Spending St. Patrick's Day in Dublin

St Patrick's Day is one of the most celebrated dates in the Irish calendar. What started as a religious holiday to honour Ireland's patron saint has transformed into an international festival of Irish culture, celebrated across the globe with parades, live music and community events. And there's no better place to be part of the festivities than in the capital itself.

While the big day is officially on the 17th of March, Dublin stretches the festivities across the entire bank holiday weekend. Expect a buzz across the city with a host of events for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.

Whether you're flying in or travelling from around Ireland, Dublin is the place to be! Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your St. Patrick's Day in Dublin - including things to do, parade info and your travel and transport options.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

Without a doubt, the highlight of Dublin's St Patrick's Day celebrations is the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Bringing thousands of spectators from across Ireland and the rest of the world every year, the parade is a showcase of Irish culture, heritage, people and artistry. 

This year's parade centres around 'Eachtraí', the Irish word for Adventures. Organisers of the parade promise a vibrant celebration of the adventurous essence of Ireland and our people, brought to life through colourful floats, talented musicians and performances from community groups.

This year's festival also includes a special pageant celebrating 40 years of Pavee Point, created in collaboration with Pavee Point and the Roma Traveller Centre. The vibrant piece is not to be missed and will showcase the shared traditions and cultures of the Irish traveller and Roma communities.

Where is the St. Patrick's Day Parade?

The parade starts at Parnell Square and weaves through Dublin's city centre, past iconic landmarks like The Spire and Trinity College, before finishing near St. Patrick's Cathedral at Kevin Street.

But with Dublin so bustling during the festival, it's important to plan your travel. Aircoach's 700X and 700 services will stop at Gardiner Street on the day which is a short walk from the parade's route, making it a convenient choice if you're travelling from the airport and heading straight for the centre of the action.

St. Patrick's Day Festival in Dublin

Whilst the parade is the main event, Dublin's St. Patrick's Festival extends through the whole weekend, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Some highlights include:

• Pop Up Paddy's Cabaret: A festival favourite, featuring comedy, music, and theatrical performances.
• Bedlam Bazaar at Jameson Distillery: An eccentric gathering of live performers, delicious food and (of course) Jameson whiskey on Friday the 14th.
• Live gigs and street parties: Expect electric energy all weekend with a host of live performances across the city.

No matter your vibe, Dublin's St. Patrick's Festival has something to make your celebration unforgettable. See the St Patrick's Festival website for the full line up of events this year.

Family-Friendly Events

Travelling with little ones? There's plenty of events that cater to families so that everyone can join in on the celebrations! Don't miss these activities:

• City Council's Treasure Hunt: A fun, interactive and completely free way to explore Dublin's landmarks while chasing clues on Saturday the 15th.
• Outdoor Games at St Patrick's Park: Think giant Jenga and oversized Connect Four - perfect for group fun.
• Bubble Blossom Fairy Shows: Mesmerising performances on Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th that captivate children and adults alike.

Immerse Yourself in Irish History and Culture

While the city buzzes with celebrations, Dublin's museums remain open throughout the St Patrick's weekend - many offering unique, themed events. For history buffs, this is the perfect opportunity to explore Ireland's rich cultural heritage.

Some must-visit spots include:

• The National Museum of Ireland: Explore exhibitions at Kildare Street and Collins Barracks, showcasing everything from Irish artefacts to military history.
• The National Photographic Archive: Delve into an exhibition celebrating 150 years of Irish history and imagery.
• Dublinia's Mystic Dublin Exhibition: A fascinating insight into the myths and stories from Dublin's Viking and medieval past.

Whether you want to learn more about Irish culture or enjoy a quiet moment away from the festival's bustle, Dublin's museums offer an enriching escape.

Visit the Home of Guinness

There are many that say St Patrick's Day can't pass without a drink or two of Ireland's national drink, and even more who say a trip to Dublin wouldn't be complete without visiting the legendary Guinness Storehouse. This iconic landmark details the story behind Ireland's most famous drink, offering an unforgettable experience for stout enthusiasts.

On St Patrick's Day, the Storehouse ramps its celebration up with live performances by local artists. After taking the tour, head up to the Gravity Bar for a pint of Guinness and panoramic views of Dublin - bliss!

Soak Up the Atmosphere of Dublin

More so than anything else, the best thing to do in Dublin for St Patrick's Day is to soak up the atmosphere. Wander around and take it all in as the streets transform into a city-wide party. The pubs and bars especially come alive, with many hosting vibrant live music sessions and themed parties.

Sone spots to check out include:

• The Temple Bar: One of Dublin's most iconic pubs, with lively music and atmosphere - get there early to squeeze yourself in!
• The Brazen Head: Dublin's oldest pub, perfect for soaking in some history while enjoying a drink of choice.
• O'Donoghues: Known for its traditional Irish music sessions, it's a must-visit for an authentic experience.

Do Buses Run on St Patrick's Day?

Yes! Our services are operating throughout St Patrick's Day and the bank holiday weekend, providing reliable and hassle-free transport. Whether you're travelling to or from Dublin Airport, Cork, Belfast or Derry/L'Derry, we'll make sure you're just a step away from the celebrations.

Benefits of travelling with Aircoach:

• Guaranteed Seating: Skip the stress of overcrowded transport options during the city's busiest day.
• Frequent Services: With 258 daily services over 5 routes, you'll be spoilt for choice!
• Affordable Pricing: Get to the heart of the action without breaking the bank.
• Convenient Drop-Offs: Many of our stops are just a short walk from the main attractions.

For those heading to the parade on Monday the 17th, note that there are some slight diversions due to road closures - affecting the 700, 700X, 704X and 705X routes. That being said, disruptions are planned ahead and minimal so you can still get to where you need to be. See full details on our St Patrick's Day Diversions here to plan your route.

How to Get to Dublin for St Patrick's Day

Our services offer multiple convenient routes to Dublin city centre:

• If you're flying in, hop on our reliable Route 700 or 700X direct from Dublin Airport.
• Travelling from Cork to Dublin? Our route 704X will drop you straight into the city from as little as €12!
• Our speedy Route 705X has you covered if you're travelling from Belfast to Dublin City, with fares from only £11/€12.

So no matter where you're travelling from, Aircoach has you covered. Whether you want to enjoy the parade, soak up the culture, or simply have a pint while celebrating with strangers-turned-friends, Dublin is the ultimate destination for St Patrick's Day.

Book your seats now and get ready to experience the festivities like never before!