It’s the big one. Arguably the most celebrated day in the Irish calendar. If you’re planning on spending St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, you’re in for a treat. The city comes alive, the Guinness flows a little faster, and the craic? Well, it’s ninety.
While the main event is Tuesday the 17th of March, the celebrations kick off early. The festival runs from Saturday 14th right through the bank holiday weekend. Whether you’re a local or flying in from abroad, here is the lowdown on what to do in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day and how to get there without the headache.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Dublin
Let’s be honest, this is what you came for. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Dublin is a spectacle of colour, music and energy that takes over the city streets.
For 2026, the parade kicks off at 12pm on Tuesday, 17th March.
Where is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin?
The route begins at Parnell Square on the north side, marches down O’Connell Street, crosses the bridge and winds its way through the south side, finishing up at the junction of Cuffe Street and Kevin Street.
A practical tip: It gets busy. Really busy. If you’re heading straight to the action from the airport, our 700 and 700X services stop at Gardiner Street. It’s a short stroll from the parade route, meaning you can skip the city traffic jams and get straight to the good bit.
What to do in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day? It’s More Than Just a Parade
Dublin St. Patrick’s Day celebrations aren’t limited to a few hours on Tuesday. The city is buzzing all weekend (14th–17th March) with the Festival Quarter and events across town.
- Family Fun: Check out the City Council’s St. Patrick's Festival Family Village open from Saturday the 14th - Monday the 16th. There's plenty of performances and games, including the Treasure Hunt on Saturday the 14th - a great way to wear out the kids (and yourselves).
- Culture Vultures: Need a break from the noise? The National Museum of Ireland is open with a great lineup of free talks, tours and activities. It’s the perfect excuse for a quiet wander into Ireland’s past.
- The Good Stuff: Visiting Dublin for St Patrick's Day? Your trip wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Just make sure you book ahead - it’s popular for a reason.
There's all this and more to choose from, visit the official St Patrick's Festival website for more inspo.
Soak Up the Atmosphere of Dublin
More than anything, St. Patrick's Day in Dublin is about the feeling in the air. The best plan is often no plan at all - just wandering the streets and letting the city-wide party happen around you. The energy is undeniable as locals and visitors spill out onto the pavement, transforming the city into a sea of green.
Pubs and bars naturally become the centre of the action, with many hosting live sessions that run late into the night. It gets busy, so be prepared for a crowd, but that’s all part of the fun.
Here are a few spots worth a look:
- The Temple Bar: It’s famous for a reason. You’ll find lively music and a massive buzz here. Just a heads-up: get there early if you actually want to get inside.
- The Brazen Head: As Dublin’s oldest pub, this is a great spot if you want a bit of history with your pint. It feels authentic without trying too hard.
- O'Donoghue's: If traditional Irish music is your thing, this is where you want to be. It’s a genuine experience and a solid choice for soaking up the culture.
For more ideas and places to pin on maps, check out our Dublin nightlife guide.
Do Buses Run on St. Patrick’s Day?
Yes. We wouldn't leave you stranded.
Our coaches are running throughout the bank holiday weekend and on St. Patrick’s Day itself. Whether you’re coming from Dublin Airport, Cork, Belfast or Derry/L’Derry, we’re here to get you there.
Why choose Aircoach?
We’re affordable: Save your euros for the weekend. We get you to the city without the taxi price ta
- We’re convenient: Free Wi-Fi, a guaranteed comfortable seat and space for your luggage.
- No drama: We handle the driving, the parking and the tolls. You just sit back and plan your first pint.
- Early morning / late night service: You never know where St. Patrick’s Day will take you, luckily all our routes offer early morning and late night services so you can party to your heart’s content.
- City centre drop off: No onwards transport needed. Get dropped off in the centre of the action on all Aircoach routes.
Important Note on Diversions:
Because the city turns into a giant party, there will be some road closures on Monday the 17th. This affects the 700, 700X, 702, 704X and 705X routes. Don’t worry - we’ve planned for this. Check our St. Patrick's Day Diversions page closer to the time for the nitty-gritty details.
Getting to the Green
We serve the whole island, so no matter where you start, Dublin is easy to reach.
- Dublin Airport to City: Hop on the Route 700 or 700X.
- Dublin South to City: Catch the 702 into the city.
- Cork to Dublin: Take the 704X express.
- Derry/L’Derry or Belfast to Dublin: The 705X takes you straight to Dublin.
You bring the wanderlust. We’ll bring the wheels. Book your ticket online today to secure your journey to the party of the year.