Why Dublin is still best for craic this St Patrick’s Day
On March 17th, countless towns and cities around the globe, put on their best greenery and celebrate St Patrick’s Day but there’s only one place you should be if you want to party hard and that’s Dublin. Ireland’s fair city is a great place to let your hair down at any time of the year but St Patrick’s Day knocks spots off every other celebration and it’s when the city stands proud of its heritage and culture it seems like the world and their wife want to be Irish.
Grafton Street, Dublin
Dublin opens it doors to visitors from all over, welcoming everyone to join in the St Patrick’s Festival which celebrates the best of Dublin’s arts and culture, showcasing the finest array of talent and entertainment. It really is one big party and everyone is invited
Irish Pub
This year’s festival parade kicks off at midday on Parnell Square, Dublin and will weave through the city alongside thousands of revellers who really get into the spirit of things, creating the most vibrant and happy atmosphere. Even if you come here on your own, you’ll be sure to have made a lot of new friends by the end of the day.
Temple Bar, Dublin
Many a new friendship has been struck up over a few drinks in one of Dublin’s many great pubs, hey, you might even find the love of your life! You’ll also hear some brilliant tales – Dubliners are great storytellers and by the end of the night, it will no doubt have grown arms and legs but you’ll enjoy the craic!
The watering holes of Dublin’s Temple Bar district are bursting at the seams with happy people soaking up the atmosphere of this special time and with many of these places providing live music, you’ll have the time of your life, dancing a jig or two to the strains of some of the finest traditional music you’ll ever hear.Speaking of pubs, here’s ten crackers to get you started in Dublin. Get there early though if you want a seat!
Top 10 Pubs in Dublin:
- Oliver St. John Gogarty
- Mulligans
- O’Neill’s
- The Stag’s Head
- The Grand Central
- Bad Bobs
- Buskers Bar
- The Temple Bar
- Cassidy’s Bar
- The Parnell Bar
Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin
If you can tear yourself away from the pub, you can also join in a fascinating ‘In the Footsteps of St Patrick with Pat Liddy’ Tour, which takes in historical sites in the city, including the two great cathedrals. On this walk, you can uncover the stories and folklore behind the legend of St Patrick. There’s also a fantastic choice of attractions and events to fill your days with, if you don’t want to party 24/7.
Dublin Attractions
Guinness Storehouse
Guinness Storehouse Sign | Dublin
Learn everything you need to know about this world-famous beer. Viator have a great deal on a tour of the Guiness Storehouse which allows you to skip the queues.
Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo
Discover amazing, exotic animals such as tigers, hippos, gorillas and many more all in the heart of the city.
Trinity College & The Book of Kells
Trinity College Library
One of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world, the Book of Kells was written around 800AD and contains the Latin text of the Four Gospels.
National Gallery of Ireland
National Gallery of Ireland
The collection includes works by Caravaggio, Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet.
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle
Explore the historic heart of the city at Dublin Castle. State Apartments, Medieval Undercroft and Chapel Royal are open to visitors. A great way of seeing a city is to take the Open Top Bus Tours. You can take in all the key landmarks and sights at your own pace and enjoy a few extras along the way.What’s On in Dublin on St Patrick’s Day During the St Patrick’s Festival, there’s some other events taking place across the city, such as Puccini’s Toscal. At the Bord Gais Energy Theatre starring Irish soprano Celine Byrne with the Irish National Symphony Orchestra. Or, for a bit of comedy, there’s The Laugher Lounge: Stars from Father Ted Comedy Showcase.Visit stpatricksfestival.ie for more information on these events and what else is on in Dublin during the St Patrick’s Festival.
Prawn Festival
And for all you foodies out there, don’t miss the Dublin Bay Prawn Festival that takes place in Howth village from Saturday 17th – Monday 19th March. It’s not all about prawns either, you can sample a variety of tasty seafoods such as oysters, salmon, fish-cakes and paella to name but a few. Yum! A quick trip on the DART will whisk you out here if you feel the need to escape the city.
Happy st. Patrick’s day! – Dublin, Ireland by Giuseppe Milo (www.pixael.com) (CC BY 2.0)
Where To Stay in Dublin
Some of our travel partners have some lovely hotels available in Dublin and as talkholiday members, you can always get the best rates around. Take a look at some of these hotels and book your St Patrick’s Day weekend today. We’ve also listed some of our favourites – you need somewhere nice to rest your weary head after all that partying!
Top Hotels in Dublin for St Patrick’s Day:
- The Fitzwilliam Hotel
- Trinity City Hotel
- Hilton Garden Inn Dublin
- The Merrion
- Croke Park Hotel
- The Shelbourne
- Radisson Blu St Helen’s
- Hilton Dublin Kilmainham
- Budget Hotels in Dublin
Satellite view of Ireland
How to Get to Dublin
Dusk at the Liffey by Daniel Dudek (CC BY 2.0)
Choose from Flybe, Ryanair, British Airways and Aer Lingus who all offer regular flights from the UK to Dublin. Check out the latest prices and availability on flights to Dublin.
Dublin Package Deals & Offers
- Superbreak St Patrick’s Day Hotel Breaks
- Lastminute.com Dublin City BreaksRemember to pop over and update your profile and tell us if you’re going to Dublin. We would love to hear all about your trip and maybe you could share your experience with us. Our members are always looking for hints and tips from other users and it really helps grow our travel community!
In the words of Mrs Doyle GO AN, GO AN, GO AN…Wherever you end up, have a cracking St Patrick’s Day!
Slainte!