St Patrick’s Festival in Ireland: Parades, Events and Where to Be

Dublin’s parade, done properly

The Dublin parade is the big one, with hundreds of thousands of people along the route and a huge TV audience. It usually starts around midday at Parnell Square, heads down O’Connell Street, crosses the river and turns towards St Patrick’s Cathedral. Getting a front-row spot means arriving at least two hours early, especially on O’Connell Street.

Some tips that make a difference: stand further along the route, around Dame Street or near the cathedral, where it’s less packed. Grandstand tickets are sold each year for the best views, and they’re worth it with kids. Bring layers; March in Dublin is often cold and wet, and you’ll be standing still.

The festival around the parade

St Patrick’s Festival in Dublin runs over several days, not just the 17th. There are free concerts, céilís, street theatre, a festival quarter, and buildings around the country lit up green. Many events are free but ticketed, so check the programme a few weeks before and book.

Better local parades

Ask anyone who’s done both and a lot will tell you a small-town parade beats Dublin. Every town and village has one, with the local GAA club, the brass band, the vintage tractors and somebody’s kids dressed as leprechauns. It’s warmer, friendlier and you’ll actually see it.

Downpatrick, Co. Down: the town where St Patrick is said to be buried, with a parade and festival centred on the saint.
Armagh: the ecclesiastical capital, with a big parade and a week-long festival.
Cork: a big parade through the city, with a lively atmosphere afterwards.
Dingle: a famously early parade at dawn, followed by a long day in the pubs.

Getting around on the day

In Dublin, roads around the city centre close from early morning, and buses are diverted. Use Luas, DART or walk. Public transport is busy and some services run reduced timetables, so check before you leave. If you’re driving in from outside, park at a Luas park-and-ride and come in that way.

Late at night, taxis are scarce. Book one ahead or plan to walk or take the last train. And take care of each other: a busy day in town is great fun, but stay with your group.

Make it a long weekend

When the 17th falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, it’s worth booking the day in between to make a four-day break. Our leave planner shows the best days to take for each year. If you want somewhere quieter, head for the Boyne Valley or the Cooley Peninsula, both close to Dublin and a world away from the crowds.