City of Clovers: St. Patrick's Festival in Dublin

Words by Ellen Jones

Although revelers on both sides of the pond raise a pint on St. Patrick’s Day, there’s nowhere better to celebrate this legendary event than in Dublin itself. Each year, the Irish capital serves up a riot of shamrocks, shenanigans, and sprightly celebrations — just like a perfectly poured Smithwick.

From the electric St. Patrick’s Parade, where the streets turn to a sea of green, to soul-stirring Celtic music jams in cozy pubs, the craic is never too far away in Ireland.

And beyond the festivities, Dublin and its gorgeous surroundings are as magnificent as the folklore that envelops them, making it a magical destination for an Emerald Isle escape.

 

The St. Patrick's Festival Parade in Dublin. Photo by Clare Keogh, Courtesy of St. Patrick's Festival. Stpatricksfestival.ie

Pipers and pageantry on parade

A thousand-year tradition that celebrates the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved from a religious feast to a full-blown extravaganza of parades, pub crawls, and the indomitable spirit of the Irish.

Ground Zero of this global green fiesta is naturally Dublin, and the St. Patrick’s Festival Parade is the city’s dazzling centerpiece, featuring world-class marching bands, colorful floats, and dance troupes galore. This year, it takes place on Sunday, March 17, and the 1.5-mile parade will snake south through the city from Parnell Square before finally finishing at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

To do it like a Dubliner, snag a front-row view with the locals by arriving early and grabbing a spot along O’Connell Street amid the fiddlers and fire-eaters. Or, for a more VIP experience, Grandstand tickets allow you to enjoy the spectacle in an intimate seated setting, complete with a lively commentary as it unfolds right in front of you.

When it’s time to refuel, seek comforting Irish signature dishes like coddle or boxty in a traditional pub. The former a hearty sausage and bacon stew, the latter a potato pancake. Family-run since 1833, you’d be hard pushed to find a more authentically Irish boozer than John Kavanagh's The Gravediggers, which serves some of the best coddle and boxty in town.

 

The St. Patrick's Festival Parade in Dublin. Photo by Clare Keogh, Courtesy of St. Patrick's Festival. stpatricksfestival.ie

From marching to mingling

After the parade reaches its crescendo, make a beeline for the cobbled streets of Temple Bar. At this vibrant district, live trad music, laughter, and Murphy’s flow freely as the crowd swells with Leprechaun-hatted revelers. In Dublin, banter isn’t just a conversation; it’s an art form. Prepare your wits for a workout and strike up a conversation with the locals, who’ll be sure to share a tale or two. Sláinte!

Once you’ve sunk a whiskey at The Foggy Dew or The Palace Bar (and before the Temple Bar crowds get too hectic), roam the Festival Quarter at the National Museum of Ireland Collins Barracks. At this incredible heritage site, you’ll find a dynamic events program of circus and science shows, film screenings, relaxation areas, a mini-funfair, and the Irish Food and Craft Village.

 

Wild Swimming with Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel. Photo Courtesy of Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel. Anantara.com

Beyond the green: Dublin’s must-see sights

Outside of the iconic parade route, Dublin offers a treasure trove of bucket-list sights and hidden gems alike that showcase Ireland’s rich cultural history. In fact, Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature. As you wander the streets that birthed the likes of Yeats, Joyce, and Wilde, you’ll realize Dublin isn’t just a destination; it’s a literary love affair waiting to happen. 

Nowhere is this more present than at Trinity College, Dublin’s hallowed academic haven. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the Book of Kells, a masterful, illuminated manuscript dating back to the ninth century. The Long Room of the Old Library, with its towering shelves of 200,000 ancient tomes, is a bibliophile’s dream.

To pick up one-of-a-kind finds and quirky curios, head to George’s Street Arcade. This Victorian shopping emporium is teeming with independent boutiques, selling everything from antique jewelry and local textiles to books and records.

If you weren’t suitably lubricated enough already, wet your whistle at the Guinness Storehouse. Ascend through seven floors of interactive exhibits, culminating in the Gravity Bar’s panoramic views of the city. Raise a pint of the iconic Irish stout in a toast to Dublin’s marvelous brewing heritage.

If you decide to hire a car, it’s absolutely worth escaping the city for a day and driving 30 minutes to the serene Dublin Mountains. From windswept trails to enchanting forest paths, you can relish scenic walks and postcard-perfect views.

 

The Terrace at The Shelbourne. Photo by Barry Murphy, courtesy of Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland. TheShelbourne.com

Parade-perfect stays

Aligning old-world charm with contemporary luxury, Dublin has stellar hotel options for your Irish escape. With its storied history and timeless elegance, The Shelbourne offers a front-row seat to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on the magnificent St. Stephen’s Green. It’s been lavishly restored and has a pool and spa for that paramount post-parade rejuvenation.

Another legendary landmark, The Merrion, is a harmonious blend of Georgian splendor and modern glamor. Admire Ireland’s largest private art collection, stroll the beautifully landscaped private gardens, and dine in Ireland’s only two-Michelin-star restaurant, Patrick Guilbaud.

For modern allure, Anantara The Marker sits waterside in the bustling Grand Canal Square, bestowing you with panoramic views across the city. With its sleek design and top-notch amenities (gym, spa, rooftop yoga, and even wakeboarding), it provides a stylish retreat after a day of lively parades and cultural explorations.

St Patrick’s Festival Dublin: Know before you go

 

• On the East Coast, direct flights to Dublin are available from Charlotte (CLT), New York (JFK), and Washington, DC (IAD). 
• St Patrick’s Festival Dublin runs from Saturday, March 16 through Tuesday, March 19, with the iconic National St. Patrick’s Day Parade starting at midday on Sunday, March 17.
• Parade Grandstand tickets are available at several different vantage points, with ticket pricing from around $108 (plus fees).
• Hotels fill quickly, so plan your trip well in advance.
• Pace yourself - prepare for large crowds, and don’t be afraid to leave the parade area early if you want to escape them before it gets too busy.
• If you plan to get out and explore the countryside, consider hiring a car or taking a train from one of Dublin’s three main stations, Connolly, Heuston, and Pearse.
• Irish weather can be all seasons in one day, so pack a variety of clothing to layer for cold and warm temperatures.
• Don’t forget to pack your leprechaun hat!