Festival Quarter will be open to all ages during the daytime but is reserved for adults between 6 pm-10:30 pm.
- There will be many family-friendly activities like street theatre, film screenings, science shows, and even a circus. So kids will be in their element.
- Adult entertainment includes lots of engaging talks, light displays, music events, and hangout areas for adults.
- Getting to the parade early is advised to get a good spot, as there will be lots of crowds.
- While there are no pet restrictions, you should consider your pets’ best interests since this will be a very loud event, with many crowds and lots of music and entertainment.
- Wearing green is a traditional rule on St. Patrick’s Day, so don’t forget to dress up on the big day.
- Me Auld Flower Food and Drink Festival is the place to try local Irish specialities and delicacies, so do not miss out on this ticketed event if you are a foody.
- Performances lined up include Kíla, Panti Bliss, Elaine Mai, May Kay, Mother DJs, and Pillow Queens, to name but a few, with other events going on throughout the city.
FAQs about St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin
What is St. Patrick’s Day like in Ireland?
You can expect lots of camaraderie, a thriving atmosphere, an electric Irish spirit, and plenty of fantastic entertainment all over Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day.
Where to stay in Dublin around St. Patrick’s Day?
Plenty of great hotels in Dublin city centre, such as The Shelbourne, Jurys Inn and The Clarence Hotel, are ideal for being right at the heart of the action on St. Patrick’s Day. At this late stage, we recommend seeking alternatives outside of the city.
Where is St. Patrick’s day celebrated in Dublin?
St. Patrick’s Day 2023 will be held at the Festival Quarter (Collins Barracks) over four days. The parade takes place on 17 March.
So, if you plan on celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, you are in for a great time, with lots of fun events to experience and many memories to make.
